Places To See In Amritsar

Mysticism, Patriotism and Religion combine in this beautiful city

Religious Places

Gurudwaras

The Golden Temple -

Rising tall from the Amrit Sarovar or the pool of nectar that surrounds the edifice, the sight of this stunning structure set in gold and marble is a humbling experience. Harmandir Sahib as Golden Temple is also known as is the epicenter of the Sikh religion. Today, the shrine stands as a symbol of resoluteness, clarity and the travails of the Sikh religion.

There are four main doors to the Golden Temple. These doors are all symbolic of the Sikh philosophy that all religions are created equal and nobody would be discriminated based on cast, creed, colour and religion. The Darshani Deori or the main entrance to the north of the temple has an ornately done arch, which has inscriptions from the Guru Granth Sahib. A causeway known as Guru's Bridge connects to the temple. The shrine is surrounded on all sides by a marble corridor, which is full with devotees visiting the temple. The clock tower is located at the Darshani Deori. The Central Sikh Museum is atop the clock tower. On the south side of the Harmandir Sahib are a garden and the tower of Baba Atal. This nine-storied octagonal tower was built in the memory of Baba Atal Rai, son of the sixth Sikh Guru, Sri Har Gobind. The tower is known for its frescoes, depicting the life of Guru Nanak. The intricate inlay work, the stunning marble work and the mirror work became part of the beautiful landscape of the temple in the 19th century during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Guru Granth Sahib or the holy book of the Sikhs is kept inside the temple during the day and at the Akal Takht in the night. The Akal Takht or the supreme seat of power also houses ancient weapons used by Sikh warriors. Guru-ka-langar or the communal canteen is on the eastern side of the temple. An ancient Jubi tree also within the shrine is known for its special powers.

Temples

Durgiana Temple -

Lakshmi Narain Mandir built in the 20th century has an uncanny resemblance to the Golden Temple in its structure and form. Like the Harmandir Sahib, the temple rises from the middle of a tank and has canopies and dome reminiscent of the Sikh style of architecture. The temple is known for its collection of Hindu scriptures.

Mosques

Jama Masjid Khairuddin -

Built in 1876 by Mohammed Khairuddin, this mosque was the place from where the Tootie-e-Hind, Shah Attaullah Bukhari called for the removal of the British.

Historical Places

Jallianwala Bagh -

This place in Amritsar stands today as a mute testimony to the atrocities of the British who under the rule of General Dyer on April 13, 1919 opened indiscriminate firing on a group of peaceful protestors. The Martryr's Memorial at the site recounts the horrific incident and a section of the bullet-ridden wall is still preserved for visitors to see. Also seen is the well inside the Jallianwala Bagh, into which a number of people had jumped to escape the bullet fury.

Parks and Gardens

Ram Bagh -

Modeled on the lines of the beautiful Shalimar Bagh in Lahore, the Ram Bagh houses the summer palace of the erstwhile ruler of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Named after the founder of the city, Guru Ram Das, the garden and the palace are an architectural marvel. The palace is now a museum and it houses interesting artifacts, coins, paintings, weapons all dating back to the Sikh period.

Heritage Sites

Ram Tirath -

This heritage spot, 11 km west of Amritsar on Chogawan Road, dates back to the time of the Ramayana, when this was Sage Valmiki's abode. The area even today has an ancient tank and several temples. The hut where Goddess Sita gave birth to Luv and Kush and the well where she used to go and take her daily bath can be seen even to this day.

Pul Kanjari -

Located about 35 kms from Amritsar and Lahore, right on the Wagah border, the area was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The area was often used by the Maharaja to unwind and relax while passing through it with his troops. Apart from the remnants of a fort which once stood in the area, a temple, mosque and a gurudwara can also be seen.

Samadhi of Guru Angad Dev -

Located at a distance of about 30 kms south east of Amritsar is the samadhi of the second Sikh Guru. Maharaja Ranjit Singh built the samadhi in 1815 AD.

Samadhi of Shravan -

Located at a distance of 6 kms from Ajnala near Jastarwal is the samadh of Shravan. The area dates back to the Ramayana days where the story has it that Shravan, the devout son who had taken his blind parents on a pilgrimage fell prey to the arrows of King Dashrath, the ruler of Ayodhya. The area marks the spot where Shravan is buried.

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