Punjab or the land of five rivers, is a land of rich history and culture. If you want to experience it’s rich history and culture, a visit to temples in this region is a must. Amritsar is one of the most important cities of Punjab and is famous for the world famous Shri Golden Temple. But Amritsar has many other olders and historically important temples. In our Jorney to temple towns we take a look at Amritsar today. So friends lets look at some famous temples of Amritsar.
1. Golden temple
Counted in one of the most spiritual places in India, Golden Temple, is the holiest shrine for Sikhs. It is also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib. The temple was orginally built in 1604 by 5th Sikh guru Arjan. The temple was destroyed several times by Afgan invaders. It was finally rebuilt by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, from pure marble and gold.
The prime focus in the premises is the tank, the Amrit Sarovar. The shrine lies on an island in the middle of the tank. The name Amritsar is derived from this Amrit Sarovar.
Golden temple is one of the most important religious destination and sikh pilgrimage center in the world.
Golden temple should be one of the must visit place on your list if you are visting Amritsar.
2. Mata Lal Devi Temple
Mata Lal Devi temple is one of the prominent and mystic temples in Amritsar. This temple is also popularly known as Seesh Mahal.
It is said that, women across country visit this temple seeking blessings for child. The temple is dedicated to the femail saint Mata Lala Devi. It is also said that the temple is a miniature version of Mata Vaishnav Devi in Jammu and Kashmir.
Address: 61/62, Model Town, Rani Ka Bagh, Mohindra Colony, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
The temple is decorated with lot of mirrors and lamps. The idols of dieties are placed in main courtyard and temple has artifact and paintings of sant mata lal devi. The atmosphere in this temple is carnival like and makes it a worth visit.
3. Durgiana Mandir, Amritsar
Durgiana temple Amritsar, is also known as Shri Lakshmi Naryan temple is one of the promient temples of Amrtisar. The temple architecture is similar to Shri Golden Temple.
The temple derives its name from goddess Durga who is worshipped here, but there are also idols of goddess Lakshi amd Vishnu and hence also the name Shri Lakshmi Narayan temple
Address: Hathi Gate, Goal Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
The oroginal temple was built around 16th century and the this place is said to be associated to the time of our great epic Ramayana. It is said the courtyard of this temple has a tree where Luv and Kush bound Lord Hanuman after they have captured the Ashwamedha Yagna horse.
4. Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai
Just a short walk from Shri Harmindar Sahib like Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai which is one of the finest Architecture marvels of Amritsar.
It is a 33 meter high octagonal tower located towards the south eastern side of Golden Temple. This religious site was built between the year 1778 and 1784, representing the nine years of Baba Atal’s life. He was the son of Guru Hargobind Sahib, who is the sixth Sikh Guru and had his Samadhi in this place.
Also read: Temple town Jammu
5. Shri Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple
Shri Mukteshwar Mahadev is basically a cave temple. This temple is located at the banks of river Ravi. The temple as the name suggests is dedicated to Lord Shiva and also has the idols of Lord Ganesha, Ma parvati, Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman etc.
It is said that this temple exists from the time of Mahabharat and as per legend, Pandavas spent some time here during their exile and worshipped here.
The cave and the temple is carved on one of the rocky hill and temple is at the hill top. The shivalingam is made up of white marble and the temple also has the idols of other gods.
6. Gurudwara Mata Kaulan
Gurudwara Mata Kaulan is a sacred sikh shrine located near golden temple. The temple is named after Bibi Kaulan who was a holy lady born as a muslim girl who later became a faithful desciple of Guru Har Gobind.
A siant named Mia Mir, brought her to Amritsar where she spent rest of her life dedicated to Sri Guru Har Gobind Ji , performing her religious duties.
Address: Near Golden Temple, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Her melodious Kirtans which she used to sing are still played in the Gurudwara. Mata Kaulan gurudwara is one of the most important religious places in Amritsar and a must visit during your trip there.
So friends these are the temples which are must visit if you are travelling to Amritsar. But there are many other temples which should also be part of your list if you have some more time and these are
- ISCKON temple Amritsar
- Bada Hanuman Mandir: This temple is close to Durgania mandir and is at walkable distance. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman
- Ma Bhadrakali Mandir: This temple is dedicated to Ma Kali and is an ancient temple in Amritsar
- Bhaiyan da shivala Mandir: A popular Shiva temple in the region
- Valmiki temple or Ram tirath: Another prominent temple at the outskirts of Amritsar.
So friends, do visit these temples if you are planning to visit Amritsar. If have already visited or live the Amritsar do share your feedback / inputs for the benefit of other fellow religious travellers!
Jai Mata ki!
team @ mytempletrips
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