Golden Temple, Amritsar: history, timings, how to reach, and everything to plan a visit — including why Bandi Chhor Divas turns the whole complex into one of the most spectacular sights in India during Diwali.
Rising from the middle of the Amrit Sarovar in Amritsar, Punjab, the Golden Temple — properly Sri Harmandir Sahib — is Sikhism’s holiest shrine and one of India’s most recognisable religious landmarks. It welcomes visitors of every faith, runs the world’s largest free community kitchen, and turns into a sea of light every year during Bandi Chhor Divas, the Sikh festival that coincides with Diwali. Here’s what to know before you go.
History of the temple
The sacred tank at the temple’s centre, Amrit Sarovar, was founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das. Construction of the gurdwara itself began under the fifth guru, Guru Arjan, in 1581 and took roughly eight years to complete; he later installed the Adi Granth, Sikhism’s holy scripture, inside. The temple was destroyed in 1762 during Afghan invasions, then rebuilt in marble and copper by Maharaja Ranjit Singh starting in 1809, who had its upper floors gilded with gold foil — the origin of its name. The complex suffered severe damage again in 1984 during Operation Blue Star, and the Akal Takht structure was subsequently rebuilt between 1995 and 1999.
Timings and entry
Entry is completely free, for everyone, regardless of faith. Timings run long, but confirm details before travelling — they shift for festivals like Bandi Chhor Divas.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Complex hours | Open daily, roughly 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Entry fee | Free for all visitors |
| Langar (community meal) | Free, served continuously through the day to all visitors regardless of religion |
Etiquette and rules
- Cover your head before entering — scarves are available at the entrance if you don’t carry one.
- Remove your shoes and wash your feet at the designated points before proceeding.
- Alcohol, tobacco, and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited on the premises.
- Photography rules are enforced at points inside the sanctum — follow posted signage and volunteer instructions.
For the latest updates, the temple management maintains an official site: goldentempleamritsar.org.
Bandi Chhor Divas: Diwali at the Golden Temple
Bandi Chhor Divas marks Guru Hargobind’s release from imperial imprisonment, and it falls on the same day as Diwali. The entire complex is lit with thousands of lamps and illuminated decorations, and the reflection in the Amrit Sarovar makes it one of the most photographed sights in India that night. Expect very large crowds — arrive early, and plan for slow-moving queues around sunset when the lighting display peaks.
How to reach the Golden Temple
- By air – Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) is about 13 km away; a free shuttle bus runs to the temple, or take a cab (roughly 30 minutes depending on traffic).
- By rail – Amritsar Junction is about 2 km away and well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and other major cities. A free SGPC-run shuttle bus connects the station to the temple every 15–20 minutes.
- By road – Amritsar sits on National Highway 3, well connected to Delhi (about 450 km, 8–9 hours by car) and Chandigarh (about 230 km).
Map location
Where to stay near the Golden Temple
Amritsar has hotels of every kind close to the temple, from budget guesthouses in the old city lanes to full-service hotels a short walk from the main entrance. Use the search below to compare prices.
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