Amritsar, founded in 1577 R. by Ramdas, the fourth guru of the Sikhs, it is not only the main city of Punjab, but also a center of Sikh worship. The name of the city means "a pond filled with nectar" and refers to the lake, over which the Golden Temple was built. Although Amritsar itself does not differ much from typical Indian cities, the temple is an extraordinary and unique building. During your stay in Punjab, it is worth finding time to visit it. A convenient location for tourists traveling around Asia is the convenient location of Amritsar near the Indian-Pakistani border.
The area for development of the city was designated by the Mughal emperor, Akbar. W 1761 R. Ahmad Shah Durani plundered Amritsar and destroyed the temple. Reconstruction began in 1764 R. W 1802 R. the dome was covered with a gilded copper sheet designed by Rańjit Sinhga and from then on the reconstructed building is called the Golden Temple.
Amritsar was also affected by the riots accompanying the division of India. The bloody incidents that took place here started a series of tragic events throughout the Punjab.
The political situation in Punjab was shaken again at the beginning of the years 80. Sikh extremists entered the Golden Temple and left it only after the bloody intervention of Indian troops. This incident was one of the causes of the soon-to-be murder of Indira Gandhi. The temple was seized once more in 1986 R. To this day, however, almost all damage caused by the military has been repaired.
Sikhs are known for this, that they speak of their city and temple with pride and reverence, tourists, on the other hand, appreciate their hospitality and friendly attitude.
Orientation and information
The old town of Amritsar, located south-east of the main railway station, the road surrounds, around which the massive city walls used to stand. Of the entrance gates, only one remembers the times of Amritsar's founding. It is the north gate. overlooking the Ram Bagh Gardens. Both the Golden Temple, as well as the narrow streets of the fair are situated in the old town.
The more modern buildings of Amritsar extend to the northeast of the train station. In this part of the city there are gardens called Ram Bagh, as well as the popular Mail Rd and Lawrence St.. The railway station is situated on the road to Delhi, 2 km from the train station.
travel agency (23-1452), 1 km walk east of the bus station, is located in a former youth hostel now occupied by the military. Unfortunately, the staff is not giving enough information, however, the office is closed at weekends. The fact may seem interesting, that the surrounding ditches are overgrown with marijuana. Because there has been a change in phone numbers, there may be problems with calling Amritsar. In such cases, information about the new telephone number can be obtained at no. 55-0197.
Golden Temple
The largest Sikh temple, also called Hari Mandir, rises in the middle of old Amritsar. The building is located on an island surrounded by a holy lake, whose name was given to the city. Temple, looking most beautiful at dawn, is open to visitors. It's best to schedule your visit in the middle of the week, then you will avoid the crowds of tourists who come here most often on weekends. Destruction after the storming of the Indian army in 1984 R. have already been fixed. There are still bullet marks on the temple walls, however. For safety reasons, access to small rooms on the lake side was cut off, basement rooms, as well as to all corners, which served as hiding places for extremists.
Both pilgrims, as well as visitors, before entering the temple, they must take off their shoes and headgear. Smoking is strictly forbidden; one can photograph only behind Parikrama, marble wall surrounding the temple. Right next to the clock tower, rising at the main entrance to the Golden Temple, we will find an information office. You can hire an English speaking guide here, as well as buy interesting publications, from which we will find out, that human hair is a source of vital energy.
Mandir Day
A causeway called the Guru Bridge leads to the sanctuary at the sacred lake. The marble temple consists of two storeys. The lower walls are decorated with plant and animal motifs in pietra dura style, similar to these, adorned with the Taj Mahal mausoleum. After entering, tourists are treated to sweet press-ad by pilgrims. Let those who leave the temple know, that the old custom tells us to share the cake with passing people.
The architecture of the Golden Temple is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles. The golden dome (covered with pure gold supposedly weighing 100 kg) depicts an inverted lotus flower. The turning of the flower towards the ground symbolizes the Sikhs' concern for the fate of the world. Currently, the dome is covered with a new layer of gold, donated by the Sikh community of Birmingham.
The Holy Book of Granth Sahib
Visitors to the temple will hear the voice of one of the four priests coming from the speakers. Everyone stays in one of the main parts of the building and reads verses from the holy book of the Sikhs - Granth Sahib. Original book, covered with a pink shroud, it is kept in the Golden Temple during the day. In the evening, about an hour 22.00, there is a ceremony of transferring the book to the Akal Takhat building (the Sikh parliament). In the summer, the ceremony of handing over the book to the temple begins with Fr. 4 in the morning, an hour later in winter.
Museum of Sikh Art
The Sikh museum is located on the second floor of the clock tower. Inside, there are paintings depicting the fate of Sikh worshipers and martyrs.