Crowned in gold

The Golden Temple is aptly named, as it is crowned and lined with more than (find number of kilos). It sits in the center of a vast pool of holy water, approximately (find gallons) in volume. (insert measurements) The containing walls, ornate columns containing intricate carvings of flowers and ivy, and even the floors throughout the temple grounds are constructed of white marble that shimmers in the light. It is difficult to look into the temple grounds during the midday without protective eyewear, as the amount of sun being reflected from all of the surfaces, golden and white both, is almost overbearing in its strength. Thankfully the retaining walls provide a ring of cover and shadow around the perimeter of the holy pond.

While walking the perimeter you find yourself surrounded by the names of the martyrs of the Sikhs cause to protect the helpless. The Sikhs have participated in many battles and wars in the world and in each have sent many troops. Some of these troops never make it home, as is the sad price of war. Seeing these names etched deeply in black against the bright white walls expressed to me the level of respect the Sikhs have for their martyrs. If you have ever visited the Vietnam War Memorial, you understand the feeling that I had when I realized what I was seeing.

After our walk around the perimeter, we took the time to wait in the queue to approach the temple. As there were many travelers, we were not allowed much time in the temple itself, but the time that we did spend made just how much the Sikhs cared about this holy place. The amount of effort put into building and maintaining the Temple stands as a representation of the devotion the Sikhs have to their religion. The gold working on the interior was intricately and meticulously created by hand centuries ago. I have no idea of how long the work would have taken back then, but I am sure it was no short undertaking.

The gleaming scene of the Golden Temple in the evening sun is burned into my memory, pleasantly so I might add.