Gurdwara means the path of the Guru or the gateway to the Guru. For those who don’t know what a gurdwara is, it simply is a temple of the religious sect of Sikhism. All the gurdwaras have a holy book called “Shri Guru Granth Sahib” which is placed and read to others by the priest called ‘Paathi’. Basically, a place of worship to seek the blessings of the Almighty. Sikhism is one of the biggest religions of the world. Best known for their contribution to the society in social work, especially in case of natural calamities, & food for needy. Sikhism has always proved to be the religion of peace and people.
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Away from the superstitions and infinite rituals like other religions, Sikhism is quite simple and clear in nature. There are almost 25.8 million Sikhs around the globe. Globally, there are many gurdwaras established since ages, still growing in numbers. We have listed out the famous gurdwaras of the world known for their architecture and significance.
Shri Harmandir Sahib
Shri Harmandir Sahib the abode of God informally known as “Golden Temple” is the most famous Gurdwara of Sikhs. It is situated in the city of Amritsar, where the religion has its origin. No wonders the city is called the ‘Holy City’. The Fifth Guru designed the Golden Temple and upon its construction placed the Adi Granth inside the holy pilgrimage main building. Besides the religious significance, the place is an architectural marvel.
Shri Nankana Sahib
Located in the Punjab Province of Pakistan, this Gurdwara is the ultimate religious pilgrimage for Sikhs. It is named after the first Guru of Sikhs Guru Nanak, who was born in the same city. The township was earlier named Rai-Bhoi-Di-Talwandi by Rai Bhoi. Later, his grandson Rai Bular Bhatti renamed it Nankana Sahib.
Image Source despunjab.tv
Shri Hemkund Sahib
Situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the pilgrimage is dedicated to the tenth Guru Guru Gobind Singh. The place gets it name from two Sanskrit words Hem means snow, and Kund means Bowl. Surrounded by seven peaks each adorned by Nishan Sahib. The place is indeed a great expedition and religious experience you can get.
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Shri Hazoor Sahib
Located on the banks of river Godavari in Nanded in the state of Maharashtra. The place is one of the five Takhts thrones of Sikhism. The gurdwara within the complex is known as Sach-Khand, the realm of truth.
Image Source Gurbani
Shri Manikaran Sahib
Located in the Parvati valley on river Parvati in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, 35 kilometers from Kullu district. This place is a big time attraction for the tourists visiting Kullu & Manali. There are many sacred stories related to the place, not just of Sikh belief but others as well. As the place also has famous Shiva and Krishna temple. An astonishing of unity in diversity in India can be experienced at this place.
Image Source TripAdvisor
Shri Kesgarh Sahib
Located in the Roopnagar district of Punjab, Shri Kesgarh Sahib is one of the thrones of the Sikhism. It also considered as the birth place of Khalsa. Source
Image Source Discover Sikhism
Shri Damdama Sahib
It is also one of the seats of temporal authority or the Takht. It is of great significance for Sikhs as the tenth Guru Shri Guru Gobind Singh prepared all the scriptures in 1705 at this place.
Image Source Mapio.net
Takht Shri Patna Sahib
Shri Patna Sahib Gurdwara was built in the remembrance of the birthplace of the Tenth Guru Shri Guru Gobind Singh. The Gurdwara was built by the first emperor of Sikh empire Mahraja Ranjit Singh ji in the year 1666. It is also one of the thrones of Sikh empires and offers a beautiful ambience.
Image Source TripAdvisor
Shri Gurdwara Data Bandi Chor
This Sikh Gurdwara is associated with the imprisonment of Guru Hargobind Sahib. It celebrates the release of the Sikh Guru and 52 other kings whom he managed to get released. Word Bandi means imprisoned and Chor means released. Situated in Gwalior, this Gurdwara receives pilgrims from all around the world.
Image Source Pinterest
Shri Gurdwara Ber Sahib
As per the legend, the huge tree of Ber was planted here by the founder of Sikhism Shri Guru Nanak Dev. Situated in Sultanpur Lodhi Town of district Kapurthala, this Gurdwara is the place where Guru Nanak stayed for more than 14 years and meditated regularly. The place certainly holds great significance for the believers of Sikhism.
Image Source: Panoramio
Waheguru Ji Da Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Di Fateh!
