Sikhism is a new religion as it is only 500 years old. Guru Nanak, the founder of this religion spread the message of “Ek Ong Kar” which simply means “We are all one”. Today, the Sikh pilgrimage in India is immensely popular as the devotees of this religion are spread into different areas of the world. When Sikhism came into existence, India was divided by castes, fanaticism, and religious factions. However, Guru Nanak had one ideology that God is one but it can be found through many ways. The Guru Nanak opposed injustice and superstition and spread his message through many divine songs. These sacred songs were recorded and became part of sacred writings, which later gave birth to the holy scripture of Sikhs—Siri Guru Granth Sahib.
Whether you are a Sikh or a person from any other religion who wants to know about Sikhism, the Sikh pilgrimage in India is the best way to learn about it. You will get an opportunity to visit several holiest Gurudwaras in India during a Sikh pilgrimage tour. Here are a few Gurudwaras you can visit during your Sikh pilgrimage trip: -
Also known as Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple is one of the immensely popular religious sites in India. Located in Amritsar, Punjab, it is one of the holiest Gurdwaras in India. Founded in the 16th century by Guru Ram Das, the temple is an architectural marvel. The upper floors of the temple are adorned with gold leaf which adds more grace to its beauty. Sits on Amrit Sarovar, this temple spreads a message of unity. It is open to all religions so people from far and wide come here to visit it. Every year, travelers throng here from different corners of the world. Visitors recite the Holy Scripture Guru Granth Sahib when they are here which adds to the spiritual essence of this place. The Langar of this temple is quite popular and serves free meals to countless visitors on a daily basis. The temple is a testament to humbleness, service to humanity, and compassion.
Activities to Do in Golden Temple
Located in the Paonta Sahib town, Gurudwara Paonta Sahib is a popular pilgrimage site for the Sikhs. The Gurudwara has great spiritual significance and is visited by a large number of devotees on a daily basis. “Paonta” which means “footstep” symbolizes the presence of Sikh’s tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh Ji has left his footprint at this place. People believe that Guru Gobind Singh Ji lived here for many years and composed “Dasam Granth” etc. Located on the banks of Yamuna, this holy site offers a peaceful ambiance to visitors.
Like other Gurudwaras of the country, this one too has stunning architecture which is a perfect amalgamation of traditional and regional styles. You will get to see many beautiful paintings inside that depict the spiritual journey of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Gurudwara also has a museum that exhibits the artifacts related to Guru Gobind Singh which instantly transcends you to that era.
Activities to Do in Gurudwara Sri Paonta Sahib
Guru Baba Atal Sahib holds a prominent place among Sikhs. Known for his spiritual teachings and valuable contributions to Sikhism, he is highly respected by the Sikhs. He was known to be a confidante to Gur Gobind Singh Ji and was committed to the beliefs of Sikhism, and the concepts of devotion, justice, selfless service, etc. This is one of the holiest Gurudwaras in India and is a living testament to the spiritual journey of Baba Atal Sahib. Devotees from different parts of India visit this place to seek spiritual growth and to learn about the famous stories related to the life of Baba Atal Sahib.
The Gurudwara has a unique structure that shows the architectural grandeur of ancient times. The doors of this structure are made up of silver and brass which adds to its beauty.
Activities to Do in Guru Baba Atal Sahib
Located in Uttarakhand state, Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib is one of the most sacred Gurudwaras in India. Located at a height of approx. 4,632 meters, this place holds great importance among the Sikh community. Dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, this place is known for its spiritual energy as well as its tranquility. The journey to this Gurudwara is difficult for the visitors as they have to cover 19 km to reach here. The pilgrims have to tread a difficult path to reach here which makes the whole journey troublesome. However, you can enjoy snow-capped peaks, gushing streams, and lush green meadows on the way. Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib has a unique architecture that attracts visitors from around the world.
Devotees from different parts of the world visit this Gurudwara to offer prayers here and experience the peaceful ambiance of this place. There is a Langar here which provides free food to people of all religions.
Activities to Do in Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib
Located in Talwandi Sabo, Takht Shri Damdama Sahib is one of the 5 Takhts of Sikhism that holds great religious significance for Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh Ji prepared Adi Granth at this very place which is now known as Guru Granth Sahib and honored by the Sikh devotees. The Gurudwara is a symbol of the dedication of Guru Gobind Singh Ji to preserving the valuable teachings of the Sikh community. The Gurudwara is the best place to seek spiritual enlightenment and also to know about the history of the Sikh community. People who visit this place can explore the tranquil atmosphere of this sacred site.
Every year, Takht Shri Damdama Sahib arranges many events that attract visitors from different regions of the country. This holy site is a living testament to the unity and faith of the Sikhs and also the spiritual journey of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Activities to Do in Takht Shri Damdama Sahib
Other activities that you can do near Damdama Sahib are:-
Situated in Tarn Taran, Gurudwara Shri Tarn Taran Sahib is one of the best sites for Sikh pilgrimage in India. It holds a deep spiritual significance in the Sikh religion due to its relation with Guru Arjun Dev Ji who is the 5th Sikh Guru of Sikhs. He built a big water tank around the site where people from the Sikh community bathe. They believe that the holy water of this tank purifies their body as well as the soul. It is believed that this sacred tank was built to offer spiritual nourishment to its followers.
The Gurudwara has stunning architecture that is the perfect mixture of traditional designs. In this structure, you will find a prayer hall that has a golden dome that is reminiscent of Sikh heritage. There is also a langar facility in Gurudwara where free meal is served to all irrespective of their caste, creed, and religion.
