We travelled from Dharmsala by car to Amritsar, over rough terrain at times, and arrived at our destination seven hours later. Having consumed a meal at the hotel, we made our way to the Golden Temple, which was a ten-minute walk.
As we entered the temple, one gets peacefulness and tranquility even though the shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists throughout the day. We were fortunate the crowds had dispersed as we removed our footwear, washed our feet, and walked past the bustling food halls.
Even though we refused the meal, the guards and volunteers made us feel genuinely welcome, and their hospitality and devotion were unsurpassed.
As we headed in the direction of the lake, in the distance, we had a glimpse of the Golden temple, shimmering in gold and glittering in the moonlight. We decide to rest on the spotlessly clean marble and admire the temple at a distance.
As we sat on the spotlessly clean marble floor gazing across the artificial lake, we focused on the Golden temple that was glittering in the moonlight, and the reflection in the water was something special. I learned that the temple was built about five hundred years ago, destroyed many times by invading armies, as recently as 1984, but has been steadfastly rebuilt and a jewel of Hindu-Muslim architecture. The entire temple is rich with intricate carvings and precious stones, while the top is paved with pure gold. Inside the temple, there is constant chanting to the accompaniment flutes, drums, and stringed instruments.
Some advice for non-Sikhs visiting the Golden Temple: Ensure there is a head covering and slacks for the men. Women should be very modestly dressed from head down to toe.
This is a historic site, and a visit is strongly recommended. Visited 2010.