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Harmandir Sahib or Hari Mandir (Punjabi: ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ) is the most sacred gurdwara in all of Sikhism, located in Amritsar, Punjab, India. It was previously known as the Golden Temple, but was renamed in March 2005 by the SGPC. The temple is the most important sacred shrine for the Sikhs, who travel from all parts of the world to enjoy the blissful environments and offer their thanks by giving prayers. In addition, the sacred shrine is increasingly becoming a tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world. The Temple is located at 31°37′12″N 74°52′37″E / 31.62000°N 74.87694°E / 31.62000; 74.87694.
waheguroooooooooo
Art
Much of the present decorative gilding and marblework date from the early 1800s. All the gold and exquisite marble work were conducted under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The legendary warrior king was a heavy donor of wealth and materials for the shrine and is remembered with much affection by the Sikh community and Punjabi people.
Recent events
On July 6, 2005 the SGPC decided to install closed circuit television cameras around the Harmandir Complex and will be adding more security due to other attacks in India on other religious areas.
Operation Blue Star
Main article: Operation Blue StarIn June 5-6, 1984 Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi ordered Operation Blue Star, a military assault on the Golden Temple, which had been occupied by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his militant supporters with a heavy cache of arms. Gandhi ordered the army to fight its way into the main shrine where Sikh militants had established their headquarters. The army unit involved was headed by Major General Kuldip Singh Brar, GOC, 9 Infantry Division. The occupiers refused to depart from their holiest shrine and a firefight ensued, with many killed and injured.
Sikhs everywhere were outraged at the desecration and their alienation was deep and had dramatic consequences: on October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her two Sikh bodyguards, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh.
The temple was later repaired to correct the damage made by the militants and the military. Common people helped in that by acting as Kar Sevaks.
In film and television
- The temple is one of the locations of Bride and Prejudice (2004).
- The temple is also in the Indian serial Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin (2005).
- The temple is also one of the places visited by the BBCs Michael Palin for the documentary 'Himalaya' (2004)
Notable visits
- Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip — October 14, 1997
- Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs— John Manley —January 2002
- Prime Minister of Canada— Jean Chretien —October 2003
- Television Presenter and Actor; Michael Palin 2004
- Indian President— A.P.J. Abdul Kalam —August 2004
- Indian Prime Minister— Manmohan Singh —September 2004
- British Foreign Secretary— Jack Straw —February 2005
External links
- Sikhs.org
- AllAboutSikhs.com
- Sikhnet.com
- Info-sikh.com
- SacredSites.com
- Sgpc.net
- SriGuruGranthSahib.org
