Why is Golden Temple Called “Sri Harmandir Sahib”?

Why is Golden Temple called Harmandir Sahib? This is a question many people ask when they visit Amritsar or hear about this sacred Gurudwara. While most of the world knows it as the Golden Temple because of its beautiful golden structure, the real spiritual name given by our Guru Sahib is Sri Harmandir Sahib. This name isn’t just a label; it reflects centuries of Sikh philosophy, humility, and service. According to a book Sri Harmandir Sahib Da Sunhari Itihas written by Singh Sahib Giani Kirpal Singh, the term “Harmandir Sahib” was used from the very beginning to emphasize divine purpose over material appearance.

Let’s explore the meaning, history, and sacred significance behind the name Harmandir Sahib.

What Does “Harmandir Sahib” Mean?

The name Harmandir Sahib is made of three Punjabi words:

• Har – means Waheguru, Parmatma, or God
• Mandir – means temple or place to do Simran and Bhagti
• Sahib – a respectful word we use to show Satkar (honour)

So, Harmandir Sahib means “The House or Temple of God” – a place made not for one religion or group, but for the whole world.

It reminds us that Waheguru is not limited. All people – Hindu, Muslim, Christian, anyone – can come here and find peace.

Who Gave the Name Harmandir Sahib?

It was Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the 5th Guru Sahib, who started the construction of this holy Ghar in 1588. He invited Hazrat Mian Mir Ji, a Sufi Muslim saint from Lahore, to lay the foundation stone – showing the world oneness (Ik Onkar) beyond religions.

When the sacred structure was ready, in 1604, Guru Granth Sahib Ji was respectfully prakash (opened for the first time) inside the sanctum.

From that day, this place has been known as Sri Harmandir Sahib – a Gurughar that belongs to everyone

Why Do People Call It the Golden Temple?

The outer part of Harmandir Sahib was later covered with sunehri (gold) sheets by Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji in the 1800s, out of love and devotion. Because of that golden beauty, people started calling it the Golden Temple – especially tourists and foreigners.

But for Sikhs, the real name is always Sri Harmandir Sahib, because it reminds us of the spiritual mission of our Gurus.

Special Things That Make Harmandir Sahib Unique

• It is built below ground level, showing nimrata (humility).
• It has four doors, called Darwaze, from all sides, showing sarbat da bhala – everyone is welcome.
• Langar (free food) is served to all, every day, no matter who you are.
• Seva (voluntary service) is done by thousands of people, with pyaar (love).
• There is always Kirtan and Gurbani Ucharan – the whole environment is full of Naam.

What Is Inside Harmandir Sahib?

At the centre, we find the holy parkash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. People bow down with shardha and listen to Bani, which gives peace to the soul.

Opposite the Harmandir Sahib is the Akal Takht Sahib – the throne of truth and justice, built by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji in 1606. It reminds us that Sikhi stands for both Bhagti (spirituality) and Shakti (strength).

Why the Real Name Matters

When we say Golden Temple, we talk about its looks. But when we say Harmandir Sahib, we speak from our heart – about shardha, seva, and Satguru’s kirpa.

Guru Sahib didn’t build it for fame. He built it to give people a place of peace, equality, and spiritual awakening.

Conclusion

So, why is the Golden Temple called Harmandir Sahib? Because that is its true name — given by our Guru Sahib, filled with meaning, love, and divine purpose. It’s not just a beautiful place; it is a spiritual darwaza where people of every faith can come and feel close to Waheguru.

Let’s always remember the spiritual name, and keep sharing the teachings of Sri Harmandir Sahib with pyaar and satkar.

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