India - Holy City of Amritsar 2013

Amritsar, was founded by the fourth Sikh Spiritual Master, Guru Raam Das, back in the 16th century. Today, Amritsar is an important centre of Sikhism. The holiest site in Amritsar had to be the Harmandir Sahib or more commonly known as the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple was first built in the 1500s and rebuilt many times over the centuries. The Golden Temple was constructed in the middle of a man made pond. ie Sarovar and was built lower than the surrounding area to represent humility. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs. Nevertheless, people from all walks of life, regardless of religion of creed, are welcome.

Devotees off to the temple for prayers..

Mum and Dad

One of the entrances

First glimpse of the Golden Temple

The Ramgarhia Bunga, built in mid 1700s, the only surviving Bunga architecture

Walking to the Langar hall

Our spot in the Langar Hall. The Golden Temple has the largest Langar in the world.

Mum waiting as the Langar service is served by volunteers

Eating our vegetarian meal.

Passing by a group of volunteers washing up as we leave the Langar Hall to walk around the Golden Temple

The famed Golden Temple of Amritsar in the middle of the Sarovar

Video of the Golden Temple of Amritsar

The Clock Tower at the south entrance

Ganta Ghar Deori, the north entrance

Akal Takht, the supreme seat of the Sikh religious authority. Built by Guru Hargobind, the Sixth Sikh Guru, in the 1600s. Orders related to Sikh religion are issued from here to be followed by devotees across the world.

 
 

_____________________________

Durgiana Mandir Temple

Visiting the sacred ancient Hindu temple of Shree Durgiana Tirath, named after Goddess Durga, the Hindu Goddess of War.
The original temple was built in the 16th century but in 1921, it was rebuilt bearing the same architectural resemblance as the Golden Temple.

Entrance area

Gur Shai Mal Kapoor came up with the idea to build the Durgiana Mandir

Doorway and bridge leading to the Shree Durgiana Tirath

The doorway

Inside the doorway area

Devotees ring the bell before getting onto the bridge leading to the temple

 
 

The sacred lake, in the middle of which is the Durgiana Temple.

Gilded dome of the Durgiana temple

 

Large silver doors of the Durgiana Temple

_____________________________

Near the Golden Temple

Gurdwara Saragarhi

Large crowd walking to the Golden Temple

_____________________________

Hathi Gate area

_____________________________

Khalsa College

Built in the late 1800s