Amritsar is a much sought after tourist destination in the state of Punjab in India.It is a colorful milieu of different cultures and philosophies.The place has a rich glorious past and is on the way towards a brighter and better future.

The history of the place can be traced right up to the Indus Valley Civilization.Numerous archaeological sites have been discovered near Amritsar and other parts of Punjab.It is also said that the area was home to many saints and sages in the Vedic Period and that RIshi Valmiki had his ashram here and that the sons of Lord Rama, Luv and Kush, were born here.

The word Amritsar is composed of two words, Amrit and Sar.”Amrit” means Nectar and “Sar” means Reservoir.Thus Amritsar literally means the Reservoir of Nectar and it is believed that who so ever visits the reservoir at the Har Mandir Sahib is ridden of all evils.

Amritsar is the most important pilgrimage of people belonging to the Sikh faith.It is at this place where the first Sikh army was raised by the sixth Guru, Guru Govind Singh Ji.It has always been a battle ground for invading armies, right from Ahmad Shah Abdali to the Mughal and later on it went on to become known for the heinous massacre at Jallianwala Bagh.

This holy city is like a glowing diamond with many facets to it.Its quintessential spirit not only resides in the gurudwaras and temples, mosques and churches but also in the theatres and galleries and the various parks and gardens.The town has a rich cultural and architectural heritage which is reflected in its vibrant folk dances and the soul-soothing shabad-kirtan at the Har Mandir Sahib.

There are many places worth visiting in the town.The place has visitors all the year round and hence, there is an abundance of both budget as well as luxury hotels.Some of the visitors are people who have settled abroad and come to the city for a visit to the Golden Temple.

Some of the places which have both a historical and cultural significance can be listed as below:

Har Mandir Sahib (The Golden Temple): The Har Mandir Sahib or the Golden Temple as it is more popularly known is a manifestation of the spiritual and historical traditions of the Sikh community.The tank surrounding the gurudwara has been the source of inspiration to the Sikh community.The golden temple has one door in each direction which symbolizes the openness and the harmony of the religion.The doors of this temple are open to all irrespective of their caste, creed or religion.It is the most important holy shrine as it also houses the Adi Granth or the holy book of the Sikhs which is a collection of thoughts and philosophies of various Gurus and saints.

Jallianwala Bagh Memorial: This is one of the most revered and historical places in India and it is visited my numerous tourists the whole year.This memorial is dedicated to the thousands of men, women and children who were killed on April 13, 1919 after the British Indian Army fired indiscriminately at them.

This massacre is named after the Jallianwala Bagh (Garden) which took place on the orders of General Dyer.A large number of people had gathered at the garden which has only a single exit and this was blocked by the soldiers.Till date, there are bullet marks on the walls of the garden and the neighboring houses which have been preserved as a historical site.

The casualties had reached in the thousands but the official report states just a few hundred.This is one of the most heinous crimes which has been done by the then ruling British administration.A visit to this place is a must see for a visitor to the city as it reflects the true spirit of the people of Punjab.

Jagdev Kalan: This place is related to the noted Muslim poet, Hasham Shah who penned the famous novel, Sassi-Punnu.It is also common ground for meetings and philosophical ventures from both sides of the borders.

Due to the presence of all these monuments, Amritsar has become one of the most sought after tourist destination in the country.But the most important aspect of the place is its people and the warmth and hospitality that they generate.This also gets reflected in the hotels and eateries spread across the city which provides a good, comfortable place to stay and delicious food to go along with it.

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Category: Travel
Keywords: Amritsar punjab, Indian tourist destination, Sikh religious place, golden temple, har Mandir sahib,