Monday, June 25, 2012

The Golden Temple, Amritsar





Known to be the sacred most place for Sikhs and most popular destination among Non- Residential Indians(NRI) in the whole of India, Golden temple (Harmandir Sahib- The abode of God) is a special and spiritual place especially for the sikhs. Everyone in India consider it a holy place and a must visit to Golden Temple for the Well- being and blessings regardless of their religion, colour, creed, or sex.






Considered holy by Sikhs, the most holy text of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, is always present inside the Golden Temple. The Gurudwar is a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religions. The Gurudwar accepts everyone and there's a common saying all around Amritsar from almost everyone that nobody goes hungry in the Land of Golden Temple, Amritsar. Hardly any beggars in and around the Temple, or no beggars at all as none was noticed. It's a good place of worship for all.






People were required to leave the shoes and wear a head covering along with washing one's feet before entering the Gurudwar's premises. Its maintained for the purity of the Sacred place.

Hari Mandir (Divine Temple) or Darbar Sahib (Court of the Lord), which is the beautiful golden structure at the center of a large body of water is the the most famous and sacred part of the Golden Temple complex where Devotees pay their respects by touching with their foreheads on the temple floor and walls.


The water that surrounds the Hari Mandir is a sacred pool known as the Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar). The temple is reached by following the Parikrama, which circumscribes the sacred pool in a clockwise direction. Connecting the pathway with the Hari Mandir is a marble causeway called the Guru's Bridge, which symbolizes the journey of the soul after death. Darshani Deorhi,the gateway to the bridge has magnificent silver doors.


The temple's surrounded all around by Sarover or water tank. After coming out of the Gurudwar, Holy water is taken by devotees followed by Prasad.





The people who visited the Gurudwar can also have Langar at the Community Kitchen inside the premise. Food is continously served for the devotees all round the clock. It was a very humble experience to have the Guru-Ka-Langar where devotees made an effort to help run the community kitchen in all possible way. There are Guest rooms/ Quarters to stay inside the Premises.

Amritsar's a Splendid Weekend Getaway from Delhi and nearby places.
There's Shabtabdi train to Amritsar and I find that a very good way to go to Amritsar. Friends also recommended and suggested for a enjoyable roadway trip when I visit next. Until next time... Will keep alive the Goodtime spent in Amritsar.