Punjab is a land of rich culture and history, and one of the most important aspects of this culture is religion. Punjab is home to many gurudwaras, which are considered to be holy places of worship for the Sikh community. These gurudwaras are not only important for their religious significance but also for their historical and architectural importance. In this article, we will explore 10 of the most famous gurudwaras in Punjab.
1- Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, is the most famous and iconic gurudwara in Punjab. Located in the city of Amritsar, this gurudwara is considered to be the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh community. Built in the 16th century, the Golden Temple is famous for its stunning architecture, beautiful reflecting pool, and its walls adorned with intricate gold and marble work. The gurudwara is open to people of all religions and is visited by millions of people from all over the world every year.
How to Reach
The Harmandir Sahib can be reached by various modes of transportation. The nearest airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, about 14 km away, and the nearest railway station is Amritsar Junction, which is well-connected to major cities in India. The temple can also be reached by road, with several bus services and taxis available. Once you reach the city, you can take an auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw to reach the temple, which is located in the heart of the city.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Golden Temple is from October to March, during the winter season when the weather is pleasant and cool. The temperature ranges from 4°C to 18°C during this time, making it a perfect time to explore the temple and the surrounding areas. During this time, the Gurpurab festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor, which is a major attraction for visitors. However, it is important to note that the temple is open throughout the year and can be visited at any time. It is advisable to avoid visiting during summers, as the temperature can soar up to 45°C and make it uncomfortable to explore the temple and the city.
2- Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib
Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is a gurudwara located in the city of Anandpur Sahib. This gurudwara is one of the five Takhts of Sikhism and is considered to be a place of great historical and religious significance. It was at this gurudwara that the Khalsa was founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is also famous for its beautiful architecture and is visited by thousands of people every year.
How to Reach
Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is can be reached via various modes of transportation. The nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport, which is approximately 85 km away. The nearest railway station is the Anandpur Sahib Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. The city can also be reached by road, with several bus services and taxis available from nearby cities. Once you reach Anandpur Sahib, you can take an auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw to reach Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, which is located in the heart of the city.
Best Time to Visit
During the spring season, from February to April, and during the autumn season, from September to November. The weather during these seasons is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the temple and the surrounding areas. The city celebrates several festivals during these seasons, including Holi and Baisakhi, which adds to the festive atmosphere and attracts a large number of visitors. It is important to note that Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is open throughout the year and can be visited at any time, but it is advisable to avoid visiting during summers as the temperature can soar up to 40°C, making it uncomfortable to explore the temple and the city.
3- Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib
Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib is located in the city of Amritsar and is named after Baba Atal Rai, the son of Guru Hargobind Sahib. This gurudwara is famous for its beautiful architecture and is believed to have been built in the 17th century. It is also famous for its nine-storey tower, which is considered to be one of the tallest gurudwara towers in the world.
How to Reach
The easiest way to reach the Gurudwara is by air, as Amritsar has an international airport with regular flights from major Indian cities as well as from some international destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the Gurudwara, which is located about 12 km away. If you are traveling by train, Amritsar has a major railway station with regular trains connecting it to other parts of the country. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the Gurudwara, which is about 3 km away. Additionally, there are also local buses and shared auto-rickshaws that run frequently and provide affordable transport options.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib depends on the preferences of the individual traveler. However, the Gurudwara is most visited during the months of October and November when the weather is pleasant, and the festive season of Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm. During this time, the Gurudwara is beautifully decorated, and a number of cultural programs and religious events take place, which provides a unique experience to the visitors. The Gurudwara can also be visited during other months of the year as it remains open throughout the year. However, it is recommended to avoid the summer months of May and June due to the scorching heat.
4- Gurudwara Shri Tarn Taran Sahib
Gurudwara Shri Tarn Taran Sahib is located in the city of Tarn Taran and is considered to be one of the most important gurudwaras in Punjab. It is believed that Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, visited this gurudwara and blessed its waters. The gurudwara is famous for its stunning architecture and is visited by thousands of people every year.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, which is approximately 30 kilometers away from the Gurudwara. One can also reach the Gurudwara by train as Tarn Taran railway station is well-connected to major cities across India. Additionally, several local and intercity buses are available from nearby cities like Amritsar and Jalandhar. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also readily available for hire to reach the Gurudwara from the railway station or bus stand. Once in Tarn Taran, the Gurudwara is easily accessible as it is located in the heart of the city and well-marked on the main roads.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Gurudwara Shri Tarn Taran Sahib is during the months of October and November when the weather is pleasant, and the festive season of Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm. During this time, the Gurudwara is beautifully decorated, and a number of cultural programs and religious events take place, which provides a unique experience to the visitors. The Gurudwara can also be visited during other months of the year as it remains open throughout the year. However, it is recommended to avoid the summer months of May and June due to the scorching heat. Additionally
5- Gurudwara Shri Dukhniwaran Sahib
Gurudwara Shri Dukhniwaran Sahib is located in the city of Patiala and is famous for its historical and religious significance. This gurudwara is believed to have been built in the 17th century and is famous for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. It is believed that by offering prayers at this gurudwara, one can overcome difficulties and find peace.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is the Chandigarh International Airport, located approximately 65 kilometers away from the Gurudwara. Patiala also has a railway station that is well-connected to major cities across India, making it easy for travelers to reach the Gurudwara by train. Additionally, several local and intercity buses are available from nearby cities like Chandigarh and Ambala. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also readily available for hire to reach the Gurudwara from the railway station or bus stand.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Gurudwara Shri Dukhniwaran Sahib is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the city.
