Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

Gurdwara, one of the most popular shrines of the Sikhs in India, is situated in capital city of Delhi. The site of the Gurudwara once housed a large and splendid bungalow of Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur. The eighth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Sri Harkishan, stayed in the bungalow for a few months, as a guest of Raja Jai Singh. From that time onwards, the place became a revered pilgrimage amongst both Sikhs as well as Hindus. The elder brother of Guru Sri Harkishan, Baba Ram Rai, got agitated when he got the news that Harkishan had been appointed as the spiritual head of the Sikhs.

After making futile attempts to influence leading Sikhs of Delhi and Punjab, he approached Emperor Aurangzeb. The emperor summoned Guru Harkishan to verify whether he was indeed superior and more spiritual than Ram Rai. During that time, both Raja Jai Singh and his son Raja Ram Singh were in Delhi. The Sikhs approached them and they agreed to lend them all help they could. Raja Jai Singh persuaded Guru Sri Harkishan to come to Delhi and at the same time, convinced Aurangzeb to let Harkishan stay as Jai Singh's guest till his supremacy was established.

Guru Sri Harkishan stayed in the bungalow of Jai Singh and during his stay; he continued to serve the humble, the sick and the destitute. Soon, the talk of his healing powers spread. Impressed, Aurangzeb recognized him as the eighth Guru of the Sikhs. Raja Jai Singh later got a small tank constructed over the well in the bungalow. The water of the tank (Sarovar) is believed to have miraculous healing powers and most of the people coming to the Gurdwara make sure to take a dip in the holy water.

People also carry the water (called amrit) to their home, in order to cure their ailments. The main hall of the Gurdwara is quite large and has a small golden dome, which is adorned with a sculpted bronze cupola. The eastern side of the Gurudwara comprises of the community kitchen hall, which is known as the "Langar". Everyday, free food is provided to all the devotees that come to the Gurdwara. Bangla Sahib Gurdwara of New Delhi also runs a higher secondary school, Khalsa Girls School, in an adjacent building.

There is a hospital in the basement of the complex, which is run by Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee. The basement also houses an Art Gallery, with a rich collection of paintings depicting historical events connected with Sikh history. Last but not the least, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara also has a library, inside its complex. The birth anniversary of Guru Sri Harkishan Sahib is celebrated every year at the Gudwara. You may visit Gurdwara Bangla Sahib of Delhi at any time of the day and you will hear the soothing Gurbani (devotional music) echoing through the surroundings.

Location: New Delhi

Gurdwara Anandpur Sahib

Anandpur Sahib, the holy city of Bliss, as the name translates, is the second most importaqnt centre of Sikh religion. Its foundation was laid by the ninth Guru,Teg Bahadur Sahib, in 1664 AD. From here eleven years later, he left for Delhi to the court of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb to plead for greater religious tolerance and an end to religious persecution. Here his severed head was brought to his son and family. It was here the Khalsa, or the Pure, was born under the leadership of the tenth Guru, Gobind Singh Sahab, on 30 March, 1699. The important places of interest are: Gurudwara Sri Sis Ganj built over the site where the severed head of Guru Teg Bhadur Sahib was cremated; Gurudwara Sri Kesgarh Sahib standing at the place where the five brave followers of Guru Gobind Singh offered their heads and the Khalsa Panth was born (it is also one of the five seats of religious authority), Gurudwara Damdama Sahib marking the site where Gobind Singh was proclaimed the tenth Guru; various forts and fortresses; and the museum housed in the Gurudwara Keshgarh Sahib displaying some of the weapons and arms associated with Guru Gobind Singh and others.

Gurudwara Patna Sahib

The capital city of Patna is regarded as very sacred by the Sikhs in India. The tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh was born here. The Patna Sahib Gurudwara is considered to be one of the holiest of the five "Takths" or seat of authority of the Sikhs. The first guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak is also said to have visited this place. Sri Patna Sahib Gurudwara is situated in one of the old quarters of Patna. The place is named as Harminder Takth though the Sikhs respectfully call it Patna Sahib.

