Amritsar

Amritsar is a holy city in the state of Punjab, India and its name derives from the name of the pool around the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) and means “holy pool of nectar”. It is the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion, and they are rightfully very proud of the city & their very beautiful and unique Gurdwara.

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 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, Shri Guru Ramdas Ji and completed by his successor Shri Guru Arjan Dev ji. Another revered shrine is the Durgiana Temple which is dedicated to goddess Durga. The museum at Ram Bagh houses weapons dating back to Mughal times and some portraits of the ruling houses of the Punjab. The Jallianwala Bagh at Amritsar reminds the visitor of one of the most brutal massacre events in the history of India. Bullet marks and the well into which some people jumped to escape the onslaught can still be seen. Some other attractions are—the Fort Gobind Garh which was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the Tarn Taran tank which is 25 kilometres south of Amritsar.

Amritsar being an important Travel & Trade centre is very well connected to other important cities of India by Air, Train and Road. The major tourist attractions in Amritsar are as follows:

Golden Temple

Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple is one of the most historical 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. The most famous of them all in the Golden Temple which was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Shri Guru Ramdas ji and completed by his successor Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

The word Amritsar means the holy pool of nectar. In 1573 Work began on digging the holy pool. In 1601 Construction Of Harmandir Sahib got completed.In 1604 Guru Granth Sahib Ji was installed in Sri Harmandir Sahib.

During Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign the lower half of the temple was decorated with marble while the entire upper half was inlaid with copper covered over by gold plate : hence its new name, the Golden Temple. Its four gates invite everyone from all directions.

There are some other holy shrines around in and around the golden temple complex. These include Har Ki Pauri, Gurdwara Manji Sahib, Gurdwara Thara Sahib, Langar Hall, Shaheed Bunga Baba Deep Singh, Nishan Sahibs, Central Sikh Museum.