Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travellers coming to India on the overland route from central Asia it soon became the centre of various commercial activities.
Golden Temple, Amritsar:
The abode of Bliss and Blessings, Golden temple is holiest of the shrines of Sikh religion. Guru Arjun Dev requested the great contemporary Muslim saint Mian Meer to lay the foundation stone of this shrine in January 1589, thus the building was completed in 1601 and the Holy Scripture of Sikhs Adi Granth was installed in Temple in 1604. Invaded by Afghan invaders thrice in 1757,1762, and 1764,the temple was re-built in its present form in 1776.
Jallian Wala Memorial, Amritsar:
April 13,the day of Baisakhi festival, the day of celebrations marking the beginning of harvest, the birthday of Khalsa in 1699 founded by Guru Gobind Singh, was destined to be another historic day in 1919. The memorial at this site commemorates the 2000 Indians who were killed or wounded, shot indiscriminately by the British under the command of Gen Michael O"Dyer on April13, 1919 while participating in a peaceful public meeting. This was one of the major incidents of India's freedom struggle.
Ram Bagh Garden, Amritsar:
Ram Bagh a beautiful garden ,an accustomed listener to the Neighs of thousand horses, announcing the arrival of the statesman of the century Maharaja Ranjit Singh(1780-1839) the Lion of Punjab, has in its heart the summer Palace of this great ruler. Maintenance free inbuilt cooling system designed in the Palace exhibits the architectural excellence and invokes a keen interest.The king of his time brought local chieftains under his control and virtually finished any eventuality of possible attacks on the kingdom raised by him. To commemorate the memory of his valour Ram Bagh on its one end has a lively statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh saddled on a horse in a winsome posture.
Ram Tirath, Amritsar:
On the outskirts of Amritsar this is a significant historic place. The place gets a special mention in the great Hindu epic "Ramayana". On return, after great victory of Lanka when Lord Rama deserted Mata Sita on hearsay, she came to this place, the seat of great saint Maharishi Valmiki who gave her shelter and protection. It was at this place that Mata Sita gave birth to twins "Luv"and "Kush"the great sons of Lord Rama.
Maharishi Valmiki conducted them to highest levels in education in the realms of religious and social life besides intricacies of warfare. A suitable temple is erected to commemorate the event.
Durgiana Temple, Amritsar:
This Hindu temple also draws its share of visitors .The temple is dedicated to goddess Durga and dates back to 16th century. A large temple is dedicated to Hindu deities Laxmi ( The Goddess of wealth) and Narayan. ( The Preserver of Universe ). All dignitaries visiting Golden Temple make it a point to visit Durgiana Temple also.
Mata Mandir, Amritsar:
A grand old pious lady developed this Hindu temple situated at Rani ka Bagh , on the lines of holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi at Katra(Jammu),the temple draws crowds of devotees from far and near. Festivals are celebrated with great pomp and show. An evening visit to the temple gives an opportunity to the visitors to observe the life styles of Hindu families.
Wagha Border, Amritsar:
When the sun decides to say goodbye to a peaceful day its time For the reunion, which transcends the boundaries, that man has laid. From Amritsar 35 Km on the road to Lahore(Pakistan), is India-Pakistan border,which is also known as "Attari (India) - "Wagah" (Pakistan) border.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama, Amritsar:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign was also known for all round development, secular values and patriotic fervour. Keeping all these aspects in mind, the Amritsar has come up with many such things that reminds one of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's rule. Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Gobind Garh Fort, Amritsar:
The fort occupied a unique place in the Indian military history. Built in 1760, it was called Bhangian Da Kila (Bhangis was one of the twelve Sikh misles). According to historians, during 1808, the fort was known as the fort of Gujjar Singh Bhangi. Later it was re-built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh with the help of Jodh Singh. The legendary Maharaja strengthened the fortification of the fort in order to keep his treasures and treaties in safety. The specially constructed Toshakhana, in the centre of the fort, also stored large amount of grains and provisions for the 12,000-strong army.