5 Most Scenic Gurdwaras in India to Find Some Inner Peace

‘In Hindi, Guru means master or teacher, dwara is door. A gurdwara is a place where no one returns empty-handed from.’ That is what my mother said when I asked what ‘gurdwara’ means on our way to Bangla Sahib. Religion or rituals had never been a big thing in our family nor was I ever made to visit a gurudwara (even though I’m technically Sikh), but there’s something about a gurdwara—maybe it’s the positive aura—that always pulls me towards it. Here are the top 5 gurdwaras in India that one must visit once in their lives:

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Photo Credit: Geoff Stearns/flickr

In the 17^th century this was the ‘bangla’ or bungalow of the ruler Raja Jai Singh. The eighth guru, Guru Har Krishan, stayed here when he visited Delhi. During his stay, people here were suffering from smallpox and cholera epidemic. Guru Har Krishan helped save their lives, but unfortunately he contracted the same illness and died. The gurdwara was built in his name.   

When in Delhi, also see: India Gate is 4 kms, Qutub Minar is 14.1 kms, Lotus Temple is 14.9 kms and Humayun Tomb is 7.8 kms away from Connaught Place, where Bangla Sahib is.    

 

Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhod Sahib, Gwalior

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Gwalior Fort, Photo Credit: Nagarjun Kandukuru/flickr

 

Data Bandi Chhod Sahib in Gwalior was built to mark the release of the sixth guru, Guru Har Gobind Singh, who was imprisoned for two years in the Gwalior fort and who won the freedom of 52 Sikh rulers who were jailed by the then emperor Jahangir.

When in Gwalior, also see: Jai Vilas Palace is about 4.2 kms, Scindia Museum 5 kms, Sas Bahu Temple is 1.4 kms and Tigra Dam is 20 kms away from Gwalior Fort, where Data Bandi Chhod Sahib is.

 

Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib, Manali

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Gurudwara Ganikaran, Photo Credit: balu/flickr

 

​Manikaran Sahib is one of the biggest tourist attractions of Manali. This was built in the memory of the first guru, Guru Nanak Dev, who visited the place with his disciple Bhai Mardana.

When in Manali, also see: Kasol is about 13 kms away from Manikaran road, and is a great place to unwind by the Parvati River.  

 

Gurdwara Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar

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 Golden Temple, Photo Credit: Arian Zwegers/flickr

Harmandir Sahib is covered with sheets of gold and hence, is popularly known as the Golden Temple. The foundation stone was laid by the fifth guru, Guru Arjan Devji, in 1588 and today it is the most popular gurdwara in the country. This gurdwara has four gates signifying that in the eyes of Sikhs, people from all sphere of life are equal.

When in Amritsar, also see: Wagah Border is about 31.1 kms and Jallianwala Bagh is 450 meters away from Golden Temple.

 

Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, Leh

Leh Palace, Photo Credit: watchsmart/flickr

Pathar Sahib is situated on the Leh-Kargil road, 23 kms away from the mountain town of Leh. This gurdwara was built to mark the visit of the first guru and the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, who, it is said, rescued the locals from a wicked demon who terrorized them.

When in Leh, also see: Leh Palace is 26 kms, Pangong Tso (the highest lake in the world) is 159 kms and Spituk Gompa is 17.8 kms away from where Pathar Sahib is located.

Now that you know where to go when you want to turn off, spend some time with yourself and find that elusive inner peace—which, let’s admit it, we are all looking for—what are you waiting for? Pack your bags to experience a holiday full of peace, purity, and positivity!