It’s the youngest of the world's four great monotheistic religions. Founder of the Sikh religion was Guru Nanak born in 1469. He preached a message of love and understanding and criticized the blind rituals of the Hindus and Muslims.
This was a time when India was being torn apart by castes, sectarianism, religious factions, and fanaticism. He respected all religions. For him there is one God and many paths, and the Name of God is Truth, "Sat Nam”
Guru Nanak's followers were called seekers of truth which means Sikhs. He taught them to bow only before God, and to link themselves to the Guru, the Light of Truth, who lives always in direct consciousness of God, experiencing no separation. Through words and example, the Guru demonstrates to followers how to experience God within themselves.
Guru Nanak was a humble personality. He opposed superstition, injustice, and hypocrisy and inspired seekers by singing divine songs, which touched the hearts of the listeners. These songs were recorded, and formed the beginnings of the Sikhs' sacred writings, later to become the "Siri Guru Granth Sahib"
Guru Nanak passed on his enlightened leadership of this new religion to nine successive Gurus.
The final one Guru Gobind Singh died in 1708.
Each one of the ten Gurus represents a divine attribute:

Guru Nanak – Humility, Guru Angad - Obedience, Guru Amar Das - Equality
Guru Ram Das – Service, Guru Arjan - Self-Sacrifice Guru Hargobind - Justice
Guru Har Rai – Mercy, Guru Harkrishan - Purity Guru Tegh Bahadur-Tranquility
Guru Gobind Singh - Royal Courage
(start from Guru Nanak reading left to right ending with Guru Gobind)

Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Guru, exemplified the ideal of the Soldier-Saint. He was also an inspired writer, courageous warrior, and a source of Divine Wisdom to his Sikhs. "When all other means have failed," he said, "only then is it righteous to take up the sword." He was the defender of the poor, the meek, and the oppressed masses of India.

Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa order (meaning 'The Pure'), soldier-saints. The Khalsa uphold the highest Sikh virtues of commitment, dedication and social conscious. The Khalsa are men and women, who have undergone the Sikh baptism ceremony and who strictly follow the Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions and wear the prescribed physical articles of the faith. One of the more noticeable being the uncut hair to be covered with a turban for men and the Kirpan ceremonial sword.
Before his death in 1708 Guru Gobind Singh declared that the Sikhs no longer needed a living and appointed his spiritual successor as Sri Guru Granth Sahib, his physical successor as the Khalsa.
Guru Gobind Singh felt that all the wisdom needed by Sikhs for spiritual guidance in their daily lives could be found in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Eternal Guru of the Sikhs. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is unique in the world of religious scriptures because not only is it accorded the status of being the spiritual head of the Sikh religion, but besides the poetry of the Gurus, it also contains the writings of saints of other faiths whose thoughts were consistent with those of the Sikh Gurus
Sikhism does not have priests, which were abolished by Guru Gobind Singh. The Guru felt that they had become corrupt and full of ego. Sikhs only have custodians of the Guru Granth Sahib (granthi), and any Sikh is free to read the Guru Granth Sahib in the Gurdwara (a temple) or in their home. All people of all religions are welcome to the Gurdwara.

There are 18-20 million Sikhs in the world, 80% in Punjab state in Northwest India, where the faith began. You’ll find 500,000 Sikhs in UK of which 80% are active in their faith.
Other countries with Sikh communities are Canada (225,000) and the US (100,000).

While Sikhism does not have priests, most gurdwaras will have a Granthi, which is a learned Sikh who is skilled in reading the scriptures. However, a Granthi has no special religious status.
Sikhism does not actively look for converts, but it is welcoming those who do want to convert

Basic Teachings

The goal of human life is to break the cycle of birth's and deaths and merge with God. This can be accomplished by following the teachings of the Guru, meditation on the Holy Name and performance of acts of service and charity.

Rejection of all forms of blind rituals such as fasting, religious vegetarianism, pilgrimages, superstions, yoga, as well as any form of idol worship.

