India-Tourist-Places.com

Archive for the ‘Amritsar’ Category

The Harmandir Sahib (or Hari Mandir) in Amritsar, Punjab, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. Previously (and still more commonly) known as the Golden Temple, it was officially renamed Harmandir Sahib in March 2005. The temple (or gurdwara) is a major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from all over the world, as well as an increasingly popular tourist attraction.

In and amongst the hustle and bustle of India stands a timeless place of worship,where one can listen to enchanting hymns that captivate both devotees and tourists alike. “I have seen many places,but none like Thee”–Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

Golden Temple Amritsar.co.uk soughts to provide information about the Gurdwara (or Temple) from the early history to the present day. General visitor information together with photographs and art capturing the Golden Temple through the ages will give you an insight into the place and people that have been touched by it.

History

Construction of the Golden Temple began in 1574 on land donated by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The building project was overseen by the fourth and fifth Sikh Gurus. The temple was completed in 1601, but restoration and embellishment continued over the years. The temple had to be substantially rebuilt after it was sacked in the 1760s.In the early 19th century, 100 kg of gold were applied to the inverted lotus-shaped dome and decorative marble was added. All this gold and marble work took place under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The legendary warrior king was a major donor of money and materials for the shrine and is remembered with much affection by the Sikh community and Punjabi people.

In June 1984, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered an attack on armed Sikh militants holed up in the Golden Temple. Over 500 people were killed in the ensuing firefight, and Sikhs around the world were outraged at the desecration of their holiest site. Four months after the attack, Gandhi was assassinated by her two Sikh bodyguards, leading to a massacre followed in which thousands of Sikhs lost their lives.

Major Tourist Attractions

Khalsa College & Guru Nanak Dev University : Khalsa College was founded in 1892 and built on grand scale in typical Sikh architecture, its distinguished alumni; sportsmen, servicemen, administrators, professionals, fill up India´s compilations of Who´s Who. On a part of its land a new University called Guru Nanak Dev University was established. Soon it has become distinguished for starting modern curricula and has etched its name on the sports map of India.

Tarn Taran : 24 kilometres south, is Tarn-Taran-a town founded by Sri Guru Arjan Dev in 1590. The Gurdwara got constructed by the Guru stands on the side of a large tank. Fairs are held here on every ´Amavas´ dark night of the month, birth anniversaries of the Gurus, Baisakhi and Diwali.

Goindwal : A few kilometers away from Tarn Taran is the town of Goindwal, where Guru Amar Das established a new centre for preaching Sikhism. A ´Baoli´, well paved with 84 steps was constructed here. The devout believe that by reciting Japji Sahib, the divine ´Word´ revealed to Guru Nanak Dev Ji at each step after taking a bath in the Baoli provides ´Moksh´, liberation from 84,000 cycles of life of this world.

History

Amritsar is one of the most ancient and sacred cities of India. Amritsar, the abode of the famous Golden Temple, is the centre of Sikh history and culture. Amritsar is also a prime and popular pilgrim destination in India.

Amritsar is situated in the Langar district of the state of Punjab in the north – western part of India. Amritsar is at a distance of about 217 km from Chandigarh and 32 km from Lahore of Pakistan. The best time to visit Amritsar is from October to March.

Amritsar was once the gateway to those people who travelled to India through overland route from Central Asia. But nowadays, the ancient city of Amritsar is remembered mostly by its grim political history. The tragic episode of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre that took place on 13th April, 1919, when India was under British Rule, changed the destiny of India. Amritsar also witnessed Operation Blue Star in the year 1984 under the late Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.

Oral tradition dictates that the Muslim divine Pir Mian Mir of Lahore, at the request of the fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev, laid the temple’s foundation stone. However, there is no record supporting this, not even in the biographies of Pir. The recorded account says that Guru Arjun Dev laid the foundation in 1588. The Guru’s followers settled down in the neighborhood and a small town called Ramdaspur quickly came up, deriving its later name, Amritsar, from the holy tank that encircles the Hari Mandir, or the Darbar Sahib, now known as the Golden Temple.

