Gurudwara Shahid Ganj Faridkot

In Sikhism, the fifh largest religion in the world, a Gurdwara is not only a place of worship but a place which reminds the followers of the orders of their spiritual beliefs in life, which is to view all men as equal and be charitable towards all. This is why all Gurdwaras have a free kitchen or langar affirming that in this universal religion, opposed to ritualism and blind faith, one needs to live life simply, following the tenets liad down by the ten Sikh Gurus in the Guru Granth Sahib.

The word 'Gurdwara' means 'Gateway to the Guru'. As per the Sikh norms and religion ones individual devotion towards living a high-quality life is imperative but another vital aspect of Sikhism is the Sangat (congregation). There are many thousands of Gurdwaras throughout Punjab and the rest of the world which serve as community centres for the Sikh, to do charity, to teach children the language of Gurmukhi and to practise the universalism of the religion as here food is served to all people who sit together to enjoy a communal meal. It is indeed a living symbol of the Sikhism, as they believe in a non-racist, non-sexist culture where each and every individual of all castes and religions are equal and can share a common meal in the true spirit of unity.

In most Gurdwaras there is a pool (sarovar) for bathing remembering always that though water may clean you on the outside; it cannot clean you on the inside unless your heart is pure. After the passing of all the ten Gurus, it is the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh Holy Scriptures), which is installed as the spiritual head of the Sikh religion.

Their sacrifice is still remembered in the form daily Sikh prayers, called Ardas. The word 'Shahid' can also be loosely translated to mean liberated or martyr as they had perhaps given up their lives for the cause.

A small city today, with a municipal council, Faridkot was earlier a princely state under the Maharaja. It has some architectural marvels like the luxurious Raj Mahal, a royal palace which now houses a hospital and the Qilla Mubarak, a stately Fort. Fardikot also boasts of an international hockey ground, apart from several other Gurdwaras of interest.

Gurdwara Tilla (Chilla) Baba Farid near the Qilla Mubarak is in memory of Baba Farid, a Sufi Saint who had meditated here for 40 days before proceeding to Pakpattan. A sacred piece of wood with which Babaji wiped his hands has been preserved too.

It is believed that Baba Sheikh Farid also left his godari or jacket at a place about 4 km from Faridkot to Kotkapura Road, before entering Faridkot town.In 1982, Gurdwara Godari Sahib, was constructed on the site with a Sant Sarover  which a large number of devotees visit every Thursday.

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