Golden Timple in Punjab

The construction of the temple itself began under Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru. In 1581, he designed the structure to embody Sikh principles of humility and equality—built at a lower level than the surrounding land and with four entrances to welcome people from all directions, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. The foundation stone was laid in December 1588 by Hazrat Mian Mir, a Muslim Sufi saint from Lahore, symbolizing interfaith harmony. The temple was completed in 1604, and Guru Arjan installed the Adi Granth (the precursor to the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s holy scripture) inside, appointing Baba Buddha Ji as its first Granthi (custodian).