Places To Visit

The Golden Temple

Also known as Harminder Sahib, it is the most revered shrine of the Sikhs. The name Golden Temple originated as the sanctum sanctorum Akal Takht has its roof covered with pure gold plates. The Sikhs from all over the world come to visit the shrine at least once in their lifetime. The four gates in four cardinal directions are an open invitation to all to visit the shrine. The Central Sikh Museum is atop the Clock Tower. The ‘Guru Ka Langar’ offers free food to around 20,000 people everyday. The number shoots up to 100,000 on special occasions. A visitor must cover his / her head before entering the temple premises. The Granth Sahib is kept in the Temple during the day and is kept in the Akal Takht or Eternal Throne in the night. The Akal Takht also houses the ancient weapons used by the Sikh warriors.

Jallian Wala Bagh

It gained its place in the annals of the Indian freedom struggle when British General Reginald Dyer mercilessly gunned down hundreds of innocent men, women and children who had gathered in the park on the day of Baisakhi in 1919. The park symbolizes the atrocities committed by the British on the Indian soil.

Ram Bagh

The landscaped garden with Summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the center. The Maharaja later named it Ram Bagh. It has a museum with relics of Mughal era and hand drawn sketches and portraits of the ruling Sikhs.

Attari Wagah Border

Attari Border about 28 kms. from Amritsar is the oldest border crossing between India and Pakistan. It’s an interesting experience especially at sunset when the ‘Retreat’ ceremony takes place with the BSF on the Indian Side of the Border. The daily highlight is the evening “Beating the Retreat” ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervors rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause.

In the Golden Temple with Khajuraho and Varanasi Tour the traveler is able to see outstanding tourist sites of India . This 13 Nights and 14 Days Tour covers renowned places of interest like Golden Temple in Amritsar , Red Fort in Delhi, Rock Garden in Chandigarh , The Taj Mahal in Agra, The Kamasutra sculptures in Khajuraho, The Ashoka Lion Capital in Sarnath .

Length of the Tour: 13 Nights and 14 Days

Places Covered: Amritsar, Chandigarh , Agra, Khajuraho ,Delhi, Orcha and Varanasi

1st Day:

Arrival in Delhi .The delegate of Golden Temple with Khajuraho and Varanasi Tour welcomes the tourist’s on their arrival in Delhi. After being accorded with a warm welcome the visitors are escorted to its Hotel for an overnight stay.

2nd Day :

Sightseeing, Paying Obeisance and Shopping in Delhi-: The second day of the tour is spent in touring this National Capital of India . Incidentally, it has been the premier city for rulers of ancient, medieval and modern India. The Qutab Minar, The Humayun’ s Tomb, The Red Fort , The Jama Masjid , The Purana Quila, The Raj Ghat , The Rashtrapati Bhawan , The India Gate , The Lotus Temple, The Birla Mandir , The Sacred Heart Cathedral are some of its famous places of interest Delhi is also a home to five famous Gurudwaras : Gurudwara Sis Ganj, Gurudwara Majnu Ka Tila , Gurudwara Rakab Ganj, Gurudwara Nanak Piao and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib . Before checking into the hotel for an overnight stay the tourists are free to go for shopping spree at Khan Market, Sarojini Nagar and Connaught Place .

3rd Day :

Delhi To Amritsar On the third day the tour will move to Amritsar –The City of The Golden Temple . This number one Sikh Shrine is the most important Sikh religious site . This famous Gurudwaras of Sikhs is also known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib. Built in 1604 AD , Golden Temple is an abode to Guru Granth Sahib – the eleventh Sikh Guru. Notably, The first ten Gurus of Sikhism in the ascending order are Guru Nanak, Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan ,Guru Hargobind,Guru Har Rai, Guru Har Krishan ,Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh. Soon after praying at Golden Temple , the visitor moves out on a visit to other Gurudwara’s and temples existing in the Amritsar City.