Normal Family life is encouraged, celibacy or renunciation of the world is not necessary to achieve salvation. The devotee must live in the world yet keep his mind pure. He must be a soldier, a scholar, a saint.

The Sikh Holy Book (Guru Granth Sahib) is the perpetual Guru, there is no place in Sikhism for a living Guru today.

Sikhism rejects all distinctions of caste, creed, race or sex.

Sikhism stresses the full equality of women, rejecting female infanticide, sati (wife burning), permitting widow remarriage and rejects purdah (women wearing veils).

It is considered honorable to earn ones daily bread through honest work and not by begging or dishonest means. The individual is expected to help others in need through charity. Seva, community service is also an intergral part of Sikhism. The free community kitchen (langar) found at every gurdwara and open to people of all religions is one expression of this community service

The five cardinal vices are; Kam (lust), Krodh (anger), Lobh (greed), Moh (worldly attachment) and Ahankar (pride). If one can overcome these, then one will achieve salvation.
A Sikh has to refrain from any sexual relationships outside of marriage, and to refrain from taking meat, tobacco, alcohol, and all other intoxicants.

To Sikhs, their turban is sacred. Their Gurus instructed them to wear it, and they have sacrificed their lives to protect its honor.

The believer has to live his life according to the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, to meditate on God and the scriptures, and to do things to benefit other people.

Sikhs believe in a single, all-powerful God, who created the universe and everything in it.
He has always existed and always will exist, he has no shape, no gender and has never taken and will never take human form on earth. God is truth and without hatred or fear.

God reaches out to humanity through the word, which is conveyed by the Gurus, or teachers, and which is laid down in the form of hymns, which form the backbone of Sikh worship.

Everyone is equal in God's eyes; whatever their caste, creed, or gender. Sikhism preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God. Women can participate in any religious function or perform any Sikh ceremony or lead the congregation in prayer.

The soul goes through cycles of births and deaths before it reaches the human form. The goal of our life is to lead an exemplary existence so that one may merge with God. The true path to achieving salvation and merging with God does not require renunciation of the world or celibacy, but living the life of a householder, earning a honest living and avoiding worldly temptations and sins.

Everyone can be directly in touch with God. There are no clergy in Sikhism.
o religion has a monopoly on the truth. Sikhism is not the only way to God.

One should live a responsible life as part of the community.

Withdrawing from the world or becoming an ascetic are not worthwhile.

Sikhism condemns blind rituals such as fasting, visiting places of pilgrimage, superstitions, worship of the dead, idol worship etc.

Personal devotion includes meditation on and awareness of God and community service.

Social justice is to be supported. The use of force as a last resort is justified to uphold it.

Death is transition to a life where the joy of being in the presence of God can be fully realised

The most significant historical religious center for the Sikhs is Harmiandir Sahib (The Golden Temple) at Amritsar in the state of Punjab in northern India. It is the inspirational and historical center of Sikhism but is not a mandatory place of pilgrimage or worship. All places where Sri Guru Granth Sahib are installed are considered equally holy for Sikhs.

Comparisons between Sikhism and other religions

Hinduism and Sikhism

Similarities

Reincarnation
Like Hinduism Sikhism believes in the reincarnation of the soul. There are countless cycles of births and deaths. One only breaks this cycle when mukhti or the merger with God is reached.

Karma
Karma regulates the reincarnation of the soul. Sikhism links Karma with the doctrine of Grace.
Mortals obtain a human body as a result of good deeds, but they reach the gate of salvation with God's grace says Guru Nanak

Maya
The world is just an illusion and some get enchanted with this illusion and forget God

Differences

Sikhism rejects polytheism and accepts monotheism
Whereas Sikhism starts with one God and universalizes Him, Hinduism starts with many Gods and gives only a glimpse of the 'One'.

Authority of the Vedas
The importance of the Vedas is doubted by the Sikhs, whereas in Hinduism the Vedas are the all important sources of belief.

the role of Priests
Sikhism does not recognize any priestly class.

Stages of life
Shikism rejects the Ashrama Dharma theory of dividing man's life into four stages. Instead the Gurus emphasized living the householders life.

