Gurudwara Paonta Sahib

Gurudwara Paonta Sahib has become an institution in itself as a major Sikh shrine in the Sirmour District of Himachal Pradesh state of India. It is a key landmark in the region as a center of Sikhism where large number of visitors and devotees keep arriving every day. It was the place where 10th Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh visited while spreading the message of Sikh faith.

The present day Sikh temple is a dedication to that journey of the Sikh Guru and is considered a pious place where most devotees from the local areas and other areas arrive.

History

There is awesome history behind the creation of Gurudwara Paonta Sahib in the Sirmour District of Himachal Pradesh. This state was carved out from the erstwhile Punjab state which had been split because India had partitioned. Indian part of Punjab bifurcated again to make a new state of Himachal Pradesh thereafter. As 10th Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh had visited the location and after that his followers took initiative to build Gurudwara in his memory.

Most important aspect is that the present location of the Gurudwara Paonta Sahib is the place where Sikh Guru had worked out on Dasam Granth henceforth it remains an important place to be admired by everybody from the Sikh community.

Architecture & Covered Area

Gurudwara Paonta Sahib is a replica of the typical Sikh architecture. It is one such prominent Sikh shrine in the Indian subcontinent from where Sikhism had seen a new direction as a religion. This Gurudwara is valued by all due to its notable location where Sikhs come as devotees to understand the basics of this religion, in multiple contexts, especially its role in preaching Sikh religion from this region to other parts of the country.

Perhaps such values and factors have always brought Gurudwara Paonta Sahib into limelight. That is why the Gurudwara remains a symbol of excellent architecture and it being spread into a large tract of land due to many extensions held over the period to keep it into notice. It is very much an exclusive shrine with a difference.

Celebrations

Several things associated with Gurudwara Paonta Sahib keeps it into limelight from the multiple events held here to other types of celebrations. Presence of golden 'palki' inside this shrine is an attraction. Often programs are organized inside Shri Talab Asthan and Shri Dastar Asthan that are housed inside the shrine itself. Most often the turban tying competitions are held here. Such occasions are worth noting indeed.

The Kavi Darbar inside Gurudwara Paonta Sahib campus remains famous for them being the key venue for poetry competition. A museum nearby Gurudwara houses many items like the weapons and pens which Guru Gobind Singh had used. Its location on the banks of picturesque Yamuna River enchants the devotees and visitors alike to enjoy their stay here.

Visitor's Info

Best time to visit

Subtropical continental monsoon in Paonta Sahib causes seasonal climatic variations, where the temperature ranges from 0^°C to 40^°C throughout the year; hence one observes hot summers, slightly cold winters and too much rainfall here. It is therefore necessary to work out a travel plan with readiness to carry clothing according to the weather conditions.

Traveling To Sirmour

By Air

Chandigarh and Dehradun airports are the two nearest airports connects Sirmour by the airways. Flights from many domestic sectors operate by the two airports.

By Train

Yamuna Nagar rail gauge is the nearest one to connect Sirmour by railways. It is located at a distance of 56 kilometers from Sirmour and connects to the rest parts of the country by railways.

By Road

The National Highway 72 crosses through the Sirmour district. It therefore makes it easier for travellers to visit Gurudwara Paonta Sahib by roadways. Many interstate buses run from different parts of the state as well as from nearby states. Visitors can use their own vehicles to reach here by using the roadways.