Page 112 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

110  DELHI & THE NOR TH

Amritsar: The Golden Temple
The spiritual centre of the Sikh religion, the
Golden Temple was built between 1589 and 1601
and is a superb synthesis of Islamic and Hindu
styles of architecture. In keeping with the syncretic
tradition of those times, its foundation stone was
laid by a Muslim saint, Mian Mir. It was virtually
destroyed in 1761 by an Afghan invader, Ahmed
Shah Abdali, but was rebuilt in 1764 by Jassa
Singh Ahluwalia with the help of other Sikh misls.
In the early 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, First Floor
ruler of Punjab, covered the dome in gold and The marble walls have pietra dura inlay and
embellished its interiors with lavish decoration. decorative plasterwork, bearing animal
and flower motifs covered in gold leaf.

. Sheesh Mahal
The Hall of Mirrors on
the top floor has a
curved bangaldar
roof, and its floors are
swept with a special
broom made of
peacock feathers.

Harmandir Sahib
The holiest site for Sikhs, the three-
storeyed temple, decorated with
superb pietra dura, is where the
Holy Book is kept during the day.

. Guru Granth Sahib
Covered by a jewelled canopy, the Holy Book
lies in the Durbar Sahib (“Court of the Lord”).
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp694–5 and p707

110-111_EW_India.indd 110 26/04/17 11:43 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm