31.6200° N, 74.8765° E
Few places in the world radiate the kind of energy that the Golden Temple does. Located in Amritsar, India, the spiritual and cultural heart of the Sikh faith, this temple is far more than just a place of worship. It’s a living, breathing sanctuary where faith, tradition, and humanity merge into one. As well as the worlds biggest kitchen that feeds 100,000 daily.
Walking into the temple complex, you’re immediately greeted by the sound of sacred hymns echoing from the temple speakers, blending seamlessly with the quiet murmur of thousands of pilgrims moving through its grand entrance. The scent of incense and freshly cooked food drifts through the air, and the golden reflection of the temple itself shimmers in the holy waters of the Amrit Sarovar—the lake that surrounds it.
The Pilgrims
The temple is never empty. At all hours of the day, devotees walk in rhythmic circles around the holy water, stopping to pray, dip their hands in, or simply take in the overwhelming presence of something greater than themselves. Some sleep in the open corridors, exhausted from long journeys across India. Others sit in quiet reflection, eyes closed, beads of prayer moving slowly through their fingers.
Sikhs in flowing turbans, women in vibrant Punjabi suits, and curious travelers like myself—all are welcome here. No one asks where you’re from or why you’re here. The temple doesn’t belong to any one person; it belongs to everyone.
A significant part of the male population in Punjab wear a turban
The baptized Sikhs don’t ever cut their hair or beard
Every day thousands bath in the Amrit Sarovar (the pool of nectar) for ceremonial purposes
Unfortunately all this bathing adds in dirt, which is constantly washed out
“There is always work to do in this holy place”
– Worker at Golden Temple
A Temple That Feeds Millions
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Golden Temple isn’t just its grandeur, but its Langar (community kitchen). Here, thousands of people are fed for free every single day, regardless of their background, wealth, or religion. Volunteers work tirelessly, chopping mountains of vegetables, rolling out endless sheets of dough for rotis, and stirring massive pots of dal. There’s a rhythm to it—a silent, well-rehearsed dance of generosity and service.
The act of feeding others is deeply rooted in Sikh teachings. In a world where people are often divided by class and wealth, this temple represents a space where everyone is equal, sitting cross-legged on the floor, sharing a meal side by side. It’s not about charity—it’s about humility, community, and breaking barriers.
Huge pan are used to cook in
one pan provides thousands of portions
Ingredients come by the bucket
Stirring is harder than it looks
Massive ovens for massive portions
Roti is made by hand and machine for 100.000 people a day
And the people feast on it, day and night.
Worker taking a break
Leftover Roti is given to the doves
Who quickly jump on the food
A sleeping volunteer with doves
A Place of Resilience
The Golden Temple isn’t just a religious site; it has witnessed triumphs and tragedies alike. From its destruction and rebuilding under Mughal rule to the storming of the temple during Operation Blue Star in 1984, its walls have seen both devotion and conflict. Yet, every time it was destroyed, the Sikh community rebuilt it—stronger, grander, and with unwavering faith.
This resilience is at the heart of Sikhism. It’s a religion that doesn’t just preach equality and service but actively practices it, even in the face of hardship.
As the sun sets, the Golden Temple glows, its golden dome reflecting in the still waters of the Amrit Sarovar. The sound of prayers fills the air, echoing through the vast courtyard as people settle in for the night. Some wrap themselves in blankets, finding rest under the temple’s arches. Anyone can stay here—there’s even a free hostel where travelers and pilgrims can sleep as long as they need – you get an unlimited amount of food as well.
But tonight, I didn’t have that honor. Instead, I found myself at a wedding with friends, celebrating in a completely different way. Even so, the Golden Temple left its mark on me—its beauty, its energy, and the feeling that some places in the world still radiate pure kindness.