Amritsar

 

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 Amritsar the name came from Amritsarovar, heart of Punjab. The city of Golden Temple is always developed and still developing around the Golden Temple . We can call Amritsar Mecca of Sikh  or Vatican of Sikh Because its the most sacred place for Sikh community.


Once upon a Time..:
 Amritsar have a long history related with the Indian epic Ramayana. According to Ramayana, Lord Rama's sons Lava and Kusha   taught Ramayana in Amritsarovar (now Amritsar..).
 How the land was acquired for the construction of the temple has many stories. Some say the Guru bought it, others say it was granted by Emperor Akbar. Whatever the story, it is certain the religious building important to Sikhs was built on a revenue free land.

Oral history says that the Muslim holy man Pir Mian Mir of Lahore, Arjan Dev the fifth Sikh Guru requested him to laid the first foundation stone. But there is no record to confirm this, Pir never mentioned in his Biography too. As per known history, In 1588 Guru Arjun Dev laid the foundation. In centuries this place changed its original name Ramdaspur to Amritsar. Guru's followers not only developed Sikhism but the town too. As years passed, Sikhism is became a major religion. The first Sikh King, Ranjit Singh, named Amritsar his spiritual capital and Lahore became temporal seat for his newly  expanding kingdom. Ranjit Singh was also contributed to the Golden Temple too. The king altered the interior with floral designs, gilded the embossed plates and roofed the ceilings with mirrors.

Places to see..:
Golden Temple or Sri Harmandir Sahib: 
In 14th century Guru Ram Das founded  the Golden Temple. Golden Temple was the holiest place for Sikhs around the world. It has four doorways and gorgeously decorated arches. Architecture of golden Temple was a mixture of Hindu and Muslim styles. Surrounded by a beautiful tank, The Temple shows its architecture excellence and attracting the world tourists. Worshiped by Sikh community, Golden Temple got visitors from all other religions and tourists.

Jallianwala Bagh: 

This place have history related with Indian freedom struggle, This place still  reminds us the brutal event called"Jallianwalabagh Massacre".In 13th of April 1913, Hundreds of civilians gathered in Jallianwala Bagh for the new year (Bai sakhi) celebrations. General dyer a British officer surrounded the place with an armed force and killed almost everyone in the crowd. Jallianwala Bagh still reminds the freedom memories and a holy place for all Indians.



Durgiana Mandir: Located close to the Golden Temple, this temple, modeled in the style of the Golden Temple, is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. However, it also offers prayers to deities of Lakshmi and Narayana. Believed to have been built in the 16th century AD, the temple stands in the center of a lake.

Baba Atal Rai Tower: Located near by Amritsar, It is believed that Guru Hargobind died at  Baba Atal Rai Tower.This nine story building was came under the control of  Guru Hargobind's son. We can enjoy the Panoromic view of Amritsar from the top, In first floor of the tower, we can see the preserved valuable ornaments and things of  Guru Nanak.

Wagah Border: Wagah a happening  border site for India and Pakistan ,  28 km away  from Amritsar Wagah still have the memories of undivided India. The ‘change of guards ceremony’ is a perfect example for that emotion, This event happening every sunset of the day and attracting a handsome amount of  crowd everyday. As a patriotic Indian or a Pakistani would feel patriotism and brotherhood in this place. You'll get Goose pumps for sure.. 

Near by Attractions
Tarn Taran:  Tarn Taran located 25 km away from Amritsar, this place have a sacred tank that can have healing powers(well its believed to be...). Tarn Taran have Gurudwara,  built by Guru Arjan Dev in 1768 AD.

For long travellers, Gobindwal Sahib, Amanat Khan Serai, Baba Bakala and Dharamshala are good to go from  Amritsar.
Food:
Talking of Amritsar,how could we forget Punjabi dhaba. Walking on Amritsar streets is an experience of we are in the middle of a Punjab food festival. We can find Bav Purji, Dhaba, Kulcha, pappad, Lassi and many more typical Punjabi foods  in Amritsar streets, Pappad export business become a beneficial one for locals.   
 
Celebrations and Festivals
Baisakhi (New year) and Guru Nanak Jayanti are the two major festivals that are celebrated in Amritsar.
Baisakhi celebrated all over India in different names but as a solar new year. April 13th or April 14th is the Baisakhi, People of North India, particularly Punjabi s thank God for good harvest. Visit to Gurudwaras, Vaisakhi processions and traditional rituals are the highlights of the day. Baisakhi has special significance for Sikhs as on this day in 1699, their tenth Guru Gobind Singh Ji organized the order of the Khalsa. 

Amritsar Images