India is a confluence of different cultures, traditions, religions, beliefs and worshipping practices. Several Sufi saints, holy incarnations and noblemen have walked upon this part of the world over the past centuries. Every belief is given equal respect in India as diversity is the soul of the country. The mutual respect, tolerance towards different practices and the festivals united this country and its people. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Gujarat to Arunachal, India, despite so many differences, is one. The country is home to several religious shrines that welcome thousands of pilgrims round the year.
Sikh religion is a very important part of India’s culture, history and religious diversity. There are a lot of things in common between Hinduism and Sikhism and that is the reason that the two religions are closely bonded. There are several gurudwaras in different parts of the country where people from different religions go to offer their prayers and take the holy ‘prasad’. From Golden temple to the marvellous Bangla Sahib in New Delhi, there are some glorious gurudwaras that are as beautiful as any other major temple in the country. Kirtans start the early morning in these gurudwaras and thousands of people reach there to witness the peaceful atmosphere there. We’re going to talk about the 6 most important gurudwaras in the country.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
If you have lived in or around Delhi, you must have heard of the famous Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in the capital. The gurudwara that stands tall over a wide area and it was built between 17th and 18th centuries to mark the stay of the eighth Sikh Guru Har Kishan. It is one of the most important gurudwaras for the Sikhs. The gurudwara also has a holy water body inside it that is known as the “Sarovar”. You will be served pure and delicious food at the Langar hall after offering your prayers.
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Tarn Taran Sahib
Punjab is the state where the majority of the Sikh population of India resides. Tarn Taran Sahib Gurudwara is located in the city of the same name in Punjab. It was established by the fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev. This gurudwara has the largest of all the sarovars in different gurdwaras in the country. Thousands of pilgrims arrive in the gurudwara on the night of Amavasya (no moon night). It is one of the most popular gurudwaras in Punjab.
Gurudwara Harmandir Sahib
Sri Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple is the most prominent Gurudwara in the country. Guru Arjan laid the foundation of the gurudwara in 1855 while the Adi Granth was placed in 1604. It was in the 19th century when Maharaja Ranjit Singh got the upper floors of the gurudwara covered with gold plates. That’s how it got the name, Golden Temple. The temple has four doors and people from different religions visit it across the year.
Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib
Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib is another popular gurudwara located in Punjab’s Amritsar. The gurudwara is known for its appearance that is different from other gurudwaras in the country. It was built to commemorate the death of Guru Hargobind Singh’s son, Baba Atal. The gurudwara has been constructed in the form of a tower and has nine floors. It was constructed between 1778 and 1784.
Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib
It’s not a great thing to compare different religious shrines but the beauty of Sri Hemkund Sahib is hard to match. The gurudwara is located in Chamoli, Uttarakhand at an elevation of 13,650 feet. It is dedicated to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is one of the most scenic religious shrines in the country. It has been built in the shape of a star and it remains closed from October to April due to heavy snowfall in the region.
Takht Sri Patna Sahib
Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurudwara is located in Bihar’s Patna, the birthplace of 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The gurudwara was constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1780. The religious significance of this gurudwara is very high. It also holds a significant place in the history of the Sikh rule. Guru Teg Bahadur also stayed here when he visited Patna. People from different places arrive here to offer their prayers and perform seva as per their wish.
