Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib- Uttarkhand

Address

Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib- Chamoli district, Uttarkhand- 249401.

Deity

Guru Gobind Singh

Introduction

• Name: Hemkund Sahib (also known as Hemkunt or Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji).
• Location: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India.
• Devotion: Dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru (1666–1708), with mentions in the Dasam Granth.
• Geographical Setting:
  • Situated at an elevation of 4,160 meters (13,650 feet) in the Himalayas.
  • Features a glacial lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each marked by a Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag).
• Accessibility: Approached from Govindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway, with the nearest town being Joshimath.

Puranic Significance

• Etymology: The name Hemkund is derived from the Sanskrit words “Hem” (snow) and “Kund” (bowl).
• Historical Context:
  • According to the Dasam Granth, Hemkund is the place where Pandu Raja practiced Yoga.
  • It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh meditated here on Mahakal Kalika in a former life.
• Research and Establishment:
  • The establishment of Hemkund Sahib was facilitated by prominent Gursikhs, including Sant Sohan Singh ji Tihri wale, Hawaldar Modan Singh ji, and Bhai Vir Singh ji, with the support of the Sikh Sangat.
  • They successfully reached Hemkund Sahib in Samvat Nanakshahi 465-66 (1933-34 A.D.) and constructed the Gurdwara in Samvat Nanakshahi 468 (1936 A.D.).
  • The installation of Guru Granth Sahib ji took place in Samvat Nanakshahi 469 (August-September 1937 A.D.).

Special Features

• Altitude and Location:
  • The Gurdwara is situated at approximately 4,329 meters, on the banks of the pristine Hemkund (Lokpal) lake, at the base of the Saptshringi glacier.
  • Known as one of the most revered Sikh shrines, Hemkund Sahib attracts thousands of pilgrims annually.
• Mythological Association:
  • The site is believed to be where Guru Gobind Singh meditated in one of his previous incarnations.
  • It is also linked to Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama from the Ramayana. Legend has it that he regained his health by meditating at the banks of Hemkund after sustaining severe injuries in battle.
  • A Lakshmana temple is said to be located at the site of his meditation.
• Seasonal Accessibility:
  • The Gurdwara is covered in snow during winter and reopens every May for the annual pilgrimage, welcoming devotees to experience its serene beauty.

Nearest Bus Station

Dehradun

Nearest Railway Station

Haridwar Station

Nearest Airport

Dehradun

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