Intended Readers : My Sikh brothers & sisters and off-course शौकीन travelers.
I strongly believe that Sikhism has a very Royal Virsa(Heritage n Traditions) and thus wanted to explore the 5 main Gurudwaras(Takhats) of Sikhism.
- Hazur Sahib
- Patna Sahib
- Keshgarh Sahib
- Dumduma Sahib
- Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple)
Out of these 5 Takhats, the Akal Takhat resides in Harmandir Sahib(Amritsar).
Akal Takht means the Throne of the Immortal and is the highest political institution of the Sikhs."Akal" means "The Timeless One" - another term for God. "Takhat" means "throne" in persian.
I'll introduce each one of them in the order in which I visited them.
- HAZUR SAHIB(Abchal Nagar, Maharashtra) : Nov 2012,
History - It is where the 10th guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji completed his last breath
When to visit - Dec to Feb
Where to Stay - Sachkhand Sahib Sarah.
Some valuable tips :-
- There is not a single more beautiful place to stay than the Sachkhand Sahib Sarah in Nanded . You can easily book rooms online.
- Sharp 4.45pm reach the Gurudwara and find yourself a nice comfortable place to sit. Rush increases exponentially after 5.30pm.
- Aarti in the evening is beautiful and can not be put in words. You are bound to feel the presence of god, in and around you (and i really mean it).
- Langar is the only Food Option available. Try out Hot Pakodas outside Gurdwara Sahib main gate.
- Book a cab to visit other gurudwaras in Nanded. They are all beautiful and very peaceful.
- Nanded is super-hot, even in December. So do not keep woolens with you.
One thing I love about Nanded is the peace that one gets here. Away from the hussle pussle of City life, Nanded is sooo Serene, that you'll definitely wish to come back here.
- PATNA SAHIB(Patna, Bihar) : Jan 2013,
History - Birth Place of Guru Gobind Singh ji.
When to visit - Dec to FebWhere NOT to Stay - Samrat Hotel.
Some valuable tips :-
- Mujhe ek bhi dhang ki jagah nahi pata waha rehne ki. Mine was an overly priced, horrible hotel.
- Gurudwara is pretty far from the Patna city, so book a cab (not an Auto) to visit the Gurudwara
- Gurudwara Patna sahib is beautiful, visit around 8 in the morning, to have Guruji's Shastra Darshan.There are other Gurudwara's in the close vicinity of the main Gurdwara, do visit them as well.
- If you are planning to visit Patna, please keep the following in mind-
- Patna is not a fun-travel-destination.
- 4-star hotel ka receptionist bhi on duty paan khata dikh sakta hai.
- Domino's is a safe bet for food. Don't get confused if the attender asks "would you like BHEJ or NON BHEJ pizaa??".
- There is a difference between Dal Makhni and Dal Makhaani.
- Duniya k saare Airports sundar nahi hote.
- Last but not least, Sardar bhi bihari bolte hain :)
- KESHGARH SAHIB (Anandpur, punjab) - March, 2013
History - It was here that the Khalsa was born.
When to visit - Any time in the year
Where to Stay - Paramount hotel(when with friends) / Haveli Hotel (with family)
Some valuable tips :-
- Keshgarh Sahib, surrounded by hills and located at a little height from the plains, has a very picturesque location with an undeniable charm. Nights are cold so keep woolens.
- 'Virasat-e-khalsa' deserves a special mention if you are planning to visit Anandpur. It is walk-able from main Gurudwara sahib, and is probably the most amazing places you would have ever seen. Sikh history portrayed in the most Royal Manner. Kudos to the Punjab Govt. for the commendable effort..!!
- Kiratpur Sahib Gurudwara is around 15kms from Anandpur . Do visit the gurudwara for its historical importance.
- The place has little to offer for foodies. So enjoy Langar. :)
- DAMDAMA SAHIB(Bhatinda, Punjab) : Oct, 2013
History - The Takht is in the Talwandi Sabo, 28 km southeast of Bathinda. Literally, Damdama means breathing place. Guru Gobind Singh stayed here after the Sikhs fought several defensive battles.
When to visit - Sept-Dec
Where to Stay - Hotel Sepal is a nice option.
Some valuable tips :-
- Take a bus from Bhatinda for Sabo ki talwandi.
- You'll get a typical pind wali feel in the route.
- Mukatsar sahib is a good 50-60 kms from bhatinda so keep it for the next day.
- There are many good eating joints at Bhatinda city.
- HARMANDIR SAHIB ,'The Akal Takhat '(Amritsar, Punjab) : Nov, 2013
History - http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Harmandar_Sahib
When to visit - Sept-Dec
Where to Stay - Plenty of good hotels in close vicinity of the Gurudwara. I liked Hotel CJ international as it overlooks Golden Temple.
Some valuable tips :-
- Shatabdi is probably the most practical, economical and comfortable way to reach Amritsar
- Buy Phulkari chunnis and 'Papad vadiyan' from Amritsar.
- Foodies can comfort there taste buds at 'Bharawan da dhaba' and 'Kesar da dhaba'. Try Amritsari kulcha with a glass full of lassi (first timers can have some problems the next morning).
- Jaliyan wala bagh is walk-able and hire a taxi to visit Wagha border. Reach border by 5pm to enjoy the complete evening parade.
Mail me at : jaideep248@gmail.com for proper itineraries for each of these places or any other queries.
Keep Traveling,
Jaideep Singh
