Amritsar, a major trade centre, is one of the major cities of the Sikh nation. It is Punjab's second largest town and premier tourist destination. If you are exploring North India, Amritsar is a place not to be missed. The eminence of Amritsar is stated by the presence of patriarchal Golden Temple.
Golden Temple :
During Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign the lower half of the temple was decorated with marble while the entire upper half was inlaid with copper covered over by gold plate : hence its new name, the Golden Temple. Free kitchen and recitation of the divine word never cease here. Its four gates invite everyone from all directions.
Akal Takhat :
Sixth Guru Sri Har Gobind had got it constructed as a seal of temperal authority symbolising the unity of spiritual and temporal life in 1609.
Tower of Baba Atal Rai :
Built in the memory of Baba Atal Rai, son of Sri Har Gobind Ji, this octagonal nine-storeyed structure about 50 meters high has several beautiful frescos on its walls, relating to the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Jallianwala Bagh :
Martyrs' Memorial built in the shape of eternal flame of liberty is situated on the outskirts of Golden Temple. Here, about 1500 to 2000 persons who were attending a peaceful meeting during the freedom movement fell under the bullets of the British General Dyer, on April 13, 1919. The British Queen Elizabeth II and her husband laid a wreath at the Memorial on 14 Oct.' 1997.
Durgiana Temple :
Situated outside the Lohgarh Gate it is built after the design of the Golden Temple and attracts sages and scholars in Hindu scriptures from all over India.
Mosque at Fatehabad :
Situated at a distance of 40 kms. from Amritsar the walls of this mosque are decorated with beautiful floral motifs.
Summer place of Maharaja Ranjit Singh :
Is situated in the middle of a beautiful garden called Ram bagh in Amritsar City. This garden is laid out on the pattern of Shalimar Bagh at Lahore.
Only its architecturally unique 'darshani deorhi' has remained intact. A museum after the name of the Maharaja is set up here displaying oil paintings, miniatures, coins, weapons and Mss relating to the Sikh period.
Khalsa College & Guru Nanak Dev University :
Khalsa College, Amritsar was founded in 1892 and built on grand scale in typical Sikh architecture, its distinguished alumni; sportsmen, servicemen, administrators, professionals, fill up India's compilations of Who's Who. On a part of its land a new University called Guru Nanak Dev University was established at Amritsar. Soon it has become distinguished for starting modern curricula and has etched its name on the sports map of India.
There are a number of cotton, woollen and art silk textile factories besides other industries dealing with electric goods, sewing machines, auto parts, carpets in Amritsar. The milk processing plant at Verka about 6 kms. from Amritsar is the second biggest project of its kind in the country. Amritsar is India's leading exporter of goods to the Middle-East, leading distribution centre of dry fruits, tea and condiments. Amritsar is a shopper's paradise and a gourmet's delight. It is world's leading centre of Punjabi publications.
