Key Takeaways
- The Golden Temple is open every day from 4 AM to 10 PM.
- You can get langar any time, as it’s served 24 hours daily to everyone.
- The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is the closest in Amritsar.
- You can take a taxi, bus, or tuk-tuk from the Amritsar railway station to the temple.
- Visiting early in the morning or late in the evening can be more likeable and calmer.
The Golden Temple, Harmandir Sahib, is Amritsar’s crucial spiritual and historical site. Walking around, you’ll see its gold-plated exterior shining in the sunlight, reflected in the sacred pool called Amrit Sarovar.
This temple is more than just a place to worship; it’s at the heart of Sikh culture and history. It was started by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, in the late 16th century. Here, everyone is welcome, no matter their background. The design mixes Hindu and Islamic styles, showing a commitment to unite people. It’s a peaceful place where you can connect with your inner self and the rich history.
Timings and How to Reach the Golden Temple
Opening and closing timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 4:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 4:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Thursday | 4:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Friday | 4:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Saturday | 4:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Sunday | 4:00 am – 10:00 pm |
The Golden Temple opens at 4 AM and closes at 10 PM every day. Visitors worldwide are welcome to come and experience its peaceful and spiritual environment during these hours.
It’s worth noting that the main area where the Guru Granth Sahib is kept follows a particular schedule. You can visit from the early morning during the Palki Sahib ceremony until late night when it’s returned to rest.
Best time to visit
For the best experience, plan to visit the Golden Temple early in the morning or late in the evening. The temple opens at 4 AM, and you can catch the first prayers at sunrise, called Prakash. It’s a calm way to start your day.
You can also go around 10 PM to see the Sukhasan ceremony, when the temple is lit up beautifully against the night sky. These times aren’t only quieter but also more relaxed, which is a relief during the hot months. So, when planning your trip, think about going at these times to feel the peace of this sacred place.
How to reach the temple (via airport, train, coach, tuk-tuk or taxi)
To visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar, fly into Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, which is about 11 kilometers away from the temple.
Once you’re there, you have a few options to reach the temple:
- Taxi: Taking a taxi is the fastest way. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the traffic.
- Tuk-Tuk: If you want to experience the local vibe, a tuk-tuk is a great choice. It’s less expensive than a taxi and lets you see the city up close.
- Bus: You can also take a bus from the airport to the city center. Once you’re in the city center, the temple is just a short walk or a quick tuk-tuk ride away.
Each option has its own charm, so pick whatever suits your mood and budget.
Langar Timings and Other Things to Know
Langar timings
Langar at the Golden Temple is available all day and night, welcoming everyone to join in this shared meal. It’s more than just food; it’s about being equal and connected. Here’s what you need to know:
- Availability: You can come any time, day or night.
- Seating Format: Everyone sits on the floor. This shows we’re all equal. It’s comfortable and all part of the experience.
- Volunteering: Feel free to help out in the kitchen or with serving. It’s a great way to really join in.
Make sure you experience this; it’s a unique way to meet and connect with others!
Rituals at the temple
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Chet: March 14 to April 13 | |
| Kiwad (Portals) Opening Time | 2:30 am |
| Kirtan at Amrit Vela (Early dawn) | 2:30 am |
| Asa di Var | 3:30 am |
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 4:30 am |
| First Hukamnama | 5:00 am |
| First Ardas | 5:30 am |
| Asa Di War Samapti | 6:30 am |
| Second Ardas & Hukamnama | 6:45 am |
| Holy reading of Rehras Sahib starts at sunset | |
| Hukamnama at night | 9:45 pm |
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Harimandir Sahib | 10:00 pm |
