Gurudwaras at Anandpur Sahib

Anandpur Sahib is a city and a municipal council in Rupnagar district in the state of Punjab, India. Known as "the holy City of Bliss," it is a holy city of the Sikhs and is one of their most important sacred places, closely linked with their religious traditions and history. It is located on the lower spurs of the Himalayas surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, with the river Sutlej forming a shimmering and shiny blue border on the south west barely four miles away. So far as the historical significance of Anandpur Sahib is concerned, it is second only to Amritsar, the city of Golden Temple. Anandpur Sahib was founded in the year 1665 by the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, near the ruins of an ancient place, Makhowal. The Guru purchased the site from the ruler of Bilaspur.

Demographics
As of 2001 India census,Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns. (Provisional). Census Commission of India. Retrieved on 2007-09-03. Anandpur Sahib had a population of 13,886. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Anandpur Sahib has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 56% of the males and 44% of females literate. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Festivals
Anandpur Sahib comes to life every year on the occasion of Hola Mohalla. This tradition dates back to the times of the 10th Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh . The Guru decreed that the occasion of the festival of Holi be the occasion for the display of the martial spirit of his people and he gave this festival of Holi the Sikh name of 'Hola Mohalla'. Each year Hola Mohalla marks the congregation of upto 100,000 devotees from all over the country for a festival of colour and gaiety.

Baisakhi in 1999, at Anandpur Sahib marked the completion of 300 years of the birth of the Khalsa. It was on Baisakhi day in 1699 that Sri Guru Gobind Singh baptised the Panj Pyaras at the place where Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib stands.

Landmarks

• Gurudwara Guru-Ka-Mahal (Bhora Sahib): Residence of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur, the 9th guru, which was inherited by Sri Guru Gobind Singh. The sahibzadas - the holy sons of the 10th Guru were born here. There is an underground room cut off from the din of life where the 9th Guru used to meditate.

• Gurudwara Thara Sahib: The 9th Guru used to deliver sermons from this Gurudwara. There is a marker to indicate the spot where the Kashmiri Brahmins came to seek protection. It was at this spot in 1675 that a delegation of 15 Kashmiri Brahamans led by Pandit Kirpa Ram had come to beseech the 9th Prophet to save them from the tyranny of the Mughals who were forcibly converting them to Islam. It was here that the Prophet had decided to embrace martyrdom to awaken the dead soul of India that of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

• Gurudwara Sheesh-Ganj Sahib: In November of 1675, the head of the martyred 9th Guru which was brought by Bhai Jaita ( Rechristened Bhai wan Singh according to Sikh rites) in defiance of the Mughal authorities was cremated here.

• Akal Bunga: After cremation of the holy head of his father, followed by a prayer to the Almighty, the 10th Guru had rested here with his relations and followers.

• Gurudwara Damdama Sahib: the 10th Guru was given the Guru Gaddi (seat of Sikh religious leadership), here. It was from here that he had declared the end of the institution of the Masands-the priestly agents of the former Gurus.

• Gurudwara Man Sahib: the Sahibzadas received their education and military training at this spot. Military exercises were also rehearsed here.

• Gurudwara Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib: In 1699, on the occasion of the festival of Baisakhi, Guru Nanak's mission was fulfilled by the 10th Guru when, through baptism of the double-edged-sword the Sikh was deemed as the Khalsa-Saint Soldier- in direct commune with the Guru and God. Still more astonishing is the fact that the Guru had got himself baptised by the Panj-Pyaras, the five beloved ones, who had offered him their heads to uphold Dharma - the moral duty and religion.

Sacred sites near Anandpur Sahib

• Guru-Ka-Lahore: (11 Kms from Anandpur Sahib) On 25th January,1686 the 10th Prophet was married to Mata Jito Ji here. Three springs of water which the 10th Prophet had lanced open from huge rocks are still flowing. Sandwiched between Sri Anandpur Sahib and Sri Kiratpur Sahib is CHAMKAUR SAHIB. It was in this area where , having sworn safe passage to the 10th Prophet's family and forces the Mughal and the hill Chiefs had treacherously attacked them. Gurudrawa Katal Garh Sahib commemorates the martyrdom of the two elder Sahibzadas and 37 Singhs who had died fighting here,Gurudrawa Pariwar Vichhora Sahib marks the site where the 10th Prophet's family got scattered. Gurudwaras GARHI SAHIB, TARRI SAHIB, RANJITGARH SAHIB are connected with the dharm yudh that the 10th Prophet had waged against the tyrants.

