The Golden Temple: Armritsar

The Golden Temple (Harandir Sahib) in Armritsar

I had been holding off going to Armritsar to see the Golden Temple until guests came. When my son, Dagan, arrived for spring break, I thought it would be a great time to visit. What was I waiting for? This is the type of place you could visit several times simply to receive a fresh breath of tranquility.

It is said that over 100,000 people visit the Godlen Temple daily. Yet, even amongst the throngs of people, the serenity, especially in the mornings and evenings, was refreshing. We stayed in a mid-range hotel, Le Golden Hotel, right across one of the four entrances. So, stopping by at different times made it easy.

 

There are four entrances to the temple that symbolize openness to all men and women, regardless of religion, color, creed or sex. We felt most welcome in the temple and even had complete strangers explain some of the happenings.

 

Encouraging respectful cross-legged sitting by the lake.

 

 This Sikh man asked those sitting by the lake to sit in a cross-legged position out of respect. Upon entering the temple you must take off your shoes and leave them at a check-stand, wash your feet, wear a head scarf. There is no alcohol, smoking, eating of meat or taking of drugs allowed. When Dagan offered some money for holding our shoes, the Sikh men shook their heads and instead gave Dagan some pieces of candy. Wow!

In meditation

The stark whiteness of most of the buildings and marble floors, against the sparkling waters of the holy lake made the time spent there surreal.

Bathing in the holy lake

The holy tank, or Sarovar, is considered to be "immortal nectar". I did not see a single woman in the lake. Hmmm?

Mother bathing baby son.

Holy man

Sikhs pilgrimage to this temple often. There are many rooms to stay in for small donations (70 rupees) and there is always free food in the temple kitchens that stay open up to 12 hours/daily. Construction projects were being conducted by chains of men and women visiting the temple or on extended stays.

Quite the turban!

Our heads did a double-take when we saw this turbaned man with sword walk by. A young English-speaking Sikh stopped to explain. In the times of battles, weapons would be wrapped in these giant turbans. But still today there are men who carry on the tradition of wearing the giant turbans.

Dagan with kids

Everyone wanted a picture with us. This mother was especially proud that dad snapped one of us together. Foreigners are treated like celebrities.

Wrapping the staff

The morning of our departure we went over to the temple one last time. This man was wrapping a series of staffs with golden cloth as part of the morning ritual. Such magnificent colors! Another must-see in India!