Volunteering at the 'abode of the Gods'

Offering pilgrim service at the Golden Temple

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, I want to share the magic of volunteering that I witnessed recently at the Golden Temple. The second largest city of Punjab - Amritsar, is renowned for its Golden Temple, formally known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib - abode of the Gods for the Sikh community.

History:

The Golden Temple is the chief Gurudwara (house of worship) of Sikhism and the Sikhs’ most important pilgrimage site. It is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Sikh values such as equality, service, and community. The central shrine, Darbar Sahib, is adorned with gold plating. The foundation of Sri Darbar Sahib was laid by Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, in 1577. The city was formerly named ‘Ramdaspur’ after him. The construction of the Gurudwara itself was overseen by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. He built a pool surrounding the temple. This was inaugurated by the Sufi saint - Mian Mir from Lahore; after which the pool was filled with water (Amrit Sarovar). By 1604, the construction of the first sector was complete, along with the holy manuscript. The city was then renamed to ‘Amritsar’.

Architecture:

The construction and the architecture of the Golden temple has profound meaning. Guru Arjan built a gurdwara that people visit before entering the sanctum. This symbolises the loss of ego and overconfidence before reaching the feet of superior power. Structurally, the temple is located on a level below the ground level as it signifies that one must be humble and go down to reach the temple of God. This gurdwara is open from all sides, to emphasise that the Golden temple is open to all people. The sanctum within the pool is reached only through the bridge that has one destination; it symbolises the need to think of one eternal goal.

The Gurudwara was demolished multiple times due to Mughal and Afghan invasions in the 18th century. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century, played a pivotal role in the Gurudwara's resurrection and contemporary aesthetics. The upper part of the Gurudwara was adorned with a gold foil-covered copper dome during his reign, earning it the title of the "Golden Temple". Amritsar became a centre of Sikh power, and trade flourished under his rule.

Service:

A distinctive feature of Sri Darbar Sahib is the Langar, or community kitchen, where free meals are served to all visitors regardless of their background. This tradition, initiated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, symbolises equality and hospitality. It serves around a 100,000 devotees daily. While food is served, all the devotees sit together in rows on the floor, irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. All devotees are considered equal here. This kitchen is run majorly by volunteers. Hundreds of people from the local community, as well as national and international travellers, come together and volunteer in different activities such as washing the vegetables, cooking, serving, and cleaning utensils everyday. The efficiency with which they work will put any Fortune 500 corporate to shame. There are other activities too such as serving the holy water in bowls to pilgrims, and washing of these bowls. The water is quite hygienic.

Photography is allowed everywhere except in the sanctum and the queue leading up to it. There are stops to take off your footwear, wash your hands with soap, and a foot bath to cleanse the feet before you enter the Gurudwara. The very first sight of Golden Temple by night held me spellbound. No one amongst the constantly moving human parade is shouting at you, pestering you regarding rules, nor is anyone bothering you for offerings. People can sit, stand, or walk throughout the campus. To enter the sanctum, the humungous queue moves slowly but surely; it takes 1.5-2 hours on an average! There is no VIP treatment for anyone - truly, an even playing field. Only the aged, ill, or little children, are allowed to jump the queue. As I waited patiently in the queue, I noticed that everyone’s head was covered (a mandatory rule), in head gear of various fashion. Women donned decorative (or simple) dupattas over their heads, and men either had turbans, or covered their heads with handkerchiefs or the yellow holy cloth available just outside the entrance to the temple. Even kids follow this diligently. To my astonishment, the babies rarely cried there despite the extended waiting.

There is something so pure in the atmosphere of the Golden Temple that makes you feel calm & tranquil. I have been to many places of pilgrimage, but this place touched me like none before. The ambience brought on by the architectural splendour, spiritual aura, and divine serenity of this place, makes it a soul-stirring experience. The combination of water, lights (at night), and the sheer beauty of the place, is stunning to behold. Volunteering to the motley mix of devotees makes one realise how every soul is different. It is vital to understand each person instead of judging them. Volunteers from all strata of society come together to serve here. For all you know, you may just have been served by a millionaire!

Truly, sewa at the Golden Temple is like a workshop to become grounded and gratified. The joy of service, with no strings attached, is something one never forgets. If one applies these tenets to one’s daily work, it is sure to be the masterpiece that this place is.