Life around the Golden Temple - A photo story
The Golden Temple Amritsar,India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. To pen-down the philosophy, ideology, the inner and outer beauty, as well as the historical legacy of Sri Harimandir Sahib is a momentous task. It is a matter of experience rather than a of description.
As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (4th Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) of Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1577 A.D., which was later on brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Sikh Guru) on December 15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first installed at Sri Harimandir Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha Ji was appointed its first Head Priest.
The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar) has a unique Sikh architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.
The complex around the temple is surrounded by a multitude of shops and even has its own Mc. Donalds and Subway. Although adapted to the 21st century life, the environment roughly remains the same ,maintaining its cultural background based on the teachings of the Guru.
Around the Parikrama, or pathway, are four rectangular cubicles where Granthis (priests) sit and recite the Granth Sahib.
Sikh devotees sit by the Pool of Holy Nectar (Amrit-sarovar) around the temple, to offer their prayer's to their Guru.
The temple is maintained by Sewadar's. Sewadar is a Punjabi word for a volunteer who offers his services to a Gurdwara or to the Community free of charge. It a term used to refer to a person who performs Sewa (Work, Service or assistance of any kind) without looking for any reward / payment of any kind for doing the Sewa. A Sewadar helps purely because of his dedication to Guru and God and as part of his duty to the Sikh community.
"One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name. Upon arising early in the morning, he is to bathe, and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar. Following the Instructions of the Guru, he is to chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased. Then, at the rising of the sun, he is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, he is to meditate on the Lord's Name.
One who meditates on my Lord, Har, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food - that GurSikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind. That person, unto whom my Lord and Master is kind and compassionate - upon that GurSikh, the Guru's Teachings are bestowed. Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that GurSikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it."— Fourth Mehl (Guru Ram Das), Guru Granth Sahib.
Tourism is an important aspect of the Golden temple. It attracts more visitors than the Taj Mahal in Agra, annually. The temple complex has many shops and dhaba's that bring out the exotic food-culture. Having a punjabi dinner , a matka kulfi and the lassi is madatory.
Sukhjeet Singh sells the "Amritsari-Lassi "that is concocted from curd and frozen for 5 hours , that may be served sweet or salty depending on the customer's requirements.
Sonu Singh sells traditional Punjabi leather Shoes in his shop "Metro", which is one of the many stores around the temple complex
TIPS FOR TRAVELER'S TO AMRITSAR
Visitor's should cover their heads while visiting the temple.
Camera's are allowed
One should eat in the Community Kitchen (Langar) it serves the maximum number of devotees ranging upto 1,00,000-3,00,000
Premises are strictly vegetarian.
Interior of the Golden Temple cannot be photographed
Kesar ka Dhaba is a vegetarian dhaba , where a visit is mandatory for food lovers.
One may visit the Wagah-Attari border (Indo - Pak) border for a live parade ceremony.
On the way to Attari one may visit Sarhad, that is based on the traditional cultures of Pakistan (from the pre-Partition era of Punjab)