Gurudwara Karamsar Rara Sahib

Sant Isher Singh Ji and Sant Kishen Singh Ji were the two main people who contributed to the erection of this Gurudwara. This place is considered to be a structure that is dedicated to the two main saints. These two sacred men were kept in high regards by the Sikh community people because they had dedicated their entire lives to the service of God. They were also the main people who were responsible for converting a far and remote Rara village into the famous town that it is now. They made the Rara village their permanent place of stay upon the request of Sardar Gian Singh Rarewala. Once a Gurudwara was setup this place started becoming famous and gradually a complex was also set up in the adjoining campus.

This place was originally the worship place of Sant Isher Singh. He undertook extreme penance here and was known as the "Shriman 111" to his devotees. Sant Kishen Singh Ji, on the other hand was extremely devoted to Sant Isher Singh. He took over all activities of the Gurudwara and freed Sant Isher Singh's burdens to a great extent. When Sant Isher Singh breathed his last, Sant Kishen Singh took over the task of preaching people who visit the Gurudwara daily.

The Gurudwara in its current state is in fond remembrance of the great saint, Sant Isher Singh. This is an exquisitely designed Gurudwara with intricate marble work done extensively on it. The massive entrance which has a royal look, the bright ambience that this Gurudwara provides and the tall domes make the entire place quite sacred and peaceful. In the southeast direction, this Gurudwara is 22km from Ludhiana, in the northeast direction, it is 14km from Ahmedgarh, in the northwest direction, it is 22km from Khanna. This is a very scenic Gurudwara that is situated on the banks of Sirhind Canal's tributary at Bhatinda.

The Sanctum Sanctorum of this Gurudwara is known as Sri Darbar Sahib. This was constructed in 1936 millions of pilgrims from all over the world visit this place because of the popularity of the two main saints who were the reason as to why this Gurudwara is in existence today. The complex consists of a huge place for meditation called, The Privy Chamber or the Bhora Sahib. The was the place where the great saint, Sant Isher Singh Ji remained most of the times for meditation and therefore his relics are stored carefully here. Devotees come to this place in huge numbers just to have a look at these sacred relics.

This Gurudwara contains a huge and splendid hall, known as The Congregation Hall or the Divan Hall. This hall was further renovated in 1968 to make it look more expansive. The Karamsar Sarovar, also known as The Holy Tank, is built surrounding the Divan Hall. The religion of Sikhism gives extreme focus to cleanliness and hygiene. This tank is maintained very meticulously by the authorities for the safety of the devotees who take a holy dip here. The entrance is simply mind blowing as there is a tall and elegant clock tower, standing at a staggering 105 feet. The Langar Hall, or the Community Mess is a spacious place where meals are served free of cost, consistently to all the devotees who visit this place irrespective of caste, creed or religion.

This Gurudwara is home to wonderful facilities like a museum and library, which keeps the devotees entertained. One can find a huge list of books about the importance of Sikhism, in this library. This complex offers permanent accommodation facilities to about 300 devotees who stay in the 250 rooms of this complex. Birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh are celebrated with great fervour and joy here. Respects are also paid by hundreds of devotees on the death anniversaries of Sant Isher Singh and Sant Kishen Singh.

How to Reach

By Air - The Ludhiana airport, though not too big, is the nearest airport to this Gurudwara. There are regular flights between Delhi and Ludhiana.

By Train - Ludhiana railway station is well connected to most of the major cities in the country. There are direct trains to Ludhiana from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and most of the major cities.

By Road - Since Ludhiana is situated on the famous Amritsar- Delhi Grant Trunk Road, it is well connected with bus services (government and private) from all major cities nearby. There are lots of taxi services available too from Amritsar to Ludhiana.

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