A journey to Amritsar
on Jana Gana Mana (India), 08/Jan/2011 03:22, 34 days ago
Majestic beauty at night!Our first train journey on Indian Railways went very smoothly– train on time, our seats vacant and the ticket inspector seemingly happy with our tickets. We were very sparing with our purchases on the train – restricting ourselves to water and tomato soup – but this could have been supplemented with playing cards, crisps, biscuits (from tall carrying arrangements on the men’s heads), cutlets, curries, omelettes or paper! The reason for our trip to Amritsar was twofold, firstly to see the Sikh holy pilgrimage site of the Golden Temple and secondly to go to the India / Pakistan border at Wagah, where there is an evening gate closing ceremony.Our hotel had a rooftop view of the temple– the golden centre, surrounded by a holy pool, which in turn is surrounded by marble buildings – forming a courtyard. Taking off shoes and socks was required and in the cold weather and walking on cold marble was a bit of a concern. However the water to wash your feet was warm and there was felt mat to walk on. The temple is of exceptional significance to Sikhs and it was a tremendous privilege to be there and to be welcomed. We visited at sunrise when the rays of sunlight reflected from the gold into the water and again at night, when it had a magical quality. Even not being a Sikh it is impossible not to be moved by the spectacular beauty and peaceful tranquillity of the temple.