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Ardas Timing In Golden Temple & Its Importance In The Sikhism

Ardas Timing in Golden Temple: A Sacred Connection to Sikh Devotion and Spiritual Harmony The Golden Temple, or Shri Harmandir Sahib, in Amritsar, Punjab is a holy shrine for Sikhs. It was founded by Shri Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, in the 16th century. This sacred shrine is well-known for its grand and gold-plated architecture, withstanding the tests of time. Not to forget the amrit sarovar, holy pond, that adds to the beauty and serenity of the place. There’s never a dull moment there, not because of the gold façade, but the blissful environment of the place. And, the right way to soak the bliss is by taking part in the Ardas ceremony at the Golden Temple. It is truly a sight to behold; and once you experience the divine, you’d want to come back again! What is Ardas? The word “ardas” means “supplication” or “petition.” In simple words, devotees seek blessings, guidance, and protection through ardas. It is a communal prayer offered by Sikhs at multiple occasions, whether happy and sad. You’ll be amazed to know that Ardas is an essential part of the daily routine and is recited several times throughout the day. Spiritual Significance of Ardas If you read in between the lines, Ardas is a manifestation of the collective spirit of the Sikh community. People from all walks of life come together during the Ardas to offer their heartfelt requests. These can be from personal needs and gratitude to global peace and the well-being of humanity. Such a thoughtful and humble act, isn’t it? And for the international tourists, Ardas is simply the right opportunity to explore the depths of Sikhism. The rhythm of the prayer, the chanting of the hymns, and the collective devotion create a blissful environment; and one must be willing to soak in it! Ardas basically includes: Establishing the divine connection with Waheguru (Lord) and seek his blessings Remembering and honoring the Sikh Gurus and martyrs while keeping alive their sacrifices and teachings Expressing gratitude for all the good times in life and seek strength to sail through the tough times with grace Uniting everyone, whether they’re Sikhs or not, and helping others Planning a trip to the Golden Temple Amritsar? Book it Now! Ardas Timing in Golden Temple Want to be part of this holy ceremony? Then make a note of these ardas timing in golden temple so that you don’t miss out on anything significant. Moreover, it is important to note that golden temple ardas timing changes based on months and weather changes. Here you go: Ardas  Ardas Timings in Golden Temple According to Months & Weather Mid Oct – Mid Nov to Mid Jan – Mid Feb Mid Feb – Mid March to Mid Sept – Mid Oct Mid March – Mid April to Mid August – Mid Sept Mid April – Mid May to Mid July – Mid August Mid May – Mid June to Mid June – Mid July 1st Ardas                         06:00 AM 05:45 AM 05:30 AM 05:15 AM 05:00 AM 2nd Ardas  07:00 AM 06:45 AM 06:30 AM 06:15 AM 06:00 AM 3rd Ardas 12:00 PM (this time is fixed and may be subject to change to 11:40 PM during special occasions such as Gurpurab.) 