Amritsar : Historical Background | Religious Importance | Places To Visit | Travel Tips

Amritsar is in Punjab and is the second-largest city there. It draws in thousands of pilgrims all around the year. This is due to the presence of The Golden Temple which is a major seat of the Sikh religion. The city is one of the heritage cities for the HRIDAY scheme under the Government of India.

Historical Background:

Amritsar was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das. The city is one of the most important pilgrimage places for the Sikhs. This is because it houses the religion's most significant Gurudwaras. Guru Ram Das bought the land for 700 rupees and completed building the pool. It is this area around which he established his new spiritual place called "Ramdaspur." He even invited several merchants and artisans to come and live in the found town. The gradual growth of the small town led to the formation of the city of Amritsar. His son renovated the man-made pool to build the Gurdwara Harmandir Sahib. Apart from that, Amritsar saw several conflicts during the pre-independence era of India. The Jallianwalabagh Massacre is a dark blotch in history. It took the lives of many people in the heart of Amritsar.

Religious Importance:

Apart from the presence of the Golden Temple, this city holds much importance. It is the site where Sage Valmiki wrote the epic, Ramayana. The myth states that Devi Sita gave birth to her two sons, Lava and Kusha in the Ramtirath ashram. The cities of Lahore and Kasur are believed to be founded by the two sons of Lord Rama, Lava, and Kusha.

It is believed that Lord Rama and Devi Sita along with Lord Laksman spent their 14 years of exile in Amritsar. These facts end up making the place auspicious according to the religion of Hinduism.

Places To Visit:

Amritsar is a hotspot of religion, culture, and history. This makes the city a vibrant mixture of famous tourist spots. Here are some places that you should not miss when you are there.

1. Golden Temple: This spot is at the top of everyone’s list. The holy water of Amrit Sarovar and the blessing from Granth Sahib are important to the pilgrims. It is important to cover your head when you are entering the temple complex.

2. Sri Durgiana Temple: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is also known as Sitla Mandir. The best time to visit is in the early morning so that one can explore the architecture and the open-air theatre.

3. Gurudwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib: Another important Sikh pilgrimage site. The fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev founded this Gurudwara. Taking a bath in the holy tank there is a must.

4. Ram Tirth Temple: This temple is also called Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal. It is the spot where Devi Sita gave birth to her two sons.

5. Jallianwalabagh and Gobindgarh Fort: Apart from the religious places, one can view the history of the city. Visit places like the Jallianwalabagh and Gobindgarh Fort. Lots of information is available in the museum located at the fort. 

Travel Tips:

Many people are drawn to this religious center. It can be reached by air, rail, or road. The roads and railway routes are plenty and it is easy to reach the city. Here are some travel tips for individuals visiting the auspicious place soon.

1. A visit to the Golden Temple is mandatory when one is in Amritsar. Be amazed by the beautiful architecture but you have to wait for a long time to enter the main temple premise. There is usually a line.

2. Do not miss the langar served at the Golden Temple since it is an experience in itself. Langar is like a community kitchen that thousands of devotees come to eat every day.

3. Volunteer in the kitchen to lend a helping hand. It will be an experience to witness the act of witnessing the act of cooking so much food. After that, you have to witness the Golden Temple ceremony. This happens in the evening which is magical.

4. Go and watch the Wagah Border Show. It is a unique ceremony performed every day at the India-Pakistan border. It is a competitive show with elaborate costumes and dance moves.

5. Visit the central square to indulge in a shopping spree.

6. Take the time to visit a village. The city life is bright and full of colors but a trip to a village can show you the scenic side of the city.