India is home to the largest Sikh population in the world who have built some of the most magnificent Gurudwaras. Today the Gurudwaras Tours in India is not only popular with the followers of Sikhism who visit their holy shrines for prayers and pilgrimage but also to the curious travelers and tourists who are visiting in the vicinity and want to understand Sikhism.
The Sikhs comprise of one of the biggest diaspora presence in many parts of the world, particularly in the UK, Canada, US and Australia, keen to discover their roots and visit some of the famous gurudwaras. In India, they are mostly concentrated in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and to some extant Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. We bring you some of the Famous Gurudwaras in India which hold special significance among the Sikhs.
1. Golden Temple
The most iconic Gurudwara of India, a visit to Golden Temple is on the bucket list of every Indian and not just the Sikhs. Also known as the Darbar Sahib or Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple is located in Punjab in the city of Amritsar. Interestingly, the foundation stone of this massive temple complex was laid over more than 400 years ago by a Muslim saint from Lahore. One of the Most Famous Gurudwaras of India, the Golden Temple is not only popular as a place of prayer or pilgrimage but has also witnessed the ravages of time.
2. Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanakji
Located a short distance from the scenicKasauli at Gharkhal, Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanakji is located in Solan, Himachal Pradesh.This Gurudwara is markedly different than others, as the shrine is bereft of any statues, idols, religious pictures or symbol, other than the holy book for Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib. The Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanakji has emerged as an important stop while on a Gurudwara Tours of India.
3. Patna Sahib Gurudwara
Regarded as one of the five most sacred Gurudwaras in Sikhism, the Patna Sahib Gurudwara is a PanjTakht shrine and holds great significance for the Sikhs from around the world. It is also known as Takht Sri Harmandir and is located in the historic Patna city, the capital of Bihar. One of the most famous Gurudwaras in India, it was the birth place of the tenth and last Sikh guru GuruGobind Singh. He was born at the site in 1666 and spent his early years here. A Gurudwara was later built by the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
4. Hemkund Sahib
One of the important stopover on the Gurudwara Tours of India, a visit to the Hemkund Sahib is also a test of ones faith as well as courage and endurance. Located at an elevation of 4632 meters in the rugged and forbidding surrounding of the Himalayan peaks and glacial lake, it falls in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. The Hemkund Sahib is one of the most important pilgrimage site for the Sikhs today. The shrine can be reached from Gobindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway.
5. Gurudwara Sahib, Shimla
Shimla is not only a historic town but is also regarded as one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. To add to its historicity, the Himachal Pradesh capital is also home of Gurudwara Sahib. Located on the Pandhwa Hills, the Gurudwara is not only visited by the worshippers but is also very popular with the tourists. The Gurudwarawas built in 1907 and is particularly admired for its intricate design and detailing.
6. Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib
Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib is unique in many ways. Unlike the other Gurudwaras, Nanak Jhira Sahib takes you to the Southern state of Karnataka. Located in Bidar, Nanak Jhira Sahib is not only an important shrine for Sikhs and visited by thousands of pilgrims all-round the year but is also popular because of its picturesque setting. The majestic gurudwara is located in a lush valley surround by hills. This area is also said to have been visited by Guru Nanak and there are many interesting stories connected to his life and visit to the area that can be discovered.
Also Read: 15 Most Famous Gurudwaras of India that one must visit