Places of Religious Importance for Sikhs in Northern India

Amritsar the most sacred city for the Sikhs, is home to the Golden temple also known as Hari Mandir or Darbar sahib. The holiest shrine of Sikhism, the beautiful and serene temple stands in the middle of Amrit Sarovar, the sacred pool that gives the city its name. The two strayed marble temple is reached by a causeway known as the Guru’s Bridge. The golden dome is believed to represent an inverted lotus. Priests in the temple keep up a continuous reading from the Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. Around the temple are several other historical buildings. 22 Km from Amritsar is Taran Taran. The pool near this shrine is believed to have curative properties. Godindwal Saheb is 30 Km from Amritsar. The final resting place of Guru Angad Devji here. Baba Bakala, 45 km from Amritsar is dedicated to the ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur. There is a magnificent Gurudwara here. 40 Km from Chandigarh is Sirhind, the place where Guru Gobind Singh’s sons were martyred.

The fatehgarh Sahib Gurudwara, marks this spot. About 75 Km north-west of Chandigarh in Haryana is Anandpur Sahib One of the holiest sites for Sikhs, Anandpur Sahib has several historical Gurudwara and has been an important pilgrim centre for over 300 years. The largest Gurudwara here is the Gurudwara Kesgarh Sahib, believed to be where the Khalsa Panth was born. In March every year, this event is commemorated with the festival of Holla Mohalla. Facing Kesgarh Sahib is Gurudwara Anandgarh Sahib. 142 Km from Shimla, in Himachal Pradesh is Paonta Sahib home to an impressive Gurudwara dedicated to the Tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh who were a major part of the Dassam Granth here.