There is an interesting story behind the Patna Sahib. According to legends, an ardent devotee of Guru Nanak, Salis Rai Johri was highly inspired by the teachings of the Sikh gurus. He transformed his lavish mansion into a Dharamshala (lodge) where Guru Tegh Bahadur is also said to have stayed. The Gurudwara was reconstructed in the year 1839 after a fire destroyed the construction. Again in the year 1934, some portion of Patna Sahib was destroyed when a powerful earthquake jolted the state of Bihar. It was reconstructed in the year 1954.

The Gurudwara has a small museum in its premises which houses some relics belonging to the Sikh Gurus. These include hand written orders known as "Hukumnamas" of Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Tegh Bahadur that are preserved in a book. Other artifacts include a sacred sword, a pair of sandals made of ivory, four iron arrows and a cradle with gold plated stands. The holy shrine is visited by many devotees and is beautifully preserved till date.

Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib

Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib is a complex consisting of several important shrines or Gurudwaras linked to the younger sahibzadas (younger sons) of Guru Gobind Singh. It is located about 5 km north of Sirhind, 40 Km from Chandigarh and marks the sad site of the execution in 1705 of the two younger sons of the tenth Sikh master at the behest of Wazir Khan of Kunjpura, the faujdar of Sirhind.

The main entrance to the Gurudwara complex was built by Maharaja Yadvindra Singh ofFatehgarh, Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurudwara Fateh Garh Sahib, Shaheedi Jor Mela, Fateh Garh Sahib Jorh Mela, Fatehgarh Sahib Tour Patiala in 1952. The historical wall where the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh were bricked has been preserved in this Gurudwara. The sanctuary containing the historic wall in known as Gurudwara Bhora Sahib.


Gurudwara Burj Mata Gujri and Gurudwara Shahid Ganj are also located in the main complex of Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib. It was at the site of Gurudwara Burj Mata Gujri that the two younger sons Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh of tenth Guru and the Guru's mother Mata Gujri were kept in confinement by Wazir Khan.

The place were the three were confined is known as `THANDA BURJ' which was considered a cool place during the summer. But it was a punishment for Guru's sons and his mother to kept here in extreme winter when the "burj" would be extreme cold. It was at this place that Mata Gujri collapsed on hearing the news of the martyrdom of her grandsons. Later on, Gurudwara Mata Gujri was constructed at this location to honour Mata ji.

Gurdwara Nada Sahib

Significance: it is here that Guru Gobind Singhji along with his victorious fellow warriors had taken a halt while on their way back, after having fought the battle with Mughals.


There are a number of religious places in and around Chandigarh. One among them is the Chandigarh Nada Sahib Gurudwara. Situated at the Panchkula district on the banks of river Ghagar, it lies at a distance of 15 kms from the city of gardens. Gurdwara Nada Sahib in Chandigarh, India has a lot of reverence for Sikhs, as after having fought the battle with Mughals, Guru Gobind Singhji along with his victorious fellow Sikh warriors had stayed over here, while on their way back. Here, they were given a warm welcome by a follower of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, named Nadu Shah. The Guru showered his blessings on him and also said that the Gurudwara would be named after him. Lakhs of worshippers visit the Nada Sahib Gurdwara on the full moon day (Pooranmashi) of every month.

Gurudwara Damdama Sahib

Damdama means the breathing or resting place. Damdama Sahib is one of the Five Takhts of the Sikhs. (The other four Takhts are Akal Takht, Amritsar, Takht Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur, Takht Hazur Sahib, Nanded (Maharashtra) and Takht Harmandir Sahib Patna (Bihar). It is located at village Talwandi Sabo, 28 km southeast of Bathinda. It is also known as Talwandi Sabo and Guru Ki Kashi. Guru Gobind Singh stayed here after fighting battles against Mughal atrocities. Before his arrival at Talwandi, two of the Guru’s sons were bricked alive at Sarhind and two laid down their lives at Chamkaur Sahib. After writing Zafarnama, Guru Gobind Singh fought a successful battle at Muktsar and then moved towards Talwandi Sabo Ki.


While at Talwandi, Sikhs started coming to the Guru from all over Punjab and other places. Here a Gurudwara was erected in Guru's memory. This place is also known as Guru -Ki -Kanshi as it was made a center of the Sikh learning.

Damdame Wali Bir of Sri Guru Granth Sahib was prepared here by Guru Gobind Singh. It was transcribed by Bhai Mani Singh. The hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib were added into the Bir.