Activities to Do in Tarn Taran Sahib
Located in Harsh Nagar, Nanded, Maharashtra, Gurudwara Hazoor Sahib is one of the most popular Sikh shrines in India. This Gurudwara holds a prominent place among the Sikh community as this is the exact place where Guru Gobind Singh spent his last days. Located on the banks of the Godavari River, Gurudwara Hazoor Sahib offers a serene atmosphere to the pilgrims which attracts them to this place. This Gurudwara is connected with the final journey of the Sikh’s tenth Guru i.e. Guru Gobind Singh Ji. When he passed away, his followers constructed it in his memory. This structure is a perfect mix of Sikh and Mughal architectural styles. The central prayer hall of Gurudwara is one of the best attractions for tourists. The reason behind it is that the Holy Scripture named Guru Granth Sahib is recited here.
Gurudwara Hazoor Sahib also hosts several cultural as well as religious events on many important occasions such as Baisakhi, Guru Nanak Jayanti, and other important Sikh festivals. There is also a langar facility here. Thus, free meals are provided to everybody here irrespective of his background, caste, creed, or religion.
Activities to Do in Gurudwara Hazoor Sahib
Located in New Delhi, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most sacred Gurudwaras in India. This site is dedicated to the 8th Guru of Sikhs Guru Har Krishan. He was known among the Sikhs due to his selfless service to the needy and sick people. The Gurudwara has a holy water tank or Sarovar which is visited by innumerable people daily. The sarovar is believed to have healing properties which is the reason why visitors in large numbers take a holy dip in the holy waters of this water tank. It is believed that Guru Har Krishan visited Delhi during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. During his stay at Raja Jai Singh’s residence, he offered extreme care to the poor and needy. The Gurudwara was built in the memory of Guru Har Krishan.
This Gurudwara has a unique architecture of its own which is a perfect blend of Mughal and Sikh styles. The golden dome of the Gurudwara adds more grace to its beauty. You can also experience langar here.
Activities to Do in Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Located in Mattan town, Gurudwara Mattan Sahib is an important religious site. Those who are interested in Sikh pilgrimage in India must visit this place and know its spiritual importance. This site is related to Guru Amardas Ji who visited this place in the 16th century and spread the message of peace and equality. It is believed that he interacted with the local community of Mattan and provided them the knowledge of Sikhism. This site is largely visited by the tourists and offers tranquility to them.
The Gurudwara Mattan Sahib is a living testament to the spiritual heritage of the region. Today, this Gurudwara has become one of the holiest Gurudwaras in India. People from all over the country come here to seek spiritual guidance here. You can take part in the daily prayers, and experience the spiritual vibe of this city. This Gurudwara is a symbol of religious tolerance, faith, and unity.
Activities to Do in Gurudwara Mattan Sahib
Situated in Patna, Gurudwara Takht Sri Patna Sahib is a sacred Gurudwara of India that witnesses a heavy influx of tourists. Being the birthplace of the Sikh Guru, this Gurudwara holds great religious importance among the Sikhs. This Gurudwara is among the five Takhts in Sikhism which is the reason why many people visit it. Located at the banks of the holy river, Ganges, Gurudwara Takht Sri Patna Sahib is the place where Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent his early years. The architecture of the Gurudwara is simply fantastic. The large central dome and the walls of the structure truly reflect the history and culture of the Sikh community.
The Gurudwara also houses a museum that showcases the weapons and artifacts of the ancient time. You can also see the paintings that are related to Guru Gobind Singh Ji and other prominent Sikh Gurus. It is the best place to meditate and explore the history of Sikhism. If you are interested in visiting it, you can find the best Sikh pilgrimage tours in India and choose the one that suits your requirements.
Activities to do in Gurudwara Takht Sri Patna Sahib
Situated in Panchkula, Gurudwara Nada Sahib is one of the important places of worship for the Sikhs. The Gurudwara holds immense historical significance for the Sikh community. This place is connected with Guru Gobind Singh Ji as people believe that Guru and his followers stopped here during the battle. This holy site is constructed on a big complex that is surrounded by scenic beauty and a lush green environment. The ambiance of this Gurudwara is extremely peaceful which is why many visitors from different cities come here.
The name of the Gurudwara “Nada Sahib” got its name from the “Nada” word which means “echo” in Punjabi. The Gurudwara also hosts a large number of religious festivals and events which attracts many visitors to this place.
Activities to Do in Gurudwara Nada Sahib
Established by Guru Ram Rai, the son of the 7th Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai, Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib is an important Sikh pilgrim site in Dehradun. People say that Guru Ram Rai was invited by Emperor Aurangzeb to settle here. He established Darbar Sahib at this site which has now become an important place among the Sikhs.
This Gurudwara is famous for its stunning architecture among the visitors. Apart from the beautiful architecture, it offers a serene environment for them to meditate. Guru Ram made valuable contributions to spreading Sikhism and promoting the values of humanity and compassion.
Activities to Do in Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib
You will get to see the most famous Gurudwaras in India through the Sikh pilgrimage tours in India. Each Gurudwara in the country is a living testament to the beliefs and principles of Sikhism. If you are interested in Sikh pilgrimage in India, you can choose the best Sikh pilgrim spots to explore. Thus, don’t wait and pack your bags to experience a spiritual odyssey at the holiest Sikh pilgrim sites in the country.