The Golden Temple, Amritsar
Like a gem set in the green and gold fabric of Punjab, the land of the five rivers Amritsar literally the pool of nectar – is best known as the home of the Golden Temple, the most sacred shrine of the Sikhs. Here in 1579, Guru Ramdas, the fourth of the Sikh Gurus, decided to build a temple on the land gifted to him by the Emperor Akbar.

A sacred tank – the pool of Tectar – was first constructed and later in 1588, in the midst of it a temple was built by the fifth Guru, Arjun dev to house the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred book of the Sikhs. Ever since, the Darbar Sahib, or Divine court of Amritsar has been Sikhism’s holiest shrine and a pilgrim center for Sikhs from all over the world. The temple stands in the center of the tank, it’s white and gold splendor flashing in the sun, it’s reflection shimmering in the still waters. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, as an act of devotion lined the lower hand of the temple with white marble, while the upper portion was encased in copper laid over with pure gold. The resulting golden dome and turrets earned the temple, the popular name by which it is now known throughout the world – The Golden Temple.

The sacred tank is surrounded by a white marble pathway with a causeway leading across the water to the temple itself. It is believed that a bath here can cure illness as the waters are said to have miraculous curative powers. People throng here for a Holy Dip.

In the sanctuary the holy Granth Sahib rests under a rich canopy. Throughout the day, ceremonies of worship – recitations, offerings and music fill the air with devotion. A little away from the Golden Temple is the Akal Takht, the Immortal, throne, once used by the Sikh Gurus, and now the supreme seat of the Sikh religious authority.

How to get there
Amritsar is 450 km north-west of Delhi. The place is well connected by rail and road. It will take only a 10 minute journey from railway station.