About Sikhism A comparatively new religion, founded some 500 years ago, has netted some 20 million believers from across the world under the umbrella of Sikhism. Ranked fifth largest religion in the world, 60% of Sikhs live in India, its land of genesis. Sikhism denounces superstitions and blind rituals, and advocates equality of mankind and remembrance of God all the time. An off-shoot of Hinduism, the term ‘Sikh’ has originated from “shishya” (disciple/follower), in Sanskrit.

As per the scriptures, a Sikh is a person who believes in --

• One God
• Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh
• The Guru Granth Sahib, their holy book
• The utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus
• Living an honest life, abolishing discrimination, and believing all as equal

Sikh Pilgrimage sites in India About 2% of the Indian population is Sikh and the land of origin, needless to say, is dotted with Gurudwaras (place of worship) and monuments of importance to the Sikh faith. Guru Nanak is the founder of the Sikh religion and after him a succession of Sikh gurus further established the presence of Sikhism in Punjab and elsewhere. Let’s begin from the most important site, the Golden Temple........

Golden Temple (Amritsar, Punjab): The Golden Temple, popular as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Sri Darbar Sahib, is the sacred epicenter of Sikhism. Bathed in a quintessential golden hue that dazzles in the serene waters of the Amrit Sarovar that lace around it, the swarn mandir (Golden temple) is one that internalizes in the mind scape of its visitors, no matter what religion or creed. On a jewel-studded platform is the Adi Grantha or the sacred scripture of Sikhs wherein are enshrined holy inscriptions by the ten Sikh gurus and various Hindu and Moslem saints. The first and the most important ‘Takht’ (throne or seat of authority) of Sikhism, established by Guru Hargobind in 1609, called 'Akal Takht' (the Throne of the Timeless God) and is situated just opposite the gate of Harmandar Sahib

Takht Shri Anandpur Sahib (80 km from Chandigarh, Punjab): A land so full of the white Gurudwaras, that the very air breathes of incense and hymns fill the ears. Kesar Sahib (also called Takht Kesar Sahib), one of the five seats of authority (Takht) of the Sikh religion is the biggest and most important gurudwara here. The Khalsa Panth was founded here, a council of five wise men that governs Sikh religious affairs was first established here, as was the practice of worshipping the Guru Granth Sahib. During the festivals of Holla Mohalla (March) and Baisakhi (April), Anandpur Sahib becomes an ocean of devotees --- do partake, if your tour is so timed. The other important Gurudwaras are --- Gurdwara Guru de Mahal (where Guru Gobind Singh's family lived), Gurdwara Sis Ganj (where the head of the martyred Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh was cremated), Anandgarh Sahib fort and gurudwara (where the arms and ammunition of the Khalsa army were stored) and a host of others, with each having some significance or the other. During festivals, a sound and light show at the ), Anandgarh Sahib fort depicting the history of the Sikhs in general and Anandpur Sahib in particular, is worth watching.


Takht Shri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, near Bathinda, Punjab): Also known as Guru Ki Kashi, for housing the fifth Takht of the Sikhs. This is where Guru Gobind Singh compiled the final edition of Guru Granth Sahib. Sacred articles of the tenth Guru, namely Sri Sahib (Sword), a mirror, a match lock, a portrait of the tenth Guru, a pothi. (book) transcribed by Baba Deep Singh, Sword of Baba Deep Singh and a Persian sword are displayed in the Gurudwara Damdama Sahib. Do not forget to visit Bhai Dall Singh’s residence where Guru Gobind Singh’s relics have been preserved.

Takht Shri Hazoor Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra): This was the place that last saw Guru Gobind Singh before assassins martyred him. He named Nanded as Abchalnagar (steadfast city) after the first word of a hymn read at random on the occasion. On the banks of Godavari, the land looks pristine with white-marbled Gurudwaras dotted all over.

Takht Shri Patna Sahib (Patna City, Bihar): This holy land was where Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born and was cradled till youth. The Harmandir Takht, an once haveli of a disciple, is considered the second Takht of Sikhism. Some sacred relics of the Guru that await you there are a 'pangura' (cradle) with four stands covered with golden plates, four iron arrows, sacred sword of the Master and a pair of his sandals. 'Hukamnamas', the written orders of Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Tegh Bahadur contained in a book are also kept in this holy Gurudwara.

Hemkund Sahib (Uttaranchal): At an altitude of 4329, near the Valley of flowers, in the Himalayas, this is one of the breathtakingly beautiful pilgrimage sites ever. On the banks of the holy lake Hemkund, Guru Gobind Singh is believed to have meditated in one of his earlier births. It was not until 1930, when two devout Sikhs, Sant Sohan Singh and Havaldar Mohan Singh, chanced upon it during a cartography mission, that the place came to be venerated for having hosted the great spiritual leader. All the more better if you time your tour in February-March every year when a winter sports festival transforms this otherwise quiet place into a throbbing fiesta.

Manikaran (Parvati Valley, near Kullu-Manali, Himachal Pradesh): The Janam Sakhi or the "Autobiography of Bhai Mardana" by Giani Gian Singh mentions about the visit of Guru Nanak Dev to this place. The Guru came to Mani Karan along with his Five 'Piaras' or followers after months of preaching. Another, Himalayan Gurudwara and a place of pristine panoramic beauty, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara is famed for the natural thermal springs, so hot that the devotees boil rice in it. There are altogether three baths, one is located under the Gurudwara itself and the other two are privately owned and located in guesthouses.

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