Sikh golden temple

The Golden Sikh Temple is one of the most revered religious shrines in northwestern India in the state of Punjab. The temple attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world every year.

The unusual religion of the Sikhs

The Sikh teachings are most popular in the north of the country, especially in the states of Punjab and Haryana. The peculiarity of this religion lies in the unusual intertwining of Hindu views with elements of Islam. Religious teaching was formed in the late XV - early XVI centuries, and the word "Sikh" means a disciple. They say that even today a Sikh can be identified by a magnificent turban, under which he hides his long hair, which is not allowed to be cut.

Nanak, the founder of the new religion and the future guru, was born in Punjab in 1469. The religion he created preaches tolerance, respect for every living being, the unification of believers and the cessation of hostility between people. The guide on the path to God is a spiritual teacher - guru.

Construction of the Golden Sikh Temple

In 1577, Guru Ram Das dug a lake called Amritsar, which means "the fountain of the nectar of immortality." Religious pilgrims seek to come here from all over the world to plunge into the blessed waters of the sacred lake. The construction of a Sikh temple was started in the center of the reservoir. Its upper tiers were covered with gold, so it became known as "golden". And the Sikh town, growing around the temple and the lake, also began to be called Amritsar.

Architecture

The Golden Sikh Temple looks like an amazing symbiosis of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles, it is very richly decorated in accordance with local traditions. The temple is covered with real gold. It is said that more than 750 kg of gold plates were used for the golden vault alone. The copper plates with which the temple is lined are also covered with gold. Located in the center of the lake, the temple is reflected by countless reflections on the water. The temple, surrounded on all sides by water, can be reached via a narrow marble bridge.

Temple visit

If everything is done correctly, visiting the Golden Sikh Temple will be an event that will be remembered for a lifetime. Indeed, according to tradition, every guest is welcome here, regardless of faith. At the same time, you need to understand that you need to behave appropriately. Every visitor should be prepared for the fact that at the entrance they will need to take off their shoes and socks and wash their feet in a special pool. The head should be covered with a scarf, which can be obtained for free at the entrance or bought as a small souvenir in memory of the visit.

There is a free canteen in the Golden Sikh Temple, as there are in any Sikh temple. Every pilgrim who needs food will be fed here. There are plenty of delicious food being prepared in the huge kitchens. On big holidays, 60,000 to 80,000 guests can be fed here. Interestingly, all the food is prepared by volunteers. You can eat by sitting right on the floor. By the way, they will be happy to accept your help if you offer to help with washing dishes or floors.

There is always a festive mood in the temple, the monks continuously chant texts from the holy book of the Sikhs.