Golden Temple - Amritsar (India)

The temple's architecture draws on both Hindu and Muslim artistic styles yet represents a unique coevolution of the two. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), Hari Mandir was richly ornamented with marble sculptures, golden gilding, and large quantities of precious stones. Within the sanctuary, on a jewel-studded platform, lies the Adi Grantha, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. This scripture is a collection of devotional poems, prayers, and hymns composed by the ten Sikh gurus and various Muslim and Hindu saints. Beginning early in the morning and lasting until long past sunset, these hymns are chanted to the exquisite accompaniment of flutes, drums, and stringed instruments. Echoing across the serene lake, this enchantingly beautiful music induces a delicate yet powerful state of trance in the pilgrims strolling leisurely around the marble concourse encircling the pool and temple. An underground spring feeds the sacred lake, and throughout the day and night pilgrims immerse themselves in the water, a symbolic cleansing of the soul rather than an actual bathing of the body. Next to the temple complex are enormous pilgrims' dormitories and dining halls where all persons, irrespective of race, religion, or gender, are lodged and fed for free.

Amritsar, the original name of first the ancient lake, then the temple complex, and still later the surrounding city, means "pool of ambrosial nectar." Looking deeply into the origins of this word amrit, we find that it indicates a drink of the gods, a rare and magical substance that catalyzes euphoric states of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. With this word we have a very clear example of the spirit, power, or energetic character of a particular place becoming encoded as an ancient geographical place name. The myth is not just a fairy tale. It reveals itself as a coded metaphor if we have the knowledge to read the code: The waters of Amritsar flowing into the lake of the Hari Mandir were long ago - and remain today - a bringer of peacefulness.

Source: http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/india/amritsar.html

The Harmandir Sahib (or Hari Mandir) in Amritsar, Punjab, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. Previously (and still more commonly) known as the Golden Temple, it was officially renamed Harmandir Sahib in March 2005. The temple (or gurdwara) is a major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from all over the world, as well as an increasingly popular tourist attraction.

Unlike many historical sacred sites, the Golden Temple of Amritsar is still fully alive with religious fervor and sacredness, and visitors are welcomed to join in the experience. Although the building itself has great historical and architectural interest, it is the Golden Temple's great spiritual meaning for Sikh believers (and others) that is most memorable to visitors. In a country that is exceptionally rich with vibrant devotion, Frommer's rates the Golden Temple "the most tangibly spiritual place in the country."

Source: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/india/golden-temple-of-amritsar

Category:

Music

Tags:

• golden temple
• amritsar
• india
• sikh
• snatam kaur
• ambrosial nectar
• Ranjit Singh
• Hari Mandir

[hrabinai]

nice pics, amazing place, I think so, I will soon... and beautiful miusic. I looked for yesterday music of Snatam Kaur.... and I found, but can you help me, what a music singer and title is in the second part, last part of this film... very beauti too. I will you grateful.... I like music like this very much. Iwona

[mysnakeeye]

@hrabinai , ty for appreciation. The second song is : Snatam Kaur - Mantras - anand bliss

[Efis1979]

nice pics but the wrong music. the parayers music of the golden temple is much more suitable. i can listen to it for a long time, very relaxing

[mysnakeeye]

@Efis1979 , sorry, but I put here a proper music for my ears, not for other ears... if u don't like it, don't listen it... Very strange to here u don't like Snatam Kaur voice... a celestial voice.

[perla51]

Very splendid images and music!!!! Perla.

[mysnakeeye]

@perla51 what a wonderful places are on Earth!

[avani1111]

wow you got some mind blowing pics thanks for sharing x x

[Efis1979]

@mysnakeeye

sorry, "wrong" is not a proper word here. u may put any music u like and there's no "right" or "wrong". just wrote what i had in mind based on my experience and taste. all the best 

[loveindublin]

may wahe guru bless peace to all man kind........

[mysnakeeye]

amazing place! ty, John