Cast system
Shikism rejects the Varna distinction of human society into higher and lower castes. According to Guru Ram Das there are four castes of literates, warriors, cultivators and menials and the four stages of life. But he who meditates on the Lord is the most distinguished amongst men.

Avatara theory
The Gurus rejected the Avatara theory of the incarnations of God. The Gurus exposed the mortality of these gods and used stories to illustrate moral values and untouchability becoming superior through devotion to God The Gurus stressed that there is only one God and that these gods and goddesses were not true.

Worship of idols and images.
Shikism rejects the worship of idols and images which are worshiped by Hindus.

Goal of a mukt
The Gita and Vedanta goal of a Mukt. According to Hinduism someone who achieves salvation does not live for the community. In Sikhism the Gurmukh achieving salvation lives to save others.

Sanskrit
Shikism rejects Sanskrit or any language as being sacred.

Islam and Sikhism

Similarities

Fatherhood of God
Gurus believed that not only is God our Father, but He is Mother, Brother, Husband and Friend.
Bismillah of the Quran and the Mul Mantra of the Guru Granth Sahib are both dedicated to One Merciful God and are placed at the beginning of every new chapter. In both the nature of God transcends all concepts of time.

Emphasis on the Will of God

Creation of the world by the mere will of God.

Condemnation of idol worship.

Condemnation of asceticism.

Concept of Holy War
in Sikhism limited to fighting injustice.

Differences

Holy book
Sikhism does not believe that any Holy Book takes precedence over all others or any religions prophet is the final messenger of God.
Salvation
Sikhism believes that people of different religions are equally capable of achieving salvation while still following their own religion, while for Islam there is only one way..
Shikism places greater emphasis on the love of God as the main motivation for man rather than fear of God.

Use of God’s name
Sikhism does not believe in the idea of Gods name being only for those authorized in a religious tradition or Holy Book.

Visit of the “temple”
Non-Sikhs are allowed to visit and enter the most sacred shrine of the religion, The Golden Temple. Mosques are purely for believers in Islam

Attitude towards women
Sikh women are allowed to lead congregations of men at the temple or administer all religious ceremonies involving either men or women, while in Islam man have authority over women..

Fasting
Shikism believes that fasting does not influence the mind and that only worship of the Lord’s name is of any importance. While Fasting in the Islam religion has high importance (Ramadhan)

Sacrifice of animals
Sikhism rejects the killing of any animal evoking a prayer or by slow death. Muslim Halal meat is forbidden for Sikhs.

circumcision
Sikhism rejects the idea of circumcision, while for Moslems it is a matter of importance..

Judaism, Christianity and Sikhism

Similarities

Submission to the will of God

Brotherhood of man

Fatherhood of God and salvation by grace.

Jewish emphasis on 'The Name'.

Differences

Salvation
According to Islam only for the “choosen people”, while Sikhism believes anyone can achieve salvation irrespective of the religion that they follow if they endear God in their heart and daily actions.

Concept of Jesus
Christian regard Jesus as son of God, while Sikhism regards all as the children of God.

Infant baptism
In Sikhism child baptism into the Khalsa brotherhood is discouraged. One should only become a Khalsa when they are able to fully understand the duties and responsibilities.
Special Day for worship. There is no special day like Sunday or Sabbath for worship.
Heaven and Hell as physical entities. In Sikhism there are no such physical places. Hell is equivalent to the cycles of births and deaths and heaven is equivalent to the soul merging with God.
Priests. Guru Gobind Singh abolished the priestly class making Sikhism free from their weaknesses and egos, the only priest is the Living Guru, the Guru Granth Sahib which contains all the knowledge and which is available for reading by any Sikh

Buddhism and Sikhism

Similarities

Cast system
Buddha tried to abolish the caste system and believed in the idea of brotherhood.

Forms and rituals
Complete disregard for forms and rituals and emphasis on purity of the heart and sincerity in our dealings with others. Buddha preached in the spoken language of the people and did not believe in the sanctity of any language.

