The Harmandir Sahib is the holiest shrine in Sikhism and the term Harmandir translates to "The House of God" or "The Temple for Everyone" as it welcomes visitors from all backgrounds, regardless of cast, religion, gender, or status. The temple houses the Sikh scripture, The Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which teaches the equality of all and oneness of God.
The Harmandir Sahib was repeatedly rebuilt by the Sikhs after it became a target of persecution and was destroyed several times by the Mughal, political parties and invading Afghan armies. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, after founding the Sikh Empire, rebuilt it in marble and copper in 1809, and overlaid the sanctum with gold leaf in 1830. This has led to the name the Golden Temple.
The view in this photo is from the second floor balcony overseeing the main hall. The gold molding is designed in traditional Sikh architecture and includes a mix of abstract shapes, floral designs, and literature.
