Amritsar meaning The Pool Of The Nectar Of Immortality is located in the northwestern part of India in the state of Punjab, India. It is 32 kilometres east of Lahore, Pakistan and therefore, very close to India’s western border with Pakistan. Amritsar is home to Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion. Although Amritsar is a small town, yet there are many places to roam around and see. Golden Temple and Durgiana Temple are two main places that are popular with the visitors.

Golden Temple: This is the main attraction in Amritsar. Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Nanak, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and himself designed the architecture of the temple. The temple is open on all four sides  accessible to every person without any distinction of Caste, creed, sex and religion. The building work completed in 1601 A.D.The temple’s architecture draws on both Hindu and Muslim architectural styles yet represents a unique blend of the two.

During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), the temple was richly ornamented with marble sculptures, golden gilding, and large quantities of precious stones. Within the sanctuary, on a jewel-studded platform, lies the Adi Grantha, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs.  Beginning early in the morning and lasting until long past sunset, these hymns are chanted to the exquisite accompaniment of flutes, drums, and stringed instruments.  Next to the temple complex are enormous pilgrims’ dormitories and dining halls where all persons, irrespective of race, religion, or gender, are lodged and fed for free.

Serai Amanat Khan, located at a distance of 38 kilometers south west of Amritsar, is famous for a beautifully carved out gate built in Mughal style. The Tomb of Amanat Khan is enclosed within four minarets and there is a mosque in proximity to the Tomb.

Jagdev Kalan is associated with Muslim poet Hasham Shah, the author of famous book Sassi-Punnu. This spot offers a point for geminating secular thinking.

Samadh of Guru Angad Dev Ji, located at a distance of about 30 kilometers southeast from Amritsar was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1815 A.D.

Samadhi of Shravan is located at a distance of about 6 Kilometers from Ajnala near Jastarwal and is known to be the oldest heritage spot in Amritsar dating back to the era of Lord Ram. The Samadh is located on the banks of the old brook called Purani Dhab. According to a legend, Shravan Kumar was buried here after being struck by an arrow of King Dashratha (King of Ayodhya).

Jama Masjid Khairuddin built by Mohammad Khairuddin  in 1876 is situated in the Hall Bazaar and it is from here that Tootie-e-Hind Shah Attaullah Bukhari gave a call against the British rule.

Gandhi Gate is also known as Hall Gate is an entry point to the Hall Bazaar. The gate has a clock and signboard with an inscription “Amritsar – Sifti Da Ghar”. The architecture of the gate is of the Maharaja type gates built during the Mughal era.

Hall bazaar is a prime shopping complex in Amritsar housing electronics shops, watches shops, readymade garments shops and bookshops.

Pul Kanjari, built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh for his rest and leisure is situated near the villages of Daoka and Dhanoa Kalan on the Wagah border. There is a ruined Fort, a baoli (a bathing pool), a temple, a Gurudwara and a mosque.

Jallianwalla Bagh : It is one of the most gory symbols of the sinister side British rule in India where on 13 April, 1919, British Brigadier General Reginald Dyer opened fire at a peaceful gathering of about 3000 people, who had come together in a non violent protest against the Rowlatt Act that allowed imprisonment without trial.  Today the Jallianwalla Bagh has been converted into a leafy park with a memorial dedicated to all the innocents who lost their lives and an eternal flame burns here to commemorate them. The bullet holes can still be seen on the walls and the well, which stand as a reminder of India’s struggle for freedom.

Wagah:  About 29 km from Amritsar lies the Wagah border, the only point on the India-Pakistan border which is open. An elaborate ceremony takes place here every evening between 6.30 and 7 wherein the flags of India and Pakistan are lowered simultaneously and put to rest for the night and the gates slammed shut. Taxis run from Amritsar to take you to the border. Stop for tea at the any of the numerous dhabas on the way and top it off with great Amritsari samosas, Chhole-Kulche, lassi, fruit juice or kachauris.

This entry was posted on Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at 4:49 am and is filed under Historical Places. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.