The Experience of the Amritsar Golden Temple and the World's Largest Kitchen
- LocationIndia, Amritsar
- Duration5 days
- Rating★★★★★
- Average Cost₹15,000 (excluding airfare)
The Golden Temple: A Sacred Land Bathed in Gold
When one thinks of Amritsar in India, many immediately recall the holiest site in Sikhism – the Golden Temple. Officially known as Harmandir Sahib, the temple is adorned with gold on its exterior and is situated in the center of a square man-made lake. Devotees believe that the water of this lake has sacred healing powers, which is why many are seen bathing in it as a sign of reverence. In fact, the name 'Amritsar' is derived from the meaning 'Pool of Nectar'. At night, the Golden Temple becomes even more spectacular✨. The lights cast upon the golden structure reflect on the lake, creating a dreamlike scene reminiscent of stardust falling onto the water—serene and sacred. This is not only a visual feast but also embodies the core values of Sikhism: light, hope, and the power of faith, reminding people that even in darkness, one can find the way forward.
The Golden Temple is adorned with approximately 750 kilograms of gold plating.
The World's Largest Community Kitchen: The Miracle of Free Langar
The Golden Temple is not only a center of faith but also home to the world's largest community kitchen – Langar. It operates 24 hours a day, all year round, serving over 100,000 meals daily, and even up to 200,000 meals during holidays! What is most admirable is that regardless of your religion, social status, or nationality, everyone is welcome, reflecting the Sikh principles of equality and sharing. At first, I thought such a large-scale meal service would be chaotic, but the experience was far beyond my expectations. At the entrance, everyone collects a plate as directed, and volunteers work in coordinated teams to ensure smooth and hospitable service. After receiving the plate, everyone naturally lines up and moves forward under the guidance of staff, ensuring a seamless flow even amidst a large crowd. Upon entering the dining hall, volunteers guide us to sit on the floor in a row. I glanced up and noticed that the local Indians were watching us with curious expressions👀, likely because there are very few foreigners in the Golden Temple's dining hall🤣. I could only smile back quickly and then look around to find that among hundreds of people, there were only the two of us foreigners! The food served here is entirely vegetarian, including plain porridge, rice, flatbreads, two types of chickpea curries, and water. While the taste is not the main focus, this experience deepened my understanding of the local culture. One of the most interesting features is their mobile water dispenser! A cart filled with water, operated in a manner similar to a bicycle brake; when a volunteer pushes the cart in front of each diner and presses a handle, water flows into the bowl – extremely convenient! After eating, if you wish to have more, the volunteers continuously refill the meals and quickly clear the area for the next group. Finally, everyone voluntarily takes their used dishes to the washing area for the volunteers to clean. What impressed me most was that no food was wasted – all plates were empty.
Rules and Guidelines for Visiting the Golden Temple
Before entering the Golden Temple, please make sure to follow these guidelines, as they are not only a matter of etiquette but also a sign of respect for the local culture: ✔ Dress Code: Both men and women must cover their heads (scarves or headscarves are acceptable; free headscarves are provided at the entrance). Dress modestly, avoiding short skirts, shorts, or revealing clothing. Photography Rules: Photography inside the Golden Temple is restricted. There are numerous guards with spears patrolling the area, and if tourists are found using cameras, they will be asked to delete the photos. Therefore, while taking photos, maintain a low profile to avoid attracting the guards' attention. However, we observed that many tourists still take candid photos secretly. We even encountered a group of local visitors trying to take a photo with us, only to be discovered by the patrolling guards who then asked them to delete the photos. This strict enforcement suggests that you should take only a few photos as mementos and absolutely avoid photographing devotees bathing in the pool, to show respect for the local religion. ✔ Entry Procedure: Before entering, you must remove your shoes and wash your feet: There is a free shoe storage area on the left side of the main gate where all visitors are required to remove their shoes and leave them. You will be given a numbered ticket to retrieve your shoes. There is also a designated area for foot washing (the water might look murky and unclean), and if you proceed without washing your feet, the guards at the entrance will remind you. Do not bring alcohol, tobacco, or prohibited items. Although these rules may seem cumbersome, once you experience the visit, you'll realize that these customs are in place to maintain the sacred atmosphere and cleanliness of the temple, reflecting respect and devotion for the holy site and allowing every visitor to immerse themselves in this cultural experience.
Conclusion: The Touching Power of Faith and Humanity
My visit to the Golden Temple left me deeply moved, whether it was the glittering golden architecture at night or the selfless spirit exhibited by the Langar kitchen. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the core values of Sikhism – equality, compassion, and sharing – and witnessed firsthand how this faith truly impacts people's lives. If you ever have the chance to visit Amritsar, the Golden Temple is an absolute must-see! It is not only a cultural exploration but also a spiritual cleansing, offering profound insights into the world and humanity. 📌 Personal Recommendation: Visit early in the morning or at night to avoid the crowds and to enjoy the most beautiful views of the Golden Temple. Arrive on an empty stomach; experiencing the free Langar will be a unique cultural exchange!
