I have a short stay in Amritsar from Sunday night till Monday afternoon. I wont be able to see or do much but one place I dont want to miss is visiting the Golden Temple. I need to know what opening and closing time is for the gurudwara, so I can plan the rest of things accordingly or at least know what times I can visit whenever I will have time when I reach Amritsar.
Timings For Golden Temple Amritsar
- Thread starter JaiPatra
- Start date
Deven
Member
The time at which you are able to pay your respects at the Harimandir Sahib (main Gurdwara) is from 5 am to 9.45pm.
There is an early morning procession where they bring the Guru Granth Sahib from the Akal Takhat Sahib to the Harimandir Sahib starts at 4.30am. At night the departure of the Guru Granth Sahib from Harimandir Sahib to the Akal Takhat is done at 10 pm.
The main Golden Temple otherwise is open 24 hours, where you can pay your respects at the other parts of the Gurdwara wheGuruhe GUru Granth Sahib is placed, the langar hall is also open 24 hours.
If you do have some time I would suggest you visiting in the early morning to see the procession as it is worth watching.
There is an early morning procession where they bring the Guru Granth Sahib from the Akal Takhat Sahib to the Harimandir Sahib starts at 4.30am. At night the departure of the Guru Granth Sahib from Harimandir Sahib to the Akal Takhat is done at 10 pm.
The main Golden Temple otherwise is open 24 hours, where you can pay your respects at the other parts of the Gurdwara wheGuruhe GUru Granth Sahib is placed, the langar hall is also open 24 hours.
If you do have some time I would suggest you visiting in the early morning to see the procession as it is worth watching.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is one of the holiest Sikh shrines and remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This allows visitors to experience its divine atmosphere at any time, whether it's the peaceful early morning hours or the beautifully lit evenings.
✔ Morning Palki Sahib Ceremony: Around 4:00 AM (summer) / 5:00 AM (winter), the Guru Granth Sahib is brought from Akal Takht Sahib to the temple in a grand procession.
✔ Evening Palki Sahib Ceremony: Around 10:00 PM, the holy scripture is ceremoniously returned to the Akal Takht. Witnessing this spiritual event is a must-experience for visitors.
Early Morning (4:00 AM - 6:00 AM):
Best time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere
Experience the morning Ardas (prayer) and witness the Guru Granth Sahib procession
Fewer crowds, making it ideal for meditation and reflection
Evening (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM):
The temple is beautifully illuminated, creating a breathtaking view
Enjoy the soul-stirring kirtan (devotional singing)
Witness the Palki Sahib Ceremony
Langar (Community Kitchen) Timings:
Available 24/7 – Free meals are served to all visitors, regardless of caste, religion, or nationality.
✔ Remove Shoes & Wash Feet: Before entering, store your footwear in the designated area.
✔ Photography Restrictions: Allowed in the outer complex, but not inside the sanctum.
✔ Respectful Attire: Dress modestly out of respect for Sikh traditions.
✔ Avoid Peak Hours: If you want to avoid long queues, visit early in the morning or late at night.
Have you visited the Golden Temple? Share your experience below!
Golden Temple Daily Timings & Key Rituals
✔ Opening Time: The temple is never closed, but the main sanctum (where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed) follows a daily schedule.✔ Morning Palki Sahib Ceremony: Around 4:00 AM (summer) / 5:00 AM (winter), the Guru Granth Sahib is brought from Akal Takht Sahib to the temple in a grand procession.
✔ Evening Palki Sahib Ceremony: Around 10:00 PM, the holy scripture is ceremoniously returned to the Akal Takht. Witnessing this spiritual event is a must-experience for visitors.
Best Time to Visit the Golden Temple
Early Morning (4:00 AM - 6:00 AM): Best time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere Experience the morning Ardas (prayer) and witness the Guru Granth Sahib procession Fewer crowds, making it ideal for meditation and reflectionEvening (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM):
The temple is beautifully illuminated, creating a breathtaking view Enjoy the soul-stirring kirtan (devotional singing) Witness the Palki Sahib CeremonyLangar (Community Kitchen) Timings:
Available 24/7 – Free meals are served to all visitors, regardless of caste, religion, or nationality.Essential Visitor Tips
✔ Head Covering Required: Carry a scarf or use the free head covers at the entrance.✔ Remove Shoes & Wash Feet: Before entering, store your footwear in the designated area.
✔ Photography Restrictions: Allowed in the outer complex, but not inside the sanctum.
✔ Respectful Attire: Dress modestly out of respect for Sikh traditions.
✔ Avoid Peak Hours: If you want to avoid long queues, visit early in the morning or late at night.
Final Thoughts
Whether you visit during the serene early hours or under the golden glow of the night, the Golden Temple offers a spiritually uplifting experience like no other. The continuous kirtan, the holy Sarovar, and the selfless service of the Langar make it one of the most unique religious sites in the world.Have you visited the Golden Temple? Share your experience below!
