Nov 15, 2002 09:11 AM
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(Updated Nov 15, 2002 02:17 PM)
AMRITSAR - Thy name invokes Peace-Passion-Prayer !
The city is more famous for the Golden Temple than for anything else.
The Jalianwala Baug is of historical significance and is just a hop skip and jump from the Golden temple and a must-visit place to view first hand the atrocious massacre of hundreds of innocents at the hands of Col.Dyer of the East India Company.
The first sight of the Golden Temple sitting in the centre of a large serene pool of nectar (Amrit-nectar and Pool-sarovar actually coined the name AMRIT-SAR) calms my senses into a feeling of peace and solace like none other. The shimmering waters and the glow of this monument is simply awe inspiring.
The throng of the devout and the tourists are a sight to behold. The temple begun in 1604 by Guru Arjun Dev was destroyed umpteen times by Invaders and and desecrated during Indira Gandhi's reign has only emerged more beautiful and sacred.
The four entrances on all four sides signify that this temple is open to all worshippers irrespective of caste, creed or status. Its constructed at a lower plinth to signify humbleness.
A langar(kitchen) serves food and tea to one all without discrimination and seats each and everybody equally. No one sleeps hungry in Amritsar.
Actually constructed in marble with exquisite inlay work reminiscent of the creative artisans at work during that time, this temple has been covered with gold leaf that makes it the unique 'Golden Temple' now touted as the 6th most coveted tourist destinations of the World ahead of even the Taj Mahal.
The Gold covering was initiated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who showered all his riches and wealth on this abode of the holy Guru Granth Sahib Any visit to Amritsar is focussed on a visit to the 'Harmandir Sahib'(as it is also known)
When in Amritsar one must not miss a visit to the India Pakistan Border at Wagah specially at dawn and dusk when the two flags of India and Pakistan are ceremoniously hoisted and lowered with pomp and splendour.
The sight of our soldiers matched step by thundering step of the opposite side makes one feel proud of ones country. After the lowering of flags, the two gates that divide our two countries are thrown open with a flourish. The surging crowds of visitors at the border are held back by their respective soldiers with strict restrain because emotions run high and sentiments are eloquent with loud bursts of 'Jai Hind' and 'Jo Bole So Nihal-Satsriakal' It is a sight not to be missed and one must reach the border well before time (at least 45 mins early) to get the prime seats (there is a viewing gallery constructed) or remain standing throughout the 30 minute ceremony and get jostled around.
The border is just a straight 45 minute Highway drive from the main city of Amritsar approximately 30 kms leading one straight across to Lahore in Pakistan (that is if you gate crash the Border) Reaching Amritsar is convenient since it is very well connected to Bombay and Delhi by rail, road and air with an International Airport and wide highways. From Bombay, the Golden Temple mail(erstwhile Frontier mail) is the oldest running mail train of the Indian railways.
Excellent bargains can be had in this city famous for its woolens and Hosiery which comes from nearby Jalandhar City.
Shawls and sweaters and pullovers are much sought here.
The people of Amritsar are known to for their food and luxurious and opulent Kothis</i). (Bunglows)
The dhabas of Amritsar are another mouthwatering story that needs reams and reams of paper. There are innumerable hotels and inns from the classy star grade to the very mediocre.
Accomodation is easily available throughout the year for all budgets. Between September end to February end is the best time to visit being Winter...avoid the sweltering summer...rains are scarce.
Maybe I shall add more later as per your feedback. Till then its Balle Balle from me.
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