Differences

God
Buddhism does not believe in the need for God, in that sense Buddhist doctrine is absolutely atheistic.

Approach to live
Buddhist belief that to live is to suffer, while Sikhism believes that there is joy, bliss and happiness available for the human beings.

Nirvana
According to Buddhists the end of life is Nirvana, which is complete extinction. The Gurus idea of Nirvana was eternal bliss as the soul merges with God.

Monks and nuns
Sikhism does not have any order of monks or nuns

Yoga and Sikhism

Similarities

Caste system
Yogis do not recognize the caste system

Food
Yogis have no scruples about the impurity of certain foods and some were non-vegetarian.
Some yogis led married lives. Free kitchen, many in western India operate free kitchens open to all twice a day.

Differences

Practice
The practice of Yoga is more or less physical in nature, through chanting, breathing and other exercises one tries to achieve physical mastery over the body. The Gurus rejected this because it does not help the yogi to get rid of egoism, selfishness and does not help in the process of building up moral character or interaction with others.

Sufism and Sikhism

Similarities

Emphasis on music and singing the praises of God.
Sufism and Sikhism are putting emphasis on music and singing to praise God.

Emphasis on inner worth instead of external rituals.

Respect for all religions and prophets and a general tolerance for the convictions of others.
Free community kitchen.

Differences

poverty and asceticism
Sufis believe in the renunciation of any wealth and to live the live of an ascet while Sikhism teaches to lead the life of a householder involved in daily life.

Family and community
The final stage of the Sufi is renunciation of family and community, while there is no need to renounce these in Sikhism.

Approach to life
Sufis believe that life is misery and the world nothing but an embodiment of pain while Sikhism is pro life..

Bhakti Movement and Sikhism

Similarities

Outspoken criticism of the caste system.

Stern condemnation of idol worship.

Harsh attacks on the hypocrisy of the priestly class and ritualization of religion.

Differences

Approach to life
Bhagat Kabir regarded the world and life as suffering and welcomed death as the beginning of a blissful existence. The Gurus believed you can achieve blissful mukhti while alive and do not have to wait for death.
Bhagat Kabir believed that either one should become a householder and do good actions or he should become a Vairagi and renounce the world. Guru Nanak believed only in the path of the householder.

Food
Kabir was a strict vegetarian and strongly believed in the doctrine of Ahinsa, non destruction of any life; man, animal or even a flower. The Sikh Guru's did not believe in this practice as fight as the last mean is allowed..

Heaven
Bhagat Ravi Das believed in a physical heaven, while the Sikh Gurus did not believe in a physical concept of heaven. The Sikh heaven is to merge and become one with God

The Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib,
situated in Amritsar, Punjab, is the most sacred temple for Sikhs. It is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world. In the evolution of the Darbar Sahib, is entwined the history and ideology of Sikhism. In its architecture are included, symbols associated with other places of worship. This is an example of the spirit of tolerance and acceptance that the Sikh philosophy propounds.
Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Golden Temple, is named after Hari(God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.

HIstory
Sri Harmandir Sahib was invaded and destroyed many times by invaders. Each and every time the Sikhs had to sacrifice their lives in order to liberate it and restore its sanctity. After the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh (1737), Massa Ranghar, the Kotwal of Amritsar took charge of Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1740 and converted it into a civil court and began to hold notch parties. This act created great resentment among the Sikhs. Two warriors, Sukha Singh and Mahtab Singh avenged the insult. They entered the temple complex in guise of peasants, severed the head of Massa Ranghar with a single blow of kirpan and fled away with decapitated head on one of the their spears.

Guru Arjan Sahib got its foundation laid by a muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir of Lahore on 1st of Magh, 1644 Bikrmi Samvat(12.1588). The construction work was directly supervised by Guru Arjan Sahib and he was assisted by the prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha, Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Sahlo and many other devoted Sikhs.

