Amritsar, the holy City

Amritsar It is a city in the north India that is situated 217 kilometers from the capital city of Punjab, Chandigarh and 32 kilometers from Lahore, Pakistan, very close to India's western border with Pakistan. It literally means ' holy pool of nectar'. This city is the main seat of Sikh history and culture. The foundation stone of this holy city was laid by fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das in 1574. It is home to the world famous Golden Temple that is also known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib. Today this temple is revered as the spiritual and cultural center of Sikh religion. It attracts maximum number of visitors than any other tourist destination in India. It is very well connected with most of the important cities of India. This city has also witnessed the infamous Jallianwala Massacre in 1919, when an insane British general ordered his men to shoot innocent peaceful protesters who were gathered in Jallianwala Garden against the torturous rule of British Empire. Today, it is a thriving modern city that caters tourism, carpets and fabrics industries, farm production, handicrafts and light engineering etc. This city has also been conferred with prestigious title "The Jewel of Punjab".

AMRITSAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Golden Temple: It is the most important Sikh pilgrimage that is also known as the "Harmandir Sahib" and "Darbar Sahib". It receives maximum number of visitors throughout the year even leaves behind The Taj Mahal in Agra that receives maximum number of tourists in India. It is open for the visitors of all faiths. It was the brain child of 5th Sikh Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who designed the structure of this holy temple on his own.  The foundation stone of this temple was laid by a prominent Muslim Saint Hazrat Mian Mir of Lahore in 1588. This beautiful pure white marble temple is surrounded by holy pond "Amrit Sarovar". Most of its parts are made up of pure gold that is matchless. There are many small temples within the premises of main temple. The temple is echoed with religious chants from early morning till the evening everyday that is extremely lively and eternal.  It also houses the Adigrantha, the sacred book of Sikh also known as "Guru Granth Sahib".

Golden Temple is a multi storied building that is constructed on a 67 feet stage in the center of the tank. It is a mammoth 40.5 feet structure. The leading doors of the temple open in all four directions. The main building of the temple is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width.  The holy book of Sikhs "Guru Granth Sahib" is placed on the first floor of ‘Har ki Paure'. The devotees read this holy relic throughout the day. The structure is decorated with beautiful arches and fabulous designs. In a nutshell we can say that this temple is the pride of India.

Amrit Sarovar: It is a large, pure and clear water pond that surrounds the Golden Temple. You may see the mirror image of Golden Temple in its clear water from the edge of this pond. The pilgrims take bath in this pond before visiting Darbar Sahib. There are marked sections in this pond where the visitors can take holy dip. This spiritual pond is highly revered among pilgrims.

Jallianwala Bagh: It is a historical place where scores of peaceful protesters were martyred by the British army on the orders of its controversial general. This garden is located 400 meters to the north of Golden Temple. The massacre took place on April 13th of 1919. This garden is spread over 6.5 acres of land where a memorial is erected in the memory of innocent freedom fighters. You may also see the preserved portions of walls with visible pellet marks and nearby well in which some of the victims jumped to save their lives. Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust manages the activities of this garden. This act of tyranny of British rule gave wings to the freedom movement of India. 

Wagah Border: It is an international borderline between India and Pakistan. The convoluted buildings, barriers and roads mark sides of the international border. There is electrified high voltage fencing between borders. The entry gate of the outpost named "Swarna Jayanthi Gate" offers magnificent view of lush green landscapes. It is situated between Amritsar in India and Lahore in Pakistan. In the evening you can enjoy the impressive "Beating the Retreat" ceremony. The change of guard within a short expanse makes an appealing spectacle for the visitors. The bringing down of the respective flags of both countries is the important segment of the ceremonial parade. A number tourists visit there to see the ceremonial parade that is performed by the soldiers of India and Pakistan. Once the parade is over, soldiers depart amidst the beatings of the drums and beguiles. The entire ceremony takes nearly thirty minutes. Your Amritsar visit is not complete without your visit to Wagah Border.

Akal Takht: It is an attractive five storey structure that is made of pure white marble with impressive gold roof at the top. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the city. It was damaged in 1984 but reconstructed soon after stands tall as the pride of the holy city. The architecture of Akal Takht is aesthetically remarkable where significant Sikh rituals are performed. You should visit Akal Takht for its beautiful building, spiritual feeling and unique religious rituals.

Central Sikh Museum: It is located outside the Golden Temple that was built in 1958. This museum has rich collection of religious memorabilia, ancient coins, historical documents, paintings depicting Sikh saints, warriors and powerful leaders etc.

Durgiana Temple: It is a 16th century temple dedicate to Hindu Goddess Durga, the deity of power. There are many deities in this temple but Goddess Durga is the presiding deity. Its architecture resembles the Golden Temple that is surrounded by the pond like Golden temple and receives scores of devotees' every day. It is also known as "Silver Temple" on the lines of Golden Temple and "Lakshmi Narain temple". The architecture of this temple does not follow the typical temple architecture of ancient time. You may see the extensive work of silver carvings on the doors of the temple. It has an impressive entrance that welcome visitors of all faiths. The temple complex has historical Bara Hanuman and Sita Mata temples. It is regarded as one of the important temples in the city. There is a panorama of paintings of Goddess Durga in Her various incarnations that is the special feature of this temple.

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Anil Baree
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