Signature Amritsar: The Golden Temple

Welcome to Amritsar, the home to the iconic Golden Temple. Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh religion and is an important area of Sikh history. The Golden Temple was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. Harmandir Sahib also known as the Golden Temple is the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion. This important Sikh shrine attracts more visitors than the Taj Mahal in Agra as it has more than 100,000 visitors on week days alone. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.

This morning you will visit Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib also referred to as the Golden Temple. The construction of the gurdwara was begun by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, and completed by his successor, Guru Arjan. In the early nineteenth century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh covered the upper floors of the gurdwara with gold, which gives it its distinctive appearance and English name of "Golden Temple". The temple has four entrances instead of the usual single entry, symbolic of the openness of Sikhism and the fact that followers of all faiths are welcome here.

The temple's architecture is a blend of both Hindu and Muslim styles. During the reign of Maharja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), Hari Mandir was decorated with marble sculptures, golden gilding and precious stones. The Adi Grantha is placed within the sanctuary on a jewel studded platform. Priests continuously recite verses from the holy book in 3-hour shifts. A complete reading of the text takes 48 hours. This holy- scripture is a collection of devotional poems, prayers and hymns composed by the ten Sikh gurus and various Muslim and Hindu saints. The chanting of these hymns begins early in the morning and continues long past sunset, these hymns are changed to the exquisite accompaniment of flutes, drums and stringed instruments. An underground spring feeds the sacred lake.

For your visit to the Sikh Temple, here are some guidelines that your guide will also give you some information on. It is important to dress appropriately by covering arms and legs. When you arrive at the temple, you will be asked to leave bags at the luggage counter. You will have to remove your shoes and socks before entering main worship area, outside at the shoe counter. Next, you will be asked to clean hands, feet and face before entering, most Gurdwaras have a fountain or small moat or running water just outside the entrance of the main prayer hall for this purpose. Cover your head before entering the Gurudwara. Men/boys can cover their head with a large knotted handkerchief and women/girls can use a stole or head - scarf. (The Gurudwara has a box of scarves that you can borrow one for the visit). Respect the holy book the Guru Granth Sahib - by bowing your head when you enter. Take Prasad (vegetarian food sample) when leaving the gurudwara. Please take the same with both hands right on top of left. Do not carry intoxicants like tobacco, cigarette and alcohol. Chairs are not provided in the Gurdwara and so, when sitting, this will be on the carpeted floor both in the Main Prayer Hall and in the Langar Hall.

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also known as the Amritsar Massacre, was named after the Jallianwala Bagh (Garden) in Amritsar, where, on April 13 1919, British Indian Army soldiers under the command of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer opened fire on an unarmed gathering of men, women and children.

Proceed to the Attari - Wagah Border and watch Border Retreat Ceremony. This is the only land border open between Pakistan and India. This ritual of the beating of the retreat and the change of guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces is an interesting sight.

This morning you will explore the city and visit the Golden Temple once again. Continue touring and visit the holy abode of goddess Durga in Amritsar - the Durgiana temple. It resemblance the golden temple in its structural design is remarkable. It is considered as one among the holiest temples in the city and it dates back to the 16th century. Intricately carved paintings of goddess Durga in her various incarnations are the significant feature of this marvelous shrine. One among the peculiarity of this temple is that it does not follow the typical temple architecture of ancient times. Though various other deities found their place in the interior of the temple, mother goddess is the prevalent deity of the temple. Erected in the midst of a tank the temple holds awnings and a middle arena in the style of the Sikh temple. A renowned depository of Hindu scriptures, this temple displays an unusual grandeur and elegance of its own. It is sometimes also called the Silver Temple for its carved silver doors.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward travels.