In Madhya Pradesh, there are some historical Gurdwaras in some of the cities. For example, in Bhopal,
we have Gurdwara Guru Nanak Tekri Sahib (contact no. 09826025322) where Guru Nanak Dev Ji is
stated to have visited and cured a leprosy patients. Similarly, in Jabalpur we have Gwarighat Gurdwara.
However, the maximum historical gurdwaras are in and around Indore. The gurdwaras like Gurdwara Imli
Sahib & Gurdwara Charan Paduka Betma Sahib attract numerous Sikh Pilgrims from all parts of Country.
Gurdwara Ankleshwar is also a well known Gurdwara. All these Gurdwaras are associated with Guru Nanak
Dev Ji’s travels. However, the most famous Gurdwara in Madhya Pradesh is at Gwalior. The Gurdwara Data
Bandi Chor Sahib at Gawalior is one of the most renowned Gurdwaras of India. This is associated with the
imprisonment of Guru Har Gobind Sahib in Gwalior Fort and his celebrated release in which he managed to win
Some Prominent Gurdwaras and 45 Sikh Organizations of The World
the freedom of 52 Rajas (Kings) who had long suffered
imprisonment in the Fort. The word “Bandi” means
“imprisoned”, “Chhor” means “release”. Pilgrims from
all over the country visit this Gurdwara to pay homage
to Guru Hargobind Sahib. During October/November,
the worldwide Sikh Sangat (community) celebrates the
safe return of the sixth Nanak, Guru Hargobind from
detention from Gwalior Fort in about October 1619.
As this day coincides with the Hindu festival of Diwali
(“the festival of lights”), the Sikhs have been celebrating Diwali as ‘Bandi Chhor Diwas’. This Gurdwara
is under the management control of Baba Sewa Singh Ji (9417208634) of Khadoor Sahib. The other
Gurdwaras under this management include Gurdwara Kandh Sahib at Batala and Gurdwara at Dera Baba
Nanak. Whereas Gurdwara Kandh Sahib is associated with Guru Nanak’s marriage (wedding party had stayed
here near a mud wall), Dera Baba Nanak Gurdwara in Gurdaspur District is the place where Guru Nanak had
discussion with Ajita Randhawa. This town is also important as it is the closest place in India to Kartarpur in
Pakistan. From any high place, Kartarpur can be seen through binoculars. In view of the forthcoming 550th
Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, many new plans have been made for this town including the
opening of Kartarpur Langha (passage).
