MAJOR GURDWARAS OF INDIA — HISTORY, TAKHTS AND SIKH HERITAGE

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

MAJOR GURDWARAS OF INDIA — HISTORY, TAKHTS AND SIKH HERITAGE

1. Introduction

• A Gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib is respectfully installed and recited.
• Gurdwaras are centres of prayer, kirtan, langar, community service, equality and collective memory.
• Many important gurdwaras are closely associated with the lives of the Sikh Gurus and major events in Sikh history.

2. Sri Harmandir Sahib — Amritsar, Punjab

• Sri Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, is the most revered Sikh shrine.
• Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, conceived and supervised its construction, while the sacred pool and settlement of Amritsar had been developed under earlier Gurus. (SGPC)
• The shrine is open from all four sides, symbolising openness and equality without distinction of caste, creed, gender or religion. (SGPC)
• The Akal Takht, one of the five Takhts of Sikhism, stands within the larger Harmandir Sahib complex.

3. Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib — Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

• Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is one of the five principal Takhts, or seats of Sikh religious authority.
• It is associated with Guru Gobind Singh and the creation of the Khalsa on Baisakhi in 1699.
• The institution of the Khalsa emphasised courage, discipline, equality and commitment to justice.
• Anandpur Sahib therefore occupies a central place in Sikh religious and political history.

4. Takht Sri Patna Sahib — Bihar

• Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib stands at Patna, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
• It is one of the five Takhts and an important pilgrimage centre for Sikhs from India and abroad.
• The shrine preserves memories and relics associated with Guru Gobind Singh’s childhood.

5. Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib — Nanded, Maharashtra