Durgiana Temple, Amritsar

Punjab is a land blessed by saints, an ancient land yielding archaeological treasures, a land of palaces and temples. Situated outside the Lohgarh Gate, Durgiana Temple is built after the design of the Golden Temple and attracts sages and scholars in Hindu scriptures from all over India. A walk away from the Golden temple complex through the narrow passageways brings the visitors to the 16th century Hindu temple of Durgiana.

In its present form the temple echoes of not the traditional Hindu temple architecture, but that of the Golden Temple. It rises in a similar manner from the midst of a tank and has canopies and a central dome. Its foundation stone was laid by one of the greatest reformers and political leaders of resurgent India, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. It is a well-known repository of Hindu scriptures.

Also called the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, it is dedicated to goddess Durga and a large part of the temple is also dedicated to Hindu deities Laxmi, The Goddess of wealth and Narayan, The Preserver of Universe. All dignitaries visiting Golden Temple make it a point to visit Durgiana Temple also.

Durgiana Temple, Amritsar;

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The original temple is reported to have been built in the 16th century. It was rebuilt in 1921 by Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor in the architectural style of the Sikh Golden Temple. The newly built temple was inaugurated by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.

Even though Amritsar is not declared a Holy city, restrictions are in force prohibiting sale of tobacco, liquor and meat within a radius of 200 metres (660 ft) around this temple and the Golden Temple.

The temple is built in the middle of a sacred lake, which measures 160 metres (520 ft) x 130 metres (430 ft). Its dome and canopies are similar to that of the Golden temple of Sikh religion, also located in Amritsar. A bridge provides the approach to the temple. The dome of the temple is gilded. Marble is used extensively in the temple’s features. The dome is illuminated with colourful lights. The temple is sometimes called Silver temple because of its large exquisitely designed silver doors. It has a rich collection of Hindu scriptures. The temple complex also has some historic subsidiary temples such as Sita Mata and Bara Hanuman.

By Road: Amritsar is well connected by road. The National Highway No. 1 (India) connects Delhi to Amritsar. The Temple is situated about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from the bus station.

By Rail: The Temple is well connected through nearest Amritsar Railway station (1.1 km)
to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.

By Air:The Raja Sansi Airport (12 km) is the nearest airport to Durgiana Temple.

The Temple is open 24 Hours. Lord Krishna as well as Lord Vishnu is also worshipped here, along with Goddess Durga. Daily rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga are performed. Major Hindu festivals like Dussehra, Janmashtami, Ram Navami and Diwali are celebrated with much pomp and show here.

The temple and its precincts are under a beautification program since 2013, which is planned to be completed by 2015. This will provide more space for worship both inside and outside the temple premises. As per the Master Plan prepared for reshaping the environment around the temple, 55 properties (except one under litigation) have been acquired with adequate compensation package and demolished for the purpose of development works. Under this plan a multi stored parking complex, an open air theatre, a shopping complex and other facilities are under construction.