Top 5 Things to Know about the Golden Temple, Amritsar

A lot of people travel to religious places seeking answers to questions that make life meaningful for them. For some folks, temples, dargahs, churches, and monasteries are appealing because of the inner peace that they experience in these places. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is one such religious centre that has touched the hearts of millions of people across the world. Sri Harmandir Sahib is a Gurudwara set in Amritsar’s most historic part. The literal meaning of Darbar Sahib is “Abode of God” and staying true to its name, this Sikh temple is open for visitors all day, every day. The most appealing characteristic of this famous temple in Amritsar is that it welcomes people from all walks of life. You might not be a believer of one or any religion, but you always be met with smiling faces of Granthis (Sikh priests and caretakers of the temple).

Of course, a visit to the Golden Temple in Punjab’s most vibrant city, Amritsar, would not be complete without exploring the charming old blocks. While coming back from the temple, you can devour delicious street food dishes and buy beautiful souvenirs from the friendliest shopkeepers. There are several top-rated hotels in Amritsar near the Golden Temple if you feel like staying a day or two. Make sure to have a well-planned itinerary that you can easily customize, according to your whims and fancies. Before taking a tour of the most famous Gurudwara in Amritsar and possible the whole world, here are a few details that might help you plan your trip:

1.Overview

The Golden Temple in Amritsar is a tourist destination for every traveller who visits the city mainly because of its magnificent beauty and religious importance. Literally made of gold, this Gurudwara has been built around a man-made pool that is known to have powerful healing properties. Once you enter the complex, you will experience inner peace like never before. Amritsar’s Swarn Mandir is one place that celebrates spiritual awakening in the best possible way. Every visitor, Sikh or not, is given Karah Prasad, a halwa made of whole wheat flour, sugar, and pure ghee. Along with this, the langar service (community-run free kitchen) runs round the clock at this temple in Amritsar. So, you can have a sumptuous meal and think about life and the universe amidst people from all backgrounds.

2.History 

The history of the Golden Temple is a little complex for people who are not familiar with the medieval era in the Indian subcontinent. It is said that Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru, first gave orders to find an appropriate land around a man-made pool that would be named Guru da Chakk. But it was his successor, Guru Ram Das who managed to acquire land for the construction of this temple by paying Rs. 700 in the sixteenth century. Guru Arjan followed his predecessor and made sure that the Golden Temple was built by following the Sikh principles. During the Mughal era, several attempts were to harm this temple and the Sikh community that ultimately led to the martyrdom of Guru Arjan. It was Maharaja Ranjit who took a vow to reconstruct and bring about the present-day glory of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. In modern times, the Golden Temple’s sanctity was again tainted by Operation Blue Star that was initiated by Indira Gandhi to encounter militants of Khalistan background. Due to this reason, several riots ensued in 1984 in which innocent Sikhs were killed too. Since then, the Golden Temple’s purity has not been questioned.

3.Best Time to Visit 

If you ask a Sikh friend, colleague or relative about the right time to visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar, then they would all say the same thing - any time is ideal to pay your respects. While this is true to a great extent, planning your Amritsar tour package according to the best season is important. The charming winters of Amritsar are ideal for a vacation in the months between November and March. It would be wise to carry warm clothing as the chilly weather can take a toll on your health if you do not layer up properly. As for the timings of this Gurudwara in Amritsar, you can walk at any time of the day and find the doors open for visitors.

4.Things to Note

While visiting this holy site, it is imperative that you follow certain rules and regulations set by the community leaders. Upon entering the temple, women and men must cover their heads with a scarf or handkerchief. If you have been on an Amritsar sightseeing tour and do not have a headcover, then do not fret. There are free scarves available within the temple complex. Alongside this, every visitor needs to remove her/his shoes and submit them to the cloakroom. You will not be charged for this service. Intoxicating substances such as cigarettes, tobacco packs, and alcohol are not permitted within this holy place. People who would like to take a dip in the pond must ensure that no soap or shampoo is used. It is also recommended to wear appropriate clothing to be respectful. Proper sanitation and hygiene standards are maintained by the Gurudwara Committee, so it is important for visitors to do the same. Wearing a mask and keeping a distance from others is compulsory at the Golden Temple as prescribed by the government to curb transmission of the COVID-19 virus in public places.

5.Nearby Sightseeing 

There are various places to visit in Amritsar after or before paying respects at the Golden Temple. You cannot ever get bored in this city because it is always buzzing with activities, events, and flea markets all year round. The people of Amritsar are so lively that you will need a minute to cope up with them! Here are four of the most popular tourist places near the Golden Temple in Amritsar that you must explore on your vacation:

• Jallianwala Bagh - The Jallianwala Bagh Memorial Park is a place that will make you say a little prayer for the souls who were massacred by the British. This historical site is a must-visit for all those who wish to honour the freedom struggles of India. It is open every day from 6.30 am to 7.30 pm and there are no entry charges to this memorial park.
• Partition Museum - The location of the Golden Temple in Amritsar is perfect because of its proximity to several historical and cultural spots. The Partition Museum is only five minutes away from this Gurudwara, set in the famous Town Hall building. There are countless documents, artefacts, and study materials available here that provide detailed information about the Partition of British India. Personal belongings of refugees who now live on both sides of the border can be seen displayed in this museum.
• ISKCON Temple - Officially known as Sri Gaur Radha Krishna Temple is located at Chowk Mani Bazar. It is one of the most-visited Hindu temples in Amritsar, especially by followers of the Hare Krishna Movement. It is only a kilometre from the Golden Temple, so you can easily walk down to this religious centre.
• Wagah Border - Wagah Border Amritsar is an experience that every Indian must have at least once in their life. The patriotic energy that you can feel here is simply beyond comparison. Set on the Grand Trunk Road, the stadium at the Wagah-Attari Border is open for the public in the evening at 4.15 pm in winters and 5.15 pm in summers. You can watch and cheer the soldiers performing the Parade to your heart’s content.

Visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar is an experience that every person deserves to have in their lifetime. So, do not make yourself miss out on a life-changing journey and plan your trip right away!