Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien and his 50-member delegation, including cabinet colleagues, on Saturday visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

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Former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee honorary secretary Manjit Singh Calcutta welcomed him at the temple.

He was taken on a tour of the premises, including inside the sanctum sanctorum. He was presented a siropa (ceremonial robe) by head Priest Giani Puran Singh.

At a function organised by the SGPC, Badal presented a specially-designed replica of the Golden Temple, a sword and a set of Sikh religious and historical books to the Canadian prime minister.

Mesmerised by the beauty and charm of the Golden Temple, Chretien said, "I will remember the visit to the Golden Temple for the rest of my life."

"Sikhs all across the world will have a spring in their walk when they see pictures of Chretien visiting the Golden Temple," said Canadian Minister for Natural Resources Herb Dhaliwal in an obvious effort to please the Punjabi community back in Canada, which contributes significantly to the country's economy and politics.