Things to do in Amritsar [the holiest city of the Sikhs]

 

“Still round the corner, there may wait; a new road or a secret gate” – J.R.R.Tolkien

Stand patiently at the entrance of the peace and spirituality driving city; widely addressed as the Golden city of India housing the notable Golden Temple or say the Sri Harmandir Sahib [“abode of God”] – acknowledge the gift of God and cherish your true determination, which brought you’re here in the God’s town.

The praiseworthy city of Amritsar; historically referred as Ramdaspur or colloquially known as the Ambarsar is a peaceful city situated in the North-western region of India [in the vicinity of Majha region – state of Punjab].

Amritsar [means the tank of nectar of immortality] was founded by the fourth Sikh Guru [Guru Ram Das] in the year 1577; and for the same reason in its early days, this city was addressed by his name. It’s the second most populous city of Punjab; well-connected from the major cities of this fascinating state. The Abode of God [Amritsar] is also well-famed by a name called as Darbar Sahib; it’s one of the most revered holy sites of Sikhism

If you reside at a place, which is closely surrounded by a Gurudwara then there can’t be any time when you would have to sleep without having any food. The house of God is always up to serve the presence of the pilgrims belonging from the various walks of life and faith [place your presence in pride; fill your heart with purest and genuine thoughts; join your hands in prayers and regain the strength of positivity to live by].

Here are the names of the points of attraction and a brief introduction following the path of clarity:

1- Golden Temple [Things to do in Amritsar]–

Also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib; it’s a well-famed Gurudwara situated in the Golden city of Amritsar. The Golden Temple is the most sacred Gurdwara and a significant pilgrimage site of Sikhism. This place of worship is constructed around a man-made pool also known as a Sarovar that was brought in the best of it shape by Guru Ram Das in the year 1577.  Its presence shines even brighter in the prevailing moments of sunrise and sunset; the eye-opener view is the crystal clear shadow of the impressive temple in the sacred water of the Sarovar.

Do not miss on having the Prasad – Langar [the free eatery event organized at the Golden Temple – from the first meal of the morning to the last meal of the night].

Suggested Tour – Golden Temple Tour in 1 Day, Golden Temple Tour with Golden Triangle

2- Jallianwala Bagh [Things to do in Amritsar] –

It’s a place of high importance; a public Garden situated in Amritsar, which houses a memorial of national significance. The Jallianwala Bagh was established by the Government of India in the year 1951 in order to honor the massacre of peaceful celebrators including the children and the unarmed women by the British occupying Forces, on the event of the Baisakhi [Punjabi New Year]; takes place on 13th of April 1919 in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

This remarkable spot is spread wide in an area of 6.5 acres in the province of the Golden Temple complex. There is this spot from where 1650 rounds of bullets were fired at a go by the troops on numerous innocent and gentle-hearted people [the bullet marks are clearly visible in present on the walls of the park premises].

3- Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum [Things to do in Amritsar] –

It’s another place of importance situated in the grand vicinity of Amritsar; it contains the objects related to Ranjit Singh [things like arms and armour| coins| manuscripts| paintings| Jewellery etc]. This museum is situated in the palace itself where Ranjit Singh has spent quite some valuable time [the palace complex is also adorned with a garden, which was laid out in the year 1818. While exploring the greatness of Amritsar; absorbed in the shade of spirituality – do make sure to travel back in time by paying your visit to this museum.

4- Akal Takht [Things to do in Amritsar]–

Also addressed as the seat of Power; it’s one of the five Takhts of the Sikhs, which means the throne of the timeless one. This eminent place is situated in the complex of Golden Temple; it was constructed by the sixth of the ten Gurus of the Sikh religion [Guru Hargobind] as a place of justice and site considering temporal issues. The Akal Takht is the highest seat of earthly authority of the collective body of the Sikhs [Khalsa] and also the spot of the Jathedar [the highest spokesman of the Sikhs]. This significant spot was earlier referred as Akal Bunga [a symbol of Political Sovereignty].

5- Durgiana Temple [Things to do in Amritsar] –

An exceptional place of worship; it’s also addressed as Lakshmi Narayan Temple or say the Durga Tirath or the Sitla Mandir; a supreme temple located in the city of Amritsar [the Golden Temple]. The captivating attraction or say the fact related to its formation is really interesting; despite of being a Hindu Temple, its architecture is quite similar to the Golden Temple.

This striking place of worship is named after the Goddess Durga [the chief goddess of the temple] – here you can also bow your head in front of the Idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. The Durgiana Temple was constructed in the year 1921 by Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor following the architectural style of the Golden Temple – the temple complex is also adorned with a sacred lake covering an area of 160 meters* 130 meters. The temple is often referred as the Silver Temple because of its expansive and large effectively designed silver doors [it acquires a healthy and rich collection of Hindu Scriptures]. Quite imposing numbers of Hindu pilgrims pay their presence at the temple during the festive time of Dussehra| Rama Navami| Diwali and Janmashtami.

Suggested Tour – Indian Temple Tour

6- Partition Museum [Things to do in Amritsar] –

It’s another noteworthy place of attraction; a public museum situated in the Hall town of Amritsar in the state of Punjab. The Partition Museum aims to become the commendable central repository of materials| stories| documents etc; it was open for public or say inaugurated on 25th of August 2017.

Suggested Tour – Adventure India Tour

7- Gurdwara Baba Atal [Things to do in Amritsar] –

A religious place of great importance; it’s a really popular Gurdwara standing tall in the region of Amritsar. Millions of devotees pay their presence at the Harmandir Sahib every year but most of them do fail to notice that there’s another remarkable place reflecting the finest of Sikh architecture; in fact, it’s one of the finest architectural marvels and also one of the Sikh religions most influential places of worship [just a couple of steps away from the Golden Temple].

8- Gurdwara Santokhsar Sahib [Things to do in Amritsar] –

It’s a historical Sikh Shrine located at a distance of merely 700 meters from the Golden Temple [the pride of Amritsar]; The Gurdwara Santokhsar Sahib is one of the five historical Sarovar’s built by Guru Arjun Dev.

While exploring the effective parts of Northern India; do make sure to stay for a day or two at the Golden city [place your presence at the eminent places of worship; soak your soul in spirituality; sit for quite some time across the Sarovar [most of the places of importance are situated impressively close to the Golden Temple].

Suggested Tour – Day Tour Packages, Golden Triangle Tour