Religious

The Golden Temple

The Golden temple is also known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib. It is a significant Sikh temple, which is located in the city of Amritsar. Thousands of people visit the Golden Temple every year and is one of the most visited places in Punjab. The proper name is Harmandir which means "temple of God", while some refer it to as darbar, which means "court". The Golden Temple has some unique features.

The temple is overlaid in the center of a sarovar or pool. The pilgrims bathe in the pool. People believe that the water has healing properties that can cure many diseases.

People gather here to listen to hymns, and also pay respect to the Guru Granth Sahib Holy Scripture being read here. Langar - a meal provided to all the pilgrims who visit is a free meal which is prepared in the Golden Temple. The preparations are carried out by worshipers and pilgrims and volunteers. Donations are made by people, which is used for the cost of the meal and maintenance of the temple.

The lessons taught here are of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances symbolize the unity of people from all walks of life.

Akal Takht

Just near the Golden Temple of Amritsar and opposite to the marbled Darshni Deorhi, the Akal Takht stands pretty. Considered the highest seat of the Sikh authority, the Akal Takht was built by Guru Hargovind in the year 1609.

Shri Hargovind was the sixth guru of the Sikhs who made immense contribution to popularize the religion. Regarded as the Lord's home, it is called - Akal Bunga.

Respected as the holiest place of the Sikhs, the Akal Takht visited by thousands of devotees every day. They offer prayers to the Gurus and seek their divine blessings. The traditional arms and weapons used by the earlier Gurus and Sikh warriors are displayed every evening at the Akal Takht.

Durgiana Temple

Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya inaugurated one of the most sacred temples of Amritsar, the Durgiana Temple. The temple which is set near the Lohgarh Gate of Amritsar is enshrined with Goddess Durga. Amritsar has been the land of holy shrines from a very long time. The religious and cultural heritage of this district of Punjab has attracted many a tourists to this place.

Depicting the bliss of Goddess Durga Durgiana Temple of Amritsar is also called by the name of Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Daily rituals devoted to Durga Ma is performed in the temple of Durgiana in Amritsar. A dome and a tank are the prime possession of Durgiana Temple both of which are considered sacred for the Hindu followers.

The local devotees of Amritsar come to offer their prayers to holy Goddess Durga on a regular basis. However, apart from Durga Devi, Durgiana Temple is also famous for Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu. The temple beautifully expresses the holy aura of the two Lords through its magnificent imagery.

Ram Tirath Temple

Located at the Amritsar - Chogawan Road, the Ram Tirath Temple stands pretty with its enormous religious and historical significance. It is believed that the temple is built on the spot where Ramayana was written by Valmiki. Local people say that this is also the same place where Ram and Sita's twin sons were born.

The Ram Tirath Temple is considered as one the most sacred spots for the Hindus. The temple has statues depicting important scenes from the epic - Ramayana. According to the mythological beliefs, Lord Rama left her wife Sita in this very place where the temple stands now. It is believed that Valmiki - the great sage rescued her and gave her shelter. Sita gave birth to her sons - Luv and Kush and they grew up in the guidance of saint Valmiki.

The Ram Tirath Temple can be easily counted among the prime Amritsar Tourist Attractions. A journey of only eleven Kilometers from Amritsar will take you to the wonderful site. Apart from the beautifully sculptured temple, the tank in front of the temple is another attraction for the pilgrims. A dip in the crystal clear tank is considered very pious and holy.

Mata Mandir Temple/ Model Town Temple

One of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites of the state of Punjab, the Mata Mandir Temple is a prime Amritsar Tourist Attraction. The Mata Mandir Temple of Amritsar is located at the Rani Ka Bagh area of the city.

Amritsar's Mata Mandir Temple was built in the model of the famous Vaishno Devi Temple of Katra, Jammu. The Mata Mandir Temple is an eternal favorite with the Hindu pilgrims and other religiously inclined people too. It has emerged as a popular haunt for the tourists coming to the city as well. Not only it has immense religious sentiments attached to it but it has considerable archaeological importance also.

The Mata Mandir Temple in Amritsar is visited by thousands of devotees and followers every year. The temple witnesses maximum gathering during the festivals. The Mata Mandir Temple is conveniently situated very close to the north western part of Amritsar Railway Station.

Tarn Taran

The Tarn Taran is one of the most sacred place of worship or Gurudwaras of the Sikhs. The Gurudwara Tarn Taran is located very close to the Amritsar city. One have to cover a distance of only twenty two Kilometers from the south east of the city to reach the divine place.

The Tarn Taran was built in the memory of Guru Ram Das. Constructed in accordance to the Mughal architectural style, the Tatn Tarn Gurudwara was built under Guru Arjan Dev's orders.

The Tarn Tarn near Amritsar is situated beside the holy tank. The big tank is considered as a sacred place and it is believed that the water of the tank has magical healing power. It is said the water acts as the sure cure for the leprosy patients who can swim across the tank.