According to different estimates, there are 750 to 800 historical Gurdwaras in India. Sikhi Wiki makes a
mention of 776 historical Gurdwaras in different parts of the country. The present state of Punjab in India
houses the maximum Gurdwaras in the World. This number has been stated in various records between 525
& 550. After Punjab, the states of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have the maximum historical Gurdwaras.
It may be mentioned that both these states were a part of Punjab only before the original east Punjab state
was trifurcated into three states (after 1-11-1966). The next state to have a good number of Gurdwaras is
Jammu & Kashmir, which was also a part of the Sikh empire at the time of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and being
adjacent to Punjab, was visited by the sikh Gurus. So far other states of India are concerned; the maximum
historical Gurdwaras in those states are associated with the travels of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Hargobind
Sahib & Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib. Although, all the historical Gurdwaras are highly significant as these are
associated with the important events of the lives of the Gurus, saint poets, prominent Sikhs and with the great
moments of sikh history, but as it is not possible to give details of all these Gurdwaras in this compilation due
to the shortage of space, we will mention only some prominent Gurdwaras covering
Sri Harmandir Sahib, Darbar Sahib, Amritsar
Sri Harmandir Sahib, Darbar Sahib, located in Amritsar, Punjab, known all over the world as the Gulden
Temple is not only one of the most revered spiritual sites of Sikhism, but also one of the most visited scared
places in the world. When the city of Amrtisar was founded in 1577, the idea of setting up a revered place like
this came in the mind of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji. It was intended to build a place of worship for men and women
from all walks of life to worship the one God. Thus, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru designed Harmandir
Sahib accordingly and got its foundation laid by Sai Mian Mir Ji, a Muslim Saint. It was built around a pool,
now known as Amrit Sarowar and was completed by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. When Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji
got completed compiling of Adi Granth, a copy of the same was installed in Sri Harmandir Sahib. As it has
always been a source of energy and inspiration for Sikhs, the forces which did not want the new faith to
flourish attacked it time and again. However, the Sikhs renovated it every time as its existence was the very
soul of their lives. Even in those days, when there were restrictions from the Mughal Government, the Sikhs
never stopped visiting the shrine lieu in at the cost of their lives. The present day Gurdwara, having the four
entrances (representing the four direction) to get into the Harmandir Sahib symbolising its openness to one
and all, was renovated in 1764 by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia with the help of other Sikh Misls. In the early
Sri Harimandar Sahib, Amritsar Queen at Harimandar Sahib Justin Trudeau at Harimandar Sahib Sri Akal Takht Sahib
Some Prominent Gurdwaras and 26 Sikh Organizations of The World
nineteenth century, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh secured the Punjab region from outside attack and covered the
upper floors of the Gurdwara with 750 kilograms (1650 lb) of gold, which gives it its distinctive appearance
and its English name. The Harmandir complex is also home to the Akal Takht (the throne of the timeless
one, constituted by the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind). While the Harmandir Sahib is regarded as the abode of
God’s spiritual attribute, the Akal Takht is the seat of God’s temporal authority. There are a number of serais
(rooms for the visitors) around the Golden Temple and a number of hotels of all categories have also sprung
up in the nearby areas. Over one lakh people visit the shrine daily for worship, and also partake jointly in the
free community kitchen and meal (Langar) regardless of any distinctions, a tradition that is a hallmark of all
Sikh Gurdwaras. Presently, when the number of tourists for many places in India is declining, the number of
tourists for Amritsar is increasing day by day. Even the highest dignitaries of the world have visited this place.
All the people come here not only for its aesthetic beauty, artistic and architectural splendour, but mainly for
the pious and tranquil environment which provides a spiritual and blissful peace of mind. It is the only place
in the world, where Urbane (the prays of the lord) is recited day and night (leaving only a few hours for the
cleaning purpose). That is why; our eternal Guru Sri Guru Granth Sahib says and we all feel in our hearts.
Seen all the places, no camparision with you.
