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Tourist Attraction - The Golden Temple
Golden Temple in Amritsar is the most exalted of all Sikh shrines, drawing
pilgrims from near and far fore centuries. The temple's story began some four centuries
ago when the third Sikh Guru Amar Das asked Guru Ram Das (who succeeded him) to
build a central place for the congregation of the Sikhs. Guru Arjan Dev completed
the work started by Guru Ram Das in the 16th century. The gurdwara has four entrance
doors, called deoris, in all four directions-symbolic of the new faith that made
no distinction between caste and creed. People could enter and bow in any direction
they preferred.
As one descends into the temple (unlike most temples, here one actually descends
as the structure is built below the level of the surrounding area), one is confronted
by the stunningly beautiful sanctum sanctorum glimmering in the water of the holy
tank that is flanked on all four sides by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements
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Places Around Amritsar
Within an hour's drive from Amritsar are several Sikh religious sites to
visit. Several historical Gurdwaras like Baba Bakala, Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran,
and Baba Sahib, attract the devout. The drive takes one through the heart of rural
Punjab with lush green paddy fields, tiny villages, and robust farmers.
The Amritsar that greets visitors today is a bustling, busy city with a distinct
'frontier' atmosphere, nestling as it does within breathing distance of the Indo-Pakistan
border. A popular outing is to the Wagah checkpost on the Indo-Pakistan border where
crowds throng to see the change of guards ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering,
all done with great skill and precision.
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