Famous Sikh temples - gurudwaras - in India

A gurdwara (Punjabi: ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ, gurduārā or ਗੁਰਦਵਾਰਾ, gurdwārā; meaning "door to the guru") is a place of worship for Sikhs. People from all faiths, and those who do not profess any faith, are welcomed in Sikh gurdwaras. Each gurdwara has a Darbar Sahib where the current and everlasting guru of the Sikhs, the scripture Guru Granth Sahib, is placed on a takhalmmlolt (an elevated throne) in a prominent central position. 

The raagis (who sing Ragas) recite, sing and explain, the verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, in the presence of the congregation.

All gurdwaras have a langar hall, where people can eat free vegetarian food brought in by Sikhs worshiping at the gurdwara. They may also have a library, nursery, classroom, meeting rooms, a gift shop, and finally a repair shop.. A gurdwara can be identified from a distance by tall flagpoles bearing the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag.

The most well-known gurdwara is the Harmandir Sahib (popularly known as The Golden Temple) in Amritsar, Punjab, India, which is the center of power (Akal Takht) of Sikhism.

Gurdwara Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar

.Harmandir Sahib is covered with sheets of gold and hence, is popularly known as the Golden Temple. The foundation stone was laid by the fifth guru, Guru Arjan Devji, in 1588 and today it is the most popular gurdwara in the country. This gurdwara has four gates signifying that in the eyes of Sikhs, people from all sphere of life are equal.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi

In the 17th century this was the ‘bangla’ or bungalow of the ruler Raja Jai Singh. The eighth guru, Guru Har Krishan, stayed here when he visited Delhi. During his stay, people here were suffering from smallpox and cholera epidemic. Guru Har Krishan helped save their lives, but unfortunately he contracted the same illness and died. The gurdwara was built in his name. 

Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, Leh

Pathar Sahib is situated on the Leh-Kargil road, 23 kms away from the mountain town of Leh. This gurdwara was built to mark the visit of the first guru and the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, who, it is said, rescued the locals from a wicked demon who terrorized them.

Gurudwara Shri Sachkhand Hazur Sahib, Nanded

GURUDWARA SACHKHAND SHRI HAZUR SAHIB is situated in Distt City Nanded, Mahrashtra. 

SHRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI came to this place in Sept 1708. 

One day when GURU SAHIB was sitting at on the bank of River Godavari (GURUDWARA SHRI NAGINA GHAAT SAHIB), he told that this place was his worship place in ancient times. 

People requested GURU SAHIB to show them the place where he used to worship. GURU SAHIB shot an arrow and told people that where this arrow will hit was his place of worship. 

That arrow hit this place where now GURUDWARA SACHKHAND SHRI HAZUR SAHIB is situated. 

When this place was dug, few things belonging to GURU SAHIB were found there. GURU SAHIB left for his heavenly abode (Parlok Gaman) along with his horse Dilbag on October 7, 1708 here.

Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Manikaran, HP.

Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, also called Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib is situated in Manikaran, in Kullu District, 45 KM away from Kullu.in Himachal Pradesh. The place was visited by Guru Nanak Dev during his travels. The serene location and the seemingly mysterious hot springs made Manikaran (Kullu) a place of pilgrimage in earlier times. Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs, visited this place to spend time in meditation. A gurudwara that was built to commemorate his visit, is now a place of pilgrimage for the Sikhs.

Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhod Sahib, Gwalior

Data Bandi Chhod Sahib in Gwalior was built to mark the release of the sixth guru, Guru Har Gobind Singh, who was imprisoned for two years in the Gwalior fort and who won the freedom of 52 Sikh rulers who were jailed by the then emperor Jahangir.