Adjoining Buildings
A visit to the Golden Temple is incomplete without a visit to the following among others.
- AKAL TAKHAT:
It faces the Golden Temple proper. Built by the Sixth Master Guru Hargobind (190644) in 1609, it has been the nerve centre of the Sikhism ever since. All orders affecting the community as a whole were and are issued from here. The Akal Takhat was used for holding court and Sikh congregations in the days of its builder. (Guru Hargobind)
The Akal Takhat was pulled down several times by the raiders. The ground floor of the buildings was constructed in 1774. Three stories were subsequently added by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. A number of weapons used by Guru Hargobind, Guru Gobind Singh and other Sikh heroes are preserved at Akal Takhat. The Akal Takhat was damaged in June 1984 in Operation Blue Star and its new building is under construction by Damdami Taksal.
SHRI GURU RAM DAS NIWAS :
The Niwasis free hostel for the pilgrims maintained by the Temple authorities. Built by the Gurdwara Committee. It has 221 rooms and 12 big halls. Unlike the ordinary “Dharamsalas,” the Niwas supplies free bedding, cots, lights fans etc. to the lodgers. A lodger is not generally allowed to stay here for more than four days at a time. The door of the hostels are open to all. The Lodgers however must not do anything repugnant to the teachings of Sikhism.
GURU KA LANGAR :
A Sikh temple without a community kitchen is inconceivable. Cooked foods is distributed in the kitchen of the Golden Temple twice a day to all visitors irrespective of caste, creed and nationality. The kitchen is run at a cost of lacs of rupees a year. The expenses are met out of the Temple funds.
BABA ATAL
A nine story tower built a memory of Atal Rai (D. 1928) a son of Guru Hargobind is called Baba Atal, Atal Rai died at nine. He was called Baba, because he carried an old head over young shoulders. The tower was built between 1778 and 1784.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 23, 1989
