Golden Temple

Amritsar was founded by Ram Das the fourth Guru of the Sikhs in 1577 and the name is derived from a lake known as Amrit Sarovar (Pool of nectar). The Golden Temple or Hari Mandir is at Amritsar, the largest city in Punjab, The temple was built in an island in Amrit Sarovar. Surrounded by water, the temple is viewed as if floating on water, It was Guru Arjun Dev, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs who planned the structure and took initiative to construct this beautiful temple. The Muslim divine, Mian Mir of Lahore laid the foundation stone in 1588 AD. The construction was made by the craftsmen from Patti Kasur and Kalanur. The temple complex is surrounded by white marble walls. The architectural magnificence with a huge dome and small minarets present a unique appearence to the Golden Temple. It is one of the well known pilgrimage centres of India.