After our first experience with Indian trains, we arrived in Amritsar, in the state of Punjab, where the Golden Temple is located, the most sacred temple of the Sikh religion. Something stunned by the train and the low light at the exit of the station we shared a tuctuc with a group of kids to walk the path to the temple. Luckily they were there! At all times they guided us to the community dormitory where pilgrims and foreigners are hosted free of charge, regardless of race, creed or nationality. And it is that the Sikh religion considers that every human being is equal and has the same rights.
Tip: nothing better to get to know Amritsar than to take a local hand tour 🙂 This is free (although it is always good to leave a tip).
How do we sleep? Well, honestly, little and bad, but we recommend it 100%. The experience of feeling one more among the thousands of pilgrims, sharing their customs was something unique. Even so, the bedbugs were stronger than us and devoured poor Lety, who apparently has a blood type E, of exquisite (we have decided that Transylvania will not enter our traveling plans). So the next day we went from mochinches to mochipijos and we went to a hotel (6 euros ... wow!).
The "gurdwara" as the Sikh temples are called, is spectacular in itself. The sacred water pond that surrounds it, where many devotees take their purifying baths, and its walls and golden dome make it an unforgettable image, especially at sunset.
As soon as we arrived at the temple, a grandfather who saw us somewhat lost explained the basic rules and the operation of it. He told us that the Sikhs are characterized by 5 symbols (kakkars): - Kesha: beard and long hair, which symbolize holiness. - Kangha: comb to hold long hair. - Kara: steel bracelet that alludes to bravery. - Kirpan: saber symbol of power. - Kaccha: baggy underwear modesty symbol.
We spend hours walking among the porches listening to the prayers as relaxing as they are endless, and why not, to pose as Bollywood stars, they kept asking us for pictures ... How hard is the life of the famous! And some smart guy making an excuse to practice English ended up ignoring Rober and asking Lety to pose with him with one hand on his shoulder ... but the only hand that was supported was his on Rober's, he'll be out again!
Another experience that we did not want to miss was sharing dinner with the pilgrims in the “guru-ka-langar”, the community dining room, where everyone is well received. It was probably the humblest place we have ever eaten, but at the same time the warmest. Also the rice pudding (or whatever it is called) was great!
We have known a bit of spiritual India and we are delighted with this city and community so hospitable. Next destination ... Agra!
USEFUL INFO
How to get? By train from Delhi. At the exit of the station, walking 20 meters is the free bus stop (yellow) that lead to the temple. They are crowded. We could not catch it because it was just the last and there was no place. They also make their way back, they leave from the entrance to the community dormitories. It is very nice to see how they say goodbye to the temple with chants throughout the journey.
Where to sleep? The free shared dormitory was our first night's accommodation. We arrived around 10 and there was a free bed that we shared. There is an area for foreigners and another for locals (the poor sleep in the open or between portals). The next day we checked in and asked for a donation. The second night we did in the Hotel Robin, room with TV, bathroom, hot water and wifi to be on the first floor for 500 INR, asked 1000 INR!
Temple visit? Admission is free, although a donation is recommended.
