Amritsar Travel Guide: Complete travel information and advice on Amritsar, Punjab. Sightseeing, things to do, how to reach, where to stay, FAQs and other details about Amritsar from travellers.

 

   

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Last Updated:20 Oct 2009 9 Contributors

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No matter how intense the temptation for street food in Amritsar is, it is the faith that scores over the fare - with due respect to Amritsari naans, kebabs and the famous Amritsari fish. For the religiously inclined good food is a bonus while the gourmand takes temple just an excuse to tickle his taste buds.

Like any other holy city in India, Amritsar has its share of history, pain and joy. The story of the city began some 505 years ago, when a man known for its nobleness and compassion landed here at an ancient tank. This man was none other than the first Sikh Guru – Nanak Dev.

Later Amar Dass, the third Guru moved Sikh Headquarters from Goindwal and set base here. But it was Ram Dass, the fourth in line among the Sikh Gurus who was instrumental in giving shape to the city. However, Arjan Dev, the fifth guru conceived the temple in the middle of the tank on an artificial island.

The foundation of the Harmandir Sahib was laid by one Pir Mian Mir of Lahore on the request of Arjan Dev. The holy book of the Sikh - Adi Granth Sahib – was first installed here on August 16, 1604. The location of the tank was so that the travelers between Lahore and Delhi would pass through the shrine. Soon, the city grew in popularity and settlements came up around the holy place. But it was not until the early 19th century that Amritsar got its due.

In 1802 Maharaja Ranjit Singh took control of the town and marched towards the centre of the pool throwing gold coins at the crowd, he took a dip and made a promise that would give the temple another name - the Golden Temple. He ordered that the Harmandir Sahib be rebuilt in marble and covered with gold leaf.

Amritsar had its share of anguish. Apart from the pain of partition, two major tragic incidents plagued its history. The first was in 1919, when on 13 April General Reginald Dyer - a British Officer – opened fire on an unarmed gathering in Jalianwala Bagh killing thousands of people. The 2nd is more recent one, hardly 24 years ago, when during Operation Bluestar in 1984 the Army marched to the temple complex to flush out Bhindrawale, who led the movement of an independent of Sikh nation.

After big blow to the faith inflicted by the Operation Bluestar and years of militancy, Amritsar today is a peaceful place to travel. A pilgrim’s refuge and a gourmand’s delight; the city of Golden Temple promises a tour for the soul and palate in the heart of Punjab. - hide more about Amritsar

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