4rth Ardas 03:00 PM (fixed time during all seasons) 5th Ardas 06:10 PM 05:55 PM 05:40 PM 05: 25 PM 05:10 PM 6th Ardas 09:40 PM 09:25 PM 09:10 PM 08:55 PM 08:40 PM 1. First Ardas What do you guess from “first” Ardas? It occurs after Prakash (illumination) of Shri Guru Granth Sahib and the reading of the first hukamnama (divine order). What’s the time? Early morning at 6:00 am. Please note that this time changes according to the months and weather conditions. Devotees seek God’s blessings for the day ahead. In short, the idea is to start the day with the God’s blessings! So, if you’re an early bird, this is the right time to witness and be a part of the temple’s first prayer of the day. 2. Second Ardas It takes place after Asa di Vaar (a ballad of hope) and recitation of second hukamnama. It is an opportunity for the sangat (gathering) to express heartfelt gratitude and seek blessings. 3. Third Ardas It occurs after the recitation of Anand Sahib, a sacred hymn through which the devotees express their feelings of happiness and gratitude. The time is usually 12:00 pm, but it changes during special occasions like Gurupurab. 4. Fourth Ardas You’ll be amazed to know that the time of this ardas is fixed, irrespective of the weather or month changes! It is performed daily at 3 pm, after Charan Kamal Chonki. 5. Fifth Ardas It follows the Rehras Sahib prayers, which are recited at about 7:00 PM in summers. Imagine the scene where the setting sun casts a crimson golden hue over the temple and its surroundings! Isn’t it wonderful? It is a soulful time as devotees reflect on the day’s activities and offer their prayers for peace and prosperity. 6. Night Ardas – 9:00 PM The sixth Ardas timing in Golden Temple is at 9:00 pm. It’s the final ardas that takes place (depending on the weather and the month), following the evening Kirtan (the act of glorifying and praising the God). You can also witness the Palki Sahib ceremony, where the Guru Granth Sahib is ceremoniously carried around the temple before being returned to resting place. This Ardas serves as a closing prayer for the day, and is recited just before Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji is taken for Sukhasan (rest). This is nothing short of a mesmerizing experience as it combines the beauty of the Ardas with the visual spectacle of the procession! Inside the World’s Largest Community Kitchen Langar at the Golden Temple – Explore More Closing Thoughts Golden temple is more than its physical beauty. In it, ardas and Gurbani kirtan are a way to transcend the physical realms of the world. Or we should, ardas is

