A sense of peace, tranquility and spirituality welcomes visitors to the magical Durgiana Temple. Listen to the sounds of sacred chants, admire architecturally impressive temples, watch devotees give offerings to deities and be part of colourful festivals. Durgiana Temple is a 16th-century Hindu temple complex dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Set around a sarovar (ancient water tank), it displays similar characteristics to Amritsar’s Sikh Golden Temple.
Join devotees in a walk around the temple’s parikarma, a white marble pathway that surrounds the sarovar. Early in the morning and late in the evening infectious bhajans (devotional chants) fill the air and create a mystical atmosphere.
Check out the shooting fountains and the schools of fish, which swim in the holy water. Look for floating statues of Hindu gods such as Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu. Find important temples, including the Bara Hanuman Mandir and the 600-year-old Sheetla Mata Mandir. Look inside the Langar Bhavan, a communal dining hall with space for around 250 pilgrims.
The main temple, Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, dominates the centre of the sarovar and is accessible via a marble path. Gaze up at the sparkling gold dome and note the beautifully engraved silver doors, which give the temple its alias of the Silver Temple. Take time to admire the religious inscriptions and intricate carvings that decorate the exterior walls. Step inside to see portraits of revered gods and discreetly watch pilgrims ask for blessings.
The temple sits toward the north of Amritsar’s historic centre and is just a 15-minute walk from Amritsar Junction train station. Nearby attractions include Hathi Gate, one of the 12 medieval gates that frame the old city. Combine your visit with a walk through the bustling streets of Katra Jaimal Singh Market.
Durgiana Temple is open daily, from dawn until dusk, and admission is free. A good time to visit is just before sunset, when bright lights spectacularly illuminate the main temple and water tank. Time your visit to coincide with lively Hindu celebrations such as Diwali and Dussehra. Find additional information on the temple’s official website.
