21 Poignant Photos from Amritsar by Mahesh Mayuur

The-scintillating-Golden-temple-at-Amritsar-Punjab-captured-at-Night-time1

Punjab,the land of lions where its easier to find a sharab da theka than a chaistall!

The Golden temple and its pool of waters sparkle in the sun
Amrit Sarovar is the main attraction of this temple, which is believed to have water with curative properties. People from far and near come to take this holy water of Amrit Sarovar. In the Photo – Golden Temple and Amrit Sarovar, Amritsar Punjab

Everything is so king-size here. You’ll actually feel  Punjabiness in the air. Live life King size!

Another view of the sparkling golden temple in Amritsar
Legends and miracles are connected with the origin of the Amrit Sarowar (Tank of Nectar). It is said that Guru Amar Das found at the edge of the pool the desired herb to cure the skin ailment of Guru Angad (the second Guru of the Sikhs).

Amritsar, where thousands of pilgrims flock every single day is an one of the oldest city of India dating back to 1577 AD. Founded by Guru Ram Das, Amritsar is undoubtedly Sikhism’sholiest place. The Golden Temple. No description required. The name is enough. This gold plated shrine has a special place in everyone’s heart.  Amritsar is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture.

A Fish swims in the pool of water that surrounds the golden temple at Amritsar Punjab
A gold fish swims around in the pool of water (Amrit Sarovar) that surrounds the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.

The Golden temple is considered holy by Sikhs because the 11th Guru of Sikhism, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is always present inside in it and it’s construction was mainly intended on to build a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religion.

The scintillating Golden temple at Amritsar Punjab captured at Night time1
The Hari Mandir, now called the Golden Temple, is a living symbol of the spiritual and historical traditions of the Sikhs. In the photo – Night view of the sparkling Golden temple at Amritsar and the surrounding Amrit Sarovar

The water pool that surrounds and reflects the Golden Temple is popularly known as ‘Amrit Sarovar. Pilgrims take a holy dip here. Colourful fishes can be noticed clearly. The main temple which houses the granthis called ‘Harmandir Sahib’.

Another view of The scintillating Golden temple at Amritsar Punjab captured at Night time
Before its association with the Sikh Gurus, the site of the Hari Mandir was a low-lying area, with a small pond (at the present site of the Dukh Bhanjani Beri – Healer of Sorrows), set in jungle terrain, surrounded by tiny hamlets. In the photo – A night view of the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, Punjab.

Complete peace of mind guaranteed. I’ve been to many religious places, and trust me many means MANY!!  But never in my life I got this divine feeling. So unadulterated, so flabbergasting the Golden temple is the ultimate pilgrim’s destination. And yes, don’t miss the ‘langar’. You’ll love the food and its really hard to miss the devotion of the sevaks. There are no workers in the langar. Just some common men doing uncommon work in this selfish world.

The entrance to the Jallian wala bagh. The tablet notes the importance and the facts surrounding this tragic place
The entrance to the Jallianwala Bagh. The tablet at the entrance notes the historic event and tells us about the facts surrounding this tragic place in Indian history.

The Jallianwala Bagh (at walking distance from the Golden Temple)  flashes before you one of the most heart-rending events in the history of India. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre by General Dyer. My school level history book pages came out of my memory and how!! Goosebumps all over. Bullet marks on walls and the well into which some people jumped to escape the onslaught can still be seen20,000 people were caught beneath the hail of bullets.

The Martyrs well at Jallain Wala bagh into which the women and children tried to jump to get away from the bullets
The martyr’s well at the Jallianwala Bagh into which the women, children and elderly who had gathered for a peaceful protest jumped in to avoid the bullets of General Dyer and his troops!
The walls surrounding the Jallianwala Bagh massacre site
The walls surrounding the Jallianwala Bagh provide a stark reminder to the atrocities of General Dyer and his troops. They are pockmarked with the bullets that rained on a peaceful gathering that had no where to go!

