| GOLDEN TEMPLE | | |  | 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 in March 2005. The temple (or) is a major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from all over the world, as well as an increasingly popular tourist attraction. Although the building itself has great historical and architectural interest, it is the Golden Temple's great spiritual meaning for Sikh believers (and others) that is most memorable to visitors.Construction of the Golden Temple began in on land donated by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The temple was completed in 1601, but restoration and embellishment continued over the years..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.Most visitors to the Golden Temple, whether Sikh or not, are humbled by what is quite simply the most tangibly spiritual place in the country. Arrive with a few good hours set aside and get lost in its magical beauty. The most famous and sacred part of the Golden Temple complex is the Hari Mandir (Divine Temple) or Darbar Sahib (Court of the Lord), which is the beautiful golden structure at the center of a large body of water called Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar) .The gold-plated building features copper cupolas and white marble walls encrusted with precious stones arranged in decorative Islamic-style floral patterns. The structure is decorated inside and out with verses from the Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book).Another major highlight of the Golden Temple complex is the Guru-ka-Langar, a where around 35,000 people a day are fed for free by temple volunteers. Everyone is invited to join this communal breaking of bread. All participants sit on the floor, regardless of caste, status, wealth or creed, powerfully symbolizing the central Sikh doctrine of the equality of all people.In the Central Sikh Museumat the main entrance, galleries display images and remembrances of Sikh gurus, warriors, and saints; it includes some graphic portraits of the torture and execution of gurus. | | | | JALLIANWALA BAGH | | |  | JALLIANWALA BAGH is historical for the murky day of 13 April 1919, when the innocent Indians were brutally killed in a mass. The Jallianwala Bagh Martyr's Memorial is built in memory of the innocent lives sacrificed in the deadly massacre with no good cause. It is situated in close affinity of the Golden Temple. The memorial at this site commemorates the 2000 Indians who were killed or wounded, shot indiscriminately by the British under the command of Gen Michael O"Dyer on April13, 1919 while participating in a peaceful public meeting. This was one of the major incidents of India's freedom struggle. A section of wall with bullet marks still visible is preserved along with the memorial well, in which some people jumped to escape. "The impossible men of India shall rise and liberate their motherland", declared Mahatma Gandhi, after the JallianWala massacre. | | | | Durgiana mandir | | |  | Durgiana mandir Located at the outskirts of the Lohgarh Gate, this temple is one of the most pious and ancient Hindu Pilgrimage. History has linked the place with Goddess Durga and as such the temple got its introduction as Durgiana Temple. Constructed during the third decade of the 20th Century its architectural work echoes the style of Golden temple, merged with Sikh temple within the region of Amritsar. The temple is also known as the Lakshmi Narain temple. Shri Durgiana Temple is one of main pilgrim places in Amritsar. The temple, also called Shree Durgiana Tirath or Sitla Mandir. It is situated a few yards away from the Amritsar railway station and about 1.5 km from the Bus Stand. | | | | KHALSA COLLEGE | | |  | Khalsa College Amritsar. The oldest college of Amritsar was established in distinctive mix of Mughal and Sikh architecture in the year 1892 by the Singh Sabha Movement. The college campus is spread over more than 300 acres and has that distinctive charm with red minarets and domes against the lush green backdrop.Ram Baghis also known as summer place of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This palace is situated in middle of a garden resembling the pattern of Shalimar Bagh at Lahore. The garden has a museum exhibiting oil paintings, miniatures, coins and weapons relating to the Sikh period. In the memory of most puissant King Maharaja Ranjit Singh, A statue of Maharaja seated on his horse is constructed. The Palace has an inbuilt cooling system. This shows the architectural excellence achieved during his era. Maharaja Ranjit Singh renamed the garden and called it Ram Bagh. It was a tribute to the founder of the city Guru Ram Das. Today the Summer Palace has been converted into a museum putting weapons dating back to Mughal times, portraits of governing houses of Punjab and a duplicate of diamond Kohinoor on display. Through a large fortified gate you can approache the garden. Mata lal devi mandir or model town is developed by grand old pious lady and this Hindu temple situated at Rani ka Bagh, on the lines of holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi at Katra (Jammu), the temple draws crowds of devotees from far and near. Festivals are celebrated with great pomp and show. An evening visit to the temple gives an opportunity to the visitors to observe the life styles of Hindu familiesThis is the temple built by a devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi. The temple is must visit shrine for all the Hindus visiting Amritsar. | | | | RAM TIRATH | | |  | Ram Tirath Temple is located at a distance of 11 KM from Amritsar. The temple dates back to the period of Ramayana. There is an ancient tank at this place. At the site there is a hut where Mata sita gave birth to Luv and Kush. The site also has Maharishi Valmiki’s hermitage and a well with stairs where Mata Sita used to take her bath. The Temples exhibit scenes from Ramayana | | | | ATTARI 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. | | | | GURUDWARA SHAHEED BABA DEEP SINGH JI | | |  | A very beautiful and large Gurudwara of Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Jioutside Chatiwind gate in Amritsar City. It is 1 1/2 miles south of Amritsar Railway Station. A beautiful golden dome is built. Baba Deep Singh Ji was born in Pahuwind village in Lahore district. He served the Panth a lot. He alongwith Baba Banda Bahadur fought many wars for Sikhs. He protected Sri Darbar sahib, Amritsar. He became martyr in month Magh samvat 1817(1760 A.D.) after fighting for Sikh religion. His actual place of martyrdom has been 2 miles outside Amritsar city on road towards Taran Taran. Langar is served always in Gurudwara. Work to beautify it is going on. People all around visit this place and bow their head in reverence. | | | | Gobind garh fort | | |  | The Gobind garh fort occupied a unique place in the Indian military history. Built in 1760, it was called Bhangian Da Kila (Bhangis was one of the twelve Sikh misles). According to historians, during 1808, the fort was known as the fort of Gujjar Singh Bhangi. Later it was re-built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh with the help of Jodh Singh. The legendary Maharaja strengthened the fortification of the fort in order to keep his treasures and treaties in safety. The majestic entrance has been named Nalwa Gate, after the great Sikh warrior. The other end of the gate is known as Keelar Gate and it is rumoured that in its close proximity existed an escape tunnel, connecting to Lahore tunnel. However, the army authorities said that they had not been able to locate any such tunnel so far. | | | | Guru Nanak Dev University | | |  | | | | | |
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