Top 10 Gurdwaras in the World
The term Gurdwara can be defined as gateway to the guru. It is a central place of worship for the Sikh community. Often, a number of facilities, such as a library, nursery and classroom are also built within the boundaries of a gurdwara. Tall flagpoles bearing the Sikh flag, Nishan Sahib, are an easy way to identify a gurdwara from a distance. Ever since the advent of Sikhism, gurdwaras have been built in different parts of the world by followers. Most of these gurdwaras were meant to commemorate prophets of Sikhism.
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1
Shri Darbar Sahib
Also known as Harmandir Sahib and Golden Temple, Shri Darbar Sahib is located in Amritsar. This gurdwara was completed in 1601 AD and its shape resembles that of an overturned lotus.
- Image Courtesy: theastroplanet.com
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2
Guru Nanak Darbar
Situated in Dubai, Guru Nanak Darbar was opened for public in 2012. Almost the entire structure was built with Italian marble. Guru Nanak Darbar is the largest of all gurdwaras located in the Gulf region.
- Image Courtesy: planetpunjab.com
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3
Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji
Located at a height of 15,200 ft above ground level in Uttarakhand, India, Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji is a gurdwara dedicated specifically to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Its shape resembles that of a five-point star and near the gurdwara is a lake named Amrit Sarovar, which holds great religious importance for Sikhs.
- Image Courtesy: soulsearch.in
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4
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, located about 500 metres from the Connaught Place, Delhi, became a holy place after the visit of Guru Harkrishan Dev Ji in 1664. A proper temple was later built by Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783. The dome of this gurdwara was made out of gold.
- Image Courtesy: en.wikipedia.org
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5
Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhod
Located in Gwalior, a city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhod was built by Sant Baba Uttam Singh Ji in 1968 to commemorate the sixth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Hargobind Sahib. A number of idols and paintings add to the beauty of this gurdwara.
- Image Courtesy: panoramio.com
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6
Gurdwara Ber Sahib
Located in Sultanpur, a city in the Indian state of Kapurthala, Gurdwara Ber Sahib was built at the place where the journey of Guru Nanak Dev Ji as a Sikh prophet started. The memorial was originally built by Baba Jasa Singh Ahluwalia and later turned into a beautiful building in 1942. Legend has it that Guru Nanak Dev Ji disappeared while bathing in the Kali Bein River which flows nearby. Upon his return, which happened after 3 days, Guru Nanak Dev Ji started preaching Sikhism and thus became the first Sikh Guru.
- Image Courtesy: upinderjitkaur.com
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7
Manikaran Gurdwara
Built by Sri Narain Hari Ji, Manikaran Gurdwara also commemorates the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is located right in the middle of Rivers and Beas and can accomdate 4000 devotees at a time. It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited this place in 1574. Apart from a religious aspect, this gurdwara is also famous for its scenic beauty.
- Image Courtesy: theoktravel.com
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8
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
Situated in London, England, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha was opened to devotees in 2003. It is an important place from a religious perspective for Sikhs all over the world and those residing within England in particular.
- Image Courtesy: wahid.fr
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9
Gurdwara Bhatta Sahib
Located a short distance away from Rupnagar, a city in the Indian state of Punjab, Gurdwara Bhatta Sahib was built to commemorate the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Legend has it that Guru Gobind Singh Ji's horse stood on red-hot bricks which immediately cooled down, at the place where the Gurdwara Bhatta Sahib stands today.
- Image Courtesy: rupnagar.nic.in
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10
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Gurdwara
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Gurdwara is located in Dhubri, a town in the Indian state of Assam. Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Teg Bahadur both visited this place at different times. This gurduwara was built in the 17th century and has three copies of Guru Granth Sahib, a book of great religious importance for the Sikhs.
- Image Courtesy: atozsikh.com
