Shri Durgiana Mandir
Shri Durgiana Mandir is a prominent Hindu temple located in the holy city of Amritsar in the state of Punjab, India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is considered the epitome of strength and power in Hindu mythology. The temple is also known as Durgiana Temple, Sitla Mandir or Lakshmi Narayan Mandir.
The temple was built in the 16th century by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of Sikhism, on the banks of a man-made lake called Durgiana. The lake is also known as Amritsar’s version of the Sarovar. The temple complex was later expanded and renovated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the legendary Sikh ruler who was a patron of the arts and architecture.
The architecture of the Durgiana Temple is a blend of Hindu and Sikh styles. The main entrance of the temple is through a magnificent archway, which is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings. The temple has a square layout and is built on a raised platform. The main shrine of the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is located in the center of the complex.
The temple has several smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Lakshmi. The temple also has a sacred pond called Sarovar, which is believed to have healing properties. Devotees take a dip in the Sarovar to cleanse themselves of sins and seek blessings.
The temple complex also houses a museum, which showcases a collection of ancient Hindu scriptures, manuscripts, and artifacts. The museum also has a section dedicated to the history of the temple and the city of Amritsar.
The Durgiana Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts a large number of devotees from all over India and the world. The temple is particularly crowded during Navratri, a nine-day festival celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga. During Navratri, the temple is decorated with colorful lights and flowers, and a large fair is organized outside the temple complex.
Places To Visit Near Shri Durgiana Mandir
Golden Temple:
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is one of the most famous and revered Sikh temples in India. It is located just a few kilometers away from the Durgiana Temple and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Amritsar.
Jallianwala Bagh:
Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden and a historical monument located in the heart of Amritsar. It is famous for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre that took place here in 1919 when British troops fired on a peaceful gathering of protesters, killing hundreds of innocent people.
Wagah Border:
The Wagah Border is the only road crossing between India and Pakistan and is located about 30 km from Amritsar. Every evening, a flag-lowering ceremony takes place here, which is a popular tourist attraction.
Ram Bagh:
Ram Bagh is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Amritsar. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and is home to several ancient trees, including a 400-year-old banyan tree.
Gobindgarh Fort:
Gobindgarh Fort is a historic fort located in Amritsar. It was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and was used as a military garrison. Today, it has been converted into a museum and a cultural center.
Dera Baba Jaimal Singh:
Dera Baba Jaimal Singh is a popular religious center located in the city of Beas, which is about 50 km from Amritsar. It is the headquarters of Radha Soami Satsang Beas, a spiritual organization with millions of followers worldwide.
Khalsa College:
Khalsa College is a prestigious educational institution located in Amritsar. It was established in 1892 by the Singh Sabha Movement and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history.
