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Visit Sikhism's Golden Temple

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Sikhism, one of the numerous religions Mother India has given birth to, shares a special bond with the UK because elite Sikh soldiers fought bravely for Britain in both World Wars. The Golden Temple at Amritsar, Punjab is the Sikhs’ most sacred pilgrimage site and is designated a World Heritage Site.

The site was chosen for its natural pool, which was later enlarged. Legend has it the Buddha once passed through and commented how suitable that area was for achieving salvation. Guru Nanak, who founded Sikhism in the 15th Century, had a similar reaction. He and subsequent Sikh leaders bought and developed the location as a central place for Sikhs to gather and worship. The complex includes lodging for pilgrims and guests, a marble walkway pilgrims use to circumambulate (prayerfully walk around) the sacred pool and temple proper in its middle, a museum, and Guru-kap-Langar. Tens of thousands are fed daily in this last named building, all seated on the floor together regardless of caste or religion. The museum’s gallery honours saints, gurus, and warriors from throughout Sikhism’s history. The sect, which blends elements of Hinduism and Islam, was pacifist throughout the reigns of its first five leaders. Oppression, however, led the Sikhs to then develop a strong defensive military elite to protect itself from dominating powers. This military tradition lives on. 

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanready/

The Hari Mandir serves as the Golden Temple’s sacred centre with its awe-striking richness of gold gilding and semi-precious stone. This structure houses the Sikhs’ sacred text Guru Granth Sahib during the day, where pilgrims come to pay homage while listening to temple musicians perform kartan. This is singing verses from the Guru Granth Sahib. The text is revered as a living spiritual leader within Sikhism. It is carried with great ceremony to the Hari Mandir every morning across the temple causeway from the Akal Takht, the Sikhs’ parliament building and back again each evening. Bathing in the water that surrounds the Hari Mandir, called amrit-sass or pool of nectar, is thought to cleanse one of sins.

Sikhism was founded as an egalitarian alternative to Hinduism, with its sharp caste divisions. Even the architecture displays this difference in attitude. The structures within the temple’s complex are designed much closer to the ground and on a lower plane than most Hindu temples. The four entrances also deliberately contrast with the single and more controlled entrance common for Hindu temples. Lodgings and communal meals are offered without cost. Additional lodgings are available for a modest fee.

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasleen_kaur/

One high point, literally and figuratively, is Baba Atal, a nine-storeyed tower built to honour Guru Hargobind’s son Atal, who died in 1628 at age 9 and was said to be wise beyond his young years. It features ornate spires of marble and gold.

The temple is well worth inclusion on tours of India for travellers interested in Eastern religion, architecture and Commonwealth history.

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