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Amritsar literally means the holy pool of nectar. It is the spiritual and cultural center of Sikhism and one of the most pristine cities that take you straightaway to melodious guru-vaani echoing in the Gurudwaras. The city is renowned to the world for the Golden temple or Gurudwara Harmandir Sahib. Being the cultural center, it boasts the festival of Baisakhi on a large scale that brings out the resplendent faces with finest delicacies, adrenaline rushing bhangra and merry making. Amritsari cuisine is very famous and the satiating food of Punjabi hospitality further connives to cast a spell upon the visitors. Telling more about Amritsar might ruin the craze of the journey, so this pocket book will give you a brief about the best places to visit in Amritsar during your unforgettable trip to Amritsar. Chalaa, chalde haan.
Famous as Swarna Mandir, The Golden Temple is a Gurudwara in Amritsar that preaches vital belief of humanity above all. The famous shrine was designed by Arjan Dev, the 5th Guru of Sikhs, and has 4 gateways that signify the bona-fide attitude of Sikhs towards the other religions. The magnificent structure is covered with Amrit sarovar and is synonymous with the city of Amritsar.
The Jallianwala Bagh is a garden and a memorial that was built in the year 1951 by the government of India to commemorate the massacre of peaceful celebrators. It is spread in 6.5 acres of land near Golden Temple. None can forget the brutal massacre of Jallianwala Bagh that took place on 13 April 1919 and left a permanent scar on the Indians.
The exuberant summer palace of Warrior Maharaja Ranjit Singh is now a museum that archives the royal heritage of the warrior king like his armor, weapons, miniature paintings, Khalsa dresses etc. Next to this museum stands the panorama of Maharaja Ranjit Singh that encapsulates his life. This is packed in a two story building that conveys the glory of the battles fought and won by warrior king.
With its foundation laid in 16th century, Durgiana temple is built and resembles the Golden Temple and is dedicated to the chief deity Goddess Durga. The temple is also known by the names of Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Durga Tirth and Silver Temple due to its large and lustrous silver doors. The temple has a rich collection of Hindu scriptures and a holy water tank in the premises.
The only road border between India and Pakistan lying on the grand trunk road is a must visit place in Amritsar. Located 28 kilometers from Amritsar, Wagah Border is widely famous for the beating retreat ceremony that takes place daily between the two countries. A large number of people come to attend the ceremony with great patriotism. Truly, everyone gets enthralled upon seeing the beating retreat ceremony.
Built in Indo-Sarcenic style, strongly influenced by Mughal architecture for educational institutions, Khalsa College in Amritsar is a historic education institution. Founded in 1892, it was built under the British rule by the Sikh scholars for providing higher education to Sikhs and Punjabis within Punjab. The campus is spread in 300 acres and is located 8 kilometers away from city highway.
Perched on the banks of Bibeksar sarovar, the sacred Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib was founded by Shri Guru Hargobind Singh, the 6th Guru of Sikhs and constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. A pilgrimage spot for the Sikhs, this Gurudwara boasts a tree where Guru Hargobind Singh tied his horse. The place is a famous congregation site for the followers of the Guru Hargobind Singh.
Another attraction in the city of Golden Temple, Chand Baori is a steep well that was constructed for drawing water easily. It is among one of the deepest and largest step wells in India. Chand Baori has 3500 steps that will take you 13 stories down in an astonishing depth of 30 meters.
Another prime attraction in Amritsar is the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda Temple. Founded by Gaudiya Vaishnava Religious Oganization, Sri Radha Gokulanada temple is located at a walking distance from the Golden Temple. With its enchanting ambiance and serene atmosphere, it is a place where the inner peace can be awakened by chanting Hare Krishna.
Akal Takht, a symbol of sovereignty, means the throne of timeless one and is one of the 5 seats of authority in Sikhism. The sacred throne is placed in Harmandir Sahib and was built by Guru Hargobind as a place of addressing profane issues of Sikhs. The original takht was an 11 foot high platform where he sat and rendered justice.
Situated in the north of the city of Amritsar, Rambagh Garden is the spiritual capital of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Rambagh Garden, a replica of Shalimar gardens in Lahore, Pakistan, was constructed by Maharaja as a tribute to Guru Ram Das. The garden is spread in 84 acres of land and has rare trees, plants and flowers. It is covered by a 14 feet high wall with a double story palace in its center.
As the name signifies, it marks the residential house of the Gurus. Located on the west of Akal Takht, it was originally constructed as a modest hut by Guru Ram Das and was later beautified by Guru Arjan Dev & Guru Hargobind. Presently a magnificent Gurudwara, Guru Ke Mahal has the sacred book Granth Sahib seated on a large rectangular takht. Every Saturday, following the Bikrami month, a langar is served to the devotees.
Gurudwara Mata Kaulan is located to the south of Harmandir Sahib and is built in memory of an ardent follower of Guru Hargobind Singh, Bibi Kaulan, a spiritual Muslim lady and daughter of a qazi in Lahore. Since her father pronounced her death, she was rescued and brought in the shelter of Hargobind and devoted her rest of life in service of mankind.
The Hall Bazaar is a famous market in the streets of Amritsar that offers electronic items, readymade garments, handicrafts and delicious street food. The place is famous for the gate that was constructed keeping in mind with the Mughal architecture with a giant clock that boasts a caption Amritsar-Sifti Da Ghar.
Built in 1876 by Muhammed Khairuddin, the mosque is famous for its Mughal architecture and holds a great importance in Indias freedom struggle. It was from this mosque that tootie-e-hind, Shah Attaulah Bukhari, gave the call to the citizens of India for a war against British rules. Presently, it is used for offering the namaaz and is famous as a tourist spot as well.
Amritsar is the gateway to Punjab. It is a thriving city that displays the true colors of Sikhism, its traditions, cuisines and the warmth of hospitality shown by the localites of Amritsar. Though, it hasnt been officially declared as a holy city but, for the people it is a holy city as it is the home to the greatest Sikh Gurudwara Shri Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as Swarna Mandir. Amritsar has faced worst of situations and over the time it has emerged like a phoenix from the ashes. Presently, it stands as a city with an active trade and large tourism due to its extremely well connectivity via roads, rails and airways with rest of the country.
