Amritsar

Golden Temple which is also called Subarna Mandir or Swarna Mandir  is situated at Amritsar. It is capital city of Punjab.

The City derived it’s name from Amrit Sarovar or pool of nectar.  Sarovar   got shortened with time and it became Amritsar.

The Fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das  put the foundation of this city, building a village around the holy lake in which Golden Temple was constructed later. Guru Arjan Dev built the full fledged temple in the year 1588

Amritsar is well connected with any point of India through rail, road and air.

A lot of hotels from budget to luxury are available near station area, rooms ranging from Rs 400 /- up wards. Except, Nov to Feb, better opt for A/C rooms (if your budget permits), as the city is known for suffocating heat. Taxis, cycle rickshaw and autos are available for city tour. But if you are inclined to visit Wagha border 30km away choose a sumo. Tourist buses are the last option.

Now the Pictorial tour

The Entry Road, One Of The Four. This entrance of Clock Tower is near Jalianwala Bag.

The Temple as seen from Clock Tower Gate

Ber Baba Budhaji, The Holy Granth was written under the shadow of this tree.

The Temple can be accessed from one side only. It is in the mid point of the holy sarovar or pool of nectar. Devotees take a bath inn the pool to pure himself before entering the holy sanctum. Even at the time of your bath your head should be covered with cloth to show your devotion and respect to the holy book.

 The Clock Tower Gate as seen from inside

The Parikrama . A Sikh devotee drying himself after holy bath, another is praying sitting in the bank. A group "cleansed" themselves sprinkling holy water. And a couple is seen finishing their parikrama.

The Akal Takht, the highest power full authority of Sikhs.  They are in too much in politics now a days.


The Temple The South Gate  at distance.


Guro Ramdas 24x7 langar, where simple food is served to devotees. At a time 2000 people can take their food or prasad, sitting in Indian style.

The Yatri Niwas 

Kar Sevaks arranging utensils for langar.

Kar Sevaks are cooking foods for langar.

The Kar Sevaks, this group keeps your shoes and give them back by dusting it.
If you are declared a TANKHIYA by Akal Takht, then you have to clean the shoes of devotees as  penance. One of the Punjab chief minister  had to go through this.

I acknowledge, I have inserted this map of Golden Temple From Wikipedia.
I hope this will help immensely to the future tourists or devotees when thy visit the Temple.
I would like to have your comments.