Unlike erecting the structure on the higher level (a tradition in Hindu Temple architecture), Guru Arjan Sahib got it built on the lower level and unlike Hindu Temples having only one gate for the entrance and exit, Guru Sahib got it open from four sides. Thus he created a symbol of new faith, Sikhism. Guru Sahib made it accessible to every person without any distinction of Caste, creed, sex and religion.

Architecture of the Golden Temple
Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67ft. square platform in the centre of the Sarovar(tank). The temple itself is 40.5ft. square. It has a door each on the East, West, North and South. The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the shore end of the causeway. The door frame of the arch is about 10ft in height and 8ft 6inches in breath. The door panes are decorated with artistic style. It opens on to the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building of Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width.

The bridge is connected with the 13 feet wide 'Pardakshna' (circumambulatory path). It runs round the main shrine and it leads to the 'Har ki Paure' (steps of God). On the first floor of 'Har ki Paure', there is continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib. The main structure of Sri Harmandir Sahib, functionally as well as technically is a three-storied one. The front, which faces the bridge, is decorated with repeated cussed arches and the roof of the first floor is at the height of the 26 feet and 9 inches.

At the top of the first floor 4 feet high parapet rises on all the sides which has also four 'Mamtees' on the four corners and exactly on the top of the central hall of the main sanctuary rises the third story. It is a small square room and have three gates. A regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is also held there. On the top of this room stands the low fluted 'Gumbaz'(dome) having lotus petal motif in relief at the base inverted lotus at the top which supports the 'Kalash' having a beautiful 'Chhatri' at the end.

Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus way of construction work and this is considered the best architectural specimens of the world. It is often quoted that this architecture has created an independent Sikh school of architecture in the history of art in India.

Attractions Around the Golden Temple
A visit to the Golden Temple is incomplete without a visit to the following among others-
AKAL TAKHAT
It rightly faces the Golden Temple. Built by the Sixth Master Guru Hargobind (1606-44) in 1609, has been the nerve centre or the Sikhism ever since. All commandments affecting the community as a whole were and are issued from here. The Akal Takhat was used for holding court and Sikh congregations in the days of its builder.
The Akal Takhat was pulled down several times by the Muslim raiders. The ground floor of the present building was constructed in 1 874. Three storeys were subsequently added by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. A number of weapons used by Guru Hargobind, Guru Gobind Singh and other Sikh heroes are preserved at Akal Takhat. In 1984 during Operation Blue Star Akal Takhat was badly damaged by the Indian Army.
BABA ATAL
A nine-storeyed tower, built in memory of Atal Rai (D. 1628), a son of Hargobind, is called Baba Atal. Atal Rai died at nine. He was called 'Baba' (an old man) head over young shulders. The tower was built between 1778 and 1784. It is the only of its kind in the city with 108 ft. height.
GURU KA LANGAR
A Sikh temple without a Community Kitchen is inconceivable. Cooked food is serviced in the kitchen of the Golden Temple 24 hours to all visitors irrespective of religion, caste, creed and nationality. The expenses are met out of the Temple funds. Approximately 40,000 visitors share the meals everyday presently.
SRI GURU RAM DAS NIWAS
The Niwas is a free hostel for the pilgrims maintained by the Temple authorities. It has been built by the Gurdwara Committee. It has 228 rooms and 18 big halls. Unlike the ordinary 'Daramsalas' the Niwas supplies the facilities of free beddings, cots, lights and fans etc. to the lodgers. A lodger is not generally allowed to stay here for more than three days at a time. The doors of the hostels are open to all. The lodgers however must not do anything repugnant to the teachings of Sikhism.
THE SGPC OFFICES
The headquarters of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee are located in the Teja Singh Samundri Hall near the Golden Temple. The Gurdwara Act 1925, transferred the control of the historical Sikh Shrines in the Punjab to the SGPC. It is a representative body of the Sikhs elected by adult franchise.

Anandpur Sahib
Anandpur Sahib-the holy City of Bliss-is one of the most important sacred places of the Sikhs and is 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 Satluj 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 1664 by the ninth Guru, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji, near the ruins of an ancient place, Makhowal. The Guru purchased the site from the ruler of Bilaspur.