4th Day :

Tour of Other Tourist Sites in Amritsar In addition to Golden Temple , Amritsar is a home to other tourist sites.. Jalianwala Bagh and Wagah Border occupy a top position among the tourist attractions of Amritsar . Jallianwala Bagh bears testimony to one of the world’s worst carnage. It was on a fateful Monday afternoon of April 13, 1919 , that a senior British Army officer Reginald Dyer, ordered his soldiers to fire on thousands of unarmed Indian people. The natives had gathered for a protest meeting against the cruel policies pursued against them by the Colonial British Government . In this mad shooting frenzy over 1000 innocent people lost their lives. Over 2000 people suffered brutal injuries . Even today , the bullet marks on the robust walls of the Jalianwala Bagh reminds humanity of the macabre act piloted by General Dyer.

The Wagah Border lies on the Grand Trunk road between the Indian Punjab City of Amritsar and Pakistani Punjab City of Lahore. Every evening ,the flag lowering ceremony by the soldiers of both India and Pakistan takes place at this border. It is a great sight to watch Indian soldiers in Khaki uniform and Pakistani soldiers in dark green outfit meticulously completing the formality of flag lowering .The tourists retire for the night in the relaxing comforts of Amritsar Hotel.

5th Day :

Amritsar To Chandigarh Soon after the delectable breakfast on the next day, the tourists move to the Union Territory of Chandigarh . This city is designed by the legendary Le Corbusier the Swiss- French architect . Chandigarh is the first planned city of India .It is famous world over for its amazing architectural structures and incredible landscapes. The Rock Garden, The Rose Garden , Sukhna Lake and the International Doll Museum.. are some of its outstanding tourist sites . The tourist retire in the relaxing environ of Chandigarh Hotel

6th Day :

Chandigarh To Delhi On the 6th Day , the tour moves to New Delhi which is 274 Kilometers from Chandigarh .. On arrival at India’s Capital the visitors will retire into the hotel for an overnight stay.

7th Day :

Delhi To Agra On the seventh day of the Golden Temple with Khajuraho and Varanasi Tour moves for The City of Taj Mahal –Agra. . On arrival at this historic city , the visitors proceeds for Taj Mahal- a white marble dome mausoleum . Also known as monument of Love it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his spouse Mumtaz Mahal.. In addition to Taj Mahal , Agra also has other great tourist sites like Akbar’s tomb in Sikandra, Itmad-ud-daulah’s Tomb and Agra Fort . On the end of a memorable tour to Agra , it is time to proceed to Delhi for the continuation of the future travel program of the tour. On arrival in Delhi , the guests retire in the hotel for an overnight stay.

8th Day :

Agra To Khajuraho : On the eighth day from the city of Taj the tour proceeds to the another world famous town of Khajuraho. It lies in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. This famous town’s erotic sculpture monuments feature in the prestigious listing of World Heritage Sites –UNESCO.

9th Day :

Sightseeing in Khajuraho : Cultural buffs have a great time in exploring the medieval temples belonging to Hindus and Jains. 10 centuries back Khajuraho was the political Capital of the erstwhile dynasty of Chandela Rajput . After a memorable tour of Khajuraho , the guest retire into its hotel for an overnight stay .

10th Day :

Khajuraho To Orcha . Today the tour moves from one Medieval City to another such city . Orcha was set up by former Bundela kings around 17th century. The town thrives with great tourist sites like Phool Bagh , Raj Mahal and Ram Raja Mandir. For the overnight stay the guest retire into the hotel of Orcha .

11th Day :

Orcha –Jhansi –Varanasi Today from the City of Bundela rulers the tour moves to Varanasi. It is a renowned Holy city of Hindus . The tour from Orcha to Varanasi passes through Jhansi – important historical city of Uttar Pradesh . The tourists reach Varanasi from Jhansi by boarding a train at Jhansi Railway Stations

12th Day :

Sightseeing in Varanasi One of the premier City of The Hindus , Varanasi lies at a distance of 670 kilometers from New Delhi ,. This ancient city is also called Beneras or Kashi . It is situated on the Banks of river Ganges or Ganga as it is locally known . In Varanasi thrive many Ghats like , Tulsi Ghat, Harish Chandra Ghat, Assi Ghat, Dasaswamedh Ghat, , Manikarnika Ghat . It is also home to some outstanding Hindu places of worship like Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple , Bharat Mata temple, Tulsi Manas Temple

The Banaras Hindu University, Bharat Kala Bhavan, Jantar Mantar, Ramnagar Fort are its great cultural and art centers . For the Overnight stay the tourist check into the Hotel of Varanasi.