It was at Dam Dama Sahib that Bhai Dalla was tested for his bravery by Guru Gobind Singh and brought into the order of Khalsa. It was from Damdama Sahib that the Guru moved towards south. In the meantime, Aurangzeb died and the Guru helped Bahadur Shah, Aurangzeb's eldest son to sit on the throne.

The Guru was honored by Bahadur Shah at Agra. The new Emperor also left for south but parted from the Guru at Nanded. It is said that Bahadur Shah did not fulfill his promise to punish the officials who had committed atrocities upon the Sikhs and killed Guru's young children. The Guru commissioned Banda Bahadur to Go to Punjab and punish the guilty and bring peace to the state.

Guru Gobind Singh arrived here on 20-21 January, 1706 and camped outside the village. The magnificent Gurudwara Sri Damdama Sahib marks the place of his stav. Here local Chaudhari Bhai Dalla looked after Guruji with great devotion. He refused to arrest the Guru as directed by Wazir Khan, Nawab of Sirhind.

Mata Sundri and Mata Sahib Kaur escorted by Bhai Mani Singh came here from Delhi to meet Guruji. Guruji spent nine months of intense literary activities.

Here Bhai Mani Singh prepared the holy volume under the guidance of Guruji. Talwandi thus became a seat of learning and assumed the status of Guru Ki Kashi. It was here that Chaudhari Tiloka and Rama, ancestors of the Pulkian (Patiala, Nabha and Jind) rulers received Amni from the blessed hands of the Guru. Sacred articles of the tenth Guru, namely Sri Sahib (Sword), a mirror, a match lock, a portrait of the tenth Guru, a pothi. (book) transcribed by Baba Deep Singh, Sword of Baba Deep Singh and a Persian sword are displayed in the Gurudwara Damdama Sahib. The other sacred place at Talwandi Sabo are, Jand Sahib, Tibbi Sahib, Likhansar and Gurusar.

Besides, there are two Gurudwaras in memory of the ninth Guru Sri Tegh Bahadur, known as Wada Darbar Sahib and Gurusar.

Guru Gobind Singh had come to Talwandi Sabo at the request of Bhai Dala, a devoted follower. He was the Chief of Brar jats of Ma!wa area. He liked the place immensely and stayed here for over nine months. During his stay, the place was transformed into abode of the Khalsa and became a second Anandpur.

At Damdama Sahib as it is now called, the Guru preached complete sacrifice of personal and family interests at the altar of the good of mankind. The following. words of the great Guru expressing his firm faith in the Khalsa, are inscribed on a pillar installed by the Punjab Government,

"To the Khalsa does belong all,
My home, my body, and all I possess"

Other Gurudwaras at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib are :
- Gurudwara Manji Sahib Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur
- Gurudwara Manji Sahib Padshahi Nauvin and Dasvin
- Gurudwara Likhansar Sahib
- Gurudwara Jandsar Sahib
- Gurudwara Tibbi Sahib
- Gurudwara Sri Nanaksar
- Gurudwara Niwas Asthan Padshahi Dasvin
- Gurudwara Mata Sundari and Sahib Devan
This Takht was officially recognized as the fifth Takht on Novemver 18, 1966. On demand from the Sikhs, a sub-committee was appointed by the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee Amritsar vide General Meeting Resolution No: 789 on July 30, 1960. A report of the sub-committee containing 183 pages was received to declare Damdama Sahib, Guru Ki Kashi as the fifth Takht of the Sikhs. A general body meeting of the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee Amritsar approved the recommendations through resolution number 32 on November 18, 1966.

It has been declared as fifth Takht in April 1999 during tercentennial celebrations of the advent of Khalsa.

Paonta Sahib

Paonta Sahib, a city sacred to the memory of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, is also a bustling township with growing industries. It retains tangibly memorials to the martial Guru in the form of his weapons and a majestic Gurudwara and recalls his presence even in the name of the city which is derived from "paon" meaning "foot" either because he set foot in this place or according to an alternative story, because he lost an ornament which he wore on his foot called a "paonta" while bathing in the riverPaonta Sahib, Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, Paonta Sahib Gurudwara Yamuna which flows here.


