The next leg of our journey was over and after checking into a somewhat sketchy looking hotel, we got rested up and headed out to the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple is really famous in these parts and is particularly important for people of the Sikh religion. 
http://www.sgpc.net/golden-temple/index.asp - click for more information.
The outerlayer of the inner temple is layed with gold leaf/copper plates. The the temple grounds are VERY extensive, including a kicthen area where people can eat, lots of rooms with people reading from the holy book and even rooms for people to stay in. It has been said that in one day the Temple gives out 10,000 chipattis, small round flat bread type things. I don't exactly know all the details but the temple is visited by thousands of people daily from all walks of life and faiths.
The only requirement is that you keep you head covered and take off your shoes upon entering the Temple (Gurudwara).We walked around, took pictures, were escorted by a little Sikh man trying to explain things to us, and then left to buy swords. There are 5 things that make Sikhs very distinctive: They do not cut their hair, and so wear turbans. They wear a silver bracelet, wear special underwear, carry a comb and also carry a ceremonial sword.
Of course the most popular thing among tourists are the ceremonial swords. We picked up a couple of things from outside the market before heading back to our hotel to crash for the night!
4 comments:
Did you buy swords, braclets or lucky underwear? Inquiring minds want to know.
So at the market; did you buy swords & combs, bracelets or lucky underwear? Inquiring minds want to know.
AHH yes, Well had I known lucky underwear was one of the 5 "K"s i would have been in desperate search of a pair, but as it is, all I could see on sale were ceremonial swords.
"I see you have sword...why i have one too! they are very manly and tough!"
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