 |
| Golden Temple |
 |
| Flag ceremony at Wagah Border |
Standing at
the ancient gateway to India on the Grand Trunk Road, the historic city of
Amritsar has stood in the path of Mughal, Persian and Afghan invaders and the
British Raj, all of whom have left their mark in different ways. With a
population exceeding 1.5m, Amritsar today is the largest city in Punjab.
Golden
Temple: The main attraction of the city is the Golden Temple. A harmonious
blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the Golden Temple is the spiritual
home of the Sikh faith. The Temple itself sits at the centre of the Amrit
Sarovar, or ‘pool of the nectar of immortality’. The gold ornamentation of the
Temple was donated by the legendary Maharaja Ranjit Singh.The main entrance, leads
down to the polished-marble Parikrama that surrounds the holy pool where Sikh
pilgrims immerse themselves. Opposite the causeway leading to the Temple is Sri
Akal Takht Sahib, the sacred shrine where the Sikhs’ holy book the Adi Granth
is ceremoniously brought every night. No pilgrimage is complete without a meal
at the Guru-ka-Langar, where free food is offered to all visitors 24 hours a
day, a symbolic manifestation of the egalitarian Sikh faith.
Gurudwara
Baba Atal Sahib: It is built 1770-84,
octagonal tower is 45m high. Site of martyrdom of Atal Rai, 9 year old son of Guru Hargobind. Unique murals
on 2nd and 3rd floors are worth a visit.
Jallianwala
Bagh: Site of the infamous massacre in 1919 of unarmed demonstrators who were
fired upon by troops under the command of General Dyer. The event was
significant in hardening resistance to British rule.
Rambagh
Gardens: The garden was laid out in 84 acres by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the
north of the city. It also houses the Summer Palace of the Maharaja. The garden
was named by the ruler himself as a tribute to Guru Ram Das, the founder of the
city.
Summer
palace: It is now being restored and converted into a museum, this elegant early
19c building is notable for one of the earliest examples of a maintenance-free
cooling system. On display are weapons dating back to Mughal times, portraits
of the ruling families of Punjab, coins, manuscripts, and a replica of the
“Kohinoor” diamond. The adjoining Darshani Deorhi gatehouse is architecturally
unique.
Maharaja
Ranjit Singh Panorama: The battles fought and won by the Punjab’s most
illustrious ruler are brought vividly to life in a series of dioramas in a
circular display chamber. Illustrations and mementos tell the story of 200
years of Sikh history. Excellent entertainment and education for children and
adults.
Gobindgarh
Fort: Vast mud fort was built by a chieftain of Bhangi misl and was taken over
by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and named after 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind
Singh ji. The specially constructed Toshakhana, in the centre of the fort, is
believed to have housed some treasures and large amount of grain and provisions
for the army.
Durgiana
Mandir: Hindu temple and repository of Hindu scriptures. Virtual replica of
Golden Temple, rebuilt in early 20th century, decorated in marble
and gold leaf.
Attari
Samadhi Complex: The Samadhis are the memorials of the martyrs. This complex is
home to the Samadhi of Sardar Shyam Singh Attariwala, a close friend and
general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and was built after Shyam Singh’s martyrdom.
Khalsa
College: Designed by famous architect S. Ram Singh, the Khalsa College building
is a striking example of the Indo-Saracenic style. It is one of the oldest
colleges in northern India.
Major
Events:
Flag
ceremony, Wagah (30km): daily at sunset. Extraordinarily colourful and
boisterous ceremony on the Pakistan border crossing, where impressively
moustachioed guards of both countries in extravagant headgear formally lower
the national flags.
Diwali:(Oct/Nov)
the fireworks at the Golden Temple at Diwali are the most spectacular in India,
and the festive atmosphere makes for an unforgettable family experience.
Getting
there:
By Air: Raja
Sansi International Airport, located just 11 kms from Amritsar is one of the
major international airports. This airport is well connected to all major
cities in India and abroad.
By Rail:
Amritsar has an extensive rail network connecting the city to all the major
places in the country, like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, etc. Golden
Temple Mail (Mumbai-Amritsar), Akal Takht Express (Howrah-Amritsar), Shatabdi
Express (Delhi-Amritsar) are few of the important trains from major cities.
Accommodation:
1. Ritz
Plaza, 45 The Mall, Tel: 2562836-39
2. Mohan
International, Albert Road, Tel: 3010100
3. Ranjit
Svassa, 47-A The Mall, Tel: 2566618
Save this on Delicious