• Gurudwara Mata To : not far from Holgarh Fort, this Gurudwara was where Mata To was cremated.

• Bhai Ghanaiya : Bhai Ghanaiya offered first aid to friendly and enemy forces alike across the area spanning the now-almost dried up rivulet Charan Ganga and below the Taragarh hill. His unbiased service has been compared to the functions of the Red Cross.

• Sri Anandpur Sahib is revered as the bastion from where the stoutest defence was put up to maintain liberty from the slavery of the Mughals and allied leaders from the surrounding hills.

Gurudwara Manji Sahib, Amritsar

This gurdwara is dedicated to the fifth Guru, Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. He composed the Sukhmani Sahib here. This gurdwara is located on the banks of the sarovar and across the sarovar is Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib where the Guru Granth Sahib was written.

Location
This gurdwara is located near Gurdwara Shahid Ganj Sahib, opposite to Gurdwara Ramsar, Chattiwind Gate, Amritsar.

The Secretary, Management Committee,
Gurdwara Manji Sahib,
Chattiwind Gate,
Chattiwind,
Amritsar 143001

Gurudwara Shish Mahal Sahib

Gurudwara Shish Mahal Sahib

 

The 6th Prophet had established his residence here. The 7th Prophet Sri Guru Har Rai Ji and the 8th Prophet Sri Guru Harkrishan Ji were born here.

Gurudwara Kiratpur Sahib

Kiratpur was established in 1627 by the 6th Prophet, Guru Hargobind Ji. The place is associated with the memory of a Muslim Saint, Pir Buddan Shah who was gifted with a very long life. It is situated on the bank of river Sutlej and is at a distance of about 10 km from Anandpur Sahib towards the south, on the Nangal-Rupnagar-Chandigarh road. It is sacred to the Sikhs and they immerse the ashes of their dead at this place. It has a long association with most of the Sikh Gurus. Guru Nanak Dev is said to have visited this place when it was little more than a wilderness. Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru spent the last few years of his life here. There are many Gurdwaras in Kiratpur like Gurdwara Bavangarh Gurdwara Pata Puri, etc

Gurudwara Ber Sahib, Sultanpur Lodi

This is the Gurudwara built at the place where the first prophet Guru Nanak got enlightenment and created Sukhmani Sahib while taking bath in the river Kali Bein.From Sultanpur lodi only the Guru Nanak started his famous journeys. Sultanpur Lodi in Kapurthala district is easily accessible from Jalandhar and Amritsar via Taran Taran and Goindwal Sahib. One can plan his visit from both Amritsar( around 60 km away) and Jalandhar (36 km away).

Dera Baba Nanak

Dera Baba Nanak is a city and a municipal council in Gurdaspur district in the state of Punjab, India.
Demographics As of 2001 India census, Dera Baba Nanak had a population of 7493. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Dera Baba Nanak has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78% and, female literacy is 72%. In Dera Baba Nanak, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. Historical facts Two famous Gurudwara at Dera Baba Nanak are Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Chola Sahib. Dera Baba Nanak, one of the most sacred places of the Sikhs, is situated on the banks of river Ravi. Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru, settled and died near the village Pakhoke, opposite to the present town and named it Kartarpur. The Bedis, descendants of Guru Nanak Dev built a new town and named it Dera Baba Nanak after their great ancestor. The town has a number of Sikh temples. Pilgrims come to this holy town in large numbers. Dera Baba Nanak was made the headquarter of newly created Tehsil of Dera Baba Nanak.
Bollywood Producer Bobby Bedi is a direct descendant of Guru Nanak Dev and has an ancestral home here. Gurudwara Sri Darbar Sahib was built in commemoration of Sri Guru Nanak Dev. He came here after his first Udasi (tour) on December 1515 AD to see the members of his family. His wife Mata Sulakhni and His two sons Baba Sri Chand and Baba Lakhmi Chand had come to stay here in their maternal home at Pakho-Ke-Randhawa, near Dera Baba Nanak, where Lala Mool Raj, father–in–law of Guru Nanak Dev was working as Patwari. At that time this village was situated across the river Ravi.

