The Golden Temple Amritsar is one of the most visited places in the world.
But do you ever wonder what attracts so many tourists from all over the world?
While many of the tourists are not even connected to the Sikh religion in any way.
Well we today will give you all the reasons behind why the people around the globe love visiting the Golden Temple through our, “Ultimate travel Guide to Amritsar’s Golden Temple”.
Table of Contents
Just another shrine or is it Beyond the sanctum?
Undoubtedly the Golden Temple is reverend Sikh Shrine. But, if we see it from a different angle, you will notice that the monument is the epicenter of the Historical City Amritsar.
If we go by the mythological stories the city didn’t exist until the fourth Sikh Guru Shri Guru Ramdas Ji made this place as his capital to further spread the religious preaching.
Initially, the city was known as Guru da chakk/ Ramdaspur.
It was only after the Golden Temple was built the city came to be known as Amritsar. The town was named after the Sarovar that surrounds the holy Temple.
Sarovar- the Holy Pool of Nectar- in the Hindi language. Nectar is called “Amrit” and “Sar” is the abbreviated form of the word Sarovar. Hence the city is now known as Amritsar.
Reason Behind the Four Entrances
The famous shrine has four entrances to the holy sanctum. The logic behind this architecture is Secularism.
Yes, secularism is one of the pillars of Sikhism. So, the great soul who mapped the design of Shri Harmandir sahib permanently marked this preach with the idea of four Entrances.
They depict openness to all the people irrespective of their caste, creed, colour and religion.
Isn’t it surprising how liberal our Ancestors were?
The “Golden Temple”
Now, as soon as you climb down the stairs you will notice the main Temple shining bright Amidst the sparkling Holy pool. The sight is just heavenly. For a moment you will totally be awestruck by the beauty and will feel that you are no more on the earth but in Heaven- the abode of god.
Of course, you would know that the shrine is called, “Golden Temple” for it is covered with pure Gold. But it was not like this since the beginning. It was after two centuries when the beloved king of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh adorned the Holy Sanctum with 750 Kg of pure gold in 1830.
Langar- Largest Free Community Kitchen
One of the most Impressive traits in Sikhism is Selfless service and the Community Kitchen is the finest example of the same.
Inside the holy campus of the shrine, you will find a Langar hall or Community Kitchen where lakhs of people have their meal daily for free.
Pilgrims, no matter rich or poor, Hindu or Muslim, Brahmin or Dalit sit on the floor in the same row (Pangat) and have their food in Harmony.
In the community kitchen or Langar hall, you won’t just be served food. But, a number of lessons like equality, Importance of sharing and selfless service for the people in need.
PS- The Langar tastes better than the 7 stars hotels out there because of the Vibe and the atmosphere it is prepared, served and consumed.
Dukhbhanjani Beri
Although the entire Holy Pool is full of nectar the spot right below the tree, “Dukhbhanjani Beri” holds a special significance.
It is believed that the Guru Sahibans used to meditate under this centuries-old tree. Also, who so ever takes a dip in the holy water under the same tree their sorrows vanish forever(Dukh Bhanjan).
So, the next time you visit the shrine do not forget to take a holy dip under the Dukhbhanjani Beri.
Shri Akal Takht Sahab
Akal Takht, the throne of the timeless. It was built by the tenth Guru Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Akal Takht is right opposite to the main temple. It is one of the 5 main Takhts. The motive behind building the Takht was to address the grievances of the community.
And to this date, all the major decisions concerning the community, religion and code of conduct are taken are here. They ruled passed here is obeyed by the entire Sikh community residing in the world.
