Gurdwara is the proper name for a Sikh place of worship or commemorative sacred shrine. Ancient gurdwaras and sacred shrines commemorate significant events in the lives of the ten gurus of Sikhsm. Many of these sacred places have been built over the centuries. Most ancient sites and holy places sacred to Sikhism are in the part of Pakistan and India which what used to be known as the Punjab prior to partition.
Historical Gurdwaras of Nankana Pakistan
Photo © [S Khalsa]
Nankana Pakistan is the hometown of Guru Nanak. There are a number of commemorative gurdwaras which mark his birthplace and the sacred sites where miraculous events occurred during his childhood.
- Gurdwara Nankana Sahib (Janam Asthan) (Place of birth)
- Gurdwara Bal Lilah (Guru Nanak's childhood playground)
- Gurdwara Kiara Sahib (Pasture where Guru Nanak tended cows)
- Gurdwara Mall Ji Sahib (Tree where miraculous events occurred)
Modern Nanakana is the site of an annuual gurpurab full moon fall festival commemorating Guru Nanak's birth.
Goindwal Baoli the Well of 84 Steps in Goindwal India
Photo © [Jasleen Kaur]
Baoli is a word meaning well. Goindwal Baoli commemorates the site marking the "Well of 84 Steps," constructed in the 16th century by Guru Amar Das. Pilgrims perform prayers on the 84 steps in hopes that their soul may be liberated from the transmigration of 8.4 million life forms.
- Goindwal Baoli Well of 84 Steps
Harmandir Sahib the Golden Temple of Amritsar India
Photo © [Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa]
Harmandir Sahib the central gurdwara, or worship place, for all Sikhs is known as the Golden Temple because it is constructed of marble and gold. Harmandir Sahib has a history dating back to Bibi Bhani, the daughter of Third Guru Amar Das, and bride of Fourth Guru Raam Das and their son, Fifth Guru Arjun Dev. The gurdwara is located in Amritsar India and is also the site of The Akal Takhat seat of religious authority in Sikhism. Over the centuries the gurdwara has attacked and restored a number of times.
Historic Gurdwaras and Commemorative Shrines of Patna India
Photo © [Devesh Bhatta - Courtesty GNU Free Documentation License]
Patna is home to five historic gurdwaras built on ancient sites significant to Sikhism dedicated to Guru Nanak, Guru Teg Bahadur and the childhood of Guru Gobind Singh.
- Gurdwara Pahila Bari aka Gurdwara Gae Ghat (Travels of Guru Nanak)
- Takhat Sri Harmandir Sahib (Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh)
- Gurudara Bal Lila Maini Sangat (Home of Rani who fed the child Gobind Rai)
- Gurdwara Sri Gobind Singh Ghat (Where Gobind Rai played as a child)
- Ghat Gurdwara Guru ka Bagh (Relics of Gobind Rai)
Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara of Peshawar Pakistan
Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara commemorates the memory of an unusual event when Joga Singh overcame temptation of a dancing girl on his wedding night after being called away from his bridal bed by Guru Godbind Singh.
- Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh of Peshawar
