Golden Temple Amritsar - A Photo Essay

Photo Essays
Golden Temple, Amritsar – 4

Photograph by Sukhdeep Singh

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At the top of the first floor 4 feet high parapet rises on all the sides which has also four 'Mamtees' on the four corners and exactly on the top of the central hall of the main sanctuary rises the third story. It is a small square room and have three gates. A regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is also held there. On the top of this room stands the low fluted ‘Gumbaz’ (dome) having lotus petal motif in relief at the base inverted lotus at the top which supports the 'Kalash' having a beautiful 'Chhatri' at the end.

The idea behind the architecture of Golden Temple is that of Spiritual Enlightenment and the lotus is the symbol employed to express this idea. The lotus is a flower, which is repeatedly been linked to divinity in Hindu Myth and legend because the lotus has an almost universal symbolism of purity and beauty. Thus it is no coincident that lotus theme is so central to the concept of Golden temple.

Two special features

Instead of building the Harimandir on the higher level, as was the custom in traditional Hindu temple architecture, the guru built the Harimandir on a level lower than the surrounding ground. The visitor has to go down the steps in order to pay homage to the holy shrine. The other distinguishing feature of the structure of Harimandir is that , unlike the Hindu temples which usually have only one gate, the Harimandir was made open on all four sides signifying open entry to all without any distinction of Caste, Creed, sex and Religion.

Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus way of construction work and this is considered the best architectural specimens of the world.

– Continued

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