Durgiana Temple Amritsar
A Hindu temple mirroring the Golden Temple's beauty, set in a sacred lake with ornate silver gates and a gilded dome.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Durgiana Temple Amritsar
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Hindu temple mirroring the Golden Temple's beauty, set in a sacred lake with ornate silver gates and a gilded dome.
"A magnificent spiritual landmark that exudes peace and divinity, mirroring the Golden Temple's beauty."
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is available within the complex, often free for the first 3 hours. :car:
🙏 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering. :womanintunic:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gilded Dome
Main Temple
A stunning replica of the Golden Temple's dome, shimmering with gold leaf, reflecting divine beauty.
Silver Gates
Main Entrance
Intricately carved silver doors depicting Hindu deities, a testament to exquisite craftsmanship.
Sacred Sarovar
Temple Complex
A serene lake surrounding the temple, offering a peaceful reflection of the architecture and sky.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Respectful Attire & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is available within the complex, often free for the first 3 hours. :car:
🙏 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering. :womanintunic:
📸 Photography Tips
Capture the stunning architecture, especially the silver doors and gilded dome. :camerawithflash:
💧 Sacred Lake Dip
Consider a dip in the holy sarovar for spiritual cleansing. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is available within the complex, often free for the first 3 hours. :car:
🙏 Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering. :womanintunic:
📸 Photography Tips
Capture the stunning architecture, especially the silver doors and gilded dome. :camerawithflash:
💧 Sacred Lake Dip
Consider a dip in the holy sarovar for spiritual cleansing. :droplet:
📜 Learn the History
Explore the temple's ancient origins and modern reconstruction. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Durgiana Temple is praised for its stunning architecture, particularly its gilded dome and silver gates, and its serene setting around a holy lake. Visitors appreciate its spiritual ambiance and historical significance, often noting it's less crowded than the Golden Temple. However, some reviews mention issues with management and cleanliness, suggesting room for improvement in maintenance.
"Durgiana Mandir, also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple or Sitla Mandir, is a prominent Hindu temple located in Amritsar, Punjab, India. While it is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, its architecture is famously reminiscent of the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), the holiest Sikh shrine also in Amritsar.
History and Significance
Ancient Origins: The site of the Durgiana Temple is believed to have a history dating back to the 16th century. According to local legend, it is a sacred ground visited by Lord Rama during the Ashwamedha Yagya, and the place where his sons, Luv and Kush, tied his horse. King Ishvaku, a descendant of the Sun God, is also said to have performed rituals here.
Modern Reconstruction: The temple as it stands today was rebuilt in 1921 under the guidance of Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor. Its foundation stone was laid by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1924. The reconstruction was undertaken to create a prominent Hindu place of worship with an architectural style that mirrored the city's iconic Golden Temple.
Deities:
The temple is primarily dedicated to Goddess Durga, but it also has shrines for other deities, including Lakshmi and Vishnu. The complex is also home to other temples, such as the Bada Hanuman Mandir and a 700-year-old Shitla Mata temple.
Architecture
The most striking feature of the Durgiana Mandir is its architectural resemblance to the Golden Temple.
Location:
Like the Golden Temple, it is built in the middle of a sacred lake, or sarovar. A marble bridge connects the main temple to the mainland.
Design:
The temple's domes and canopies are similar to those of the Golden Temple. The central dome is gilded, and the temple features extensive use of marble
Exquisite Details:
The temple is known for its grand entrance, the Darshni Deori, which has a massive silver door that is 12x12 feet. The doors are intricately designed with carvings of Hindu deities. The temple also has a rich collection of Hindu scriptures.
Visiting Information
Timings:
The temple is generally open to visitors from early morning to late evening, typically from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It's best to check the official website for specific Aarti timings, which may vary.
Attire and Etiquette:
Visitors are expected to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees. As with most places of worship in India, you are required to remove your footwear before entering the temple premises.
Festivals:
Major Hindu festivals like Dussehra, Janmashtami, Rama Navami, and Diwali are celebrated with great devotion at the temple.
Location: The Durgiana Temple is conveniently located near the Amritsar railway station and is easily accessible from other parts of the city."
Abhishek
"Shri Durgiana Temple is a magnificent spiritual landmark in Amritsar, located near Hathi Gate Chowk. Often referred to as the "Silver Temple" due to its intricately carved silver doors, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and exudes peace and divinity.
The temple's serene setting, surrounded by a holy water tank, mirrors the architectural style of the Golden Temple. It’s a place where one can feel a deep spiritual connection while admiring the stunning artistry of its structure.
Conveniently located near other key attractions, Shri Durgiana Temple is a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike. Whether it’s for prayer, reflection, or simply to appreciate its beauty, this temple offers a truly enriching experience."
Ajay Kumar
"Ancient hindu temple surrounded by a sarovar, also a place associated with lauv and kush. Visited during weekend but temple was not that much crowded and had my darshan without any waiting period. Parking is also available in the complex. One of the most iconic places of amritsar. Do visit."
Shubham Mishra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Durgiana Temple is conveniently located near Hathi Gate Chowk in Amritsar, making it easily accessible. It's a short distance from the Amritsar railway station and other city attractions. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available to take you there.
