The Golden Temple Amritsar visitor guide starts with its full name: Sri Harmandir Sahib, a sacred Sikh place of worship in Amritsar, Punjab. You can plan around the temple’s visiting hours, prepare to cover your head and remove your shoes, and learn about langar, the communal meal service.
- Location: Amritsar, Punjab.
- Visiting hours: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Langar: A free communal meal service; the hall is open 24 hours.
Times checked November 2026.
Understanding Harmandir Sahib
Harmandir Sahib is the central place of worship within a complex organized around a sacred pool. The site is also called Sri Darbar Sahib and is commonly known as the Golden Temple.
Construction of the pool began under Guru Ram Das, and Guru Arjan established the central place of worship in its midst. The foundation stone was laid in 1588 CE.
The complex has four doors and was made accessible without distinction of caste, creed, sex or religion. Inside the sacred precincts, named places include Akal Takht Sahib, Har Ki Pauri, Dukh Bhanjani Ber and Thara Sahib.
If you are planning time in the surrounding historic quarter, a heritage walk through Amritsar’s Old City offers a way to explore its historic streets.
Before entering the complex
Cover your head and remove your shoes before entering the temple premises. These are entry requirements, so arrive ready to follow them.
The temple’s visiting hours are 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Hours can change, so check the official site before you go.
Once inside, you can continue from the entrance toward the sacred pool and the places within the precincts.
The sacred pool and parikrama
The sacred pool surrounds the central place of worship, with the parikrama forming a route beside its water. Guru Ram Das began construction of the pool, and Guru Arjan established the central shrine in its midst.
Other places within the sacred complex include Akal Takht Sahib, Har Ki Pauri, Dukh Bhanjani Ber and Thara Sahib.
Visiting the community kitchen
Guru-ka-Langar, the Golden Temple’s communal canteen, serves free food to visitors near the eastern entrance. The langar hall is open 24 hours.
Diners eat together in pangat. The temple serves 100,000 vegetarian meals a day through this free meal service.
Shri Harmandir Sahib is about 0.4 km from Hotel Robin, a 9-minute walk.
FAQs
What is the Golden Temple’s official name?
Its full name is Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is also called Sri Darbar Sahib and commonly known as the Golden Temple.
What should you do before entering?
Cover your head and remove your shoes before entering the temple premises.
Is food served at the Golden Temple?
Yes. Guru-ka-Langar serves free food near the eastern entrance, with diners seated together in pangat.
What else can you visit in Amritsar?
The sacred precincts include Akal Takht Sahib, Har Ki Pauri, Dukh Bhanjani Ber and Thara Sahib. Amritsar’s festivals and recurring events offer another way to learn about the city.