If there was a true jaw dropper (amazing site) for me during my summer 2005 trip, this was without doubt it.   Once you've paid your 10 rupees for a head scarf (men and women), anyone can go in and all parts of the temple complex are accessible even to non-Sikhs (though non-Sikhs should keep in mind that this is the holy of holies for Sikhs).

The temple complex was originally built by the fourth Sikh guru, Ram Das on a pool famed for alleged healing powers and also a former site of meditation of Siddhartha Gatauma (the Buddha).   The temple and the areas around it have been the site of much turmoil, firstly it's sacking by Afghans in 1761 and a number of massacres during the 20'th century.   The first was of a crowd of peaceful demonstrators by the British in 1919 (which tour guides will make a point of taking you to the site of).   In 1984, Indira Gandhi ordered the storming of the temple to flush out pro-Punjab-independence Sikh militants and paid with her life when here own Sikh bodyguards then murdered her.

You are allowed to take photos inside, except for the central shrine itself, where television cameras film the continuous religious ceremonies and singing there.   A television station beams out from here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to the Sikh faithful.

Sikhism is a blend of Hinduism and Islam, with followers believing that all gods are actually incarnations of one single god.

If any food gets dropped into the lake at the Golden Temple, then it's local residents (catfish and goldfish) are on hand to gobble it up.   These Indian Green Parrots can be found in the lower Himalayas as well as Amritsar and also in Britain since their introduction around London in the 1950's.

[Return to India (Ladakh) page.]   [Return to Top.]