WHY GOLDEN TEMPLE IS SPECIAL
Gurudwaras are what many people know as the holy places for Sikhs, where others make no plans to visit. But when such a location changes its perception with its magnetic divinity, vibrant environment, aesthetic architecture, and selfless hospitality, then it is better to be known as a temple. This temple also attracts lakhs of visitors every day from both India and across the globe alike. And it is the famous Golden Temple situated in the heart of Amritsar in the state of Punjab, India, around 500 km from the capital city Delhi.
A travel story about the Golden Temple, India, is incomplete without mentioning the Sikh community. All over the world, they are always special. History has proven they were born to fight for all humans, both before and after independence. In Delhi, it is seen how inclusive they are, always trying to do their bit for others — be it in peak summer by distributing drinking water on streets to one and all, or by arranging food, shelter, and blankets for the homeless during severe winters.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF GOLDEN TEMPLE
The famous Jallianwala Bagh, close to this Golden Temple, was a place to experience history related to the freedom struggle in India. Visitors could relive what happened on that fateful day of April 13 in 1919, which I visited the other day. But this location, at a short distance from the Jallianwala Bagh, is such a place that infuses divine energy as long as one remains there. This temple too has a history of a shootout known as Operation Blue Star. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, is the biggest religious space for Sikhs — very famous not only among Indians but globally too.
From many colleagues and friends back in Delhi, I already had a picture in my heart about what this place may look like. But the reality was miles apart, to be precise. Starting from the glorious entrance that welcomes around a hundred thousand people every day, and all the way inside, it was against my perception.
Many visitors do not even notice that the gate they cross to enter inside is equally imposing, with a magnetizing attraction to all, and the temple premises inside seem to be another world, with a mix of divinity and spirituality spreading special energy from everywhere. The temple, a little far away from the entrance and standing inside the lake, was attracting every visitor like a magnet.
THE GOLDEN TEMPLE IS REALLY PURE GOLD
It is mandatory for everyone to wash their feet before entering the temple premises. Also, both men and women have to cover their heads. Both these things are customs for everyone. Once inside, my eyes were feasted with the stunning beauty of architecture and a religiously maintained water body, with ripples radiating divine energy as the sun rays fell upon it. The Golden Temple, which looked like a structure inside the lake, looked marvelous with the enclosure glittering in pure gold, with the blissful energy of spirituality all around.
A huge number of people from different parts of India, as well as from foreign countries, were seen everywhere. They were in every corner of the premises – on the marble walkway, in the lake, on the steps, in the water distribution areas. But amid the crowd, there was a peace that I could feel the most — an unusual feeling of calmness in the atmosphere despite many areas being crowded. A rare combination of silence and sound prevailed in this amazing piece of a place known to the world as the Golden Temple, Amritsar.
THE POOL OF NECTAR – THE FAMOUS LAKE
The Golden Temple is surrounded by a lake that is itself enclosed by flawless white buildings all around in a rectangular shape, making the temple complex huge in size. Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, is in the centre of the lake, having access only from one side. It is almost equivalent to a three-story building covered with original gold, with some golden domes above it. The Golden Temple looked like a floating golden prism in bright sunlight, with its reflection oscillating in the water in which it stands.
The space between the lake and the white buildings all around is a pathway that leads to the main temple access area. Many people were taking a bath in the lake — it is a custom to purify themselves by immersing in the holy water. The lake in the Golden Temple is also known as Amrit Sarovar — the Pool of Nectar.
A HEAVENLY MESSAGE THROUGH SOULFUL KIRTANS
After spending some time enjoying the aura of the temple and its surroundings, and after washing my feet in the pool, I proceeded towards the temple, a little far away, such that two and a half sides of the rectangle had to be covered to reach there. Walking through the premises was also a chance to experience the divine energy of the Golden Temple. Finally, the long walk through the neat and tidy, dust-free marble walkway ended in a long queue as I joined hundreds of other visitors patiently standing in the relatively lengthy line leading to the main prayer room.
The line was moving slowly, and everyone in the queue looked content with it. The slow movement was a blessing too, allowing everyone to enjoy the most sacred portion of the temple to its fullest. The glowing sun rays falling on the pool and the golden enclosure were reflecting into the atmosphere as if the whole area of the holy premises was radiating positive energy to everyone around.
