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Amritsar means "The Pool of the Nectar of Immortality," and it rings true for the countless Sikh devotees who gather at the site every year. Regarded as the gateway to the Indian state of Punjab, it is acclaimed for its distinctive Golden Temple, considered as the holiest shrine for the Sikh religion. Said to attract more visitors than the famous Taj Mahal of Agra, it stands like a shining beacon over the entire architectural landscape, a witness to some of the most glorious and darkest chapters in the city's history.
Also known as Shri Harmandir Sahib, the temple is nestled on a rectangular platform in the middle of a vast pool of water. It is believed to have been erected nearly 400 years ago by the Guru Ram Das as a gathering place for the Sikh population. An unmistakable feature of the temple is its iconic dome gilded by more than 100 kilograms of pure gold, from whence it got its name. The sight is particularly striking at dawn, as the first rays of the sun gently kiss the sides of the dome, and one will definitely experience an ethereal feeling. Inside the shrine can be seen the holy book of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib, as well as a so-called "Mirror Room," or the Shish Mahal, that is adorned with pieces of mirrors from wall to ceiling.
However, the Golden Temple is not the only attraction to be seen in Amritsar. Tourists can head to the nearby Akal Takht, which literally means "eternal throne," and symbolizes justice and the temporal. In fact, before going to battle, the Sikh soldiers visit it to ask for blessings and protection.
Another place of interest is the Jallian Wala Bagh, the site of the most infamous massacre in the country's history. It is where the British general Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on a massive gathering of Sikh devotees celebrating the Baisakhi Festival, at a time when public meetings and demonstrations were banned by virtue of martial law. The unprovoked shooting left hundreds dead and thousands injured, playing a major role in the India's struggle for independence. Until now, bullet holes can still be seen dotting the walls there, including the well where many drowned in an attempt to escape the indiscriminate gunfire.
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