Golden Temple Tour - an intimate introduction to Sikhi way of life!

Overview

The sacred city of Amritsar draws its sustenance from the Golden Temple- the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. Amritsar’s spiritual moorings go back to the time when Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru, arrived in these parts to visit the healing waters of a venerable tank, later to be called the Amrit Sarovar. Guru Nanak established the Sikh faith, welcoming all to find meaning in life in his message of peace and brotherhood. It was the third Sikh Guru Amar Dass who shifted the Sikh headquarters from Goindawal to the site of this sacred tank. In time a village settlement developed around this hallowed space. Over time it rose to become this great city of trade and commerce – and most importantly the centre of the Sikh faith.

It was in the time of the fifth Guru, Arjan Das, that a temple was established on a small island in the Amrit Sarovar. The Golden Temple Complex houses the twin pillars of strength, the Harimandir Sahib and Akal Takht; they reflect the spiritual and the temporal world. The four doors of the temple are always open to symbolise that people of all faiths are welcome to worship here. This is perfectly in keeping with Nanak’s message of universal brotherhood. A circumambulatory path encompassing the sarovar and the Golden Temple is dotted with symbolic stations such as the Dukh Bhanjani Beri and the sacred jujube tree. The community kitchen (langar) is also an important part of the complex.

Why you will love it

• Darshan inside the main shrine; a holy dip in the sacred sarovar.
• Volunteering in the community kitchen.
• Historical and architectural nuances of the Golden Temple and Sikh philosophy.
• Waking up/Putting to sleep ceremony of Guru Granth Sahib (time-based).

What you will experience

The tour explores the different facets of this sacred keystone of Sikhism – such as Darshan inside the main shrine, a visit to the langar (community kitchen) to volunteer along with the locals in preparing and serving food, sitting down in Pangat for a meal, and a visit to the Akal Takht for understanding the martial aspect of Sikhism. Steep yourself in the air of deep devotion and ceremonial splendour at dawn or late night during the beautiful journey of the holy Guru Granth Sahib between the Darbar Sahib and Akal Takht.