Gurudwara Baba Bakala

Gurudwara Baba Bakala: The historical shrine at Baba Bakala is associated with an important event in Sikh history. Before his death at Delhi on March 30, 1664 Guru Harkrishan uttered these words 'Baba Bakala', thereby meaning that his successor was to be found at Bakala village in Amritsar. In Bakala there were many men who then claimed to be the Guru's successor. This was the first time a Guru had not selected his successor in person. This created some anxiety in the sikhs.

Makhan Shah Labana Makhan Shah trader from Jhelum district was carrying a ship of his goods and got caught up in a furious storm. His life and goods were in great danger. Helplessly, he knelt down and prayed to God and Guru Nanak for safety. He vowed that if by the grace of Guru he landed at the nearest port safely, he would donate five hundred Dinars to the Guru for charitable purposes. His boat was saved by the grace of Baba Bakala, for whom he was searching. He recognized that he was the true Guru, because he had saved the ship with solely with his small finger of his hand. He felt that his life and goods were saved by the grace of the Guru, and promised the Guru five hundred dinars The first thing he tried to do was fulfill his vow. But on reaching Baba Bakala he found several impostors, each posing as Guru. He decided to offer only two Dinars to every one posing to be Guru Harkrishan's successor. The true Guru would himself demand the exact amount he had vowed to give. According to him it would not be possible for the false and impostors to define the exact purpose of his visit. Thereby, their ignorance, lack of spiritual insight, and character would be exposed. Finding Guru Tegh Bahadur As expected, none of the imposters could recognize him. But he was left with a problem; if none of these men were the Guru then where is the rightful Guru? Then he heard of a solitarian in the area. His name was Tegh Bahadur and he was the son of Guru Hargobind. Well, Makhan Shah went to see this man, and when he placed two dinars before Tegh Bahadur, the great sage at once remarked "God bless you, my man, why only two Dinars after pledging five hundred? The Guru is never in need of any thing but a Sikh is expected to keep his pledge to the Guru." Thus the issue was clinched and the real Guru was discovered by Makhan Shah. In amazement Makhan Shah proclaimed that he would inform everyone upon discovering the True Guru. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was hoping to continue to meditate in solitude and told Makhan Shah not to tell anyone. The Guru tried to discourage him by saying his face would be blackened if he did so (this is a statement meaning you will be dishonored). Makhan Shah took this as a challenge instead of a curse and put ash on his face and climbed to the rooftop to announce to all that he had found the Guru. Since this historic event Bakala has become a place of pilgrimage. A beautiful Gurdwara stands at the spot where Guru Ji used to meditate in an underground cell. This small village where Guru Ji revealed himself subsequently, came to be called Baba-Bakala. The Gurdwara has many beautiful paintings pertaining to the Sikh history. People gather in thousands on every amavas night. Besides an Annual Fair is held on rakshabandhan day when many people throng this holy place from all over the country. It is situated only 3 km away from Butari railway station and is well connected by roads to important towns of Punjab.

Khadur Sahib

Khadur Sahib 52 Kms from Amritsar. Commemorates the seat of Sikh religion during the time of the second Prophet, Guru Angad Dev Ji.

HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF KHADUR SAHIB Khadur Sahib (Distt. Amritsar,Punjab) is symbolically attached with the name of Guru Angad Dev Ji. This place got sanctified by the visit of eight Sikh Masters (Sikh Gurus). This town is quite easy to approach - being only 38 kms from Amritsar, 22 kms from Jandiala Guru, 20 Kms from Tarn Taran, 22 kms from Rayya and 9 kms from Goindwal Sahib. The second Master spent 13 years of his Guruship at Khadoor Sahib, spreading the universal message of Guru Nanak Sahib. Khadur Sahib is the place which was sanctified by visits of eight Sikh Gurus. It is the place where Gurmukhi Lipi was introduced for the first time as medium of language after careful modification by Guru Angad Sahib. It is the place where first Gurmukhi Primer was prepared by the Guru. It is the place where first school was established by Guru Angad Sahib Ji. It is the place where first Gutka of Guru Nanak Sahib’s Bani was prepared. It is the place where first Mal Akhara for wrestling was established and it is the place where regular campaign against intoxicants and social evils was started by Guru Angad Sahib. Places of Pilgrimage at Khadur Sahib Gurdwara Sri Tapiana Sahib: This place is very sacred as First Master Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji sang holy hymns along with Bhai Bala Ji & Bhai Mardana Ji. Janam Sakhi of Sri Guru Nanak Dev was got written by Guru Angad Dev Ji through Bhai Paira Mokha. Memorial of Bhai Bala Ji :-This memorial is situated in circumbulation (parkarma) of Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib where Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji performed his last rites with his own hands. Gurdwara Tap Asthan Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji: Here Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked Bhai Lehna (Name of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji by birth) to meditate. Gurdwara Mai Bharai Ji: After attaining Guruship, Guru Angad Dev Ji remained interned in the house of Mai Bharai(Aunt of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji ). It was only Baba Buddha Ji who impressed upon Guru Ji to appear before Sangat( devotees). Gurdwara Mall Akhara Sahib: It is at this place that Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji spent most of his time holding religious gatherings (Diwans) and giving discourse to Sikh Sangat. It is pertinent to mention that here Guru Ji made arrangements for teaching Gurmukhi script to children and organised wrestling bouts to make them physically strong. This place is particularly important as Guru Ji held religious discourses and conversation with 'Siddhas' and also developed Gurmukhi script. It was a wonderful place where two 'Langars' were run at the same -one 'langar' of Guru Shabad presided over by Guru Ji and the other 'langar' of food (Community kitchen) run by Mata Khiwi . Even Guru Granth Sahib bears testimony to this practice "Balwand Khiwi nek jan jis bahuti chhao patrali, Langar daulat vandiay ras amrit kheer ghiali"(SGGS page-967) (Balwand says that Khivi, the Guru's wife, is a noble woman, who gives soothing, leafy shade to all. She distributes the bounty of the Guru's Langar; the kheer - the rice pudding and ghee, is like sweet ambrosia.) Here practically demonstrated the principal of "Tan Man Thevai Haria" (body and mind blossom forth).Read more....

Places to Visit in Punjab

Places to Visit in Punjab     Amritsar Gurdaspur Nangal Anandpur Sahib Hoshiarpur Pathankot Bathinda Jalandhar Patiala Chandigarh Kapurthala Ropar Faridkot Ludhiana Sangrur Ferozepur Moa Sanghol

Temples in Punjab Ram Tirth, Amritsar: Location 11Kilometres west of Amritsar on Chogawan road, dates back to the period of Ramayana, Rishi Balmiki's hermitage. The place has an ancient tank and many temples. A hut marks the site where Mata Sita gave birth to Luv & Kush and also, still extant are Rishi Balmiki's hut and the well with stairs where Mata Sita used to take her bath. Forts of Punjab Govindgarh Fort Amritsar: Early 19th century designed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Has special defence mechanism against artillery attacks, which were frequent when Punjab was still open to depredations of the Afghan hordes. Being with paramilitary forces it is not open to visitors now. History of Punjab The History of Punjab is as old as the history of the Indian Civilization. The land of five rivers, this state was known as Panchal when the Aryans came to India in the third millennium BC. before that, the whole region of the Sindhu (Indus) and its tributaries were inhibited by the Harappans or the people of Copper age who constructed great cities in this region. Ropar in modern Punjab is a great example of this civilization. Tourist Attractions in Punjab The most important tourist center in the state is Amritsar with its Golden Temple. This temple is considered to be the holiest of all the pilgrimages of Sikhism and houses Akal Takht, the supreme governing body of Sikhism. The Jalianwallah Bagh is a small park in the city where many pilgrims were massacred by the British police in the year 1919. Mosques in Punjab Mazaar, Pir Baba Haji Rattan, Bathinda City: Situated between the Civil Hospital and the grain Market. It attracts devotees from all faiths. Baba Haji Rattan had visited Mecca as an ambassador of Raja Bhoj. On returning to India he had settled at Bhatinda. The Mazaar (mausoleum) marks the site where the Peer used to meditate. The place is halloed by the visits of the 1st and the 10th Prophets of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji.