A Weekend At The Golden Temple
The Sikhs. We’ve all seen them, wearing their turbans going about their daily business. The Golden Temple, as it’s known in English, or Harmandir Sahib in Punjabi, is the holiest temple in the Sikh religion.
Sikhism
Sikh Warriors
Since so little is known about the Sikhs, I’ll give a very short explanation that can be expanded upon here. Sikhism was born out of a rejection to the very class- and caste-based Indian society in the 15th century. It was founded with the utmost respect to all religions and creeds, which the four entryways to the Golden Temple represent.
Founded by Guru Nanak Dev and expanded upon by ten more gurus, Sikhs number some 30 million and represent the fifth largest organized religion in the world. Sikhs follow the five K’s: kes (uncut hair), kangha (small wooden comb), kaṛa (circular steel or iron bracelet), kirpan (sword/dagger), and kacchera (special undergarment) [source: wikipedia].
Sikhs don’t really have priests and open all to their temples, called Gurudwaras, to the public. The Golden Temple on its own welcomes over 100,000 visitors daily. All temples serve free food to the public regardless of religion or creed.
My Experience At The Temple
By no means is the above information all encompassing. It’s not meant to be, but it’s a bit of background information.
Before coming, I read that you could sleep onsite at the temple for free (a donation is expected). I arrived at around 8pm and had no idea what I’d find. I walked in and saw dozens of people sleeping on the floor in a huge uncovered hall. It was the Indian accommodation area.
Pilgrims Sleeping Onsite
I asked someone where the accommodations were and he asked where I was from. I told him I’m from the U.S. and he led me through a “No Unauthorized Entry” door to the foreigners section. There were proper beds with thin mattresses all put together and five rooms that could accommodate small groups.
The guy in charge of the room didn’t speak much English and the only people there at the time were Chinese travelers who also didn’t speak English. It was really hard to figure out if beds were occupied or not. All had sheets and covers that are probably rarely washed. Luckily, a Japanese girl who spoke excellent English told came out from one of the rooms and said she was leaving and I could take her room. Minutes after she left a Swedish guy came in looking for a bed and, since there were three in the room, I asked if he wanted to stay with me.
My Shared Room
The Common Room
My Life Fits In A Locker
My trick when staying in such relatively unhygienic conditions is to sleep with my clothes on if the temperature allows (which it did), use a sleeping bag insert if it’s warm or if you want, and use a clean or dirty shirt as a pillow case.
There was a bathroom (not toilet, just a bathing room where you could shower using a bucket and scoop with hot water) in the room, though it seemed like very few Westerners used it.
My first night I went out with Linus, the Swedish guy, to see the temple. It really was beautiful. I had to wear something to cover my hair. You can find orange mini-scarves throughout the city for 10 Rupees/$0.18 to cover your head. I used my winter hat instead.
The temple complex is a shoe-free zone. You can deposit your shoes and socks at an office in exchange for a redemption token. I did this the first day, but thereafter it was just easier to leave my shoes in the room since I was staying literally across the street from the temple complex. I guess I don’t mind being barefoot, but Indians probably spit publicly more than any other nationality on the planet. That said, I saw no one spitting at the temple site, which was not the case at the Hindu temple I visited in Kathmandu, Nepal.
If you look like a foreigner you can expect a Sikh person to approach you and talk to you. This may be the only time in India not to brush them off and ignore them. Sikhs know they are misunderstood and realize that every foreigner who comes to the Golden Temple is a potential goodwill ambassador for Sikhs upon returning home.
When I was there a young guy who admittedly wasn’t religious gladly showed me around the temple, explained the rituals and traditions, and uncovered places I wouldn’t have known existed. It was a very pleasant experience, one I’ll always remember.
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- A Pilgrim Bathing In The Holy Water
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- The Golden Temple Daytime
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- The Golden Temple Nighttime
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- The Golden Temple At Night
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- With The Golden Temple
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- The Golden Temple And I
Food
As I mentioned above, the food is free and available to all at every Sikh temple. An army of volunteers prepares everything and at the Golden Temple, where some 100,000 people visit daily, it’s truly an impressive operation. The food is simple, dal (lentils), raitha (rice pudding), and chapatis (roti/bread).
