Amritsar, the most popular city of Punjab, has been titled as “holy city” since the time immemorial. Do you know why the city has been honored with such a great title? For Golden Temple, umm, yes partially but, the holiness of the city is way beyond the Popular shrine.
The City Amritsar has witnessed the birth of great enlightened souls in its soil. No doubt, why there is a Temple, a Gurudwara, and a Mosque almost after every 100 meters.
Each of them has their own revered history. Besides the Garden of Eden, the Golden Temple, there are a number of famous temples in Amritsar.
Temples in Amritsar, as mentioned have a prolonged history. Mandir that tops the list of the famous temples, is Mata Lal Devi Mandir.
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About Mata Lal Devi Temple
It is one of the most ancient temples. It was built in memory of Pujya Mata Ji. The saintly lady was born on 21st February 1923 in Lahore, Punjab (now in Pakistan).
She was born to father Shri Har Jas Mall, who was a businessman and her mother, Shrimati Maya Devi. Soon after their 4th daughter’s birth parents went to the Chintpurani temple located in Himachal Pradesh.
On reaching the Mata Lal Devi Temple when the family confronted the sacred entity, it is believed that Pujya Mata Ji was enlightened with the holy spirit of the deity Chintpurani. The priest of the temple predicted that this girl child is not an ordinary one. And declared that she possess heavenly powers.
All of the family members were dazed on hearing. At first, they could not believe their ears, but having experienced so many miracles of Pujya Mata Ji’s power, and the family started to regard Pujya Mata Ji as a saintly mother.
Amid partition conflict, Mata ji chose Amritsar for her journey ahead.
According to devotees, all wishes and prayers turn out to be true if asked for, with full faith. Especially ladies who face problems in getting married or are unable to bear children must visit the temple once.
On visiting the will, you can notice “red chunaris” tied around every grill and pillar. While asking a wish, people tie these chunaris and then later when they are blessed with their desires, they come and open the knots.
So if you are about to start a family sometime soon, then you must visit the model town mandir Amritsar to seek the choicest blessings of Mata Lal Devi Ji.
What to Expect
When you enter the temple, it may appear as a regular Hindu temple with lots of idols all around. But the real fun starts when you climb up the narrow staircase on the left side of the temple.
You will be instantly reminded of the holy shrine “Mata Vaishno Devi”. Because the temple was initially built following the model of the holy trek of Vaishno Devi.
If you have ever read about Hindu mythology you would know that there are a total of 33 Crores gods and goddesses. (Oh god! If not more please bless me 1 rupee for each avatar you had)
Out of these crores, you will at least find thousands of them residing in this holy temple.
The walls adorned with a colorful mosaic of mirrors will catch your attention instantly. The art of storytelling that once was portrayed through frescos would now be delivered to you through this colorful mosaic.
The 12 Jyotirlingas
Next, you see all the 12 auspicious Jyotirlingas that are Somnath, Nageshwar, Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Vaidyanath, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, Rameshwaram, and Mallikarjuna.
Although they all are located in varied geographical regions around India, here in this temple, you would find them all under the same roof.
Garbh Gufa(cave)
The next interesting thing that you will discover on your way would be Garbh (womb)Gufa(caves). It is a narrow cave-like passway that resembles the womb. One has to crawl through the gufa to cross it. (Chances of getting your head hit against the roof are really high but is not harmful or suffocating at all; so you must try crawling to have fun)
Gufa Vaishno Devi ji
The prime attraction spot of the temple is Vaishno Devi Gufa. This watery cave is the exact replica of the original shrine and it is believed that one who cannot visit the actual shrine, should visit here at least once in a lifetime.
Right after the “Pindi Darshan” you will find yourself in the “Bharav Ghati”. We mean the temple of bharav, the one whose blessings are important for the completion of the holy trek.
Nearly 500 to 1000 people visit this holy temple irrespective of their caste, color, and creed.
Timings Of Mata Lal Devi Temple
The temple remains open from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Free food/langar is served throughout the day to the devotees on a regular basis. And for the unprivileged one’s medical facilities, support is available for free.
Visiting this temple is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do in Amritsar. The entire experience is bound to give you a new perspective of Hinduism and the ways devotees practice their religion.
