History of Amritsar

Amritsar is one of the most important cities of Punjab, India having a history of more than 400 years. Amritsar is pious for both Sikhs and Hindus because of the historical Gurdwaras, Mandirs and Sarovars (holy water tanks) in the city. It is also known as the “Holy City” or the “Mecca of Sikhs” because of the world famous Sri Harmandir Sahib also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple.

Amritsar which means Amrit Sarovar (pool of nector) derived its name from the sacred Sarovar (holy water tank) in the middle of which Sri Harmandir Sahib stands. Amritsar received importance with time because Sri Harmandir Sahib is one of the most sacred shrines of the world. The city is situated at 31.64°N, 74.86°E and is just 28 kms (17.4 miles) away from Lahore, Pakistan. The city is well connected with other parts of India by road, rail and air.

Amritsar was founded by the fourth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Ram Das Sahib in the year 1574 under the instructions and guidance of third Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib. Sri Guru Ram Das Sahib planned and built the city on the land he bought for Rupees 700 from the owners of the Tung village. Guru Sahib had previously begun building Santokhsar Sarovar near the village of Sultanwind in 1564 which was completed in 1588 but he built his residence at this place and moved in 1574. It was then known as Guru-Da-Chakk and later as Chakk Ram Das.

Sri Guru Ram Das Sahib began the excavation of the Amrit Sarovar (the holy tank) in 1577 under the able supervision of Baba Buddha Ji. The sarovar was further restructured and expanded by Guru Sahib’s son and successor, the fifth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib who came up with an idea of building a common and a central place of worship for the Sikhs.