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It is the home of the world famous Golden Temple founded by Guru Ramdas, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, in the year 1579. Amritsar is the most important seat of Sikh history and culture, trade, and also, the gateway for travellers coming to India, on the overland route through Pakistan. Diwali, Baisakhi, Basant and Gurparabs are the main festivals celebrated in Amritsar.
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Golden Temple
The Golden Temple, built by Guru Arjun Dev, is set in midst of a pool reputed to have miraculous healing powers. It is the holiest of Sikh temples where their holy book Guru Granth Sahib is read 24 hours a day. The present shrine stands in the middle of a large rectangular water tank reached by a marble causeway on the west.
The marble building is much influenced by Mughal architecture and the exterior is completely gilded with gold leaf, inlaid marble, carved woodwork, ivory mosaic and embossed gold and silver work interiors. Here the murals illustrate scenes from the lives of the Sikh Gurus.
The construction of the temple was completed in late sixteenth century. It was rebuilt by the Sikh ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1803. The Golden Temple is a two storey marble structure, with an imposing dome of pure gold. The architecture of the Golden Temple, is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles. The golden dome is meant to represent an inverted lotus flower. The interior of the temple is decorated with semi precious stones, frescoes and glass work.
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Jallianwala Bagh
A poignant memorial of the Freedom Movement. This garden was the site of a brutal massacre of over 2000 innocent unarmed people, on the orders of a British General on April 13, 1919. The bullet scarred walls of the well kept garden, today, enclose a memorial with an eternal flame, dedicated to the martyrs.
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Durgiana Temple
Built outside the Lohagarh gate of the old city, is dedicated to Goddess Durga, and is a centre of pilgrimage for devout Hindus.
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Wagah border
The city shares the Wagah border with Pakistan which is still open as the land trading route between the two coutnries. Every evening there is a formal closing ceremony of the border gates by Army personell on both sides which is a must see.
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