The Golden Temple

During the summer of 2006, I went on vacation to Punjab, India.  Although I didn’t enjoy my trip as a whole, I really enjoyed visiting the city of Amritsar.  The whole city of Amritsar contains a rich collection of Sikh history and culture.  There are many Sikh temples, and historical sites spread throughout the city, of which the most popular is the Golden Temple.

If you were to ask me what my favorite thing about my trip to India was, I wouldn’t hesitate at all to say that it was visiting the temple.  Harimandir Sahib (as it is also known as) is perhaps the most elegant work of Sikh architecture. When I first walked through the archway and saw the Golden Temple, I was awestruck.  It stood surrounded by a large body of water, glowing in the night sky; also, the water casted the reflection of the temple.  My parents made me take some of the water (from the body of water) and pour it over my head; they said that it was for purification.   I didn’t really understand what they meant by this, but I did it anyways. My parents had brought me to visit Harimandir Sahib not only for its aesthetic beauty, but for religious purposes as well.  I also got the chance to go into the temple, and say my prayers; however all my attention was focused on the magnificent building.  Over 85 percent of the temple was covered in gold (including the inside), and the floors were made of exquisite marble. Nothing I’ve seen in my life is more beautiful than the Golden Temple in Amritsar India. (photo from http://www.visit-incredible-india.com/golden-temple-budget-tour.html)