The Takht Sahib proper is a square hall with a balcony in front overlooking a spacious courtyard on a lower level. In the middle of the inner domed room are placed some weapons preserved as sacred relics. The space being limited on the top of the hill, the sarovar is on the plain ground west of the Takht Sahib. A large spacious pavilion is also around for larger congregation. Although the town is small but on the occassion of Hola Mohalla every year in the month of March it booms into boisterous activities and recaptures its old glory andsplendor.

Attractions of Anandpur Sahib
Hola Mohal
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 Ji. The Guru decided that the occasion of the festival of Holi, fun and frolic and colour splashing, be the occasion for the display of the martial spirit of his people and he gave this festival of Holi a more masculine name of Hola Mohalla. Each year Hola Mohalla marks the congregation of lacs of devotees from all over the country for a festival of colour and gaiety.

Baisakhi 1999 at Anandpur Sahib had been significant as it marked the completion of 300 years of the Birth of the Khalsa. It was on Baisakhi day in 1699 that Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji baptised the 'Panj Pyaras' at Anaandpur Sahib at the place where Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib stands.
Gurudwara Guru-Ka-Mahal (Bhora Sahib)
Residence of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur inherited by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji; 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 raised platform. There is place to mark the spot where the Kashmiri Brahmins came to seek protection.
Gurudwara Sis-Ganj Sahib
In November, 1675, the martyred head of the 9th Guru which was heroically brought by Bhai Jaita ( Bhai Jiwan Singh after taking holy nectar according to Sikh rites (baptism) in exultant defiance of the Mughal authorities was cremated here, ceremoniously.
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, 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 Manji 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, Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, when, through baptism of the double-edged-sword the Sikh was consummated 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 righteous cause.
Sacred Places Near Sri Anandpur Sahib
Guru-Ka-Lahore
It is 11 kms on Sri Anandpur Sahib-Ganguwal route leading to the State of Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January, 1686, the 10th Guru's wedding to Mata Jito Ji was celebrated here. Two almost pinhead springs still functional, were pierced by the 10th Guru by lancing the rocky mountains.
Gurudwara Mata Jito Ji
Not far from Holgarh Fort. Mata Jito Ji was cremated here.
Bhai Ghanaiya Ji: His Baoli / Spring
Across the now almost dried up rivulet Charan Ganga and below the Taragarh hill, Bhai Ghanaiya Ji had anticipated the RED CROSS almost two centuries before its formation in the modern times. He used to render first aid to friends and foes, alike-something unknown in the world, then.

Sri Anandpur Sahib is the bastion from where the stoutest defence was put up to maintain liberty from the bigoted slavery of the Mughals and their tributory chiefs of the surrounding hills.
Hemkund Sahib
Location: Uttar Pradesh
Significance: Sikh Pilgrimage
Altitude: 4329 m Above Sea Level
The high altitude Lokpal lake, known as Hemkund ( 4329 mts.) lies in heavenly environs. A steep trek from Ghangharia leads one to this spot in about four to six hours. It is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs, as well as for people from other faiths. There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple built on the bank of the lake. Encircled by seven snow clad peaks and their associated glaciers, it reflects its surroundings enchantingly on its crystal clear serene waters. The glaciers from Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks feed the lake and a small stream called Himganga flows out of this lake.

As alluded to, in the holy Granth Sahib, Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikh faith had meditated on the bank of this lake in one of his earlier births. It is widely believed among Sikhs that Guru Govind Singh introduced the features now universally associated with Sikhism. On 15th April 1699, he started the new brotherhood called the Khalsa (meaning the pure, from the Persian word 'Khales') an inner core of the faithful, accepted by baptism (amrit).

The five K's' date from this period: kesh (uncut hair) kangha (comb), kirpan (dagger or short sword), kara (steel bangle), and kachh (boxer shorts). The most important is the uncut hair, adopted before the other four. The comb is sometime designated specially as wooden. The dagger and the shorts reflect military influence, while the bangle may be a from of charm.

