Three Days in the Pulsating Heart of Sikhism

I was walking wearily through the dusty streets of Amritsar, carrying little more than a traveller’s curiosity, when a local, his eyes alight with reverence, exclaimed: “Visit the Golden Temple”.

I lost no time and, as I arrived, the temple’s gleaming structure stood as a beacon of faith, set against the bustling backdrop of Punjab. This was no ordinary place, it was the holiest shrine of Sikhism, where sacred verses fill the air day and night.

Sikhism, I learned, is a faith born from the vision of unity and equality among all peoples, transcending origin, gender, and status. I booked three nights, expecting to see beauty, but I never anticipated how this place would change me.

The impact with the Golden Temple left me breathless. Covered in glittering gold, it stood majestically, perfectly reflected in the tranquil waters that surrounded it.

The pilgrims, immersed in prayer, walked around the sacred pool with firm, serene steps. As night fell, tiredness overcame me and I abandoned myself to sleep.

But dawn brought something magical. Waking to the melodic sound of hymns, I followed the voices outside. Through the gentle morning mist, a sea of worshippers moved toward the shrine, their songs carrying the weight of centuries. The golden sky merged with the radiance of the temple, painting a picture words could scarcely describe a moment of spiritual clarity that I’ll never forget.

I also discovered the Langar, the largest community soup kitchen in the world, where hundreds of volunteers cook and serve more than 50,000 meals a day. The atmosphere of generosity and service struck me deeply.

Later, from one corner of the compound, I drew worshippers bowing and connecting with the transcendental. This place, more than a temple, is a sanctuary of faith, community and humanity.