<p>The Harmandir Sahib Golden Temple is situated in a rectangular complex enclosed by low, white marble buildings on all four sides. At the center of this complex is a a square tank (148m on each side), occupying most of the open space. The main temple In the middle of this pool, connected to the surrounding edge by a narrow, straight causeway on the north-west. The causeway is lined with low railings and appears symmetrical.</p><p>The exterior elevation of the shrine is a three storied composition over which are the low fluted dome in a gilt metal. The lowermost floor is submerged in the sarovar. One large hall forms the interior of the edifice, the ceiling of which is elaborately embellished.</p><p>The temple itself is relatively small compared to the pool, built on an island 27m x 20m, with chamfered corners on the east and south. The temple structure itself is rectangular with arched openings on all sides. There is a porch extension on the south-east where the entrance is placed. The lower portion is made of white marble, with detailed inlay patterns. Above this base rises the upper structure, which is covered in gold plating. The walls of the upper structure are richly paneled, with small, ornate windows and decorative elements.</p><p>On top of the temple is a prominent dome, fully gilded and smooth, reflecting light. This dome is shallow, unlike the bulbous domes seen in monuments such as the Taj Mahal. There are four smaller bulbous domes with decorative cupolas, also gold-covered, arranged on the four corners of the platform on which the central dome is placed. There are chhatris with domed roofs on the four corners of the roof, and cupolas along the edge of the roof. The chhatris on the south-east are hexagonal, while those on the north-west are square. All of them have arched openings. All domes are topped by finials.</p><p>The structure consists of two main levels plus an upper sanctified space beneath the dome. The internal spaces of Harimandir Sahib are named as "Sachkhand" The 'Prakash Asfhan' is the space, which houses the Guru Granth Sahib. The entire building including the external facade is richly decorated with floral design either inlayed in marble, painted in tempera or embossed in metal.</p><p>The lower level, at the marble base, has walls are covered with white marble inlay at the lower portions, and Gold-plated panels above, densely worked with floral and geometric relief. It has arched openings and doorways on three sides. At the center of this ground-floor chamber, slightly offset, sits an ornate palki (canopied platform) on which the Guru Granth Sahib is placed during the day. People move around it in a circular flow. A large chandelier hangs from the ceiling.</p><p>Above this is a second level, which is more enclosed and less accessible. It is decorated with similar gold-plated surfaces and intricate detailing. It is used for continuous recitation (kirtan) and religious functions. This level overlooks the lower space but is not an open gallery.</p><p>Above these levels rises the interior of the main dome, which forms a tall, curved ceiling space which Is richly ornamented with gold, painted motifs, and patterned panels.</p><p>The shrine is open from ail four sides and has a passage all around it. Towards the eastern side are the flights of steps, known as 'har-ki-pauri' descending into the tank structure. The staircase adjoining the 'har-ki-pauri' leads to the first floor of the shrine. There is a small square pavilion surrounded by a low fluted golden dome in this storey.<br><br>The interior of the pavilion is set with pieces of mirrors of different sizes and colors and hence is known as Shish Mahal.</p><p>The temple sits on a slightly raised platform just above the water level, and its reflection is clearly visible in the pool below.</p><p>Surrounding the pool, the perimeter is paved with white marble pathways. Along these edges stand long, continuous rows of multi-story buildings with repeating arches, balconies, and flat roofs. At one end of the complex, opposite the causeway entrance, there is a larger, more prominent building with a distinct façade and dome-like features, aligned on the same central axis as the temple.</p><p>On the same axis of the temple and the causeway is the Akal Takht Sahib, the highest seat of authority in the religious hierarchy of the Sikhs, which stands facing the principle entrance. This is a five storied structure. Within the edifice is the chamber in which the Adi Granth -the holy book is placed- during night. It also houses the weapons belonging to Sikh Gurus and renowned warriors.</p><p>There are five Deories (gateways) in the Parikarma, which lead into the core-precinct. These gateways are all at a higher level than the core-precinct. These entrances have a descending flight of steps up to the level of the Parikarma on the inside. The names of the Deories are; The Ghanta Ghar Deori, the Langar Deori, the Manji Sahib Deori, Atta Mandi Deoril Sikh Reference Library Deori and the Khazana Deori. Outside all these Deories are shoe houses, where one leaves the footwear to walk through the shallow foot-washing pools - the`Chhabachha' before entering the core precinct.</p><p>Along the same principle axis of the Harimandir-Akal Takht Sahib is Dukh Bhanjini ber, which is towards the Har ki pauri Dukh bhanjini beri also has a small platform adjacent to it, with a small shrine on the platform.</p><p>The temple is open from 3AM to 10PM. The Guru Granth sahib is ceremonially transported to the Akal Takht dor the night. The entire temple is cleaned and washed during this time before being re-opened to the public.</p><p>The entire layout is highly symmetrical along the axis of the causeway, with clean lines, geometric balance, and a contrast between white marble surroundings and the gold-plated central shrine.</p>