| Sukh-Aasan Sahib at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 10:15 pm |
| Month | Date Range | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaisakh | April 14 to May 13 | Kiwad (Portals) Opening Time | 2:15 am |
| Kirtan at Amrit Vela (Early dawn) | 2:15 am | ||
| Asa di Var | 3:15 am | ||
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 4:15 am | ||
| First Hukamnama | 4:45 am | ||
| First Ardas | 5:15 am | ||
| Asa Di War Samapti | 6:15 am | ||
| Second Ardas & Hukamnama | 6:30 am | ||
| Holy reading of Rehras Sahib starts at sunset | |||
| Hukamnama at night | 10:15 pm | ||
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Harimandir Sahib | 10:30 pm | ||
| Sukh-Aasan Sahib at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 10:45 pm |
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Jeth | May 14 to June 14 |
| Kiwad (Portals) Opening Time | 2:00 am |
| Kirtan at Amrit Vela (Early dawn) | 2:00 am |
| Asa di Var | 3:00 am |
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 4:00 am |
| First Hukamnama | 4:30 am |
| First Ardas | 5:00 am |
| Asa Di War Samapti | 6:00 am |
| Second Ardas & Hukamnama | 6:15 am |
| Holy reading of Rehras Sahib starts at sunset | |
| Hukamnama at night | 10:30 pm |
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Harimandir Sahib | 10:45 pm |
| Sukh-Aasan Sahib at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 11:00 pm |
| Event Description Harh June 15 to July 15 | Time |
|---|---|
| Kiwad (Portals) Opening Time | 2:00 am |
| Kirtan at Amrit Vela (Early dawn) | 2:00 am |
| Asa di Var | 3:00 am |
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 4:00 am |
| First Hukamnama | 4:30 am |
| First Ardas | 5:00 am |
| Asa Di War Samapti | 6:00 am |
| Second Ardas & Hukamnama | 6:15 am |
| Holy reading of Rehras Sahib starts at sunset | |
| Hukamnama at night | 10:30 pm |
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Harimandir Sahib | 10:45 pm |
| Sukh-Aasan Sahib at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 11:00 pm |
| Month | Date Range | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sawan | July 16 to August 15 | Kiwad (Portals) Opening Time | 2:15 am |
| Sawan | July 16 to August 15 | Kirtan at Amrit Vela (Early dawn) | 2:15 am |
| Sawan | July 16 to August 15 | Asa di Var | 3:15 am |
| Sawan | July 16 to August 15 | Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 4:15 am |
| Sawan | July 16 to August 15 | First Hukamnama | 4:45 am |
| Sawan | July 16 to August 15 | First Ardas | 5:15 am |
| Sawan | July 16 to August 15 | Asa Di War Samapti | 6:15 am |
| Sawan | July 16 to August 15 | Second Ardas & Hukamnama | 6:30 am |
| Sawan | July 16 to August 15 | Holy reading of Rehras Sahib starts at sunset | |
| Sawan | July 16 to August 15 | Hukamnama at night | 10:15 pm |
| Sawan | July 16 to August 15 | Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Harimandir Sahib | 10:30 pm |
| Sawan | July 16 to August 15 | Sukh-Aasan Sahib at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 10:15 pm |
| Bhadon | August 16 to September 15 | Kiwad (Portals) Opening Time | 2:30 am |
| Bhadon | August 16 to September 15 | Kirtan at Amrit Vela (Early dawn) | 2:30 am |
| Bhadon | August 16 to September 15 | Asa di Var | 3:30 am |
| Bhadon | August 16 to September 15 | Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 4:30 am |
| Bhadon | August 16 to September 15 | First Hukamnama | 5:00 am |
| Bhadon | August 16 to September 15 | First Ardas | 5:30 am |
| Bhadon | August 16 to September 15 | Asa Di War Samapti | 6:30 am |
| Bhadon | August 16 to September 15 | Second Ardas & Hukamnama | 6:45 am |
| Bhadon | August 16 to September 15 | Holy reading of Rehras Sahib starts at sunset | |
| Bhadon | August 16 to September 15 | Hukamnama at night | 10:15 pm |
| Bhadon | August 16 to September 15 | Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Harimandir Sahib | 10:30 pm |
| Bhadon | August 16 to September 15 | Sukh-Aasan Sahib at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 10:45 pm |
At the Golden Temple, there’s always something happening. Along with the always-open Langar, where everyone is welcome to a meal, you’ll find many spiritual rituals that add depth to your visit. Start your day with the Palki Sahib procession in the early morning. It’s extraordinary — people carry the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture, from the Akal Takht to the main shrine. It’s beautiful and calming to watch.
