**Which city in India is known as "the City of Golden Temple"?**
VerifiedExplanation:
Amritsar is widely recognized as "the City of Golden Temple" because it houses the magnificent Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib. This sacred Sikh shrine is the most important pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide and serves as the spiritual and cultural heart of Sikhism.
The Golden Temple gets its name from the stunning gold-plated exterior that covers the upper floors of the gurdwara. This breathtaking structure sits beautifully in the middle of a sacred pool called Amrit Sarovar, which literally means "pool of nectar." The temple's golden dome and walls create a mesmerizing reflection in the surrounding water, making it one of the most photographed religious sites in India.
Founded in the 16th century by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, Amritsar has grown around this holy shrine. The city's name itself is derived from the sacred pool - Amritsar means "pool of amrit (nectar)." The Golden Temple was later constructed by Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, and has since undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries.
What makes the Golden Temple truly special is its principle of welcoming people from all religions, castes, and backgrounds. The temple runs one of the world's largest free community kitchens, called langar, which serves thousands of visitors daily regardless of their faith or social status. This beautiful tradition embodies the Sikh values of equality, service, and compassion.
Located in Punjab, Amritsar is not only famous for the Golden Temple but also holds significant historical importance. The city is close to the India-Pakistan border and houses the famous Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial of national importance that commemorates the tragic massacre of 1919. Additionally, the daily Wagah Border ceremony attracts tourists from across the globe.
Today, Amritsar continues to be a major pilgrimage destination and tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually. The city's identity is so closely tied to the Golden Temple that it has earned this beautiful nickname, making it instantly recognizable to people around the world as a symbol of India's rich spiritual heritage and architectural brilliance.
