The Largest Soup Kitchen in the World that feeds 100,000-200,000 people per day!

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You can double this number on the special occasions and festivals! This site is called the Harmandir Sahib (meaning 'abode of the creator'), popularly known as the Golden temple because of the Gold plating of the structure. Also known as the Darbar Sahib (meaning 'the creator's court'), it is located in the city of Amritsar (meaning 'the city of Pool of the Nectar of Immortality') in the Punjab (meaning 'the land of 5 rivers') state of India. Over 600 years ago, an incident took place where Guru Nanak's father gave him 20 INR (31 cents/ 0.259 Euros) to do a profitable business. Guru Nanak (1st Guru and the founder of Sikhism) thought long and hard and then used the money in feeding the poor and the hungry. He considered that deed as the most profitable business (sachha sauda or a true bargain). Hence, began the practice of langar (serving free food). He wanted to promote humility and equality. Ever since then, the langar has been the core principle of the Sikh religion. Every Gurdwara (abode of the Guru) in the world provides the langar. It is a social as well as a religious obligation. But most importantly, it is one of the three things that are of utmost importance in the Sikhi, i.e. selfless service and hard work. This site is also home to the Akal Takht (the throne of the timeless one <the Creator>). The Harmandir Sahib symbolizes the spiritual authority and the Akal Takht is the temporal authority. The 4th Guru was the one who acquired the land for the site and his son, the 5th Guru designed and initiated the construction. The main motive behind the construction of Harmandir Sahib was to build a place of worship for people from all walks of life without discrimination. He planned the construction of the main complex (which is situated in the middle of the large pool) to sit lower than the surrounding complex to emphasize humility and the need to efface one's ego. The main complex houses the 11th and the eternal Guru in the form of the original Holy Scripture, the Adi Granth. When I say original, I meant original as in the scriptures that captured all the teachings/ messages in the handwriting of the Gurus. It also include messages from saints of other religions and faiths. (This again showed the indiscriminate nature of the Gurus and their teachings) The single bridge that was constructed to reach the main complex was to emphasize that the end goal was one. He also has the complex built with 4 doors facing 4 directions to emphasize that it was open to all. Also being mindful of the fact that certain religions worshipped facing certain directions. He wanted everyone to feel welcomed. To emphasize the point and since all the Gurus employed the approach of leading by example, he invited a Muslim Sufi Saint Mian Mir to lay the foundation stone of one of the most important shrines of Sikh religion. It attracts more visitors than the Taj Mahal itself,i.e., about 3 Million Visitors in the Year for Taj, while The Golden Temple had about 3 Million Visitors in a Month. The Golden Temple was recognized as the most visited place on Earth in 2017. It is popular for many reasons and one of them being the peace and tranquility that you experience as soon as you step foot inside (as described by many). Not to forget the sense of belonging and acceptance, no matter from where you came from, your caste, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, status, etc. The community kitchen that serves free food is run mostly by the volunteers (beside the employees) throughout the day without any problems. One can go get the food even late in the night. It is the source of food for many a number of impoverished people who stay close to the complex. It is also the place that the Indian government look upto whenever there is a calamity in the country. Only healthy, nutritional and fresh vegetarian food is served here. The annual earning of this Gurudwara is estimated to be $53 million. All donations in the form of food, cash, etc. are kept anonymous. P. S. Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar and Bangla Sahib in New Delhi are listed under World Book of Records, London for matchless contribution in philanthropy services and providing non-stop Langer in India. Photo: Aerial View of Harmandir Sahib The tour of the site: Short version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVA8IDYQpr4 Highly recommended one is linked below: (subtitled)