The Golden Temple, Amritsar

The most sacred of Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple, is a major pilgrimage destination for devotees from around the world, as well as, an ever-increasing popular tourist attraction.  Also part of the complex is the seat of the Sikh temporal authority, the Akal Takhat, the foundation of which was laid in 1606 by Guru Hargobind, who felt that the Sikh faith required a martial tenor. The ground floor of the Akal Takhat was ready by 1774 while the rest of the five-storied edifice was completed during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The present building of the Takht is of a more recent vintage as it was rebuilt following its destruction in 1983 during Operation Blue Star.

Dukhniwaran Sahib, Patiala

Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib is built on the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur, on appeal from villagers, sat under a banyan tree to rid their malaise-affected village of its disease. Translated, dukh nivaran means eradicator of suffering, and the sarovar (tank) here is believed to have healing properties. An extensive covered area has been provided to facilitate devotees who wish to bathe in it.

Sri Takht Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib

Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib is the principle shrine in Anandpur Sahib. This is the historic site where, on the day of Vaisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh initiated his followers into the order of the Khalsa (Sikh nation). Legend maintains that the Guru requested those present to volunteer their heads to him.

Guru Di Maseet, Gurdaspur (Sri Hargobindpur)

A multi-faith monument called Guru Di Maseet built by the sixth Guru, is of much interest to visitors to the district. It lies in the town of Sri Hargobindpur founded by, as well as, named after him.Located on a hill overlooking the picturesque Beas River, the mosque has existed at this spot since the 17th century. The octagonal-shaped, thick-walled brick and lime structure was built along with temples and gurdwaras to accommodate the spiritual needs of all the inhabitants of the new settlement. It continues to be a devotee-draw the year round.

Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur 

Dera Baba Nanak is located on the banks of the river Ravi, a short distance from the international border with Pakistan, and marks the spot where Guru Nanak Dev delivered his discourses.  Almost 300 years later, Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib built over the original site, enclosing the well in its basement, the waters of which are said to have curative powers. Despite its location in a busy market area, what distinguishes it from other gurudwaras is that the Darbar Sahib, including its sarovar (holy tank), surrounded by lawns, evergreen shrubs and flower-beds. In close proximity lies another prominent Gurudwara, Chola Sahib.

Baba Bakala, Amritsar

Bakala is the town where Guru Tegh Bahadur grew up and spent over two decades meditating in its serene environs, until it was revealed that he was the ninth Guru, or the Baba (holy man) of Bakala. The gurdwara complex comprises an octagonal, eight-storied tower which marks the cell where Guru Tegh Bahadur used to meditate and the Darbar Sahib where he was anointed Guru.

Goindwal Sahib, Amritsar

Goindwal Sahib is considered the first Sikh pilgrimage site as it is here that Guru Amardas, the third Sikh Guru, lived and preached, and it is here that he introduced the idea of langar (community kitchen). He also built a baoli (step well) from which people of all castes were welcome to drink. The gleaming white gurdwara stands adjacent to this well, and houses the room in which Guru Amardas once lived – and where, according to legend, he met Emperor Akbar after the ruler had partaken of langar.

Gurdwara Muktsar

Muktsar commemorates the martyrdom of 40 Sikh soldiers who died fighting the Mughals while protecting Guru Gobind Singh. On learning of their sacrifice, the Guru anointed them the Chaali Mukte (forty liberated ones), and renamed the site of the battle as Muktsar (pool of salvation). Darbar Sahib or Tuti Gandhi Sahib is the main shrine here. Others of note are Gurdwara Tambu Sahib, which marks the elaborate ruse the soldiers had worked out turning bushes into tents; Gurdwara Shahidganj Sahib marks the spot where the Guru conducted the last rites of the Chaali Mukte; and Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib marks the mound from where Guru Gobind Singh fought the Mughal army.

Sri Damdama Sahib, Bathinda

Sri Damdama Sahib was developed as a centre of Sikh learning by Guru Gobind Singh and is considered one of the five Sikh Takhts or seats of temporal power. The Guru rested here after the battle at Muktsar, earning the place its name, which means breathing or resting place. It was here Guru Gobind Singh prepared copies of the Guru Granth Sahib before dispatching them to the other Takhts. It was also from Damdama Sahib that the Guru issued his hukumnamas (edicts) to the Sikh congregation. In close proximity to the Gurdwara is the Burj Baba Deep Singh, named after the martyr, and marks the site where he used to meditate.

Gurdwara Garna Sahib

Around 39 kms form Hoshiarpur, this Gurdwara is located in Bodal village. The sixth guru of the Sikh community known as Guru Hargobind Sahib visited this place. He used to take rest under the garna tree which gives the name to the place.

Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala

Sultanpur Lodhi is a sacred Sikh pilgrimage site associated with the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, who lived here for 14 years. It is here that he gained enlightenment at the end of the 15th century. It is said he disappeared into the waters of the Bein rivulet, reappearing three days later as the enlightened Guru. The grounds of the Gurdwara Ber Sahib here mark the spot where Guru Nanak entered the rivulet. The three-storeyed gurdwara was built by the Maharaja of Kapurthala in the mid 20th century and features slender octagonal pillars, a marble sanctum and stucco designs at the entrance. The town is dotted with gurdwaras commemorating events from Guru Nanak’s life. One is Gurdwara Bebe Nanaki, built to honour Guru Nanak’s sister. The prison cell where the Guru was imprisoned under false charges is today the Gurdwara Kothri Sahib, and Guru ka Bagh is where Guru Nanak lived with his wife, Sulakhni, and their two sons, Baba Sri Chand and Baba Lakhmi Chand.

Sri Darbar Sahib

It is the primary religious centre in Tarn Taran Sahib. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji constructed this place. The biggest sarovar in the entire world can be seen here.

Gurdwara Manji Sahib Alamgir, Ludhiana

Gurdwara Manji Sahib Alamgir, situated at Alamgir Village about 11 km from Ludhiana, is one of the most revered pilgrim destinations in the state of Punjab. Alamgir is the village where Guru Gobind Singh had alighted in the search of water at the end of an excursion full of hardships. As he didn’t find any drinking water even here, he shot an arrow in the ground and miraculously created the present day ‘Tirsar Tank’. Manji Sahib Gurdwara is an imposing six storied edifice erected in the holy memory of Guru Gobind Singh who had stayed here for some days. 

Gurudwara Shahid Ganj Sahib, Muktsar

Gurdwara Shahid Ganj Sahib is a very prominent Gurudwara located very close to the Sarovar in Muktsar. This Gurdwara is also known as Angitha Sahib. Gurdwara Shahid Ganj sahib was constructed in the year 1870 by Raja Wazir Singh. Later in 1980, a new building was rebuilt with a rectangular domed hall. Gurdwara Shahid Ganj is beautifully set, beside the Sarovar (water pond). The walls of this Gurudwara are magnificently painted with the portraits of Sikh Gurus.