Overlooking the river is the Gurudwara where Guru Gobind Singh held court and wrote the major portion of the "Dassam Granth". The Guru also built the Paonta Fort in over hundred acres of land, which housed not only his followers, but as many as 46 famous poets. Regular poetry reading sessions and symposiums were organized to encourage the sort form. The guru left Paonta Sahib after the battle of Bhangani with Raja Fateh Shah, in which he defeated the errant ruler's army after thirty days of battle.

Paonta Sahib is distinguished by its association with the Sikhs and attracts them by the thousands at the spring festivals of 'Baisakhi' and 'Holi'. There are also two Hindu temples, one dedicated to Lord Rama called Devi Ka Mandir and built by a princess, and the other is sacred to Lord Krishna.

Sachkhand Hazur Sahib

Hazur Sahib is on the banks of Godavari in Maharashtra. This is where Guru Gobind Singh left this world. The inner room of the temple is called Angitha Sahib. Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib is the principal shrine at Nanded.It marks the site where the Guru had his camp in 1708 A.D. after the departure of the emperor Bahadur Shah. The tenth Guru held his court and congregation here. It is the site of his own tent where he was convalescing after he was attacked by assassins. It is the place from where the tenth Guru rose to heaven along with his horse Dilbag.

In 1708 being prescient of the end of his earthly role, the Guru had despatched Banda Singh with five of his Sikhs to Punjab and Mata Sahib Devan under a separate escort to Delhi before the stabbing incident. He told the rest of his retinue to retire to their homes if they so wished, but he bade one Bhai Santokh Singh to stay on here and keep Guru ka langar going. many others also chose to remain. Together they built a room over the platform where the used to sit while holding his court and installed Guru Granth Sahib on it. They called it Takhat Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh, while conferring Guruship on the holy Book, had himself named Nanded as Abchalnagar (lit. steadfast city) after the first word of a hymn read at random on the occasion.


Other Gurudwaras Near Takhat Sri Hazur Sahib:

Gurdwara Sangat Sahib
Gurdwara Mal Tekri Sahib
Gurdwara Shikar Ghat
Gurdwara Hira Ghat
Gurdwara Nagina Ghat
Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan
Gurdwara Baba Banda Bahadur Ghat
Gurdwara Ratangarhi Sahib
Gurdwara Mai Bhago
Gurdwara Langar Sahib, Nanak Sar and Ratangarh Sahib established by Baba Nidhan Singh

Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib

Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib is the principal shrine at about half a Kilometer from the left bank of the river Godavari, Nanded, Maharashtra. It marks the site where the Guru had his camp in 1708 A.D. after the departure of the emperor Bahadur Shah. The tenth Guru held his court and congregation here. It is the site of his own tent where he was convalescing after he was attacked by assassins. It is the place from where the tenth Guru rose to heaven along with his horse Dilbag.

In 1708 being prescient of the end of his earthly role, the Guru had despatched Banda Singh with five of his Sikhs to Punjab and Mata Sahib Devan under a separate escort to Delhi before the stabbing incident. He told the rest of his retinue to retire to their homes if they so wished, but he bade one Bhai Santokh Singh to stay on here and keep Guru ka langar going. many others also chose to remain. Together they built a room over the platform where the used to sit while holding his court and installed Guru Granth Sahib on it. They called it Takhat Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh, while conferring Guruship on the holy Book, had himself named Nanded as Abchalnagar (means steadfast city) after the first word of a hymn read at random on the occasion. Sachkhand (means region of Truth) had been used by Guru Nanak Dev to mean the abode of God.

The present building of the Takhat Sahib was got constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh with money, artisans and labour sent from Punjab during early 1830s. The complex of the Takhat Sahib is spread over several hectares. Besides the Takhat Sahib proper it also includes two other shrines, Bunga Mai Bhago ji comprising a large room where Guru Granth Sahib is seated and some historical weapons like steel quoits, a broad sword, a steel bow and an arrow, a gilded dagger-sized sword, a few swords and a mace are at display, and Angitha Bhai Daya Singh and Dharam Singh. These two survivors of the battle of Chamkaur, who were among the Panj Piare.