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Langar in Golden Temple

Inside the World’s Largest Kitchen: Langar in Golden Temple

Guru Ka Langar in Golden Temple: Facts About World’s Largest Free Kitchen All the religions agree that there’s no better deed than feeding the hungry. And the Golden Temple in India has been doing this for ages. Other than its marvelous architecture, the Harmandir Sahib is home to one of the most remarkable humanitarian practices in the world—the Langar. Hot food is served to millions of people every day, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, or social status. You must be wondering that other religions also provide free food to people. So, what’s special about the Langar of Golden Temple? Or, why is it known as the world’s largest kitchen? The answer is straightforward. Its scale and organization involved. You won’t believe that Langar at Shri Harmandir Sahib serves 50,000 to 100,000 hot meals every day! What’s more surprising is this number often goes up on special occasions, festivals, and religious events. Langar proves that food has the power to unite humanity when shared with love and compassion. And the experience of “Guru ka Langar,”as it is fondly referred by Sikhs, is beyond words. Quick Run Through About Langar Of Golden Temple Location: Golden Temple Road, Atta Mandi, Amritsar, Punjab 143006 Golden Temple timings: 24/7 Golden Temple Langar Timings: Meal is served throughout the day Nearby Locations: Jallianwala Bagh, Durgiana Temple, Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary, Wagah Border, The Partition Museum, Akal Takht, Bathinda Fort The Origins of Langar Langar was introduced by Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, in the 15th century. He believed in the principles of equality, community service, and sharing. The whole idea was to provide food for everyone, regardless of their background, and create a sense of unity and selflessness. The practice was then established by the third Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Amar Das Ji. He organized community kitchens to ensure that no one, especially the marginalized, went hungry. Langar in the Golden Temple, ever since it started, reflects the principles of compassion and humility. People from all walks of life come together to receive nourishment, both physically and spiritually. The meals are served free of cost, demonstrating the Sikh principles of selfless service (seva) and equality. It is also believed that even the Mughal Emperor Akbar sat along with sangat (fellow devotees) for langar! Till date, everyone is welcomed to eat the langar and no one is turned away. Places to Visit in Amritsar The Working of the Langar in Golden Temple Amritsar This is the obvious question – how does langar work? This community kitchen operates 24×7, 365 days a year. Sevadars or volunteers prepare, cook, and serve food throughout the day and night. That said, there’s no fixed timing of langar in Golden Temple. You may visit anytime and take part in it. Moreover, the concept of langar is so generous that the caterers aren’t allowed. Dedicated sevadars take care of everything, right from cooking to cleaning. Food is prepared in massive quantities using large cooking vessels and industrial sized ovens. You won’t believe 25 quintal cereals, 100 quintal wheat flour, 10 quintal rice, 10 quintal sugar, 5 quintal pure ghee, and 5000 liter milk are used on an average daily. FYI, the langar meal usually includes a simple and nutritious combination of roti (flatbread), dal (lentils), rice, sabzi (vegetables), and sometimes kheer (a sweet dessert). All these are served with a glass of water and buttermilk sometimes. Wondering how do they prepare bulk quantities of parshada or roti (flatbreads)? A lebanon-based devotee donated a chapati making machine here. It prepares 25,000 rotis in just an hour! Other than this, there are machines for sieving and kneading doughs. Another unique aspect of the Langar at the Golden Temple is its use of community participation. Over 1,000 sevadars volunteer at any given time at the Langar in the Golden Temple kitchen, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They pour in from all over the world to offer their time and services including washing utensils, serving food, cleaning the dining areas. This selfless act of service is considered an essential aspect of Sikh way of living and is encouraged for people of all backgrounds. The Philosophy Behind Guru ka Langar Guru ka langar is more than feeding the body. It holds a philosophical and spiritual significance in Sikhism. Sharing a common meal sitting in pangat (line) is considered as an act of humility and oneness. No one is above or below when they sit together in the Langar hall to eat— an apt example of Sikh teachings of selflessness, equality, and community welfare. Additionally, Guru ka Langar is a symbol of the Sikh commitment to social justice. Providing free food to anyone who seeks it, regardless of their financial status or background, breaks down social barriers and fosters a spirit of brotherhood. Moreover, there’s no fixed langar timing in the Golden Temple. Talking of the spiritual aspect, Sikhs believe that sharing food with others, especially those in need, purifies the soul and brings one closer to God. The act of preparing food for others is seen as a form of worship, where the volunteer is serving others and connecting with the divine. To better understand the philosophy behind the guru ka langar, here’s a quote from Bhai Desa Singh taken from Rehitnama “A Sikh who is ‘well to do’ must look to the needs of his poor neighbors. Whenever he meets a traveler or a pilgrim from a foreign country, he must serve him devotedly.” Discover Amritsar’s Cultural, Spiritual, and Historical Treasures – Plan Your Visit Now Bottom Line Today, almost every gurudwara has a langar supported by the community in general. No one returns with an empty stomach at meal time in a Gurdwara. For a Sikh, feeding everyone is an act of devotion and so is the sevadars’ participation in services from cooking to cleaning the used dishes. Moreover, it is mandatory for a Sikh to contribute 1/10th of his earnings (daswand) for the welfare of the community. He/she must

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Guide To Tourist Places In Amritsar

