A Memorable Visit to the Golden Temple, Amritsar

It was a cozy winter morning when we boarded our train to Amritsar. Our coach was mostly empty, allowing us to enjoy the scenic views of Punjab’s lush farms. After a two-hour journey, we arrived at Amritsar Junction. As soon as we stepped out of the train, cab drivers on the platform approached us, offering trips to the Golden Temple and the Wagah Border for up to ₹2,000. Since we had a return ticket to Phagwara at 6 PM and the Wagah Border parade starts at 4 PM, we decided to visit only the Golden Temple this time. Ignoring the agents, we took an auto-rickshaw to the temple for ₹100. Shared autos and e-rickshaws were available for as low as ₹20 per person, but we opted for convenience.

After a 10-minute ride, we reached the Golden Temple. The moment we arrived, we were surrounded by agents offering trips to the Wagah Border and hotel rooms. You can book a Wagah Border trip for as low as ₹100 per person, which includes the 4 PM parade, and hotel rooms are available for ₹500. Amritsar is indeed an economical city for travelers.

We walked about 500 meters to reach the temple, as motor vehicles are not allowed near the premises. The pathway was lined with a vibrant market showcasing traditional Punjabi architecture, dotted with dhabas, kulfi shops, and street vendors. However, we stayed focused on our destination—the Golden Temple.

Upon arrival, the first step is to deposit your shoes and bags at the free service counters and collect a token for retrieval after your visit. As a sign of respect, head coverings are mandatory. I bought a saffron-colored handkerchief with the Sikh holy symbol for ₹10, which added to the spiritual ambiance.

Entering the main shrine area, the Golden Temple took our breath away. It shone like a paradise island in the middle of the Amrit Sarovar (holy tank). While we were tempted to take selfies, a Nihang (Sikh warrior) advised us to complete the parikrama (circumambulation) and have darshan (viewing of the deity) before taking photos. Making reels is strictly prohibited, as it’s considered disrespectful to the sanctity of the place.

During the parikrama, devotees can purchase prasad (offering) ranging from ₹10 to ₹500, depending on their capacity. After offering the prasad at the next counter, you can take it with you. Prasad is halwa, rich with desi ghee, and carried it in biodegradable polybags provided at the start of the darshan queue.

The wait in the queue was almost an hour long, and though it was crowded, the management was impeccable, ensuring no chaos or stampedes. Weekends are especially busy, so it’s best to avoid them if possible. While waiting, we enjoyed quotes from the Guru Granth Sahib displayed on screens, accompanied by soothing shabads (devotional songs). The atmosphere was serene, with devotees chanting “Wahe Guru Ji da Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji di Fateh.”

Finally, we had our darshan, bowed before the shrine, and made our donations. Afterward, we were excited to experience the langar, the world’s largest free kitchen, which serves nutritious meals to thousands daily. The langar complex is well-organized, with clear signs and instructions. We collected our utensils, sat on mats, and waited for the sevadars (volunteers) to serve us. The meal was simple yet fulfilling. After eating, we returned our utensils and exited the langar hall in an orderly manner.

We spent some time sitting by the outer boundary of the temple, soaking in the serene atmosphere. Watching devotees pray and bathe in the Amrit Sarovar was a calming experience. Before leaving, I picked up a free book on Sikhism from the many available at the temple. We collected our belongings and explored the bustling market outside, indulging in local snacks and buying a toy for my 5-year-old niece. The market is also great for shopping—ladies can find beautiful shawls, suits, and Punjabi juttis at reasonable prices.

Nearby attractions like Jallianwala Bagh and the Partition Museum are worth visiting, but due to time constraints, we saved them for our next trip. This time, we took a shared taxi back to Amritsar Junction to save money and caught our train to Phagwara.