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Golden Temple
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We left Osho Nisarga and headed for Amritsar to see the Golden Temple. A Sikh Temple where Sikh's come from all over give offerings and worship there. We arrived late because our taxi drivers decided to drive us just outside the city limit and then ask for more money to take us. Not surprising that they would drive you within a few Kilometers of the city, having driven now 5 hours and then demand more money. After much dispute and calling Sunil, we were walking the streets of Amritsar for a place to crash for the night. Spending 250 rupees or $5 to stay in a clean hotel with hot water was all we needed. Then we ran for the temple to view the sun setting on this Golden Wonder!
Following the custom I removed my shoes, covered my head with my scarf, and washed my feet before walking down the marble path into the temple grounds. Hundreds of Sikh people were walking clockwise around the square lake; with the Golden Temple resting in the middle of the water. When you walk under the marble entrance way and see this magnificent golden structure that looks to be floating in the water, you lose your breath for a moment. On the opposite side of the complex is a bridge to get into the temple.
As I walked around to get to the bridge I couldn't help but feel like I didn't belong. Many stares were received and very few had smiles attached. I tried my best to behave as they were. Kissing alters, bowing my head, standing or sitting when they did. I wanted them to know I respected their beliefs and that I was appreciative of being able to be there and witness this ritual.
All while taking in the visual surroundings, my ears were being stimulated by the voice of a man reading the Sikh scripture. Over a load speaker his voice is being projected through the entire complex. Many, as they walked, were speaking along with him. Based on what he was saying, the Sikh people would sit or stand and so followed suite.
I made it to the bridge and gasped in wonder at the gold surrounding the entrance to the bridge. By now night had come and the lights shining off the temple made the experience even more amazing.
About twenty minutes went by before I reached the temple entrance that was only 100 meters away. I kissed the marble floor to the entrance and entered. In the center was the man I was hearing all this time. Long beard, turbine wrapped hair, sitting on a cushion reading from a huge book into a microphone.
The history behind this temple I could talk forever about, but in short Sikhs from all over the world come to worship and be blessed here. At the Golden Temple they read the scripture all day, everyday, never stopping. There are several men appointed to read and they take turns. It takes about 2 days to read the entire book and then they start over. The temple even provides free housing and food for those coming long distances.
Inside the Golden Temple there are 3 floors, the top being outside. You can sit inside, read along, or just come and go. We sat for a few minutes taking in the golden walls, marble facade, peoples actions, everything. Surrounding the man reading were lots of offerings and tools for various actions they do during the readings. It was nothing I had seen before, yet still somewhat similar to the Tibetan Monks ritual two days earlier I witnessed. I took a moment of silence to be thankful for being able to experience these different wonders from all over the world. Life truly is Golden!
After a long time of sitting, watching and listening I left with everyone to find a restaurant. We walked the streets of Amritsar finding a local hang out and had a wonderful dinner reflecting on what we had seen. Tomorrow was our drive back, but many of us decided to get up at dawn and watch the sunrise on the temple before we left. Great start to a long drive home. Just in time for dinner we made it back to GAV, but not without more crazy taxi driving.
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