1. Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab
Sri Harmandir Sahib which means the abode of God, popularly known as the Golden Temple, is in the city of Amritsar in the northern part of India. The most revered and the holiest Gurudwara (place of worship for Sikhs) the Golden Temple was founded in 1577 and is open to all religions and to people from every walk of life to walk in and pray. The Amrit Sarovar or the nectarous tank surrounding the shrine is the center of faith and is believed to have healing powers.
As a ceremonial ritual, every morning the Guru Granth Sahib is brought to the temple and returned to the Akal Takhat at night. The ceremony which takes place at 5 am and 9.40pm in winter, and 4 am and 10.30pm in summer is an astounding sight. Thousands of worshippers, pilgrims and visitors gather to be a part of the ritual and the atmosphere is electrifying and charged up with holy chants. An overwhelming experience which is not just unique but leads to life-changing thoughts, the Golden Temple is a must-visit attraction in India.
