6 Prominent Gurudwaras in India – A Must Visit

Today 19th November is the birthday of Guru Nanak. He is the divine Guru of the Sikhism religion, the founder and the first of the Ten Sikh Gurus. As a mark of respect to the holy Nanak, Guru Purab is celebrated by the Sikhs in India following various rituals and traditions. He was a pioneer in teaching the virtues of equality, love, spirituality, and goodness. Guru Granth Sahib, the holy text of Sikhism, contains the words of Nanak in the form of 974 poetic hymns or Shabda. The holy book Guru Granth Sahib is worshipped in the Gurudwaras. The hymns and the verses are chanted and the devotees assemble to listen to them. On this auspicious day, I felt like sharing about the 6 prominent Gurudwaras in India.

Gurudwara Harmandir Sahib

Gurudwara Harmandir Sahib is one of the most popular and holiest Gurudwaras in India. It is prominently known as the Golden Temple of Amritsar in the state of Punjab. In 1855 Guru Arjan laid the foundation stone of the shrine and in 1604 the holy book was placed inside. The entire structure is wrapped in gold sheets which portrays a sparkling view. The Golden Temple has four gates. These gates symbolize that the Sikhs are open-minded and accept people from every corner. Placed adjacent to the water body, the temple depicts a grandeur and charm of its own. At night the reflection of the temple on the waters creates an eternal effect in the entire surroundings. Inside the temple, there are several memorial items that signify the rich and commendable events of the Sikhs.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the famous Gurudwaras in India. Situated in New Delhi, it is an iconic landmark of the city. The Gurudwara was constructed in the year 1783 by Sardar Bahgel Singh. There is a water stream beside it where the devotees can go for a holy dip. It is believed that dipping into the holy water will cure them of many ailments. “Bangla” is a word in colloquial language meaning palace. The palace is referred to as that of Maharaja Jai Singh. Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji who is the 8th Guru of the Sikhs had stayed in the palace in 1664. At that time, the residents in Delhi were suffering from cholera and chickenpox. Guru Har Kishan helped the people by providing them with clean water from a well. However, he himself succumbed to the disease and left for his heavenly abode. Inside the Gurudwara, there is a museum that houses some of the artifacts of the religion Sikhism; showcasing the history, culture, and tradition of the Sikhs.

Gurudwara Mattan Sahib

Gurudwara Mattan Sahib is in Srinagar and is one of the holiest Gurudwaras in India. It was constructed by a Brahmin and a great Sanskrit scholar, Pandit Brahm Das, who embraced Sikhism after hearing the preachings of Guru Nanak. The Gurudwara symbolizes faith, purity, knowledge, and belief. It is considered very sacred and holy by the locals in Jammu and Kashmir. Brahmins along with the Sikhs also come to pay home to the Guru and the holy book. The shrine placed at the Gurudwara is called Gurdwara Patshahi Pahili.

Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurudwara

One of the most beautiful and fascinating Gurudwaras in India. Constructed in 1831, Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurudwara is located on the banks of the river Godavari at Nanded in Maharashtra. At this place, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the last and the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, went for his heavenly abode. The Gurudwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1832 in remembrance of the memory of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is considered as the five Takhats in Sikhism. There is a huge complex inside the Gurudwara known as the Sachkhand or the Realm of Truth. Angith Sahib is a room inside the Gurudwara, where Guru Gobind Singh Ji breathed his last.

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib is one of the renowned Gurudwaras in India. Constructed in the year 1948, the Gurudwara is situated at Bidar in Karnataka. Every year, devotees and tourists visit the Gurudwara in large numbers; especially during Diwali, Holi, and Guru Nanak Jayanti. The Gurudwara had earned its name from a miraculous event that occurred at that place. Guru Nanaki used to stay near to the place. The place had a shortage of water. The locals tried their best to find drinkable water but in vain. Guru Nanak came in as a savior. He touched a portion of the hillside with his toes and removed some part of it. Suddenly a stream of fountain water gushed out from the debris. The Gurudwara has been constructed just beside the fountain.

Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib

One of the best-known Gurudwaras in India is renowned for its architectural beauty. The construction was started in the mid-1960s, is located in Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to the Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the last and 10th Sikh Guru. The word Hem has the meaning of ice and Kund has the meaning of bowl. Guru Gobind Singh Ji has mentioned this place in his autobiography as being his meditation area. Perched at a height of about 4000 meters above sea level, Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib looks like a star. The pursue of it being star-shaped is mainly due to the altitude of the region and the weather conditions at the place. The location of the Gurudwara is amid a picturesque and scenic view; surrounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges and the gorgeous glacial lake.

There are many more Gurudwaras in India, wrapped with spirituality and divinity. The peace and calmness dwelling in them transports oneself to a different world. If you are touring India, then you must once at least visit one of them for experiencing the surreal feeling.