Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir History For Hindus, the Amarnath Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is of utmost religious significance. It is one of Hinduism's most sacred sanctuaries and is devoted to Lord Shiva. The Amarnath Temple has a long and illustrious history. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is believed to have given his celestial spouse, Goddess Parvati, the secret to immortality there in the Amarnath Cave. Legend has it that Lord Shiva chose to give this secret knowledge to her in this remote cave high in the Himalayas. The cave was hidden and inaccessible for many years before being rediscovered in the 18th century by a Muslim shepherd by the name of Buta Malik. According to the mythology, Buta Malik was handed a bag of coal by a sadhu (holy man), who ordered him to wait until he reached home before open it. Buta Malik discovered the coal had turned into gold when he opened the bag. He was so overwhelmed by this miracle
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Visitors to the Golden Temple are welcomed with open arms regardless of their religious beliefs. The temple complex includes several other buildings, including a museum, a community kitchen that serves free meals to visitors, and accommodations for pilgrims. The temple also features a daily ceremony known as the "Sri Guru Granth Sahib," during which the Sikh holy book is carried in a procession around the temple complex.
The Golden Temple is not only a significant religious site, but it is also a symbol of peace, unity, and community service. It attracts millions of visitors every year, who come to experience its spiritual energy and cultural richness.
Golden Temple History
The construction of the Golden Temple was initiated by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, in the late 16th century. He selected the site for the temple and began the excavation of a holy tank, which would later become the Amrit Sarovar, the pool that surrounds the temple. The temple was completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev, in 1604.
Over the years, the Golden Temple has been subject to numerous attacks and acts of violence. In 1762, Afghan invader Ahmed Shah Abdali attacked the temple, causing severe damage and looting. In 1984, the Indian army launched Operation Blue Star, a military operation aimed at flushing out Sikh militants from the temple complex. The operation resulted in significant damage and loss of life.
Despite these challenges, the Golden Temple has remained a significant spiritual and cultural center for the Sikh community. It has been continuously renovated and restored, and today it stands as a symbol of resilience, peace, and community service.
The temple complex includes several other buildings, including the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority, and the Sikh Museum, which features exhibits on Sikh history and culture. The temple also features a community kitchen, or langar, which serves free meals to visitors of all faiths.
Overall, the history of the Golden Temple is a testament to the enduring strength of the Sikh community and the importance of the temple as a symbol of their faith and culture.
Things to know before visiting Golden Temple
Visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab is a sacred and unique experience that requires visitors to observe certain rules and regulations. Here are some of the key rules to keep in mind when visiting the temple:
Dress Code: Visitors are required to cover their heads and remove their shoes before entering the temple complex. The head covering can be a scarf, turban, or any other piece of cloth. Additionally, visitors are expected to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothes.
Respectful Behavior: The Golden Temple is a holy site, and visitors are expected to behave respectfully and refrain from any activity that may be considered inappropriate or disrespectful. This includes shouting, running, smoking, drinking alcohol, or bringing in any prohibited items.
Photography: Visitors are allowed to take photos and videos of the temple complex but are not permitted to take photos of the holy book or any other religious ceremonies or activities.
Langar Hall: The Langar Hall, which serves free meals to visitors, is open to people of all faiths. Visitors are expected to follow the customs and guidelines for eating in the Langar Hall, which include sitting on the floor, washing hands, and eating with their hands.
Keep the Complex Clean: The Golden Temple complex is a sacred space that should be kept clean and free of litter. Visitors are expected to dispose of their trash in the designated bins and follow the instructions of the temple staff.
Some Interesting facts about Gold Temple
Golden Dome: The temple's gold-plated dome, which is the most iconic feature of the temple, is made up of 750 kg of pure gold. The dome was covered in gold in the early 19th century.
Amrit Sarovar: The man-made pool, known as Amrit Sarovar, that surrounds the temple complex, is believed to have healing powers and is a popular destination for pilgrims.
Community Kitchen: The temple's community kitchen, known as the Langar, serves free vegetarian meals to thousands of visitors every day, regardless of their religion or social status.
Architecture: The temple's architecture is a blend of Hindu, Islamic, and Mughal styles, reflecting the multicultural and diverse influences on Sikhism.
Multilingual Signage: The Golden Temple complex features multilingual signage in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, making it accessible to visitors from all over the world.
Green Energy: The Golden Temple is powered by renewable energy, including solar panels and biogas, and is an example of the use of sustainable energy sources in a religious institution.
World Record: The Golden Temple holds a Guinness World Record for the largest free kitchen in the world, serving over 100,000 meals a day during special occasions.
How to reach Golden Temple - Amritsar
The Golden Temple located in Amritsar, Punjab, India. Here are the various ways to reach the Golden Temple:
By Air: The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is located in Amritsar and is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or hire a car to reach the Golden Temple.
By Train: Amritsar railway station is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From the railway station, visitors can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the Golden Temple.
By Bus: Amritsar is well-connected by bus to major cities in Punjab and neighboring states. Visitors can take a bus to the Amritsar bus stand and then take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the Golden Temple.
By Car: Visitors can also drive to the Golden Temple, which is located in the heart of Amritsar city. There are several car rental services available in Amritsar.
Once you reach the city, you can easily reach the Golden Temple by foot or by taking a cycle rickshaw or an auto-rickshaw. The temple is located in the center of the city and is easily accessible from anywhere in Amritsar.
Golden Temple nearby Tourist Location
Amritsar, the city where the Golden Temple is located, is home to several other popular tourist attractions. Here are some nearby tourist locations to visit during your trip to the Golden Temple:
Jallianwala Bagh: Located just a few minutes' walk from the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden that is famous for the tragic massacre that took place here in 1919. Visitors can see the bullet holes in the walls and a memorial to the victims.
Wagah Border: The Wagah Border, located about 28 km from the Golden Temple, is the international border between India and Pakistan. Visitors can witness the daily Wagah border ceremony that includes a flag-lowering ceremony by soldiers from both countries.
Partition Museum: The Partition Museum, located in the Amritsar city center, is dedicated to the history of the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. It is a must-visit for history buffs and provides a comprehensive insight into one of the most significant events in modern Indian history.
Ram Bagh: Ram Bagh, also known as the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, is a garden and museum located about 5 km from the Golden Temple. It is dedicated to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who was one of the greatest rulers of the Sikh Empire.
These are just a few of the nearby tourist locations that visitors can explore during their trip to the Golden Temple. With so much to see and experience, Amritsar is an excellent destination for a cultural and historical adventure.
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