Part 3. Amritsar

The Sikh-dominated state of Punjab in the northeastern India (and the recently split, mostly Hindu state of Harayana nearby) is one of the most boring parts of the country. This densely populated plain would not be worth a visit was it not for the exquisite Golden Temple in Amritsar (The City of Immortality, or, literally, The Lake of the Nectar of Immortality).

The Golden Temple, Amritsar.

Pilgrim at The Golden Temple.

The Temple is the center of Sikhism, a religion founded in the 16th century by Guru Nanak. Even on coldest mornings, hundreds of pilgrims bathe in its sacred lake, Amrit Sarovar, while thousands of visitors of all faiths eat free food in Guru- Ka- Langar (The Dining Hall).

Pilgrims at The Golden Temple.

Pilgrims, Amritsar.

Temple guards, Amritsar.

Every Sikh in the world (and there's a huge Sikh diaspora in addition to more than 20 million in India) tries to visit The Temple at least once in his lifetime.

Prayer, Amritsar.

The Golden Temple at sunrise, Amritsar.

The Golden Temple, Amritsar.

The Temple is a large complex of shrines, towers, and galleries. It looks very different at various times of the day - try to visit early in the morning and at night, if you have time. I guess sunsets can also be great there.

The Golden Temple, Amritsar.

Inside Harmandir, Amritsar.

The Golden Temple, Amritsar.

The most sacred part of The Temple is the small pavilion called Harmandir (or Hari Mandir Sahib), built in the 16th century. It is beautifully decorated on the outside and on the inside.

Inside Harmandir, Amritsar.

Ceiling, Harmandir.

Gateway to Harmandir.

Harmandir, Amritsar.

The original copy of Guru Grant Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs, is kept in Harmandir during the day, and in nearby Akal Takhat at night.

Inside Harmandir, Amritsar.

Akal Takhat, Amritsar.

Causeway between Harmandir and Akal Takhat, Amritsar.

Akal Takhat is the second most sacred shrine in The Temple. Built in the 17th century, it houses the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (Sikh Parliament). It was destroyed during a 1984 separatist rebellion, but is now restored.

Roof, Harmandir.

Stonework, Akal Takhat.

View from Harmandir, Amritsar.

Clock Tower, Amritsar.

The Temple is one of the most pleasant places in India. Nobody tries to sell you anything, to charge you for having a camera, or to prevent from straying away from the tourist route. People are polite, friendly and a bit reserved. The entry is free 24/7.

Pilgrim, Amritsar.

Visitors to The Temple are required to take off their shoes and cover their heads. Amritsar.

Part 4: The Mughal Empire

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