The Splendorous Golden Temple of Amritsar
Topping our list when traveling to India was a visit to the Golden Temple of Amritsar. Known as Darbar Sahib or Harmandar Sahib, this is considered the most sacred place in Sikhism.
This temple is open to all, regardless of race, religion or background. It is a place for everyone to experience its beauty and spirituality.
A Vacation to the Golden Temple of Amritsar is A Must
It was 460 km from Delhi to Amritsar, Punjab, and we spent a full twelve hours on a train in general class. The locals were very hospitable, providing us with food and giving up their seats to make us more comfortable. We had a feeling that our journey would be extraordinary before we even reached our destination.
Respect must be shown before entering the Golden Temple, which requires both men and women to cover their heads as well as having their shoulders and legs covered.
In contrast to other religious sites, footwear is not accepted in the temple. But here, there is a peculiarity with regards to going without shoes. Before admission, visitors must pass through a foot bath to make sure their feet are hygienic.
Admission to the Golden Temple is free of charge.
Prior to entering the Golden Temple, Deb performs a ritual washing.
Information Regarding Sikhism
Sikhism is a religion that originated in the Indian subcontinent during the fifteenth century. It is a monotheistic faith that follows the teachings of Guru Nanak and the subsequent nine gurus. The core beliefs of Sikhism are expressed in the sacred scripture Guru Granth Sahib and include faith and meditation on the name of the one creator, divine unity and equality of all humankind, engaging in selfless service, striving for social justice for the benefit and prosperity of all and honest conduct and livelihood while living a householder’s life.
The Holy Tank that surrounds the Golden Temple of Amritsar is a sight to behold.
In my humble estimation, the Sikh Religion is one of the more obscure religions globally. During our visit to the Golden Temple, we gained knowledge of Sikhism and now we would like to communicate what was discovered.
Established in the 15th century, Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak in response to the caste system and religious rituals of other faiths. The religion also heavily relies on scientific principles.
In contrast to the Pope of Catholicism or the Dalai Lama of Buddhism, a female can assume the role of the leader of Sikhs if they are voted into the position. Women are provided with full equality and can even ascend to the highest authority within the religion.
In the Sikh faith, there is a democratic system of governance. No one is required to be born into or ordained as a leader, instead they are chosen through an election process. If the public are not satisfied with the work of the elected official, they can be voted out in the subsequent election.
Visiting The Golden Temple made us aware of the inclusivity of the Sikh faith. We were welcomed to ask questions and were provided with explanations of their religion. As we heard more about Sikhism, our understanding of it grew.
The Sacred Tree at The Glittering Temple
The Golden Temple has a special tree that is held in great reverence. This holy tree is treasured by those who visit the temple.
The Golden Temple contains a Holy Tree, which was established by the esteemed Guru Baba Budha Ji. He planted the roots of the Golden Temple after having taken a rest beneath a bush.
This tree, which still stands to this day, was the site of a camp in 1506 and is now the point of reverence for many people.
The Sacred Reservoir
This particular container is viewed as hallowed, and is commonly referred to as the “Holy Tank”. It is a receptacle which has been venerated by many different cultures and religions. Its symbolic qualities are seen to represent an abundance of blessings and prosperity.
The moat, called the holy tank, was built by him and surrounds the temple. It has holy water inside that people use to cleanse themselves of sins and keep away ailments.
Bathing in the open is something that is done by the men, yet the women have their own place to take a bath in seclusion. After everyone has washed up, they proceed to the Harmandir Sahib, which is the most important temple.
Harmandir Sahib is an Iconic Site
Harmandir Sahib, often referred to as the Golden Temple, is an iconic religious site in India. It is held in high esteem by the Sikh community, who consider it to be a sacred place of worship. The temple was built in the 16th century, and it is adorned with gold, marble and precious stones. Its architectural beauty and spiritual significance makes it a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Harmandir Sahib, commonly known as the Golden Temple, is encircled by other snow-white shrines and a moat. Although not expansive, it is simply awe-inspiring.
Constructed in 1577, the roof of the temple is coated with 750 kg of 24-karat gold.
Throughout the centuries, the Golden Temple has endured due to the Sikhs’ consistent rebuilds after it was demolished by Afghan forces and Mughal Empire. Maharaja Ranjit Singh eventually reconstructed it in 1809, and covered it with gold foil, thus earning its title of The Golden Temple.
The temple is encircled by a marble pathway which guards it from all directions.
It was an unprecedented feeling of hospitality that we encountered in India.
The locals were delighted to have us at their Sikh shrine, and we were able to get a glimpse into their lifestyle. They paused to take pictures with us, engage in conversations about the history of Sikhism and warmly welcomed us to their residence.
The inhabitants of Punjab are among the most affluent in India. When they discovered our Canadian heritage, they were well-versed with our nation. In fact, many of the individuals that we encountered had, at one point, resided in Canada and were visiting their relatives in India.
We were informed by a few people that they were off to pursue their studies in Canada or that they had family members in the country and had gone to visit them.
Rather than the usual introductory dialogue of “Where are you from?” and “What is your name?” in India, the conversations in Amritsar were much more in-depth, spanning topics such as Sikhism, India, and life in Canada.
Deb was in an amiable company of youngsters.
Taking a Trip to the Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is a well-known destination for travelers. A visit to the temple is sure to be a memorable experience. The temple is renowned for its architecture, spirituality, and history. It is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
The Golden Temple of Amritsar, located towards the middle of the city, is so captivating that it is easy to forget the hours that pass while one is there. Its grandeur is visible from all points of the city.
