GOLDEN TEMPLE

07 Jun 2023 GOLDEN TEMPLE

Posted at 10:10h in Daily current-affairs by rishabh 0 Comments

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This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Golden Temple”. The topic “Golden Temple” has relevance in the Art and Culture section of the UPSC CSE exam.

Relevance:

For Prelims:

Facts about Golden Temple?

For Mains:

GS 1: Art and Culture

Importance of Golden Temple?

What ethical inspiration can be taken from sikh philosophy?

Why in the news?

On Op Bluestar anniversary on june 6 , Jathedar in Golden Temple warns of ‘trend of Sikhs converting to Christianity, especially in rural Punjab.

Facts about Golden Temple?

The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is a revered Sikh Gurdwara located in Amritsar, Punjab, India.
It was founded by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, in the 16th century.
The temple is constructed with gold-plated copper sheets, giving it its iconic appearance.
The temple is surrounded by a sacred pool called Amrit Sarovar, which is believed to have healing properties.
The Harmandir Sahib complex is open to people of all faiths and is a symbol of inclusivity.
It is the holiest shrine in Sikhism and serves as the central place of worship for Sikhs around the world.
The temple houses the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism.
The Langar, a community kitchen, provides free meals to all visitors regardless of their religion or social status.
The temple complex also includes several historical and architectural attractions, such as the Akal Takht and the Central Sikh Museum.

Importance of Golden Temple?

Spiritual Center: The Golden Temple is the most sacred and revered site for Sikhs. It serves as the central place of worship and pilgrimage for Sikhs worldwide. It is believed to be the abode of God and a place where devotees can experience spiritual enlightenment and connect with their faith.
Historical Significance: The Golden Temple has a rich historical background. It was founded by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, in the 16th century. The temple complex witnessed significant events in Sikh history, including the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, the compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture), and the formation of the Khalsa Panth (the Sikh warrior community).
Symbol of Sikhism: The Golden Temple is a powerful symbol of Sikhism’s core values and principles. It represents equality, inclusivity, service, and devotion. The concept of langar (free community kitchen) and the practice of serving free meals to all visitors, irrespective of their background, exemplifies the spirit of seva (selfless service) and equality in Sikhism.
Architectural Beauty: The Golden Temple is renowned for its magnificent architectural design. The gilded exterior, marble inlays, intricate carvings, and reflective pool (Amrit Sarovar) create a visually stunning and serene ambiance. The architectural blend of Sikh, Hindu, and Islamic styles reflects the inclusive nature of Sikhism and its respect for diverse cultural influences.
Humanitarian Services: The Golden Temple complex is not only a place of worship but also a center for various humanitarian services. The langar, mentioned earlier, provides free meals to thousands of visitors every day, regardless of their socio-economic background. The temple also offers free accommodation (Sarai) for pilgrims, medical facilities, educational services, and support for those in need.
Cultural Heritage: The Golden Temple is an integral part of Punjab’s cultural heritage. It represents the cultural and religious identity of the Sikh community. The temple complex is a hub of Sikh arts, music, and literature, promoting the preservation and propagation of Sikh traditions and heritage.
Tourist Attraction: The Golden Temple attracts millions of visitors, both Sikhs and non-Sikhs, from around the world. Its architectural beauty, spiritual ambiance, and cultural significance make it a popular tourist destination. The temple’s serene atmosphere and the opportunity to witness Sikh traditions and rituals provide a unique cultural experience for visitors.

What ethical inspiration can be taken from sikh philosophy?

Equality and Justice: Sikhism strongly emphasizes the equality and dignity of all human beings. Sikh teachings reject discrimination based on caste, creed, gender, or social status. The concept of “Ik Onkar” (One God) underscores the belief in the inherent equality of all individuals. This ethical principle encourages treating everyone with respect, fairness, and justice.
Selfless Service (Seva): Sikhism places great importance on selfless service to others. The practice of “seva” entails serving and helping those in need without any expectation of personal gain. This ethical principle promotes compassion, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards the welfare of others. Seva is practiced through various means, such as volunteering, charity, and contributing to community well-being.
Truthfulness and Integrity: Sikh philosophy emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and honesty. The concept of “Satnam” (True Name) reflects the belief in living a life of integrity and upholding truth in all aspects. Sikhs are encouraged to speak the truth, act honestly, and maintain ethical conduct. This principle inspires individuals to be trustworthy, transparent, and accountable in their interactions and relationships.
Humility and Humbleness: Sikhism promotes the virtues of humility and humbleness. The concept of “Nimrata” encourages individuals to overcome ego, pride, and arrogance. Sikh teachings emphasize that true spirituality lies in being humble, modest, and respectful towards others. This ethical principle fosters a sense of humility, gratitude, and empathy, leading to harmonious relationships and a balanced outlook on life.
Compassion and Forgiveness: Sikh philosophy encourages individuals to cultivate compassion and forgiveness. The teachings of “Daya” (Compassion) and “Kshama” (Forgiveness) emphasize the importance of showing kindness, empathy, and understanding towards others. This ethical principle promotes healing, reconciliation, and the resolution of conflicts through forgiveness rather than revenge or resentment.
Environmental Stewardship: Sikhism emphasizes the responsibility of humans to care for and protect the environment. The concept of “Dharam” (Duty) includes the duty to preserve and respect nature. Sikh teachings advocate for sustainable practices, ecological balance, and living in harmony with nature. This ethical principle inspires individuals to be mindful of their impact on the environment and to strive for its conservation.

Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/39th-anniversary-of-operation-blue-star-learn-lessons-from-history-8649022/

Q.1 Which of the following statements about the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is/are correct?

1.It is the most revered Sikh Gurdwara located in Amritsar, Punjab.

2.The temple was founded by Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru.

3.The Golden Temple is surrounded by a sacred pool called Amrit Sarovar.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

(a)1 and 2 only

(b)1 and 3 only

(d)2 and 3 only

Answer: (b)

Q.2 Which of the following statements regarding the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, Punjab, is/are correct?

1.The Golden Temple is the central place of worship for Sikhs worldwide.

2.The temple was constructed using gold-plated copper sheets.

3.The sacred pool surrounding the temple is known as Guru Sarovar.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Q.3 Discuss the historical and cultural significance of the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, Punjab. How has it shaped Sikh identity and contributed to religious harmony in India?