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Undoubtedly, these past few months have been extraordinary and the toughest in living memory. As the world overcomes the ordeal, take a spiritual sojourn through Punjab to find tranquillity. By Manya Saini
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Punjab, the land of five rivers, is a state of cultural vibrance and ethnic diversity. The birthplace of Sikhism, its religious and spiritual attachments run deep. Life in the state revolves around its farms with festivals and celebrations honouring the life of the common people who put food on the plate of countless Indians. Its ethos is one of faith, kindness, and charity, sure to inspire any pilgrim who seeks peace and tranquillity. Home to people of a multitude of faiths, Punjab is a melting pot of diverse spirituality.
A pilgrimage around the state will be a transformative journey for any traveller, especially if one is trying to cope through difficult times. Be sure to include these destinations in your travel itinerary as they offer the best spiritual experiences in the state.
1. Harmandir Sahib, Golden Temple, Amritsar
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There is no gurudwara more revered than the Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib in Amritsar for Sikhs. The holy shrine was founded in 1577, by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs. It is a site marked by its syncretic values as it aids, feeds, and shelters all those who visit it. The shrine was gilded in the 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The stunning gurudwara imbibes the universal brotherhood in its very ethos, never turning away any pilgrim who visits it. The sanctum also holds the Akal Takht, the centre of religious authority in Sikhism. Over one-lakh people come to the revered temple known as the “abode of God” to seek blessings and eat langar, a free vegetarian meal served inside the shrine.
Getting there
Amritsar city is well-connected by all major means of transport. Arrive at the Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport and head to the Taj Swarna, Amritsar for a luxurious five-star experience. The best time to visit the city is between September to November and February-March when the weather is temperate and pleasant.
2. Sri Takht Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur
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Takht Keshgarh Sahib is the principal site where in 1699 Guru Gobind Singh with his followers founded the order of the Khalsa or Sikh nation. The city is a site of pilgrimage and piety to this day with most devotees gathering annually during the spring Hola Mohalla festival. The Gurudwara is home to one of the five takhts of Sikhism. The legend believes that five followers are known as, Panj Pyaare, the five beloved, volunteered to be beheaded at the site, for the foundation of Khalsa. The Guru instead rewarded them by baptising the five faithful devotees with amrit or holy water. The Gurudwara was rebuilt in the 20th century and contains in its inner sanctum the revered personal belongings of Guru Gobind Singh.
Getting There
Located on an elevation, the weather in Anandpur is pleasant even during the summer months allowing a pleasant experience throughout the year. The best time to visit is between February to April. Book your stay at Anand at the Sutluj hotel. The closest airport is located about 80 kilometres away in Chandigarh from where most travellers take a private taxi or bus to the city.
3. Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Bathinda
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The Takht Sri Damdama Sahib gurudwara in Bathinda is home to one of five takhts of Sikhism, making it among the most revered sites of the faith. It is believed that the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, compiled the final version of the holy Sikh scripture, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 1705. It is located in the village of Talwandi Sabo, the name ‘damdama ’means a place to rest or take a break to rejuvenate. The site is auspicious as Guru Gobind Singh stayed there for nearly a year after fighting the Mughal army in the battle at Muktsar. A large number of people to visit the Guru at this time had converted to Sikhism. To this day, millions of devotees of all faiths visit the stunning marble shrine in search of peace and rest.
Getting There
The closest airport to the city of lakes is located in Chandigarh about 225 kilometres away. You can also choose to travel by road or train from most major cities across India. Go the city between November to February and stay at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson for a seamless experience.
4. Rauza Sharif, Sirhind
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Rauza Sharif, Sirhind is famed as the Dargah of Shaikh Ahmad Faruqi Srihindi, known across the world for its mesmerising spiritual aura and stunning architectural beauty. Pilgrims from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia have been visiting the site for the last 300 years annually for the Sufi saint’s urs, to commemorate his death anniversary. The Dargah has been home to ancient mysticism and Sufi wisdom for centuries now, making it any pilgrim’s dream. Another must-visit site of the area located a small distance away is the Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib.
Getting There
Visit the site during the urs in August to see the spiritual journey unfold at its absolute best. The occasion is celebrated with thousands of pilgrims visiting the Dargah to pay respect to the saint. Book your stay in Patiala, located about 30 minutes away by road at Neemrana’s Baradari Palace hotel to immerse yourself in luxury and Punjab’s cultural vibe. There is no direct airport to the town, so travellers need to plan their journey from either Chandigarh or Ludhiana airport to reach Sirhind. It is connected by road and train to most cities in India.
5. Bhagwati Mandir, Bathinda
The Bhagwati Mandir in Bathinda is a historic temple dating back to the 17th century, locals believe that the village of Maiser Khana where the shrine is located is considered the abode of goddess Jawala Mukhi. It is believed that the deity appeared in the path of saint Kali Nath in the village just as he was passing through. It is the site of her worship, with folklore that the entire area has been blessed by the goddess and prospers with happiness because of her. The temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage, visited by thousands of devotees every year. A nearby water body is revered as sacred and believed to be the path of salvation for any pilgrim who bathes in it. It celebrates the Hindu festival of Navratri, every year with amid much fervour and chanting, that can ignite the heart of any spiritual traveller.
Getting There
Book your stay at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Bathinda to get the most out of your trip. Visit the city in the winter season between November to February to enjoy cool and pleasant weather throughout your trip. You can reach Bathinda, after landing at the Chandigarh airport and hail a bus or cab from there. It is also well-connected by road and railways to most major metropolitan cities.
Related: With Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum, Punjab Enters The Limca Book Of Records
