The Golden Temple

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Hari Mandir,Amritsar, India. (Singh, Grenade. sacred sites)

The Golden Temple
Few places combine amazing surroundings with a calm and peaceful atmosphere better than the Harmandir Sahib (or Hari Mandir). ‘‘More commonly known as the Golden Temple, it was officially renamed Harmandir Sahib in March 2005’’ (Hayes, Holly. Golden Temple of Amritsar). The name "Golden Temple" comes from the gold-plated crown sitting on top of the main temple building, which features copper cupolas and white marble walls encrusted with precious stones arranged in decorative floral patterns that show strong Islamic influence ("The Golden Temple. frommers). The Golden Temple is the holiest shrine in Sikhism becoming a major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from all over the world, even today the fervour and dedication of the pilgrims keeps the city bustling with life and activity. ‘‘The Golden Temple is the most outstanding architectural monument of the Sikh Faith, which ushered a new style that deserves to be treated as Sikh Architecture’’ (S. S. Bhatti, Golden Temple: Marvel of Sikh Architecture). Although the building itself has a strong impact architecturally because of its astounding beauty and character, it is the temple's great spiritual meaning for its believers that is most memorable to visitors. In a country that is exceptionally rich with vibrant devotion, Frommer's rates the Golden Temple "the most tangibly spiritual place in the country."
Location Of The Building
The Golden Temple is located in Punjab, a north Indian state. It is situated next to the lake Amritsar, in the southern parts of the city that was named after the lake holding the meaning, ‘pool of ambrosial nectar’ (Singh, Grenade. sacred sites). ‘‘Construction of the temple be...

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...y and materials available to us today that weren't as easily accessible back then. Steel with gold plating and cement would result in a strong and reliable structure to further the decorative work on. As the original goal of the temple was to build a place that fergos of any discrimination, the new temple should follow the same ideas and still have four doors symbolizing its openness to anyone and everyone. To even further this idea, I would add a hallway or room decorated with paintings from all the cultures that dominate the surroundings, not only Hindus and Moghuls giving off a more welcoming feel to all. Once created, it would probably look similar to the original golden temple, although at a different location with a completely different history that the one it holds but still giving of a pleasent and spiritual feel attracting not only sikhs but everyone to it.

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