Golden Temple history at a glance
Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple, is the most important shrine of the Sikhs. Its history runs from the planning of the city and the pool under Guru Ram Das in the 1570s to the events of 1984. For a few dates, both versions are given.
For the building as it stands today, see inside the Golden Temple. If you would rather walk the sites with a guide, look at Golden Temple tours.
Who built the Golden Temple
Two Gurus shaped the site, one after the other.
Guru Ram Das
Guru Ram Das planned and carried out the city and the sarovar, the sacred pool, in the 1570s. That work was completed in 1577.
Guru Arjan
Guru Arjan developed the central sanctum and oversaw its construction. In 1604 he installed the Adi Granth there, with Baba Buddha as the first granthi, the keeper of the scripture.
The foundation stone
The foundation stone is dated to December 1588 and attributed to Mian Mir. Some histories give 1589, so treat the exact year as open.
Our pick: a heritage walk
Three hours through the old city with its history.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Golden Temple and Amritsar tours
Guided walks and day trips in Amritsar, with live prices and availability.
Golden Temple history: key dates
The events below, in order.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1570s to 1577 | Guru Ram Das plans and completes the city and the pool |
| December 1588 or 1589 | Foundation stone of the sanctum, attributed to Mian Mir |
| 1604 | Guru Arjan installs the Adi Granth, with Baba Buddha as first granthi |
| 10 April 1762 | Ahmad Shah Durrani attacks the temple |
| Era of Ranjit Singh | Gilding of the upper parts of the building |
| June 1984 | Operation Blue Star inside the complex |
There is no single year to name for the end of construction, because the work ran over decades. Use 1604 as the date of the Adi Granth installation.
Destruction and the gilding under Ranjit Singh
Ahmad Shah Durrani attacked the temple on 10 April 1762. The sanctum was damaged, and the pool was desecrated. This page names only that event and not every later rebuilding.
The gilding of the upper parts of the building is linked with Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The amount of gold is put at about 400 kg of gold leaf or 750 kg of pure gold. The two figures may cover different parts of the building, and neither is a current weight of the gold.
Operation Blue Star in June 1984
In June 1984 Indian armed forces carried out a military operation inside the temple complex, known as Operation Blue Star. The complex was held by armed dissidents at the time. The operation lasted three days. Pilgrims were among the dead.
Estimates of the dead range from 575, the Indian government figure, to 3,000. There is no single total and no reliable split by group. Parts of the Akal Takht were rebuilt after the army attack. This page sets out the dates and leaves political judgements to others.
Names and who runs the temple
One shrine, several names.
Three names, one shrine
Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Darbar Sahib and Golden Temple all name the same Sikh shrine in Amritsar. This guide uses Golden Temple and Harmandir Sahib.
The Akal Takht
Guru Hargobind founded the Akal Takht, the seat of Sikh authority in the complex. It stands opposite the sanctum and belongs to the same site.
Administration
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is the administration of the temple. This website has no connection with it.
Explore more
Pages that put the history in context.
Golden Temple history: frequently asked questions
Who built the Golden Temple?
Guru Ram Das planned and carried out the city and the sacred pool in the 1570s. Guru Arjan developed the central sanctum and oversaw its construction. The foundation stone is dated to December 1588 and attributed to Mian Mir, though some histories give 1589.
When was the Golden Temple built?
The work spans several decades. The pool was completed in 1577, the foundation stone is dated to 1588 or 1589, and the Adi Granth was installed in 1604. There is no single completion year.
Why is it called the Golden Temple?
The upper parts of the building are gilded, and the gilding is linked with Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The amount of gold is put at 400 kg of gold leaf or 750 kg of pure gold.
What was Operation Blue Star?
It was a military operation by Indian armed forces inside the temple complex in June 1984. It lasted three days, and pilgrims were among the dead. Estimates of the dead range from 575, the Indian government figure, to 3,000.
Was the Akal Takht rebuilt?
Parts of the Akal Takht were rebuilt after the army attack in 1984.
Is this the official website of the temple?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not the website of the temple administration or the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and it is not connected to any tour operator.