Yes, parking is available within the temple complex. It's often free for the first 3 hours of your visit, which is ample time to explore the temple.
Absolutely! Durgiana Temple is a short walk or a quick auto-rickshaw ride from the Golden Temple. Many visitors combine visits to both iconic sites.
Auto-rickshaws are a popular and affordable way to get around Amritsar. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Taxis are also available for more comfort.
The temple is situated in the middle of a sarovar, with a marble bridge connecting it. While the main pathways are generally accessible, it's advisable to check for specific accessibility features if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Durgiana Temple is generally free for all visitors. It's a place of worship open to everyone.
The temple is typically open from early morning (around 6:00 AM) to late evening (around 10:00 PM). It's always a good idea to check for any specific Aarti timings or holiday hours.
Yes, visitors are expected to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing.
Yes, like most Indian temples, you must remove your footwear before entering the temple premises. Shoe stands are usually available.
Photography is generally allowed in the outer areas and the complex, but it might be restricted inside the main sanctum. Be respectful and check for any signage.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Durgiana Temple is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Vishnu. It's also known for its historical association with Lord Rama and his sons.
Its architecture is famously reminiscent of the Golden Temple, featuring a gilded dome and being situated in the middle of a sacred lake (sarovar). The main entrance boasts a large, intricately carved silver door.
While it's a popular site, it's often less crowded than the Golden Temple, especially on weekdays or during off-peak hours. Some visitors have reported having darshan without waiting.
Major Hindu festivals like Dussehra, Janmashtami, Rama Navami, and Diwali are celebrated with great fervor. Check for daily Aarti timings for a spiritual experience.
The temple is often called the 'Silver Temple' due to its magnificent 12x12 feet silver door at the main entrance, adorned with detailed carvings of Hindu deities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Durgiana Temple itself doesn't have a langar like the Golden Temple, there are numerous food stalls and eateries in the vicinity offering local Punjabi cuisine and snacks.
The area around Durgiana Temple, especially near Hathi Gate Chowk, is bustling with food options. You can find everything from street food to traditional Punjabi meals.
For a community kitchen experience, you would need to visit the Golden Temple's Langar, which serves free meals to thousands daily. Durgiana Temple focuses more on the spiritual and architectural aspects.
Don't miss Amritsari Kulcha, Lassi, Chole Bhature, and various street food delights. The culinary scene in Amritsar is a major attraction.
Yes, Amritsar is a predominantly vegetarian-friendly city, and you'll find plenty of delicious vegetarian dishes at local eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire complex offers great photo opportunities. Focus on the gilded dome, the intricate silver gates, the reflection in the sarovar, and the overall architectural grandeur.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in and around religious sites to maintain peace and security. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
It's best to be discreet and respectful when taking photos of people. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially during prayer.
Early morning or late evening offers beautiful lighting. The golden hour light can make the gilded dome and marble structures truly shine.
While general photography is usually permitted, some areas within the inner sanctum might have restrictions. Look for signage and follow the guidance of temple staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to dress children modestly as well, and be prepared to remove shoes. While there isn't a dedicated play area, the open spaces around the temple can offer some room for kids to move. Visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
🙏 Devotees and Spiritual Seekers
The temple's historical connections, including its association with Lord Rama, add another layer of spiritual significance. The serene setting of the sarovar encourages quiet reflection and prayer, allowing visitors to connect with their faith amidst beautiful surroundings.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss capturing the intricate details of the silver gates, the reflections in the water, and the overall grandeur of the marble structures. Early morning or late evening light will enhance your shots, creating a magical ambiance. Be mindful of any photography restrictions within the inner sanctum.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: A Blend of Styles
The most captivating features include the gilded dome that shimmers under the sun and the ornate silver gates at the main entrance, intricately carved with depictions of Hindu deities. The extensive use of marble throughout the complex adds to its grandeur and serene aesthetic. This architectural dialogue between the two major religious sites in Amritsar creates a unique cultural landscape for visitors.
Beyond the main shrine, the complex houses other important temples, including the Bada Hanuman Mandir and a 700-year-old Shitla Mata temple, adding layers of historical and religious significance to the site. The blend of Hindu iconography with architectural elements inspired by Sikh traditions makes Durgiana Temple a unique spiritual and artistic destination.
Historical Roots and Spiritual Significance
The temple as it stands today was a significant reconstruction project initiated in 1921 under the guidance of Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor, with the foundation stone laid by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1924. This modern iteration was conceived to establish a grand Hindu temple that would be a focal point for devotees in Amritsar.
Primarily dedicated to Goddess Durga, the temple also features shrines for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. The presence of other ancient temples within the complex, like the Shitla Mata temple, further enhances its spiritual importance and historical depth.
Visiting Durgiana Temple: Practicalities and Etiquette
The temple is generally open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, offering ample time to visit. While the temple is beautiful at any time, visiting during early mornings or late evenings can provide a more peaceful experience, away from the midday crowds.
Photography is usually permitted in the outer areas, but it's wise to check for any restrictions within the inner sanctum. Be respectful of worshippers and avoid disruptive behavior. The temple's serene setting, surrounded by the holy sarovar, invites quiet contemplation and appreciation of its divine atmosphere.
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