Amritsar is the cultural centre of the Sikh community in India. You can find several monuments and other structures here that give us an insight on the religion and its significance.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar is famous, thus familiar to most of us. There are some lesser known tourist attractions in the city that are worth travelling to. Let us take a virtual tour of Akal Takht, one such attraction here that you must visit.
Akal Takht translates to 'throne of the timeless one' and is one of the five seats of power of the Sikh religion. Located within the Golden Temple complex in the city, a traveller who visits the Golden Temple can visit this place too.
This stunning structure was built by Guru Hargobind as a place for justice and the highest seat of authority of the Khalsa, which is a collective body of Sikhs. The spiritual and temporal problems of Sikh people are addressed here, and this is also from where the highest spokesman of the Sikh community, the Jathedar, operates from.
The original structure of the Takht (seat) was a simple platform, where the Guru used to address the issues of the Sikh community. It is said that this is the place where the Guru used to play as a child. Later, a semi-circular structure built on marble pillars, and had painted wall panels that depicted Europeans. However, the structure we see is a five-storeyed building which was later built. This beautiful marble structure has a gold-leafed dome, adding to its beauty.
Akal Takht is illuminated during Guru Nanak Gurpurab, one of the major festivals of the Sikh. This is a beautiful sight to marvel!
Other Places to See in Amritsar
Some of the other places of tourist interest in the city are Durgiana Temple, Gurdwara Bibeksar Sahib, Kaiser Bagh, Mandir Mata Lal Devi and Wagah Border.
PC: Jasleen Kaur
Hotels in Amritsar
Amritsar has a number of hotels and other stay options you can rely on, if you're on a trip here. To book Amritsar hotels, click here.
How to Reach Akal Takht
Akal Takht is located in the Golden Temple complex, which is within the city limits. Here's how to reach Amritsar.
Travel to the holy land of Amritsar and explore the culturally relevant monuments of the Sikh community, and much more. Happy travelling!