The temple is a Sarv Dharam place welcoming devotees from all religions. All must follow the rules of the temple; remove footwear, cover your head and do not smoke in the temple area. The darshans or temple visit is conducted in a disciplined and ritualistic manner. The devotees are more than helpful in guiding you and even explaining the history and significance of various rituals and ceremonies. You can also request for a guide if you so desire.Jallianwala Baag Amritsar.
Amritsar
There are a number of tourist places in and around Amritsar. Most of the places are of religious and historical importance. Other than the Golden Temple, you can visit several other Gurdwaras that trace their links with the Gurus. Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib and the Shahidi martyr’s shrine are important religious centers, which tell their own history. The Amritsar tour has a religious hue as it accommodates both temples and Gurudwaras for the Hindu and Sikh disciples.
Places of Interest
Golden Temple:
The holiest of holy Sikh shrine, Sri Harmander Sahib, or the Golden Temple had a humble beginning as a mud and thatch roof construction in the fourteenth century. Today the imposing structure with Golden roof and a Sarovar around it is the cynosure of the city of Amritsar. The temple has four entrances with Darshani Deodi, in the North being the main entrance. The entrance has an ornate archway with inscriptions from Granth Sahib, the Holy book of Sikhs, on the intricately designed doorway. The temple has been constructed with the finest marble. The stone signifies purity and is believed to have a soothing effect on the pilgrims. The Temple is the best example of the Sikh-Hindu-Mughal architecture. It is believed that the foundation stone of this shrine was laid by a Muslim Sufi from Lahore, Hazrat Mian Mir. a temple of Kogi Mata and a chowka (Seat of the elders) Sculpted in wood.
Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
The Jallianwala Bagh is a memorial of the martyrs of the 1919 massacre by the British General Dyer. Today, here one finds a small gallery with photos of key personalities involved in the 1919 freedom struggle.
The well into which the crowds jumped to escape the murderous hail of bullets and a simple memorial at the site that shaped India’s destiny.
Wagah Border
The final frontier, Wagah about 28 kms. from Amritsar is the only 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 changing of the guards and the ceremonial lowering of the flags ceremony is carried out with great pomp.Wagah, an army outpost on Indo-Pak border – between Amritsar and Lahore, is an elaborate complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. 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 fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause.