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Nanak visited this serene place and prophesized that the place would<br />
become one day a great pilgrimage center.<br />
The land for the site was purchased by Guru Amar Dass Sahib on a<br />
payment of Rupees seven hundred from Mughal Emperor Akbar.<br />
Maharaja Ranjit Singh covered the building with gold plates and it<br />
came to be known as GOLDEN TEMPLE, the world over. Every Sikh<br />
prays for 'Sri Amritsar Ji ke Darshan Ishnaan', in his daily prayer<br />
(Ardass).<br />
As far as its daily routine, we may say that it is totally spiritual<br />
and religious. No political activity, no announcements, no Katha or<br />
explanations or interpretation ofShabad Gurbani is allowed. The<br />
routine starts with Kirtan at the wee hours (early morning) and<br />
ends with Kirtan late at night around 9.00 P.M., to be followed by<br />
cleaning Sewa ofthe entire premises including vast 'parikarma'<br />
the walking place around the sarovar.<br />
The routine is distinct and unique in one another aspect as<br />
well. It is in this Gurdwara only where Kirtan starts before the<br />
arrival of the Swaari Sahib, 'Guru Granth Sahib', for 'Parkash'.<br />
There are no introductory or concluding 'shabads' before or after<br />
the daily 'ardass'. Itstarts with 'Bolo Ji Waheguru' and ends with,<br />
'Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh'.<br />
Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib: The institution was established by<br />
sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, as a temporal seat (Miri) for the<br />
Sikhs. In the after noon 'deewans' (congregations) Guru Sahib used to<br />
address the Sikhs. 'Vaars' were sung by the 'dhaadis', to inculcate a<br />
spirit of pride, dignity, self confidence among the Sikhs. Guru Sahib<br />
was listening and adjudicating upon the daily petty issues and<br />
problems of the Sikhs. He was accepting presents from them in the<br />
form ofarms, ammunitions, horses, elephants etc.<br />
Even today, it is our supreme Takhat (out ofthe five), headed by a<br />
Jathedar. Routine for addressing to our political problems is the same<br />
as that established by Guru Sahib. Dhaadhi Vaars are sung. Political<br />
directions are also given from here. Every Sikh who commits an act of<br />
religious sacrilege has to appear at this Takhat for accepting<br />
punishment or for pleading his innocence and asking for forgiveness.<br />
Another thing of significance to be mentioned is that 'Sukhasan<br />
Our Historical Gurudhams. Gurdwaras / 211
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