I had all but two meals at the temple the weekend I was there. They were good, everything seemed hygienic, it was some of the best process management and operation work I’ve seen in India, and it was generally a great environment. It’s all-you-can-eat, but you are not allowed to leave with food on your plate. Kind of rude to take the free food and waste it, no? But yes, you can refuse or stay stop when being served.
I helped wash dishes one day after dinner one night. I was impressed with the process – an initial wash to wash away all the solids, then two more washes in two separate tubs, then rinsing. In a place infamous for its bad hygiene, three washing ensure a proper job is done.
I only washed dishes for 60-90 minutes, but it was while washing the dishes that I realized just how many thousands of people eat there daily. There was a constant stream of plates, bowls, and spoons. Constant. Incredible.
I also wondered if this was the only place in India where you can see men washing the dishes…
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- Serving The Free Meals
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- Serving The Free Meals
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- People Eating The Free Food
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- People Eating The Free Food
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- Chopping Garlic And Onions
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- Free Meal – Dal And Chapatis
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- Cleaning Dishes
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- Cleaning Dishes
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- Cleaning Dishes
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- Me Washing Dishes
Conclusion
I would say I stayed one day longer than necessary. There aren’t many things to see in Amritsar. Besides the temple I went to the site of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, one of bloodiest steps on India’s path to independence.
Still, it was nice to be in such a tranquil place, full of positive energy. I’ll be the first to admit that it can be a little intimidating being somewhere you feel so out of place, but with the Sikhs you need not worry. You are always welcome. Literally.
I like your writing style, simple and inspiring.
Thanks!
Lovely post Adam!
The sense of generosity I get from reading this post is really wonderful. I also appreciate the irony of your dirty shirt being potentially more hygienic than the pillow!
🙂 One of my many coping mechanisms in an unhygienic world.
Nice post!! This is one of my fav places in India 🙂 Wish to visit Golden Temple again someday!
I hope you can return someday as well!
Great post! I loved my time at the Golden Temple and think I probably slept in the exact same room and had the exact same meal. It’s still one of my favorite memories from a lifetime of travel.
http://www.adventuresofagoodman.com/shrigururamdasniwas-golden-temple-pilgrim-inn/
http://www.adventuresofagoodman.com/golden-temple-free-kitchen-amritsar/
http://www.adventuresofagoodman.com/golden-temple-sunrise-sunset-fireworks-photography-india/
Nice! Glad you had a good time too 🙂
I stayed here too! It was one of the nicest parts of my month in India.
Did you make it to the India-Pakistan border crossing while you were in Amritsar?
Unfortunately, no. At the time I thought I would cross there into Pakistan later and then catch it from the PK side. But I can’t get the visa outside my country of origin, so I lost my chance. Oh well! Next time!
I was there 2009 and totally impressed by it.. I didn’t stay at the temple though, but well done on you for going all the way 😉 Great post!
Thanks!
Cool! I hope to make it out there someday. I love all the pictures you took.
Thanks!
I remember seeing my friends pictures of this place last year, putting it on my bucket list. Must be such an incredible sight during sunset… Thanks for the tips!
Thanks, yes, it’s an amazing place!
Hey Adam — Love this post! I learned more about Skishs here than I have coming into contact with the huge population that lives in NYC (my first home 🙂 Also, makes me want to visit this temple when I return to India one day. Curious: Did you feel that any locals were annoyed or bothered by your presence there as a foreigner (getting free food, etc)?? Or were there many other foreigners (you mentioned the Japanese and Swedish travlers) Thanks! Fran
Glad you enjoyed it!
No, no locals were annoyed in the making of this blog post. 🙂 No, for real it was nothing but open arms and smiles apart from the “guard” at the foreigners accommodation who, of course, expected a tip/bribe for his work. But such is the experience in India. Otherwise, as I mentioned, local guys were eager to help foreigners navigate the temple and explain more about Sikhism without expecting anything in return.
Well, Adam i read out your post just amazing and great post, first of all thanks for the writing a great post about Golden Temple. I feel sorry for your accommodation anyways.
Sahib Singh
You’re very welcome! No problem about the accommodation. I was very thankful for it! 🙂
Really Nice Pics. ! I visited Golden Temple around 8 years back. Planning to visit again. Nice contribution . I will too try posting my experience and pics when there again.
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