Travelling along the marble path, the tranquil tunes of the priests and minstrels, singing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, resonate from the speakers.
Sikhs practice being considerate of others by not having the sound from the speakers travel too far beyond the walls of the complex. The volume is kept at a comfortable level to avoid noise pollution.
Making One’s Way Through the large crowd.
The task of making one’s way through a large throng can be daunting. Even though it is sometimes necessary to venture into the midst of a great multitude, it is not always easy. However, with patience and determination, it is possible to traverse through the substantial crowd.
Enormous numbers of people thronging daily
Following a few hours, we eventually arrived at the causeway that takes you to the Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple. The group of people was dense yet orderly and we gradually proceeded across the Tank to one of the four entrances to the temple.
When we arrived at the temple, the pushing and shoving started as people tried to get in. We couldn’t make sense of their haste since you were allowed to stay inside for as long as desired. I suppose everyone was eager to take in the view of what we had been waiting in line for.
At the main level, holy men are seated in the center with musicians surrounding them. Beginning at sunrise and continuing until sundown, the musicians play and sing continuously, trading off reciting every two hours.
A white cloth is draped over the book, and people are tossing coins into the middle of it as if it is a matter of life and death.
The Tower of Time
The Clock Tower stands tall, a timeless reminder of days gone by. It remains a symbol of the past, but also looks towards the future, with its eyes cast upon the world. It has seen many generations come and go, and will continue to do so for years to come. It is a monument to the past that will never be forgotten.
As we ascended the stairs, we took in the scenery while nearby people had their own moments of prayer and reverence to the words being spoken.
The clocktower was visible from the temple and we were granted a stunning view. When looking down on the Golden Temple of Amritsar from this location, a sense of peacefulness and serenity overcame us.
Every Day, Tens of Thousands of Individuals Dine at the Golden Temple
For the past four and a half centuries, up to one hundred thousand people per day have partaken of meals at this location.
No fee is necessary to enter the temple. Touring the Golden Temple is cost-free, and they will even offer you a meal for your pilgrimage. The dining hall at the Golden Temple feeds upwards of 100,000 individuals daily from the volunteer-run kitchen that is provided without cost.
What is absolutely incredible is that this feat has endured for a whopping 450 years without fail, an incredible accomplishment.
No matter your station in life, everyone gathers to eat on the floor, no exceptions. It could be a famous person, a royal, or the leader of the country, but all will be treated with the same respect.
It is time to consume the midday meal. The cuisine is spotless and appetizing, and it is clear that their 450-year-old technique is effective as they are able to provide meals for thousands of people within only ten to 15 minutes.
On the menu, Dahl, Chapati, Ghee, and Aloo Gobi are all served up, cooked to perfection.
Once you’re done, grab your stainless steel tray and head off to the cleaning station while the subsequent group of pilgrims arrive. It’s an event that shouldn’t go unseen – a truly remarkable one.
A Visit to the Glorious Golden Temple of Amritsar
We had a wonderful time during our stay at this renowned temple. There is a hospitable atmosphere among all people.
We returned to the temple in the day and evening to appreciate its beauty and distinct atmospheres at various times. Especially at nighttime, the temple was breathtaking under the illumination of the lights and had a tranquil ambiance.
An Illuminated Golden Temple at Nighttime
The Golden Temple, shining brightly at night, is a spectacular sight. The warm, golden hues of the building are magnificently illuminated in the dark, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. Visitors to the temple can enjoy the beauty of the temple’s exterior lit up in the night sky.
When the sun sets, the temple environment transforms. Despite the continued presence of individuals bathing in the tank, reciting prayers at the temple and strolling around the moat, a serene atmosphere descends.
The sight of it at night is truly amazing. The lights of the temples are mirrored in the tranquil water below, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Despite the silence, life continues on as usual.
The food hall continues to provide meals as more volunteers walk in to begin their duties.
In this bustling nation of India, the Golden Temple of Amritsar is a holy place that we found to be our favorite destination. It was a more personal journey than a traditional tourist attraction.
Tourist Spots to Visit in Amritsar
Visiting Amritsar can be a rewarding experience, as there are many attractions to see. There is the Golden Temple, a spiritual center for the Sikh faith, as well as the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, which commemorates the 1919 massacre. Wagah Border is a popular spot, as it is the site of the daily retreat ceremony between India and Pakistan. Other attractions include the Akal Takht and the Partition Museum. There are many more places to explore in Amritsar, giving tourists a chance to experience the culture and history of this fascinating city.
A couple of days in Amritsar can be spent absorbing attractions other than the Golden Temple. What drew us to Punjab was the Golden Temple, but Amritsar is also the location of the well-known border ceremony at Wagah.
Every evening, the military forces of Pakistan and India put on a display while ending the day’s activities at the border.
The city of Amritsar is also home to the Durgiana temple, a Hindu temple that has an architectural style similar to the Golden Temple.
When coming to Amritsar, a trip to Hall Bazaar is an essential part of the experience. Located right by the train station, it is an ideal way to shop in a traditional Indian market.
A visit to Amritsar would not be complete without a stop at the renowned Golden Temple. It is the principal attraction of the city and must be seen during a trip to Punjab.
If you plan to travel to India, you should include a stop at The Golden Temple. We found it even more enjoyable than the Taj Mahal.
If you are seeking additional guidance for planning your trip, you might want to take a look at our Travel Plan and we can add Amritsar as an excursion.
