Golden Temple, Punjab
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The Golden Temple welcomes devotees of all ages, backgrounds, and religions. The four entrances to the temple stand for the Sikh belief in equality and the idea that everyone is welcome in their sacred space. The sanctum and the pool are surrounded by a complex of buildings. Among the structures are a clock tower, the Gurdwara Committee’s offices, a museum, and a Langar, a non-profit Sikh community kitchen that serves vegetarian food to all visitors without distinction. The complex of gurdwaras has been proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple’s English name comes from the fact that it is a two-story building with the top half covered in almost 400 kg of pure gold leaf. The construction is thought to have been started in the 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the leader of the Sikh empire. The remainder of the temple complex is made of white marble with colourful precious and semi-precious stones inlaid throughout. The Pietra dura technique has been applied to the creation of motifs. The vast temple complex is impressive in scale. The temple’s base is a 67-foot square of marble, and the architecture of the building is magnificent. Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar), whose waters are reputed to have healing properties, surrounds the sparkling temple.
Nearby Places to See
Jallianwala Bagh
Its close proximity to the Golden Temple makes it a potent symbol of India’s freedom fight and the British’s brutality. It was on April 13, 1919, when Dyer arrived with his force, stood at the only entrance the bagh had, and rained bullets on the hapless crowd, which included children, pregnant women, and senior citizens. Dyer’s men fired 1650 rounds of bullets, killing 369 people and injuring more than 1000 others. Even today, the walls bearing the bullet marks remain and are retained as mute witnesses to the gory incident.
Its close proximity to the Golden Temple makes it a potent symbol of India’s freedom fight and the British’s brutality. It was on April 13, 1919, when Dyer arrived with his force, stood at the only entrance the bagh had, and rained bullets on the hapless crowd, which included children, pregnant women, and senior citizens. Dyer’s men fired 1650 rounds of bullets, killing 369 people and injuring more than 1000 others. Even today, the walls bearing the bullet marks remain and are retained as mute witnesses to the gory incident.
Attari/Wagah Border
The renowned Attari border with Pakistan is located about 30 kilometres from the Golden Temple. After the Golden Temple, it is Amritsar’s second most popular tourist attraction. This border is the only place where India and Pakistan share a physical road. The evening closing of border gates is known as the “beating retreat,” and it is this event that draws tourists. The border guards from both countries put on an impressive performance, which was enthusiastically received by the crowds on either side.
The renowned Attari border with Pakistan is located about 30 kilometres from the Golden Temple. After the Golden Temple, it is Amritsar’s second most popular tourist attraction. This border is the only place where India and Pakistan share a physical road. The evening closing of border gates is known as the “beating retreat,” and it is this event that draws tourists. The border guards from both countries put on an impressive performance, which was enthusiastically received by the crowds on either side.
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