It is often said India is a country of unity in diversity, believe me after visiting Golden temple I firmly believe in the qoute. This temple is the biggest example of Indian culture and hospitality. You could find a place to sleep, eat @langar (free) and people to share your story😊 at any point of the day. I mean if you are on backpacking tour on budget, you can live here practically with no money and still be fed properly. You will find rich and poor under the same roof doing ‘seva’ (duties at the temple) in spite of coming from different religion, speak different language or hold different social status without any hesitation.
I am not a Sikh as far as my religion is concerned, and to be honest I knew very little about this faith before going there, despite having had a long standing ambition to see this Temple… The Golden Temple (commonly known as G.T.) is the most attractive and peaceful place in Amritsar. Though it is difficult to get there through the chaotic Amritsar traffic, but it is certainly worth the effort. Though there are some people I know, visit the temple every single day, no matter how far they stay…there was even a man I saw swept all 84 steps up to the top with his shawl, to absorb the blessings of his pilgrimage. It takes your breath away with its beauty, sense of genuine spiritual belief and hospitality. The kitchens aim to serve every visitor, and when I made my modest donation to the kitchen fund, got the biggest smile from the lady who received it that my heart melted. I don't use the word much, but it is truly an awesome place. The genuine devotion of its visitors is deeply moving, and 100% real..
I am sure so many people like me are curious to know why this place is called a Golden temple not a Gurdwara (DOOR OF THE GURU) like other Sikh worship place?
So I tried to gather some information from locals and online - As name suggests it means Temple of God with a Gold dome. This place is considered to be the most holy place for all Sikhs and people who follow Sikhism…and known to have immense exquisiteness and magnificent serenity. The architecture of the temple is based on artistic styles of Hindus and Muslims, yet embodying a unique blend of the two. The holy Sikh scripture Adi Grantha lies on the jewel-studded base within the temple Premises. This place was made to build harmony between Muslims & Hindus. According to Guru Sahibs, God is one and one only. You may call him Hari or Ram or Govind. The land was donated by a Muslim follower to GURUji and whole of Punjab did KARSEWA (work service) in building this HARMINDER SAHIB. HARMINDER= HARI + MANDIR (Temple of God).
The temple is in middle of a big holy water pool. It is a sheer delight to see it from outside. Lot of people take bath in the holy water of pool before entering inside the temple. People keep walking in ques to do ‘darshan’ as there is very little space on the first floor. You can also climb all the way up and see the majestic view of pool from top. The view, the bath, the serenity and feeling of being in presence of God makes this place a must visit if you are travelling to North India!
Unlike the Taj, which is great, this temple is a living breathing shrine. It is filled with pilgrims and tourists alike. Well worth the 5 hour train ride and absent of touts one find in other holy places in India.
As far as the belief of this religion is concerned, they stress on universal brotherhood and love, simplicity, ‘sewa’ (selfless service to humanity), langar (free food to needy ones), meditation for self-realization and God-realization. But as the teachings by the Guru Sahibs which is just 500 years old compared to other religions, its effect is still reflected in the various practices followed by Sikhs, I am penning down few as per my little understanding:
1) Gurudwaras are still kept very clean due to spirit of ‘sewa’ and ‘langar’ practice which is commendable.
2) Majority of Sikhs are true warriors of their Gurus and work tirelessly and are successful in their professions. Their faces are radiant as it reflects the grace to the Guru Sahibs. They never beg but believe in working and earning their dues.
3) The land of Punjab is graced as Guru Sahibs have lived on this land very recently and showered their spiritual grace. Some highlights :
1. From Amritsar station you can hire an auto or a cab to Golden Temple or straight to your hotel.
2. I went there in the month of March, weather was super awesome, thanks to some unprecedented rains that early morning. I suggest travel between Oct-March, weather is absolutely brilliant in these months not very hot...January can be little cold but bearable for all large hearted people.
3. I recommend you to book your hotel close to Golden Temple so that its easier for you to reach temple at any hour of the day faster even if you don’t have any mode of transport available.
· The best time to visit Golden Temple is in the morning.
· You can visit the temple at night also if like to click some memorable pics of the temple.
4. Dump your luggage, freshen up and straight head to Golden Temple. Always keep your head covered within the complex. You do not need to buy a cover if you come without it, there are lots of head-covers just at the entrance which you can use free of cost ( suggestion - guys can cover their head with their handkerchief, and girls can use their dupatta/saree Pallu).
5. You leave your shoes behind in a well-organized storage facility with no fear of your shoes going missing from there; there is too much pride in their faith for mere shoes to be stolen. You then make your way to the foot washing area, which even in the cold of January, was running with hot water. Everything here is about being welcoming to all faiths and all visitors.
