Day 256 of Indian places making you smile – the holy city of Amritsar
After an interesting drive across the prosperous state of Punjab, I was looking forward to visit it’s most holy city- Amritsar. As I entered the hallowed premises of the world famous Golden temple, I made extra efforts to ensure that my head was well covered and my hair was not visible from the side of the scarf. Even my husband got a large handkerchief to ensure that his hair was well covered.
We were spell bound by the feeling of purity and spirituality of this place. The vast open marbled complex, the soothing prayer songs, the evening breeze on my face, the smell of the holy food being distributed had alerted all my senses. But the best part was the sight of the shining majestic Golden Temple that seemed to be rising from amidst the waters that surrounded it!
We first walked around the place trying to soak into the senses as much as we could. We saw the kitchens and dining halls where volunteers served others and helped in cooking and distributing food. I also saw devotees with brooms in their hands, cleaning up the grounds with enthusiasm, I had heard that this was also a unique way to express devotion.
We entered the main temple and for a long time I sat in a corner, staring silently and feeling the divinity of the scenario around me; the priests, the holy book, the chantings, the devotees, the decor, the richness of the place, everything fascinated me and I felt as if I was a little child, looking around, safe and secure in her mothers lap.
As I prostrated on the floor, I was overcome with a sense of surrender and peace. My husband had visited this place some years ago and had lost his credit card pouch in the temple. He returned next day and was relieved to find it with the temple authorities. He must have dropped it when he bowed down in humility. He got extra Prasad, wrapped in a shawl that I still use whenever I go for any important meeting. It was God’s way of calling him back again and again!
We had the extremely tasty rich sweet given to all devotees but we could not stay for the community meal. As I walked past the many other beautiful buildings in the complex, my mind did go back to the earlier troubled times of the nineteen eighties when terrorists had stored arms in the complex and the government had to wage the Operation Bluestar in this very complex. I just couldn’t associate the sound of gun shots with this peaceful holy pilgrim center of the Sikhs. Thank you God for giving me the opportunity to see this beautiful place in my lifetime!
Our next stop was at the Jallianwala Bagh. This was the place that witnessed the horrific killings and wounding of hundreds of innocent civilians who had gathered here on a festive day. The thought of the British army gunning their weapons against unarmed men, women and children made me wonder at the absurdity of some of the beliefs we have. How one moment of madness can change our whole life. As I looked at the bullet marks on the walls, I was thankful just be alive and have a normal day!
My visit to Amritsar could not be complete without some local shopping. I had to buy the authentic Punjabi spices and pickles. I had no time to visit the clothes stores for some exclusive outfits.
We then had dinner at a famous restaurant and I was shocked at the liberal use of pure clarified butter and the size of the portions. I exclaimed that it was impossible to eat such huge quantities of rich food. My local host assured me that I would be able to finish the meal, because there is something magical about the water of Amritsar that increases your appetite and allows you to digest whatever rich food you eat. I believed him.
There definitely was something totally magical about Amritsar!
So which Indian place made you smile today?
Please share your experience of Indian places that made you smile
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