The Golden Temple is a dazzling illustration of the goodness that exists in the hearts of people.
It is uncommon to take a getaway of any kind – whether it be overnight, for a long weekend, or long haul – without first thoroughly researching the food alternatives available at the destination. This is because food has become such an important element of our holiday plans and decisions. It is also something to keep in mind when selecting a wellness retreat or resort.
Who is to say that the consumption of food can't be a part of the overall experience of purifying, cleansing, detoxifying, getting healthy, or even losing weight? One of the greatest pleasures that can be had in life is good food, which can be infused with recollections, companionship, happiness, and most importantly, love. In my opinion, health and spirituality are completely compatible when it comes to diet.
Golden Temple; the epitome of humanitarianism
There is no other location where the relationship is more readily obvious than at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, which is considered to be the holiest site in Sikhism. Imagine what it would be like to celebrate and share food with as many as 50,000 pilgrims or, on special days and festivals, with twice as many people as that number. Every single day of the year, this is exactly what takes place in the dining halls known as langar that is located within the Golden Temple.
Even better, they do not charge anything. The majority of the people who are helping out are volunteers, and all of the food is donated. The Golden Temple is a dazzling illustration of the goodness that exists in the hearts of people. Everyone who comes to the site is invited to partake in the feast, and both the cooks and the dining rooms are staffed continuously throughout the day.
Continuous preparation and cooking of the meal take place at all times of the day and night. This is a site that is open at all times to visitors, whether they are worshippers, witnesses, or people who are just gobsmacked; no one is ever refused entry.
Abode for pilgrims to receive rest and nourishment
Diners sit on the floor, there is no hierarchy, and everyone is treated on an equal basis. Everyone, men, women, and children, eat together . The meal itself includes roti, rice, dal, veggies, and dessert in addition to the main course. Once upon a time, all of the bread was prepared by hand; however, because of the generosity of a devotee, there is now a machine that can produce 25,000 rotis in an hour.
After the dinner, groups of volunteer workers collect all of the dirty dishes and utensils and wash them five times before stacking them in preparation for the next serving. It is an incredible accomplishment and a wonderful floor show for the guests. Up until this year, all of the cooking was done using gas cylinders; however, a solar energy system has now been provided to assist with this type of mass catering.
Foundation of the Golden Temple
Since the 16th century, the Golden Temple has stood on the same site, but it has been damaged multiple times by raiding forces from Afghanistan and the Mughal Empire. It was painstakingly reconstructed after each of its destructions, and it now has a prominent location in the centre of a man-made lake. The marble compound that surrounds it has expanded through the years to include additional structures, such as offices, a museum, a clock tower, and of course, the dining hall; nonetheless, the Golden Temple itself, which is a jewel of Hindu and Muslim architecture, remains at the centre of it all.
The gurudwara is beautifully adorned with carvings and precious stones, and its surfaces are gilded and ornamented. In fact, the pinnacle of the temple is made of pure gold. The Guru Granth Sahib, a collection of hymns, poetry, and prayers that are chanted to the accompaniment of flutes, drums, and stringed instruments, is kept in the sanctuary at the core of the building. This sanctuary also serves as the building's administrative centre.
Amritsar, which means "pool of the nectar of immortality," was originally the name of the pool around the Golden Temple, but it was later adopted as the name of the city that sprang up around it. This pool is fed by an underground spring and its waters are thought to have curative powers, which is why pilgrims come from great distances to bathe in it.
Welcoming everyone with love, and utmost humility
The temple, its grounds, the sanctuary, and the dining rooms are all open to visitors. There are entrances on all four sides that represent openness. Men or women all are welcome to this holy abode but you must both cover your heads when entering, and before entering, you must wash your feet in one of the designated places. Not to worry, there are plenty of inexpensive cover-ups available outside the compound, and everyone is welcome to store their shoes and sandals in cloakrooms.
Gurudwara Golden Temple is a sacred and historic site built in the heart of Amristar. People from across the world visit the sacred place with utmost awe, faith, and reverence. For those looking for peace of mind, thoughtfulness, humanity, and true soul food - it is the place you should definitely visit.