By Dr T. Selva

Some places of worship hold a special significance that compels us to visit them repeatedly.
These places offer us comfort, security, happiness, stability, healing, contentment, peace and a sense of purpose in life.

For me, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, is one such site that exerts a unique pull on me, and I visited it for the fifth time recently.

People have asked what makes this destination so unique.

The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is a highly revered Sikh Gurdwara and a spiritual wonder of the world.

The moment I stepped onto the stunning architecture, I was immediately struck by the sight of the entire complex adorned with marble and overlaid with gold leaf.
Several features make the Golden Temple noteworthy and a pilgrimage site so different from all the other places of worship I have toured.

I arrived at 4 am and the temperature was 11 degrees and foggy. I was dressed respectfully and wearing a turban, the most recognisable symbol of equality in Sikhism.
The turban is a status icon that has been followed for over 4,000 years and must be worn by men to enter the temple, while women wear a scarf over their heads.

The temple boasts four entrances, each symbolising a universal welcome extended in all directions, and everyone is greeted, regardless of their caste, creed or religion.
Before stepping into the temple precinct, I performed ablutions by cleansing my hands and feet. In a gesture of reverence, I humbly prostrated myself at the entrance, acknowledging the sacred space before crossing its marble threshold.

Surrounded by soulful kirtan (devotional songs), I journeyed around the sacred Amrit Sarovar (holy pool), which pilgrims believe the water has healing properties.
Due to the chilly temperature, I sprinkled some water on myself instead of taking the holy dip.

In the company of fellow pilgrims, our voices harmonised in the rhythmic chant of “Waheguru” (Wonderful Lord) echoing through the air.

The path ahead unfolded on a vibrant red carpet, symbolising the spiritual importance of the 2,450 steps, equivalent to 2km, that I had to take clockwise around the temple to enter the main shrine, signifying inclusivity and equality.

“This is your time with the Lord,” conveyed an elderly pilgrim, emphasising that every step taken in the circumambulation (Parikrama) is meant to reveal the chapters of my life – the highs and lows that have intricately shaped my journey.

It’s an opportunity for reflection, fostering understanding, and embracing acceptance as I walk through the tapestry of my experiences.
Tears welled in my eyes, and goosebumps adorned my skin as the atmosphere reverberated with profound devotion.

Each moment connected deeply to the sanctified surroundings, creating an emotional resonance that left a lasting impression.

I stood patiently in a long queue to join the congregation, where worshippers adorned the holy book with flowers and awaited the recital of the first hymn of the day. Pilgrims must not miss this meaningful ceremony.

I walked up to the uppermost floor of the temple, where the central golden dome is situated, encircled by 60 smaller golden domes and spent time in silence.

The secret practice here involves reaching out and connecting with the energy emitted by these domes, using my hands to absorb and channel that energy into my body, creating a transformative and healing experience.

Despite embarking on my solo pilgrimage, I bore the weight of 39 names of friends and readers, all from different faiths, who had requested me to include them and their families in my prayers. They requested that I pray for the children’s success in their final exams, health, and peace for their departed loved ones.

After depositing their names written on paper and donations at the main shrine, I felt a profound relief.

As I left the shrine, I was offered Karah Prashad, a tasty vegetarian food made of flour, butter, and sugar. The food is sacred and should be noticed as the Guru blesses it.
The highlight of my pilgrimage was my seva (selfless service) at the world’s most extensive community kitchen, which provides free meals 24/7.

I joined a group of men and women who quickly became friends after sharing pleasantries and soon part of a big family. While some cooked, others prepared onions and vegetables and we all made chapati (flat bread).

The chapati I rolled bore a symbolic significance. A perfectly round shape signified the inner peace of the maker, while an irregular form indicated the need to focus on inner engineering.
I’m delighted that the numerous chapatis I effortlessly made turned circular shapes, especially considering it was my first time engaging in this activity.

The community kitchen provides between 70,000 and 100,000 vegetarian meals daily, intending to eliminate hunger irrespective of one’s background or origin, all in the spirit of generosity.

Following my voluntary chapati-making session, I sat cross-legged on the floor at a huge dining hall with fellow pilgrims for a meal featuring chapati, dal (lentils), kheer (rice pudding), and water.

The volunteers’ remarkable logistical accomplishment of selflessly preparing, cooking, and serving meals is commendable. The Sikhs believe that selfless service to man is service to God.
I also joined devotees and visitors who spent hours seated on the “Steps of God” around the temple, marvelling at its radiant and therapeutic beauty.

I arrived for one week before dusk to witness the sunrise glow of the spectacular Golden Temple. I stayed until nightfall to observe the temple shimmering and casting reflections on the pool, creating a serene experience for my eyes and soul.

I was also fortunate to participate in a celebration of the birth anniversary of the founder of the Sikh religion, Sri Guru Nanak Dev, on 27th November.

I returned home feeling spiritually enriched but with a heavy heart, longing for the love and kindness of the extended family I had left behind.

Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestseller book Vasthu Sastra Guide. To purchase a copy of the book, call Devi at 0412623017. He can be contacted at drtselvas@gmail.com Facebook: Vasthu Sastra; Website: www.vasthusastra.com