The Other Spot

The Golden Temple, (aka Harmandir Sahib or Hari Mandir), is the highest sanctuary of the Sikhs located in Amritsar in the Indian state of Punjab. It was built by the fifth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjun Dev, in the 16th Century, and learned further expansion (a golden dome) under Ranjit Singh in the 19th Century.

The Golden Temple (Sikh prefer term “Gurdwara”) is located on an island in the so-called nectar and pond is covered with gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by a palace annex. This has one goal on all four sides as the openness of the Sikhs and people from all religions should symbolize. In the temple itself during the time of day verses from the holy book recited. These songs are musically and are entertained through speakers throughout the temple complex to hear what an impressive atmosphere.

The temple is always open and is updated daily by thousands of pilgrims, including not only Sihks visits. At night it is the pilgrims for a maximum of three days allowed under the arcades and in adjacent rooms to sleep. In a neighboring building is also time for this simple meal offered. The faith of the Sikhs that can be bathed in holy water or drink it, improving his personal karma. The plant is very well maintained and will be wiped daily, even inside the temple with milk.

In the headlines came the temple 1984 by the proclamation of the State of Khalistan by radical Sikhs and the storming of the temple by soldiers of the Indian army in the Operation Blue Star. In response to the storm the shrine and the assassination of the Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was the Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards assassinated.

On the first floor above the main entrance to a museum shows the history of the Sikh suffering among Hindus and Muslims since the 17th Century. Besides weapons are also paintings of the main Sikhmärtyrer and gurus shown. Particular emphasis in the selection of images was evident at the presentation of the various types of torture bygone times and the consequent suffering of the Sikh laid.

For the global Sikh pilgrim or international tourist visitor the fastest way to reach the Harmandir Sahib is by air-travel. The holy city of Amritsar, where the Harmandir Sahib is located, has a rapidly expanding modern Airport; Amritsar International Airport. The airport can be reached direct, by the international traveler, from most major cities of the world including, London and Toronto. Moreover, there is a rapidly expanding array of international hotels in the holy city that can be booked for overnight stays. Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008 has voted the Harmandir Sahib as one of the world’s best spiritual sites.

See this amazing religious spot whenever you have time in India!