6- Gurudwara Shri Fatehgarh Sahib
Gurudwara Shri Fatehgarh Sahib is located in the city of Fatehgarh Sahib and is considered to be one of the most important gurudwaras in Punjab. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh’s two younger sons, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, were bricked alive at this site during the Mughal era. The gurudwara is built in their memory and is visited by thousands of people every year.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is the Chandigarh International Airport, which is approximately 50 kilometers away from the Gurudwara. One can also reach the Gurudwara by train as Sirhind Junction railway station is well-connected to major cities across India. Additionally, several local and intercity buses are available from nearby cities like Chandigarh and Ludhiana. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also readily available for hire to reach the Gurudwara from the railway station or bus stand.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Gurudwara Shri Fatehgarh Sahib is from October to March, during the winter months when the weather is cool and pleasant.
7- Gurudwara Shri Keshgarh Sahib
Gurudwara Shri Keshgarh Sahib is located in the city of Anandpur Sahib and is considered to be one of the most important gurudwaras in Punjab. It is believed that the Khalsa was inaugurated at this gurudwara by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The gurudwara is also famous for its beautiful architecture and is visited by thousands of people every year.
How to Reach
One can reach there by air, as the nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport, which is about 90 km away. Alternatively, one can also take a train to Anandpur Sahib Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Another option is to take a bus from nearby cities like Chandigarh or Delhi to Anandpur Sahib. Once in Anandpur Sahib, the Gurudwara can be reached by local transportation like auto-rickshaws or taxis.
Best Time to Visit
During the months of March and April, during the festival of Hola Mohalla, when the Gurudwara comes alive with festivities and cultural activities.
8- Gurudwara Rauza Sharif
Gurudwara Rauza Sharif is a historical Sikh shrine located in Sirhind, a city in the Indian state of Punjab. The gurudwara is believed to have been built on the spot where Guru Gobind Singh’s two younger sons were buried alive by the Mughal governor of Sirhind in 1705. The gurudwara complex houses a mosque and the tombs of several Muslim saints, which reflects the communal harmony and syncretic culture of the region. Devotees from different religions come to this holy site to pay their respects and seek blessings.
How to Reach
The nearest railway station to the gurudwara is Sirhind Junction, which is approximately 2 km away. From the railway station, one can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the gurudwara. The nearest airport to Sirhind is Chandigarh International Airport, which is about 60 km away. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sirhind. Sirhind is well-connected by road to major cities in Punjab and other neighboring states. Once in Sirhind, the gurudwara can be easily reached by local transportation like auto-rickshaws or taxis.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Gurudwara Rauza Sharif is during the months of October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
9- Saragarhi Memorial Gurudwara
Saragarhi Memorial Gurudwara is a historical Sikh shrine located in the town of Ferozepur. It commemorates the Battle of Saragarhi, a historic battle fought between 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army and 10,000 Afghan tribesmen in 1897. The gurudwara houses a memorial plaque that lists the names of the 21 brave Sikh soldiers who fought and died in the battle. The gurudwara also has a museum that displays the history of the battle and showcases the weapons used by the soldiers.
How to Reach
The gurudwara is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest railway station to the gurudwara is Ferozepur Cantonment, which is approximately 5 km away. From the railway station, one can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the gurudwara. The nearest airport to Ferozepur is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, which is about 120 km away. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ferozepur. Ferozepur is well-connected by road to major cities in Punjab and other neighboring states.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Saragarhi Memorial Gurudwara is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor exploration.
10- Gurudwara Parivar Vichora Sahib
Gurudwara Parivaar Vichora Sahib is a historical Sikh shrine located in the city of Ludhiana, Punjab, India. The gurudwara is dedicated to the memory of the separation of the family of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh was separated from his family during the Battle of Chamkaur in 1704, and his two youngest sons, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, were captured and executed by the Mughal forces. The gurudwara is situated in the village of Alamgir, about 11 kilometers from Ludhiana. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs, who visit the shrine to pay their respects to the Guru and his family. The gurudwara complex includes a prayer hall, a langar hall, and a sarai (guest house) for visitors.
The gurudwara holds a special significance for Sikhs, as it represents the sacrifice and bravery of the Guru and his family. The story of their separation and martyrdom is an important part of Sikh history and is remembered with great reverence by the community. The gurudwara is also known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings, which provide a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to meditate and reflect on the teachings of the Guru.
How to Reach
If you are coming from Ludhiana city center, you can take a taxi or a local bus that goes towards Samrala Chowk. Once you reach Samrala Chowk, take the road towards Doraha and drive for approximately 3 kilometers until you reach the gurudwara. If you are coming from outside Ludhiana, you can take a train or a bus to Ludhiana and then follow the aforementioned directions.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Gurudwara Parivaar Vichora Sahib is during the months of October to March when the weather is pleasant and favorable for travel.
In conclusion, these 10 gurudwaras are not only important for their religious significance but also for their historical and architectural importance. They are a testament to the rich culture and history of Punjab and are visited by millions of people every year.
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