6. Cameras are allowed but you are not allowed to take pictures everywhere, especially not inside the Sanctum Sanatorium, unless you have already taken permission.
7. At each corner of the complex, water is served by volunteers so even if you skip carrying bottle its absolutely okey.
8. It took us 2 hours to get the darshan. Inside the temple, they don't push you to go out.. so two hours wait is justified :)
9. Once you are done with your darshan, you can have your lunch at their Langar (which is within the temple complex itself). If you are not fancy about having lunch there, at least go and see the Langar area... It's interesting to see how many common people are providing their service to cut veggies, wash used plates etc. I was amazed by the speed at which they were collecting used plates from pilgrims (must watch) wow what speed!
10. The toilets are located in the dharmashala's right outside the complex. These are all free to use. Use wash rooms and then head straight to Jallianwala Bagh (walking distance).
11. Once you are out of Jallianwala bagh, you will see there will be lots of car/bus owners asking for Wagah border trip. I don't remember the exact fare if it was 100 Rs per person / 200 Rs per person; it surely is not more than 200 Rs per person. Try to take a car which is ready to leave and there is no waiting business. Don't book in advance... you should do it on the spot and quickly leave for the border.
12. It takes at-least one hour to reach Wagah border by car/bus. Don't hire auto to go to Wagah border, as autos don't run as fast as cars or buses. Others will beat you in the race of reaching early at the border.
13. Do not carry lot of luggage to Wagah border, as you will have to keep your stuff in road side vendor lockers. Foreign Nationals must carry their passports and don’t carry bags, Only water, wallets, sunglasses, cameras are allowed near the podium. Even if you buy a popcorn packet, they ask you to throw away the polythene and ask you to carry popcorn in your handkerchief or dupatta.
14. Watch Wagah border parade and then head back to your hotel.
15. Eat dinner at Bharawan Da Dhaba, walk-able distance from Golden temple. One of the best places to eat Amritsari kulcha(well known dish, a must have when you are in Amritsar).
16. A few other famous and best places to visit in Amritsar which attracts the tourists are:- ‘Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Museum’ (offers insights into the life of the Sikh monarch) ‘Durgiana Temple’, ‘Katra Jaimal Singh Market’ - famous to buy ‘Punjabi ladies suits’ & ‘Woolens’..Ladies you know what you can buy from there😊.
Time required for this whole trip :
· For Golden temple: 4 hrs (includes darshan, photo ops, langar)
For Jallianwala Bagh : 45 Minutes (we did it in 15-20 minutes)
Leave for Wagah border by 2 or 2:30pm for sure from Jallianwala. We left at 3:15, and had to stand and watch the whole parade, if we would have been late by another 5 mins, then believe me wouldn't have even got to watch it live... We would have ended up watching it on big screen kept at the Wagah border. So please ensure you leave latest by 2:30, preferably by two to get seats!
Few tips:
Wait till the whole crowd at Wagah border disappears, that's when you get opportunities to go to the main gate and get your selfie.
Interact with soldiers (only when the majority of the crowd exits), they are really fun to talk with.
Foodies Paradise
If you are in Amritsar & haven’t tried out various famous eating joints; your trip has been wasted. Right from the Golden Temple Langar to famous “dhabas” – some more than the century old; the city has various eating options for veg & nonveg and definitely for sugary lovers! We tried lots of option from Puri Launji Thali at Kanha Sweets, Amritsari kulcha at Bharawan da dhaba, kulfi followed by huge glass of Ahuja’s lassi!! Stop counting calories and open your mouth for a treat! Kesar da Dhaba is a legendary eat out which first opened in 1916 in Lahore and shifted to Amritsar during partition, they prepare and serve food the same way since then believe me, it’s a big hit!!
Where to stay
You can stay within the Dharamshala’s outside the temple complex, but these are extremely crowded and often you would not find a bed to sleep on. Alternatively, you can also stay within the city. There are many hotels in all budgets and even pocket-friendly. Please check agoda, Booking.com & MakeMyTrip.com for good hotel options.
How to reach Amritsar
Traveling to Amritsar is very simple there are enough Shatabdi trains which depart from New Delhi or can book an overnight AC bus thru online sites( redBus). Most of these buses depart from the Red Fort/Kashmiri Gate ISBT depot. You could also drive it generally takes six to seven hours max. Amritsar is well connected by air also so one can check options online accordingly.
I bet, you would love your visit to Amritsar but keep the plan for at least 2 Days, as you would be able to see the beauty of this holy city peacefully. I hope you enjoyed reading the list of the ‘must visit Places’ in Amritsar’? Drop me an email or mention your queries (if any). I would love to address them, helping you plan your visit… Enjoy!
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