A mesmerizing visit to Golden Temple Amritsar - some tourist tips

It is difficult to describe in words the moment the Golden Temple comes into your view for the very first time. It is simply breath-taking, stunningly beautiful, more so with the reflections that are mirrored in the large tank (named Amrit Sarovar) which surrounds it. 

While it is generally known as the Golden Temple due to the gold-gilded dome, the name of this holy complex is Harmandir Sahib. Within the Golden Temple, there are various exits leading to other areas like the Akal Takht. Make enquiries beforehand as, once inside, it is such a vast complex that you may get a little confused.

Outside the Golden Temple 

The Golden Temple is situated in the midst of a sprawling market place, with, naturally, the ever popular eateries called "dhabas". One of the most frequented ones is the Brothers Dhaba. So you can shop around, leave the shopping bags in the auto (yes, you can get a trustworthy auto driver if you enquire with people who have been there) without having to lug the bags around and then go to the Golden Temple. 

The best time to visit the Golden Temple is late evening because the entire complex and the shrine is illuminated with lights and the golden aura is even more breathtaking. What's more, if you reach at around 7:15 pm the evening prayers and aarti will be taking place. 

Another good time for the devout is to visit in the early morning hours. You can make enquiries beforehand from locals about the hours of the morning prayers.

The Approach Road 

Hop into an auto which will stop at the junction outside the precinct of the Golden Temple and you simply proceed there with a short walk. It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. You also have the option of a cycle rickshaw to the Golden Temple. Once you reach, ensure that the head is covered at all times within the Gurudwara complex. You can purchase a scarf to be used as a head covering from near the entrance, or use your kerchief or dupatta. Note that the Jallianwala Bagh is nearby and this you can visit and then proceed to the Golden Temple. 

Turn left at the exterior wall of the Golden Temple complex and you can leave your footwear at counter in exchange for a token, which you return on exiting to get back your footwear. As you make your way down a long corridor, on turning right you will see a row of stalls on the left. Here are souvenirs and memorabilia of the Golden Temple.   

A nice aspect is a red carpet soaked in water to keep your feet cool, as generally it does get extremely hot. At the end, just before the Golden Temple entrance, there is a line of taps available to cleanse hands and feet before making the entry. Or there is a normal water body near the steps where you can dip your feet and splash the water on your hands. The water is wonderfully cool. Then make your entry, climbing down the steps, which has a railing.

Stepping inside 

Nothing really prepares you, despite all the photos you've seen, of the sheer beauty of the Golden Temple as it comes into view. It is, simply, a stunning sight, whether it is a bright day... 

or even an overcast, cloudy sky...

Once you come in, the Golden Temple is at the centre of a vast quadrant. There is a central red carpet here as well to keep the feet cool. You can walk right around - there is a large screen showing the proceedings of the rituals, then a water counter, which provides free drinking water, counters for donation (not mandatory), the langar, used for feeding visitors at specific times only, and a separate area kept for bathing. 

Then comes the counter where you can make a payment in dedication for loved ones. You are given a receipt and Prasad on a plantain leaf. What you should do is to then walk on further and stop at the stall on the right. Here, the Prasad you have is mixed with the Prasad offered to devotees and you get a normaler paper bowl of it. This you can now eat and, if you wish, take some of it with you (you can request for a packet to carry it). Then proceed to the corridor ahead as you cross the stall (in the front, towards the right)  which leads to the shrine. 

Once inside the sanctum (no photos allowed inside the sanctum), you can take time to say a prayer and touch your forehead in salutation and make your way out. Once you come out and turn towards the right, there is a normal culvert where water is available that you cup in your palms and drink. It is akin to  taking a holy offering. Then make your way back into the corridor, this time on the left of it. Once outside, you can either walk back the way you came or complete the circle of the remaining part of the complex. 

Unique feature

The best part of the Golden Temple is that it is completely democratic. There are no separate queues for special people or even based on gender. There is no compulsion whatsoever to make a donation, or even take the Prasad or do any of the rituals. It is entirely up to you and the only condition is to keep the head covered at all times. 

As you make your way out, there are stalls selling various books and general literature and then you can make your way to the counter to return your token and collect the footwear. 

Make the Golden Temple visit at least once in your lifetime if you can. It is the most serene experience, which will stay with you for a long, long time...