"The Sikh Temple" Amritsar by NEILHALLIDYA

"Rather than retire we walked around the Golden Temple. Gates entice the inquisitive at at least 4 points. Marble archways through which a golden structure illuminates against a small lake. Striking lighting is co-ordinated to create an impression. After walking 3/4 of the way around the temple, passing Sikhs and Sadhus, curiousity got the better.

To enter the temple you must remove shoes and wear a headscarf (provided in bins). You walk on mats, or marble, and pass through water to purify the feet. A Sikh with a spear guards each gate.

Upon entrance the inner temple glistens gold. Sikhs, and Jainists (I think), frequent. Some daily, some on pilgrammage. To visit the Inner Temple that sits on the pond you queue and walk along what I can only describe as a promenade. Large Koi carp swim happily.

The inner sanctdom was quite humbling. Prayers were spoken. Sikhs moved in aa serious choerographed fashion. Forwards. Backwards. And chanted.

Returning to the perimeter Sikhs bathed in the waters of the pond. At corners kitchens served food."

My visit to the Golden Temple was one of the highlights of my trip to India. As a building the temple is spectacular, probably the most impressive I have ever seen. But I was impressed by the charity of Sikhs I met.

I was fortunate enough to visit the temple in the evening just as the Sikh were ...(to be continued).

• Pros:Golden Temple