As the line moved closer to the temple, it felt like every space of the premises was reverberating with soulful kirtans from the holy books. The Golden Temple spreads on two floors, and unlike the normal way in other religious places, here devotees walk down to the prayer area. Praying inside the temple with eyes closed for a few seconds brought much-needed peace to the mind with an extremely satisfying feeling.
Being inside one of the most respected sacred places worshipped by millions worldwide was an altogether different experience, filled with soul-touching moments. Despite the unique grandeur of the main temple building, covered with pure gold of around 750 kg, which I read later, it felt like being immersed in spiritual energy that made the sound of kirtans like a heavenly message.
BELIEVE IT – APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MEALS PER DAY
A visit to the Golden Temple, Amritsar, will not feel complete unless you visit the dining area within the temple, called the Langar. Most of the people serving here — from cooking to washing — offer a Seva (voluntary service) and come from all walks of life. The kitchen serves approximately 60,000 to 80,000 people every day. People from every sphere of life, irrespective of their origin, culture, language, place, or gender, are served here.
Food is served without any distinction, treating everyone as a single community. It was a special feeling to watch the dedication and love with which those people were serving food and water to others. To summarize the essence of visiting the Langar, it brings a kind of inspiration about compassion to every visitor.
This was also the place where a commando operation had once taken place on the orders of the then Prime Minister, when the Indian Army was deployed to flush out some terrorists occupying the premises.
A PERSONAL CONCLUSION
The difference between a temple from the south and this religious place was never comparable. But the amazing architecture, the holy lake around it, the clean pathway surrounding these two structures, the devotion in serving food without a break to thousands of visitors, and the affection and kindness showered by all those Sikh people involved with the temple made it a serene experience, so much so that I made two more trips within the next year.
Concluding Thought
The Golden Temple isn’t just a sight to behold; it’s a feeling to be lived — where the glow of gold meets the light of faith, and the quiet ripples of the Pool of Nectar whisper stories of peace, equality, and devotion. One doesn’t simply visit the Golden Temple; one experiences it — heart first.
Would you like to read a poem on the Silence of Sound? Click here.
Click here for the Wikipedia page on Amritsar
TRAVEL INFORMATION
📍 Location:
Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is located in Amritsar, Punjab, India — right at the heart of the city.
🚗 How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, about 12 km from the temple.
- By Train: Amritsar Junction Railway Station is just 2 km away and well-connected to major Indian cities.
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis operate from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other nearby cities. The Grand Trunk Road (NH3) connects Amritsar directly.
🕓 Timings:
Open 24 hours, all days of the week. The best time to visit is early morning or late evening to witness the divine Palki Sahib ceremony and beautiful golden reflections in the Sarovar.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit:
October to March — when the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing and spiritual visits.
🙏 Dress Code:
Modest attire required. Head covering is mandatory inside the temple premises (scarves or dupattas are available at the entrance).
🍲 Don’t Miss:
- The Langar Hall, serving free meals to thousands daily.
- The Akal Takht, seat of the Sikh temporal authority.
- The shimmering view of the temple at night, reflected in the Pool of Nectar.
💡 Travel Tips & Stay Options
✅ Travel Tips:
- Visit early in the morning (4:00–6:00 AM) or late evening (after sunset) for a peaceful experience and breathtaking views of the illuminated temple.
- Footwear and socks must be removed before entering. Free storage is available near the entrance.
- Photography is allowed only in certain areas — avoid taking pictures inside the sanctum.
- Try the Langar meal — simple, soulful, and a true symbol of equality.
- Keep your belongings light; the temple complex can get crowded, especially on weekends and festivals.
🏨 Stay Options:
- Golden Temple Sarai: Clean, budget-friendly rooms available for pilgrims within the complex (free or nominal donation).
- Mid-range Hotels: Amritsar has several good options like Ramada by Wyndham, Hotel Hong Kong Inn, and Fairfield by Marriott.
- Luxury Stays: For those seeking comfort and proximity, Hyatt Regency Amritsar and Taj Swarna are top choices.
📅 Ideal Duration:
Half a day to one full day is ideal to explore the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and nearby markets like Hall Bazaar for local crafts and Amritsari kulcha.
