Amritsar: 6 Must see places in the spiritural capital of Sikhs

In spite of its modern outlook, Amritsar still preserves its past heritage and culture.

Updated: July 26, 2014 2:09 PM IST

By Editorial

Amritsar: 6 Must see places in the spiritural capital of Sikhs

Jalianwala Bagh

Amritsar is Sikh religion’s spiritual capital and home to its famous shrine, the Golden Temple. Located 230 km northwest of Chandigarh in Punjab in north India, the city was established by Guru Ramdas, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs in 16th century. Amritsar is India’s leading exporter of goods to the Middle East. It is also the leading center of Punjabi publications. In spite of its modern outlook, the city still preserves its past heritage and culture.

Golden Temple: The most important religious place for Sikhs and also the main attraction of the city. Legend has it that when Guru Ramdas heard about healing powers of Amrit Sarovar, he asked his son to build a temple at the site. The foundation was laid by Guru Ramdas and completed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The complex is open for 20 hours from 6 am to 2 am daily. People are expected to cover their head, wash their hands and legs before entering the temple. The intricate marble work in the temple and covering of it with gold was conducted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Akal Takht: Built on a raised platform by Guru Hargobind to defy the edicts of Emperor Jehangir. Jehangir declared that nobody except the emperor shall occupy a throne of more than three ft; Guru Hargobind built Akal Takht on a platform of 12 ft. However, Akal Takht is built lower than Harmandir Sahib as a mark of respect. Akal Takht, the supreme seat of the Sikhs bore the brunt of the attacks during Operation Blue Star in 1984. However, with donations collected from devotees, it was reconstructed.

Ghanta Ghar, the main entrance with the Victorian Clock on top, the Adh-Sath Tirath or the shrine of the 68 holy places, Darshani Deorhi are other important sites inside the complez.

Jallianwala Bagh: Site of the 1919 Amritsar massacre. On April 13, 1919, Gen Dyer ordered troops to open fire on unarmed gathering of Sikhs who were celebrating Baisakhi. As many as 379 persons were killed and over 1200 were injured in the incident. Bullet holes can still be seen on the walls.

Ram Tirth: The place where Lord Ram and Sita’s twins – Luv and Kush were born. Sage Valmiki is believed to have scripted epic Ramayana at this place. A hut of Sage Valmiki is still found at Ram Tirth. The sacred site also has a well believed to be dug by Hanuman.

Museums

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum offers insights into the life of the Sikh monarch and is housed in his erstwhile summer palace. The museum displays objects connected to the Maharaja such as paintings, armour, coins and manuscripts. The Parwana by Maharaja Ranjit Singh to Raja of Kapurthala is one of the major attractions of the Museum.

Central Sikh Museum displays the gruesome history of the Sikhs martyred by the Mughals, the British and Operation Bluestar.

For more on Amritsar food and travel, read here 

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