The Golden Temple
Surrounded by a small lake, the Golden Temple or Temple of God was the meditation site of wandering saints and sages including Lord Buddha and then Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikh religion. The lake that we see surrounding the Golden Temple today was enlarged and structurally contained during the leadership of the fourth Sikh Guru (Ram Dass, 1574-1581), and during the leadership of the fifth Guru (Arjan, 1581-1606), the Hari Mandir, or Temple of God was built.
The temple's architecture draws on both Hindu and Muslim artistic styles yet represents a unique coevolution of the two. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), Hari Mandir was richly ornamented with marble sculptures, golden gilding, and large quantities of precious stones. Within the sanctuary, on a jewel-studded platform, lies the Adi Grantha, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. This scripture is a collection of devotional poems, prayers, and hymns composed by the ten Sikh gurus and various Muslim and Hindu saints. Beginning early in the morning and lasting until long past sunset, these hymns are chanted to the exquisite accompaniment of flutes, drums, and stringed instruments. Echoing across the serene lake, this enchantingly beautiful music induces a delicate yet powerful state of trance in the pilgrims strolling leisurely around the marble concourse encircling the pool and temple. An underground spring feeds the sacred lake, and throughout the day and night pilgrims immerse themselves in the water, a symbolic cleansing of the soul rather than an actual bathing of the body. Next to the temple complex are enormous pilgrims' dormitories and dining halls where all persons, irrespective of race, religion, or gender, are lodged and fed for free.
Lamp Post at the Entrance of the Golden Temple
I especially found the fans installed at the entry way to the main door of the temple quite thoughtful!
Beating the Retreat @ Attari-Wagah (Indo-Pak) Border
The Beating Retreat which marks the closure of the border gates and Change of Guard ceremony is conducted each evening at the Attari-Wagah border.
Snarling Soldiers (friends at night?)
Lowering of the Two Flags
And finally some fun, me driving an Army jeep...