| Month | Dates | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assu | September 16 to October 16 | Kiwad (Portals) Opening Time | 2:30 am |
| Kirtan at Amrit Vela (Early dawn) | 2:30 am | ||
| Asa di Var | 3:30 am | ||
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 4:30 am | ||
| First Hukamnama | 5:00 am | ||
| First Ardas | 5:15 am | ||
| Asa Di War Samapti | 6:30 am | ||
| Second Ardas & Hukamnama | 6:45 am | ||
| Hukamnama at night | 10:00 pm | ||
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Harimandir Sahib | 10:15 pm | ||
| Sukh-Aasan Sahib at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 10:30 pm | ||
| Kattak | October 17 to November 15 | Kiwad (Portals) Opening Time | 3:00 am |
| Kirtan at Amrit Vela (Early dawn) | 3:00 am | ||
| Asa di Var | 4:00 am | ||
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 5:00 am | ||
| First Hukamnama | 5:30 am | ||
| First Ardas | 6:00 am | ||
| Asa Di War Samapti | 7:00 am | ||
| Second Ardas & Hukamnama | 7:15 am | ||
| Hukamnama at night | 9:30 pm | ||
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Harimandir Sahib | 9:45 pm | ||
| Sukh-Aasan Sahib at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 10:00 pm |
In the evening, make sure you catch the Sukh-Aasan ceremony. This is when the scripture is carried back. It’s a peaceful ritual that ties the whole day together. You can also join in Seva, which means volunteering. It’s a big part of Sikh culture. Help out cleaning or in the kitchen. It’s an excellent way to meet people and feel part of something bigger. Everyone’s there to help and support each other. It’s all about community and giving back.
Sure, I can help you create a table based on the provided data. Here it is:
| Month | Date Range | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maggar | November 16 to December 15 | Kiwad (Portals) Opening Time | 3:00 am |
| Kirtan at Amrit Vela (Early dawn) | 3:00 am | ||
| Asa di Var | 4:00 am | ||
| Departure of Palki Sahib | 5:00 am | ||
| First Hukamnama | 5:30 am | ||
| First Ardas | 6:00 am | ||
| Asa Di War Samapti | 7:00 am | ||
| Second Ardas & Hukamnama | 7:15 am | ||
| Holy reading of Rehras Sahib starts | At sunset | ||
| Hukamnama at night | 9:30 pm | ||
| Departure of Palki Sahib | 9:45 pm | ||
| Sukh-Aasan Sahib | 10:00 pm | ||
| Poh | December 16 to January 13 | (Same schedule as Maggar) | |
| Magh | January 14 to February 12 | (Same schedule as Maggar) |
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Kiwad (Portals) Opening Time | 2:45 am |
| Kirtan at Amrit Vela (Early dawn) | 2:45 am |
| Asa di Var | 3:45 am |
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 4:45 am |
| First Hukamnama | 5:15 am |
| First Ardas | 5:45 am |
| Asa Di War Samapti | 6:45 am |
| Second Ardas & Hukamnama | 7:00 am |
| Holy reading of Rehras Sahib starts at sunset | – |
| Hukamnama at night | 9:45 pm |
| Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Harimandir Sahib | 10:00 pm |
| Sukh-Aasan Sahib at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib | 10:15 pm |
Food and other facilities available
Visitors can enjoy complimentary meals at the Langar, available all day and night. The temple shows its commitment to hospitality and community service through this. The dining hall serves vegetarian food to everyone, no matter their background or beliefs. Here’s what else you need to know:
- Hygiene Standards: The kitchen and dining areas are kept very clean to ensure the food is safe.
- Seating Arrangement: Everyone sits on the floor in rows. This way, everyone feels equal.
- Volunteering: Feel free to help out in the kitchen or with cleaning. It’s a great way to connect with the community.
Tips for visiting the Golden Temple
To make the most of your visit to the Golden Temple, it’s good to know the best times to enjoy the Langar, the community meal, which is available 24 hours a day. However, it’s less crowded outside of lunch and dinner times.
Remember to cover your head and remove your shoes when you go. Wear simple, respectful clothes. Make sure to wash your hands and feet at the entrance. You can’t take photos inside the main temple, so save your picture-taking for the outside and the area around it. Be sure to follow the rules, keep to the queue, and respect the peaceful atmosphere. You’ll find the place welcoming and calm. Enjoy your time there!
Conclusion
Now you know what you need, it’s time to visit the Golden Temple and feel its peaceful vibe. Getting there is easy whether you show up early for the Prakash or hang around for the Sukhasan. Make sure to join in the langar; it’s a great way to meet people and share a meal. Why not help out as a volunteer? It’s a good chance to dive deep into the temple’s calm atmosphere and rich traditions.
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Deepak Sharma is a passionate writer and avid traveler who specializes in uncovering the beauty and history of India’s attractions and temples. A graduate of Delhi University, Deepak has a deep-rooted love for his country and its rich cultural heritage.