Guide To Tourist Places In Amritsar: Explore The Rich Heritage

Discover the enchanting city of Amritsar, home to some of the most captivating tourist places in Amritsar. Located 230 km northwest of Chandigarh in Punjab, Amritsar is steeped in history and spirituality. It is famously known for the Golden Temple, the most revered Sikh shrine. Founded by Guru Ramdas in the 16th century, this city also holds the prestigious Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority for Sikhs. Amritsar’s significance extends beyond Sikhism; it is a place of importance for Hindus as well. Legend has it that Sita, the wife of Lord Ram, spent considerable time at Valmiki’s ashram at Ram Tirth near Amritsar. This is also believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram and Sita’s sons, Luv and Kush. Another notable attraction in Amritsar is the Sri Durgiana Temple, constructed in the 16th century. Often referred to as the Silver Temple due to its striking resemblance to the Golden Temple, it is a must-visit site for tourists. As you plan your trip to Amritsar, be sure to explore these incredible tourist places in Amritsar and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this remarkable city. Brief Overview of Amritsar as a Tourist Spot Amritsar, a city that stood at the forefront of the Indian freedom movement, has a rich and storied history. It was in this city that the horrifying Jallianwala Bagh massacre unfolded, where British forces indiscriminately opened fire on unarmed Indians, resulting in the tragic loss of 379 lives and leaving over 1200 injured. The partition of India and Pakistan had a profound impact on the demographics, economics, social structure, and culture of Amritsar, shaping its identity in significant ways. Today, Amritsar is renowned for its warm and hospitable residents, who are known for their jovial nature. Beyond its historical significance, there is a treasure of sightseeing places in Amritsar. Explore the city’s vibrant culture, indulge in its rich cuisine, and visit sacred temples that hold deep spiritual meaning. Immerse yourself in the world of folk art and culture that thrives in Amritsar. Amritsar also holds a prominent place as India’s leading exporter of goods to the Middle East and is the primary center for Punjabi publications. Despite its modern outlook, the city remains steadfast in preserving its heritage and culture. Notably, the Golden Temple is a must-visit attraction and is renowned for running the world’s largest langar, a community kitchen, which embodies the city’s tradition of service and generosity. Tourist Places To Explore in Amritsar Amritsar is a city that beckons to be experienced, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its rich tapestry of culture and history. If you’re planning a two-day trip to the city, here are some of the must-visit places to explore in Amritsar. 1. The Golden Temple The crown jewel of Amritsar, the Golden Temple, stands as the city’s premier tourist spot. This sacred edifice, built in the 16th century, serves as an open house of worship, welcoming people from all walks of life and religious affiliations. Also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, it ranks among India’s most sought-after tourist spots. The Golden Temple’s architectural grandeur is a unique fusion of Hindu and Islamic artistic styles. Inside the temple, you’ll be mesmerized by the intricate semi-precious stones, Meenakari work, and glasswork that adorn its inner walls. The tranquil water body surrounding the temple adds to its allure. With its golden radiance and tranquil ambiance, the shrine embodies serenity and eternal bliss. Within the temple, Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred religious book of the Sikhs, is housed during the day and transported to the Akal Takht at night. A standout feature of the shrine is the Langar, where every visitor is offered a free vegetarian meal. When visiting, remember to cover your head, as it is a customary practice at this revered tourist spot in Amritsar. Location: Golden Temple Road, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia Timings: Open 24 hours; every day Entry Fee: No entry fee 2. Wagah Border Wagah Border, located approximately 30 km from the city center, ranks among the top places to visit in Amritsar, offering a deeply patriotic experience. This unique border crossing is the sole road connection between India and Pakistan. Every evening, it transforms into a ceremonial ground just before sunset, drawing crowds of tourists. At this time, soldiers from both nations participate in the Beating Retreat and Change of Guard ceremonies. The daily ritual involves the lowering of the national flags on both sides of the border, accompanied by intricate and swift military maneuvers. This tradition has been ongoing since 1959 and remains a vibrant spectacle for visitors. To secure a good view, it’s advisable to arrive at least one hour before the ceremony starts, as seats are not reserved. Carrying a pair of binoculars can enhance your experience of this colorful and memorable attraction among the places to visit in Amritsar. Location: Wagah, Hardo Rattan Timings: 04:15 pm to 05:00 pm (For the ceremony during winter) 05:15 pm to 06:00 pm (For the ceremony during summer) Entry Fee: No entry fee Explore Amritsar Tour Packages 3. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum pays tribute to the legendary Lion of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Situated within one of his exquisite summer palaces, this museum is a compelling destination among tourist places in Amritsar. Surrounded by meticulously manicured lawns, the palace itself is a sight to behold. Once you step into the museum, you’ll be immersed in a treasure trove of artifacts and relics that offer a glimpse into the glorious era of this revered leader. The museum boasts an impressive collection, including paintings, attire, weaponry, coins, and more. Additionally, you can explore various exhibits and paintings that depict the valiant battles fought by this heroic ruler. Location: Wagah, Hardo Rattan Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm; closed on Mondays and Public Holidays Entry Fee: ₹ 10 4. Khalsa College The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is a dedicated tribute to the renowned Lion of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Nestled

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