Golden Temple, Amritsar

Golden Temple, Amritsar

One of the most spiritual places in India, Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrines in Sikhism and is alive with religious fervour and sacredness. Its divinity is a thing that can only be experienced and not described. After going through a tumultuous period of demolitions, it was rebuilt by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1830 purely with marble and gold. It is the view of the resplendent shrine, glistening in the centre of the tank that brings an infinite calmness. It is located right in the heart of Amritsar and is easily reachable from any part of the city. Serving as a symbol of brotherhood and equality, Golden Temple is visited by people from all over the world who come here to seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment.  In spite of the thousands of people milling about in the premises of the temple, the only voice you will hear around you is silence interspersed with chants of the Sikh prayers.

Located in the beautiful city of Amritsar, Golden Temple is just a small part of the vast complex known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib to the Sikhs. The spiritual focus is the tank, the Amrit Sarovar, which surrounds the glistening central shrine. Amritsar takes its name from this Amrit Sarovar which was excavated in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das. 

Around the edge of the compound, there are more shrines and monuments. The Sikh Museum is located inside the main entrance clock tower which shows the oppression endured by the Sikhs at the hands of the Mughals, the British and the Indian Government of 1984. The Ramgarhia Bunga is a protective fortress located at the southeast end of the tank and is surrounded by two Islamic-style minarets. Golden Temple is indisputably one of the most exquisite attractions in the world.

Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple

Location: Puri, Odisha.

One of the parts of Char Dham “Jagannath Temple” is devoted to Lord Krishna. Inside the main Jagannath Temple, despite lord Krishna idol, you find the idols of Lord Balabhadra (brother) and Goddess Subhadra (sister). The main feature that allures visitors is the idols of the Jagannath temple which are surely different from other temples of the country. With big eyes, different complexions, here idols are made by a special kind of wood called the ‘Daru Brahma’ (found by the main temple preacher once in every 12 years).

The main festival celebrated here is the Rath Yatra. On this Rath Yatra, all the idols are taken on a ride on temple chariots that enthralls millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the country and the world.

Note: There are many conditions on entering the temple. Only Hindus of Indian origin are permitted to enter the interiors and other practicing Hindus of foreign nationalities are restricted. Buddhist and Jain groups are allowed inside if they can give proof of their Indian origin.

Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi

Location: Katra, Jammu

Located at an altitude of 5200 ft. in a mountain known as Trikuta, “Vaishno Devi Temple” is devoted to the goddess Shakti. One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, Vaishno Devi temple has three rock heads, known as Pindies, rather than of a statue. Millions of pilgrims flock here to take the blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi.  It’s believed that Maa Vaishno Devi decides and calls her pilgrims to her doorsteps. A successful journey on this temple is possible only because of Maa wish. The temple is open all year round.