Durgiana Temple

A bridge linking the temple

The temple is situated near the Lohgarh gate in Amritsar. It is very close to the Amritsar railway station, and is about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from the bus station.

The Sri Durgiana temple is a very important temple for Punjabi Hindus. In the courtyard of the temple is a tree where Lava and Kusha bound Hanuman after the captured challenge horse of the Ashvamedha yajna. Iksvaku, the grandson of sun-god performed a number of yagyas on this land. The original temple was built in 16th century. [4]

The architecture of Sri Durgiana Temple is similar to Golden Temple. It was rebuilt in 1921 by Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor in the architectural style of the Sikh Golden Temple.[1] Harsai Mal was a descendant of Prithi Chand Mina. The newly built temple was inaugurated by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.[1]

Existence of the Talab is also mentioned in 1868 Municipal committee, Amritsar documents. [5] John Campbell Oman who was Professor of natural science in The Government College, Lahore [6] and author of the book The Mystics, Ascetics and Saints Of India[7] mentioned about durgiana in his book where he found some mystics practicing yoga. [8] Durgiana Mandir is recorded in Amritsar District Gazetteer of 1893 which talks about Durgiana Sarovar and "Devi dwara" surrounding it which was thronged by Hindu pilgrims.[9]

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.[10]

• 
  Silver Doors of the Durgiana Temple.
• 
  Close-up view of Durgiana 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.[11] The dome of the temple is gilded. Marble is used extensively in the temple's features.[12] The dome is illuminated with colourful lights. The temple is sometimes called Silver temple because of its large exquisitely designed silver doors.[1] It has a rich collection of Hindu scriptures.[12] The temple complex also has some historic subsidiary temples such as Seetla Mata and Bara Hanuman.[1]

Major Hindu festivals celebrated in the temple are Dussehra, Janmashtami, Rama Navami, and Diwali.[1] A Sāwan festival is also celebrated in Durgiana Mandir in the Holy Shravan month of Hindu Calendar where newlywed couples gather at temple to worship Radha Krishna. Women adorn themselves with flower jewellery and worship at temple along with their husbands.[13] Another festival celebrated in Durgiana temple complex is the famous 'Langur Mela' during 10 days of Navratri and Dussehra. Pilgrims in large numbers throng to the Bada Hanuman temple, with their children dressed as Langur to offer prayers in this temple, situated in the Durgiana temple complex.[14]

The temple and its precincts were under a beautification programme since 2013, and was completed in 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 had been acquired with adequate compensation package and demolished for the purpose of development works. Under this plan, a multi-storied parking complex, an open-air theatre, a shopping complex and other facilities were under construction.[15]

• Aggarwal, J. C. (1 January 1992). Modern History of Punjab: A Look Back Into Ancient Peaceful Punjab Focusing Confrontation and Failures Leading to Present Punjab Problem, and a Peep Ahead : Relevant Select Documents. Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 978-81-7022-431-0.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
• Bansal, Sunita Pant (1 June 2005). Encyclopaedia of India. Smriti Books. ISBN 978-81-87967-71-2.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
• Chaturvedi, B.K. Tourist Centers Of India. Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd. ISBN 978-81-7182-137-2.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
• Gajrani, S. (2004). History, Religion and Culture of India. Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8205-060-0.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)