Gurudwara Gupatsar Sahib, Manmad : Manmad Gurudwara is situated at Manmad which is a major junction on Delhi to Mumbai route. Before starting of Sachkhand Express, pilgrims had to change the train at this station to travel to Shri Hazur Sahib, Nanded.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji brought two royal prisoners from Satara Fort by air route here by holding the stir rups of his horse. The names of the prisoner were Balarao and Rustumrao.

There was then very dense forest at the place of Manmad Gurudwara. Sant Baba Nidhan Singh Ji started karseva for constructing Gurudwara here by clearing the dense forest with the help of his people. Hidden Bauli was found while constructing the Gurudwara. After cleaning the well, it was noticed that the water of the well is divine and sweet. Because of this hidden well (Gupta Kuwan) the Gurudwara is later named as Gurudwara Gupatsar Sahib.

Hemkunt Sahib on a sunny day

Sikhs believe that this holy place, known as Hemkunt (lake of ice), is the tap asthan (place of meditation and prayer) at which the tenth and final living Guru of the Sikhs achieved union with God in his previous incarnation. From there, the Guru was summoned by God to be reborn into the world to teach the people the true path. The temple built on the shore of the lake commemorates his mission. It also shelters the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal scriptural Guru for the Sikh community.


The community is itself recognized as a collective Guru, and pilgrims, as they walk the path toward Hemkunt, share the sacred journey with its members. In this way, all three forms of the Guru - the source of spiritual guidance - are understood to be present at Hemkunt. Sikh pilgrims go there to be inspired to walk the same difficult path that the Guru walked, both in body and in spirit, and to, through the Guru's grace, realize their connection with God in the same place where the Guru realized his. At Hemkunt Sahib, Sikhs feel closer to the Guru and, through the Guru, closer to God.

GURPURBS

Gurpurbs are part and parcel of Sikhism. In history we see that the Sikhs have to sacrifice even their lives in order to celebrate the Gurpurbs. Whether it is DEWALI (Bandi Chhor Diwas), VAISAKHI (Khalsa Sajna Diwas), or Martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Sahib (Sahidi Diwas), Sikhs gather and remember their Gurus & pay homage to the great Martyrs. All the Gurpurbs are celebrated with great fervor & enthusiasm by the Sikhs throughout the world. We are giving the account of the main & widely celebrated Gurpurbs.

The birth-day celebrations & Gurpurbs of Guru Sahibs usually last for three days. Generally before the birthday-date Akhand Path is held in the Gurdwara. A large procession (Nagarkirtan) is organised one day before the birthday. This is led by the Panj Piyaras (Five beloved ones) and the Palki (Palanquin) of Shri Guru Granth Sahib and followed by groups of kirtani Jatha, Various School bands and students, emenent Citizans, Gatka Parties (displaying mock-battle with the traditional weapons), and devotees singing hymns from Guru Granth Sahib in chorus. The passage of the nagarkirtan is decorated with flags, flowers, religious posters decorated gates and banners depicting various aspects of Sikhism. On the Gurpurab day, the Divan begins early in morning at about 4 or 5 a.m. with the singing of Asa-di-var and hymns from Guru Granth Sahib. Sometimes it is followed by katha (discourse), religious and Sikh Historical lectures and recitation of poems in praise of the Guru. Kirtan-Darbars and Amrit Sanchar ceremonies are also held in the Gurdwara hall. After Ardas and distribution of Karah Parshad (sweet pudding) the Langar (food) is served to one and all and there is kirtan till late in the night, the distribution of langar continues to the end of the programme.

Harmandir Sahib

Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib, informally referred to as The Golden Temple or Temple of God, is culturally the most significant place of worship of the Sikhs and one of the oldest Sikh gurdwaras. It is located in the city of Amritsar, which was established by Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth guru of the Sikhs, and is, also due to the shrine, known as Guru Di Nagri meaning city of the Guru.

Golden Temple -Amritsar, India

Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple, (on account of its scenic beauty and golden coating for English speaking world), is named after Hari(God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, visit Amritsar and pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.

Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Guru, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Earlier the planning to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar ) was chalked out by Guru Amardas Sahib, the Third Guru, but it was executed by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the supervision of Baba Budha ji. The land for the site was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on payment or free of cost from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages. The plan to establish a town settlement was also made. Therefore, the construction work on the Sarovar(the tank) and the town started simultaneously in 1570.