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- Destinations
- Asia
- India
- Amritsar
- Golden Temple of Amritsar
Golden Temple of Amritsar
Considered one of the most beautiful temples in the world - and
the veritable heart of the Sikh religion - it's no wonder that
tourists come from all over the globe to see the Golden Temple of
Amritsar. Situated in the middle of a sacred lake fed by an
underground spring, the golden structure is a unique blend of Hindu
and Muslim architectural styles. Within the temple is the Adi
Grantha, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs, displayed on a
jewel-studded platform.
Visitors to the Golden Temple can enjoy the serene and spiritual
atmosphere, with the sound of Sikh hymns being accompanied by
flutes, drums and stringed instruments. Next to the lake are the
enormous pilgrims' dormitories; and at the gate is the information
desk, where helpful and friendly staff will answer your questions
and provide free pamphlets on the temple and Sikh religion.
The best time to visit the Golden Temple of Amritsar is actually
at night, when the Palki Sahib ceremony takes place. Dozens of
devotees act as a human conveyor belt to carry the Granth Sahib (a
shrine containing the Adi Grantha) from the main shrine to the
sanctum, where it is kept until the opening ceremony the following
morning. Visitors may participate in the ceremony, taking their
turn to shoulder the weight of the enormous shrine.
Visitors to the Golden Temple should be respectful of the Sikh
culture. Smoking and alcohol is forbidden throughout the complex,
and visitors must remove their shoes. Heads must be covered at all
times - if you forget, don't worry, vendors will push Rs 10
bandanas on you as you near the temple, or else you can borrow a
head covering from the pile kept at the entrance.
Information & Facts
Admission
Language
Although English is generally used for official and
business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by
about 40 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common
with the Muslim demographic. India has a total of 22 official
languages
Money
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into
100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at
banks, and authorised bureaux de changes. It is impossible to
obtain rupees outside India, but no matter what time you arrive in
India there will be an exchange office open at the airport. It is
illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is
advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart
from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small
denominations. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely
accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs
are not generally available.
Opening Times
Open daily, from 6am to 2am