It is believed that Lakshman, the younger brother of Ram, meditated by the lake and regained his health after being severely wounded by Meghnath, son of the demon Ravana, during battle. Despite its ancient connections, Hemkund/Lokpal was discovered by a Sikh Havaldar, Solan Singh and became a major pilgrimage centre only after 1930.

Damdama Sahib
This shrine consecrates the memory of an earlier visit of Guru Gobind Singh to the place in course of his return from Kurukshetra. Here Raja Ajmer Chand together with two Mughals, Sayyed Beg and Alaf Khan made a surprise attack on the Guru but was badly beaten back. The Mughal General was so impressed by the charismatic personality of the Guru that he became his devotee.

Talwandi Sabo is also known as Guru Ki Kashi. Here the fifth Takht of the Sikhs is located. The other four Takhts are Akal Takht, Amritsar, Takht Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur, Takht Hazur Sahib, Nanded (Maharashtra) and Takht Harmandir Sahib Patna (Bihar). Guru Gobind Singh arrived here on 20-21 January, 1706 and camped outside the village. The magnificent Gurudwara Sri Damdama Sahib marks the place of his stav. Here local Chaudhari Bhai Dalla looked after Guruji with great devotion. He refused to arrest the Guru as directed by Wazir Khan, Nawab of Sirhind.

Mata Sundri and Mata Sahib Kaur escorted by Bhai Mani Singh came here from Delhi to meet Guruji. Guruji spent nine months of intense literary activities.

Here Bhai Mani Singh prepared the holy volume under the guidance of Guruji. Talwandi thus became a seat of learning and assumed the status of Guru Ki Kashi. It was here that Chaudhari Tiloka and Rama, ancestors of the Pulkian (Patiala, Nabha and Jind) rulers received Amni from the blessed hands of the Guru. 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. The other sacred place at Talwandi Sabo are, Jand Sahib, Tibbi Sahib, Likhansar and Gurusar.

Besides, there are two Gurdwaras in memory of the ninth Guru Sri Tegh Bahadur, known as Wada Darbar Sahib and Gurusar. Guru Gobind Singh had come to Talwandi Sabo at the request of Bhai Dala, a devoted follower. He was the Chief of Brar jats of Ma!wa area. He liked the place immensely and stayed here for over nine months. During his stay, the place was transformed into abode of the Khalsa and became a second Anandpur. At Damdama Sahib as it is now called, the Guru preached complete sacrifice of personal and family interests at the altar of the good of mankind.

Patna Sahib
Location : Patna
Famous For : The Birthplace Of Guru Govind Sahib
Built In : 1839
Houses : Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib
The Sikhs consider the city of Patna as particularly holy, as the tenth guru of the Sikhs was born here. It was here that Guru Gobind Singh was born in the year 1666 and spent his early years before moving to Anandpur. Besides being the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, Patna was also honoured by visits from Guru Nanak as well as Guru Tegh Bahadur.

The Harmandir Takht, the gurudwara that commemorates Guru Gobind Singh, is a sacred place of pilgrimage for the Sikhs. To the Sikhs this holy place is reverentially known as Patna Sahib. Regarded as one of the holiest of the five takhts, it is situated in one of the old quarters of Patna City. The place once known as Kucha Farrukh Khan is now known as Harmandir Gali. Two of the five Takhts are located outside Punjab and are Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib, Patna in Bihar, and Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib at Nanded in Maharashtra. Three Takhts are in Punjab. These are Akal Takht Amritsar, Keshgarh Sahib Anandpur and Sri Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo Bhatinda district.

Salis Rai Johri, a great devotee of Guru Nanak was so much influenced by his teachings that he converted his opulent haveli into a dharamshala where Guru Tegh Bahadur also stayed. This is the place where the holy shrine of Harmandir Sahab is now located. The work of reconstructing the Harmandir in 1839 following destruction by fire was started by Maharaja Ranjit Singh started who did not survive to see the new structure. In 1934, when an earthquake rocked the entire Bihar some portion of Harmandir fell down. Construction of the present building was taken up on November 19, 1954 and was completed in about three years.