 

A map of the Jallianwala bagh memorial at Amritsar
A map at the entrance to the Jallianwalla Bagh, displaying the layout of the memorial in Amritsar, Punjab.
A memorial at the Jallianwala bagh in Punjab depicting the place from which General Dyer directed the firing of innocent gathering
A Pyramid at the place from which General Dyer ordered the massacre of 2000 innocent civilians at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab
A Painting at the memorial depicting the scenes at the Jallian wala bagh massacre
A painting depicting the tragic massacre of thousands of Innocent and peaceful Indians by General Dyer and his troops is displayed at the memorial in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab.
A Tourist looks at a monument at the Jallianwala bagh memorial
A tourist at the Jallianwala Bagh is lost in thought at the tragedy that befell a group of peaceful protestors in Amritsar, Punjab.
A Scene in the North Indian City of Amritsar Punjab
A Street in the North Indian city of Amritsar, Punjab. Much like the typical Indian streets elsewhere across the country.
The India Pakistan Border at Wagah
The last stretch of Indian road at the Wagah Border between India and Pakistan. People from all walks of life make it to this part in the evenings to witness the ceremonial closing of the border at night.

Wagah Border, located at about 30km from Amritsar, was indeed the highlight of my trip. Patriotism all over rushing through my veins. There is a customary flag lowering parade ceremony every evening. Unfortunately, we were a bit late. A unique experience, expanded chests, loud banters, and high boot marches.

A Visitor captures the closing of the Border at Wagah in Punjab India1
The flag lowering ceremony at Wagah border is definitely the second most popular tourist attraction in Amritsar — the Golden Temple being the indisputable number one. In the picture: A tourist captures the winding down of the ceremonial parade and the closing of the India Pakistan border at Wagah, Punjab.

The drill, the moods are so aggressive and charged. It’s nothing less than a Indo-Pak cricket match. To be able to see Pakistan right behind the gate is unbelievable. Flags of India and Pakistan all flying high and fearless, giving you a sense of true patriotism. This is once in a life-time experience. Where-ever you are, go and watch it. You’ll never regret it. Period.

An Indian flag flutters prominently as a crowd gathers on the Indian Side of the Wagah border in Punjab India1
Such is the rush of visitors even in the peak of summers that the Border Security Force (BSF), which conducts the ceremony along with Pakistan’s Sutlej Rangers, has taken to posting “Stadium Full” signs. An estimated 10,000-12,000 tourists come every evening and BSF officials have to turn many people away because of shortage of space in the spectator stands.
In the picture: An Indian flag flutters prominently as a crowd builds up on the Indian side of the Wagah Border in Punjab, India.
The Gateway to Pakistan at Wagah Punjab India
At this border post, each evening, a 40-minute retreat ceremony for lowering of the flags has been held since 1959. In 2001, both sides erected grandstands for the crowds that gather to witness the parade.
The closed gates at Wagah Punjab. In the background are the gates of Pakistan.
The daily sunset ritual — with its coordination, discipline and precision is a very enjoyable spectacle.
In the picture: The closed gates at the border post in Wagah, Punjab.
Crowds gather on the Indian side of the Wagah Border with Pakistan to witness the daily closing up of the Border gate
Crowds gather on the Indian side of the Wagah Border with Pakistan to witness the daily closing of the Border posts.
A fenced off road that goes in to Pakistan
During India’s independence in 1947, the town of Wagah was split into half – half of it in India and half in Pakistan. This is the only land crossing between India and Pakistan.
A memorial dedicated to the war heroes of the 1971 war against Pakistan at Punjab
A memorial dedicated to the war heroes of the 1971 war between India and Pakistan on the Indian side of the Punjab border.

Last but not the least, Punjabi cuisine. One simply can’t miss that,we all know that. Dishes like parathas and tandoori cooked meats are the specialties here.  And don”t forget to try the lassi, or buttermilk. From fast food stalls selling ice creams and pizzas to great Punjabi fare in dhabas and restaurants – you get them all here. Amritsaris only love to eat, drink and sleep. Dont miss ‘Brothes Da Dhaba’ near Golden Temple. Worth your money and Taste buds. Mouthwatering indeed.

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.