India photos : 10 of the most beautiful places
4. Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab
India is a land of linguistic, cultural, geographical, and of course religious diversity. In this subcontinent, people in different regions hold a variety of different religious beliefs and practices. This is how the Golden temple in Amritsar stands as a symbol of the oneness of God. It is the holiest shrine of the Sikhs.
Regardless of religion, caste or location, individuals from all corners of the earth are made welcome here. The Golden Temple is sometimes known as ‘Harmandir Sahib’, which means the temple of God.
Constructed between 1588 and 1604 by Sikh Guru Guru Ram Das, the Golden Temple is mostly made of marble. While marble was the primary building material used for its construction, it was later plated with pure gold. The entire complex is surrounded by a man-made lake called Amrit Sarovar. It is believed that the water of this holy lake has special healing properties.
Visitors are welcomed into the Golden Temple from its four different sides. The four different entry points symbolize the welcoming of people from all parts of the world, irrespective of their religion, social class or location. In an interesting twist, the Golden Temple was built at a lower level than the buildings that surround it. Visitors have to step down to reach the complex. The temple is designed this way to remind its visitors that humility is an important quality required to lead a holy life.
But this temple has something even more amazing to offer. Every day, around 35,000 people are fed for free at Golden Temple. All participants must on the floor regardless of their religion or caste, participating in the meal as equals. This system at the Golden Temple is meant to foster equality among all people.