All about Gurdwara Sri Hemkund Sahib

About Hemkund Sahib

 

Gurdwara Sri Hemkund Sahib is a revered Sikh shrine located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,632 meters (15,197 feet) above sea level in the Himalayan mountain range.

 

Hemkund Sahib is a combination of two words, 'Hem' meaning snow and 'Kund' meaning a small pond or lake. The Gurdwara is situated near the crystal-clear glacial lake, Hemkund, which is surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each adorned by a Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag).
The Gurdwara is dedicated to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who meditated at this site during his previous incarnation as a warrior-saint. The Gurdwara's architecture is unique, with white marble walls and a domed roof made of brass. The Gurdwara also houses a sacred Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.

 

The Hemkund Sahib trek is a popular pilgrimage destination for Sikhs and other devotees who visit the shrine during the summer months. The trek to Hemkund Sahib involves a challenging climb of over 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) through steep and rocky terrain. The trek is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in India but is also one of the most rewarding, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

 

The Gurdwara also serves langar, a community kitchen where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors irrespective of their caste, creed, or religion. This is a unique feature of Sikhism, where the emphasis is on serving and sharing with others.

Overall, Hemkund Sahib is a beautiful and sacred pilgrimage site that is revered by Sikhs and other devotees.

 

 

The history of Hemkund Sahib dates back to the time of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, who is believed to have meditated at the site during his previous incarnation as a warrior-saint.

 

According to Sikh tradition, Guru Gobind Singh visited the Himalayas to meditate and seek God's blessings. He is said to have encountered a group of sages, known as the "Rishis," who asked him for help in fighting against the demons who were terrorizing them. Guru Gobind Singh agreed to help and took on the form of a warrior-saint, also known as "Dusht Daman," meaning "the destroyer of evil."

 

Guru Gobind Singh is said to have fought a fierce battle against the demons at Hemkund, ultimately defeating them and restoring peace to the area. After the battle, Guru Gobind Singh is said to have meditated at the site, and it is believed that he achieved spiritual enlightenment.

The Gurdwara Sri Hemkund Sahib was established in the early 20th century by Sant Sohan Singh, a Sikh scholar and missionary. He discovered the site while on a pilgrimage to the nearby Sikh shrine of Sri Badrinath, and recognizing its historical and spiritual significance, he worked tirelessly to establish the Gurdwara and make it accessible to pilgrims.

 

Since its establishment, Hemkund Sahib has become a popular pilgrimage destination for Sikhs and other devotees, who visit the shrine to pay their respects to Guru Gobind Singh and to seek spiritual enlightenment. The Hemkund Sahib trek, which involves a challenging climb through steep and rocky terrain, is considered to be one of the most difficult but rewarding treks in India, attracting thousands of visitors each year.