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Questions and Answers
What is the name of the Guru who conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs?
What is the name of the Guru who conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs?
Who executed the plan to excavate the holy tank, Amritsar, or Amrit Sarovar?
Who executed the plan to excavate the holy tank, Amritsar, or Amrit Sarovar?
In which year did the construction work on the Sarovar and the town start?
In which year did the construction work on the Sarovar and the town start?
Who laid the foundation of the Golden Temple?
Who laid the foundation of the Golden Temple?
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What is the name of the tank excavated by Guru Ramdas Sahib?
What is the name of the tank excavated by Guru Ramdas Sahib?
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What was the significance of constructing Sri Harmandir Sahib on a lower level?
What was the significance of constructing Sri Harmandir Sahib on a lower level?
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Who assisted Guru Arjan Sahib in directly supervising the construction work of Sri Harmandir Sahib?
Who assisted Guru Arjan Sahib in directly supervising the construction work of Sri Harmandir Sahib?
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What is the name of the pilgrimage center that the Sikh Nation had after the construction of Sri Harmandir Sahib?
What is the name of the pilgrimage center that the Sikh Nation had after the construction of Sri Harmandir Sahib?
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What is the purpose of the 'Pardakshna' (circumambulatory path) in Sri Harmandir Sahib?
What is the purpose of the 'Pardakshna' (circumambulatory path) in Sri Harmandir Sahib?
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What is the architectural style of Sri Harmandir Sahib?
What is the architectural style of Sri Harmandir Sahib?
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Study Notes
Construction of Sri Harmandir Sahib
- Guru Arjan Sahib directly supervised the construction of Sri Harmandir Sahib with the help of prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, and Bhai Sahlo ji.
- The temple was built on a lower level, unlike Hindu temples, and had four entrances, making it accessible to everyone without distinction of caste, creed, sex, and religion.
Unique Features
- Sri Harmandir Sahib is built on a 67ft square platform in the center of the Sarovar (tank).
- The temple itself is 40.5ft square and has a door on each of the four sides.
- The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the shore end of the causeway, with a door frame 10ft high and 8ft 6inches in breadth.
- The bridge is connected to the 13ft wide 'Pardakshna' (circumambulatory path), which runs around the main shrine and leads to the 'Har ki Paure' (steps of God).
Architecture and Design
- The main structure of Sri Harmandir Sahib is a three-storied one, with repeated cusped arches on the front and a roof on the first floor at a height of 26ft 9in.
- At the top of the first floor, a 4ft high parapet rises on all sides, with four 'Mamtees' on the four corners.
- The third story is a small square room with three gates and a regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is held there.
History
- Guru Arjan Sahib conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib.
- The planning to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar) was done by Guru Amardas Sahib, but it was executed by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the supervision of Baba Budha ji.
- The foundation of Sri Harmandir Sahib was laid by Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore on December 1, 1588.
- The construction work on the Sarovar and the town started simultaneously in 1570 and was completed in 1577 A.D.
Significance
- Sri Harmandir Sahib attained the status of 'Ath Sath Tirath' after the installation of Guru Granth Sahib, making it a pilgrimage center for the Sikhs.
- It is a symbol of the new faith, Sikhism, and represents a unique harmony between Muslim and Hindu architectural styles.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the iconic Sri Harmandir Sahib, a central place of worship for Sikhs, its history, architecture, and significance. Learn about the Fifth Nanak, Guru Arjan Sahib, and his role in designing the temple. Discover the importance of this sacred site in Sikhism.
