Sri Harmandir Sahib: Golden Temple of the Sikhs

It can be said that the Sikh psyche is entwined with the history of the Golden Temple all through. The book Sri Harmandir Sahib-Golden Temple of the Sikhs is a befitting visual tribute to its timeless glory. The ace lensman Anurag Yadava, smitten with the aura, splendour and devotion of the pilgrims; has ably captured the spirit through the beauteous language of visuals.  The pictures are incredibly alive, freezing the magnificent splendour of the golden Temple and the complex and capturing the spirit of utmost faith reflected on the faces of the devotees. This however is no ordinary coffee table book merely meant to adorn your living room. Text by IJS Bakshi, though brief is pertinent to its conception, the basic principle of its working, holy practices and meaningful rituals. Each chapter is aptly initiated by pithy sublime translations of shabads from Sri Guru Granth Sahib by non other than the redoubtable S. Kartar Singh Duggal.  For the uninitiated, it is an incisive guide halting at significant milestones like its history, are the architecture and its unique concept of seva and langar.  Overall, the book offers valuable insight into what makes the golden Temple occupy a high pedestal and stand tall amidst other historic gurudwaras.