G.B. International ::- Amritsar
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Amritsar
Amritsar has many claims to fame. It is the holy city of the Sikhs, very intimately connected with the colorful history of the proud, martial race. It is also a show piece of the prosperity and the wealth of the state of Punjab. The recently mushrooming jazzy houses are an emblem of this. Amritsar also holds strategic importance due to its close proximity to Pakistan, the Attari/ Wagha India – Pakistan border being just about 30 km away.
Once a dense forest with a pool in it, the founder of Sikh Religion, Guru Nanak had stayed for a time in what was to become Amritsar later, in 1532. Since Guru Ramdas, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs dwelled in the city, it was initially known as Ramdaspur or Guru Ka Chak. The excavation of the Pool – Amrit Sarovar – was initiated by Guru Ramdas & finished by Guru Arjan in 1589, who named the city Amritsar. (The Pool of Nector) it is believed that the city has been built on land bought for 700 Akbri Rupees.
The city of Amritsar a dazzling showcase of composite culture and secular heritage .It has a proud past .a glorious present and a promising future .This most important city of Majha has rightly been called the mukut-mani (Jewel of the crown)of the Punjab. A rich repository of spiritual and national heritage, it has been hailed as the home of all virtues’ (sifti da ghar). while praying, every devout Sikh longs to be blessed with a pilgrimage to Amritsar and a holy bath at the Golden Temple (Amritsar ke darsan isnan).A visit to Amritsar is believed to wash off all the sins.
Excursions
Golden TempleMost people go to Amritsar to visit the holiest shrine of the Sikhs, The Golden Temple.
The excavation of the “Sarovar” the holy Tank was begun by Guru Ramdas in 1574 & completed by Guru Arjan in 1589. Guru Arjan also built the “Harimandar” in the center of the Tank. Muslim Saint Mian Mir – an admirer & friend of Guru Arjan – laid the foundation of the Mandir in January 1589. The Mandir was completed in 1601 & the holy book, the “Adi Granth” was installed in August/ September 1604.
With its chequered history, the Harmandar has become the supreme symbol of the Sikh Religion & the struggle of the Sikhs against foreign aggression.
The Mandir in built on a 67 ft/square of marble & is a two story Marble structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had a upper half of the building covered with an estimated 400 kg of Gold – leaf, hence its popular name “The Golden Temple”. There is a walk away around the Mandir. A marble causeway across the water of the Sarovar leads to the Harmandar Sahib. The temple also known “Darbar Sahib” With a large Staff, the Golden Temple is a very well organized institution. “Guru Ka Langar” offers free food to all – an estimated 20000 eating daily. The number can shoot up to around 100000 on special days like the “Gurparbs” (Anniversaries of the Gurus).
An efficient information office functions outside the Temple with free literature, guides and information from 8.30 am – 8 pm. All are allowed inside the Golden Temple. Heads must be covered. Shoes, Tobacco, Narcotics must be left outside. Photography is permitted, except inside Harmandar Sahib
Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh, also very near the Golden Temple, is an important monument dedicated to hundreds of martyrs, who lost their lives in a massacre in 1919. An important event in India’ s freedom struggle was the massacre of around 700-800 unsuspecting people at Amritsar’ s Jallianwala Bagh, under the orders of the infamous British General Dyer. The massacre took place on April 13,1919. All around the world, including Lenin & British leaders like Asquith & Winston Charchil, condemned the event.
It may be mentioned that the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy was one of the most horrifying & important incident that instigated the Indians on the decisive track against British dominion.
A Martyrs Memorial has been erected at the site amidst landscape grounds. The Martyrs Gallery houses portraits of national leaders & paintings depicting the fateful day.
Wagha Border
A visit to the Wagha Border is an interesting experience especially at Sunset when the retreat ceremony takes place with the BSF on the Indian side & the Satluj Rangers on the Pakistan side putting up a well- coordinated and spectacular display, which compares very favorable with the changing of the Guard in London.
Amritsar is just about an idol place to make a base for visits to rural Punjab & have an idea of the way of life of the state, which is perhaps the most prosperous in India & produces almost half of the century’ s food grain.
How to Reach
By AirAmritsar is well connected by Air with all major Cities of India. Raja Sansi Airport is not far from the city & the Taxis are available at negotiable rates.
By Rail
Amritsar is well connected by rail to all-important cities of India like Delhi, Puri, Kolkata & others.
By Road
There is a vast network of bus service from Amritsar with services by state Transport systems of other States.