Quite a few relics of the Guru Govind Sahab are also preserved in this shrine that include 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.

The holy place of the Sikhs has grown up at Jhauganj (Chowk) of Old Patna around the birthplace, of the 10th or the last Guru of the Sikhs Guru Govind Singh. Among the holiest five Takhats Sri Harmandirji is the second.

Its architecture is also beautiful. But when the ancient Harmandir had burnt down by fire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh had built the present one in white marble in 1839. Even that was destroyed by the earthquake of 1934. The new Harmandir was re-built in 1954.
A museum with Sikh dynasty in painting, footwear of Guru, swing and many other articles can be seen at the ground floor. Birthday of the Guru is celebrated with pomp. Entry with head covered and bare feet is compulsory. Arrangement is available at the gate. Shops on the lane sell bamboo and leather articles.

Poanta Sahib
Location : Simour, Himachal Pradesh
Famous For : Sikh Pilgrimage
A city founded by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Poanta sahib is situated on the Yamuna River in Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh and is a bustling township with growing industries. The word 'Paonta' means 'space for a foot hold'. When only 16 years old, the Guru left Anandpur Sahib and on the invitation of Raja Maidini Prakash of Sirmour, lived at this beautiful spot for over four years and the historic gurudwara commemorates his stay.

Gurudwara Paonta Sahib
This site is believed to have been the holy Guru Gobind Singh's abode for over 4 years, where he penned the `Dasam Granth'. The Gurudwara houses the Shri Talab Asthan where he disbursed salaries, and the Shri Dastar Asthan where he judged the turban - tying competitions. The Kavi Durbar was the venue of the poetic symposia. A memorial dedicated to Kalpi Rishi, and a museum showcasing the pens of the Guru and the weapons of those times, are also located within the precincts of the Gurudwara.
Other Pilgrimage Centres
Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib
This gurudwara commemorates Guru Gobind Singh's first battle, wherein he vanquished Raja Fateh Shah and his allies.
Gurudwara Tirgarh Sahib
This gurudwara is constructed on the very hillock, from where Guru Gobind Singh is said to have shot arrows at his foes.
Gurudwara Shergarh Sahib
At this site, the Guru beheaded a vicious man - eating tiger with a single wave of his sword.
Nagnauna Temple
The Nagauna temple is located near the Puruwalla village, and is closely linked with the legend of Sirmour's former ruling family.

Manikaran

Location : 45 kms from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Famous For : Sikh Pilgrimage, Hot Springs
Houses : Gurudwara & Springs
Perched on the right bank of the roaring Parvati River, Manikaran is situated at an altitude of 1760 m and is located at a distance of about 45 kms, from Kullu, via Bhuntar, in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. Manikaran, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs, has many temples and a gurudwara. It epitomize historic temples of Lord Rama, Krishna, Vishnu (Raghunath) and goddess Bhagwati. Ram Temple was built in pyramidal style by Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century when the idol of Lord Rama was brought from Ayodhya. The idol was later shifted to Kullu. The temple was renovated by Raja Dilip Singh in 1889 AD. A trust is looking after the temple since 1981. The temple complex has three halls and forty rooms for the devotees to stay. A 'Lungar' (free communal food) is also served here.

Mythology
The mountain - locked area, the lush green patches and the forests of Mani Karan charmed Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati and they decided to stay there for sometime. For long eleven hundred years they remained at this place. At one time, when the Lord was relaxing with the Goddess, in the beautiful waters of a stream running by the side, the 'Mani' (Jewel) in an ear-ring of the goddess dropped somewhere. Parvati was much distressed and there was a thorough search but efforts to find out the jewel failed. Lord Siva got enraged, as a result of which his third eye opened. With the opening of the third eye of the Lord Siva, a very ominous event, there was a great commotion, all over the universe. In order to subside the anger of Lord Shiva, Shesh Nag hissed and hissed, as a result, there was a flow of boiling water continuously, which passed over the area and out came a large number of the precious stones.


If you are interested to hear more please contact US