13th Day :

Varanasi To Delhi Today is the penultimate day of the tour and it will be devoted more to explore the aspects connected with the foundation of Buddhism . Lying 12 Kilometers from Varanasi is the august Sarnath Museum. It is here that Buddha delivered his first scintillating discourse. “Suffering, as a noble truth, is this: Birth is suffering, aging is suffering, sickness is suffering, death is suffering————-in short, suffering is the five categories of clinging objects.”

The museum is a hotspot for many Buddist monuments. For an understanding on the memorable Buddha’s Dharma its Damekh Stupa is a great tool to refer to any student of Buddhism . Even the Ashoka Lion Capital exists at Sarnath museum . At the end of the enlightening day , the tourists move back to Delhi.

14th Day:

End of The Tour Today ,The nine days Golden Temple with Varanasi Tour comes to end . The tourists will be escorted back to the Indira Gandhi International Airport .They will now board their respective flight for their onward journey .

Constructed in the middle of the holy tank Amrit Sarovar, The Golden Temple of Amritsar also known by the names Hari Mandir (The Temple of the Lord) or Darbar Sahib (The Court Divine) is one of the most famous Gurudwara of Sikhs. The temple can be reach by a narrow walk way which is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width. The water in the tank is believed to have medicinal properties and curative powers. The devotees believe that a bath in the tank will cleanse the soul.

Golden temple is a double storied shrine, of which the lower part is built with white marble and upper part and dome are built with gold plating. One of the notable feature is that it was built on the lower level and has four entrance. The temple is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world and its site was sacred to them since the time of the 4th guru, Ram Das. On special occasions such as birthday anniversaries of the Gurus and on the Diwali night, the temple is attractively illuminated and it presents a feast of color and light. Among the buildings near the Golden Temple, the Akal Takht or the Immortal Throne and the tower of Baba Atal are of special interest to a visitor. The temple is open to all sections of people irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib is named after Hari(God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas. Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67ft. square platform in the centre of the Sarovar(tank). The temple itself is 40.5ft. square. It has a door each on the East, West, North and South. The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the shore end of the causeway. The door frame of the arch is about 10ft in height and 8ft 6inches in breath. The door panes are decorated with artistic style. It opens on to the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building of Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width.

The main structure of Sri Harmandir Sahib, functionally as well as technically is a three-storied one. The front, which faces the bridge, is decorated with repeated cusped arches and the roof of the first floor is at the height of the 26 feet and 9 inches.

At the top of the first floor 4 feet high parapet rises on all the sides which has also four ‘Mamtees’ on the four corners and exactly on the top of the central hall of the main sanctuary rises the third story. It is a small square room and have three gates. A regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is also held there. On the top of this room stands the low fluted ‘Gumbaz’(dome) having lotus petal motif in relief at the base inverted lotus at the top which supports the ‘Kalash’ having a beautiful ‘Chhatri’ at the end.

The chants of the devotees sanctify the entire area from dawn till dusk and the pilgrims and tourists strolling in its vicinity and around the marbled concourse encircling the pool, experience a spiritual nirvana too powerful to be contained in mere language.
 

The word Amritsar means the holy pool of nectar. 1573 Work began on digging the holy pool. 1601 Harmandir Sahib completed. 1604 Guru Granth Sahib installed. Alongside people representing 52 professions settled. In Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time Amritsar had superceded Lahore as the pre-eminent city of the Orient

Amritsar, literally a Pool of Nectar, derives its name from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the fabulous Golden Temple. First time visitors to Amritsar could be forgiven for the impression that Amritsar is like any other small town in northern India. But Amritsar stands head and shoulders above any other city, its status elevated and sanctified by the presence of the venerable Golden Temple.

Amritsar has various historical and religious sites. The most famous of them all in the Golden Temple which was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. Another revered shrine is the Durgiana Temple which is dedicated to goddess Durga.

Amritsar is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travellers coming to India on the overland route from central Asia it soon became the centre of various commercial activities.
 

Amritsar is located in northern Punjab. It lies 15 miles(25km) away from Indo-Pak border. Amritsar is an important city in Punjab and is a major commercial, cultural, and transportation centre. It is also the centre of Sikhism and the site of the Sikh’s principal place of worship.The city has derived its name from Amrit Sarovar which means a Pool of Nectar.

Some must places to see in Amritsar are :

Golden Temple : The Golden temple also known as Harmander Sahib is located in the holy city of the Sikhs, Amritsar. The Golden temple is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs.The dome is carved out of pure gold.The temple was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who used 400 kg of gold leaf to built the upper half of the building.Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67ft. square platform in the centre of the Sarovar(tank). Golden Temple was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev.The place has mythological sinificance, Sage Valmiki wrote the epic, Ramayana here.Akal Takhat located at right side preserves a number of weapons used by Guru Hargobind, Guru Gobind Singh and other Sikh heroes .To the south a nine-storeyed tower Baba Atal is located.The ‘Guru Ka Langar’ offers cooked food 24 hours to all visitors irrespective of religion, caste, creed and nationality.Guru Ram Das niwas and Guru Nank niwas offers accomodation facilities to the pilgrims.The Central Sikh Museum has paintings of Sikh Gurus, Saints, Sikh warriors and other prominent Sikh leaders who have in their own way contributed a lot to the enhancement of Sikh Religion.

Jallianwala Bagh : Jallianwala Bagh is located near Golden Temple. The place holds historical significance.After Mangal Pandey blew the bugle for commencing the struggle for independence, General Dyer made a law that no Indian will be allowed to hold gatherings or processions.On 13 April 1919,thousands of Punjabis gathered from nearby places to celebrate the Baisakhi. As the communication system was underdeveloped at that time, they were not informed regarding this law. Taking it as a violation of the law, General Dyer entered in the Park with his troops and open fired on all the innocent men women and children present there.The historical happening was given the name Jallianwala Bagh massacre.Some people were shot dead, some were wounded, and a majority of the people tried to jump in the well to escape the death form the hands of foreign power. There is no accurate data of number of people died and wounded in this event.

Durgiana Temple : Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya laid the foundation of this temple.The temple is designed on the lines of Golden Temple and is a revered place for Hindus. It is located outside the Lohgarh Gate. The Temple stands amidst a tank.The Temple is also known as Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. Primarily the Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga; therefore it is called Durgiana Temple. Though Durga is the main deity, most of the temple’s imagery centers around Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna.

Ram Bagh : The garden is located in the new part of town.It holds a tribute to Guru Ram Das,the fourth sikh guru and the founder of the city of Amritsar.It also has a museum in the summer palace built by the Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) the Lion of Punjab. The museum exihibits weapons dating back to Mughal times and some paintings of the ruling houses of the Punjab and a replica of the diamond ‘Kohinoor’.Ram Bagh also holds a lively statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh saddled on a horse.

Tarn Taran : This tank is located at 25kms south of Amritsar. The tank was constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.It encompasses a temple and holds a tower on the east side. It is said that if anyone swim across the whole tank are miraculously cured.

Dharamshala : It is located at a distance of 200 kilometres from Amritsar in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is also known as the present home of Dalai Lama. This wonderful and picturesque hill station is characterised by magnificent deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills. Mc Leodganj (10 km), the Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute, Bhagsunath (11 km), St. John’s Church (8 km),the Kunal Pathri (3 km) and the War Memorial (2 km from the town centre) are some of the major places to visit in Dharamshala.

Gobindwal Sahib : It is located at a distance of 30 kilometres from Amritsar.Gobindwal Sahib is another place to visit during excursion from Amritsar. It encompasses final resting place of Guru Angad Devji that stands nearby.