The Golden Temple

Magnificent!  

The only word I can describe the Golden Temple of Amritsar, Punjab, India.  I was awed of its splendid.  It was such an awesome and holy place indeed.

On the night of December 9, 2019, Cherry Mae and I decided to explore the Golden Temple since it was just within our reach and a walking distance from the hotel we stayed with.  I wonder how the golden temple looks like so I was kind of excited to see the site.  When we went out of our hotel, we shivered from the cold.

Before we enter the Golden Temple, we covered our head, removed our shoes and deposited it at the shoe house, then, we washed our hands and feet.  Why we have to do that despite the fact that we are foreigners?  Because it is mandatory for Sikh religion.  They will not allow you to visit their temple without a headscarf and washing because for them, it is a sign of respect, modesty and that, someone else is more powerful and respectable than us.

When I saw the Golden Temple, I have no words to express how I felt because one way or the other, I felt the holiness of the place, the aura of sacredness was there.  I was impressed of its architecture and I was awed how the temples were built.   

Tourists were taking pictures, others were praying, some were sleeping on the side while others were falling in line for food and others were lining up to get inside the Golden Temple. 

 

While having a tour, I saw devotees bathed in the pool, collected one bottle of water while others drank water with their hand.  Then I remembered what my friend told me that the pool surrounding the Golden Temple is considered holy and sacred and if you wish something in that area, it will be granted. 

Well, to be honest, I was tempted to wish about my lovelife since the per pressure is kind of strong.  I really wanted to but did I wish something for myself?  Not at all because that was not the reason why I was there.  Instead, I prayed that those who came and witnessed the magnificent and the holiness of the place will recognize Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  I prayed that salvation will come upon that place and I claimed that the ground will belong to God.  

There were times that I distance myself to Cherry Mae while having the pilgrimage because I was interceding both in tongues and in understanding besides taking pictures and videos. I planted prayers of salvation and redemption.  I may not see the answers for now but I know that the word of God will not return to Him void but it will accomplish to which it was sent.

You know, I was a little bit of embarrassed seeing others taking for granted the holiness of the place.  I mean, if you are going there just for attraction, that could be fine, that would be an experience, the scenery is awesome but if you go there to worship and pray as a devotee, you will feel the holiness of the place.  

I may not belong to a Sikh religion (though the place is open for all) but I was there for a reason – to plant a seed of prayer - a prayer of salvation and redemption.  To God be the glory.