12 Gurudwaras in Amritsar: The Heart of Sikhism

Surrounding it are other notable Gurudwaras like Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib Ji and Gurudwara Mata Kaulan Ji, each with its unique story of devotion, sacrifice, and divine connection. These holy sites not only offer a glimpse into the rich Sikh heritage but also provide a serene and meditative environment for visitors seeking solace and spiritual enlightenment.

So when you book your India Trips, and come to Amritsar, join us on a journey through these sacred shrines and immerse yourself in the timeless traditions and profound spirituality of Gurudwaras in Amritsar.

1. Gurdwara Kaulsar Sahib Amritsar

This Gurudwara commemorates Mata Kaulan Ji, a devout Muslim woman and the daughter of the Qazi of Lahore. Her father condemned her to death due to her devotion to Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Sai Mian Meer Ji, who resided in the same village, rescued her and brought her under the protection of Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.

Mata Kaulan Ji dedicated the rest of her life to serving humanity and meditating. She once expressed a desire to have a son by marrying Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib, understanding her emotions, guided her towards enlightenment. Mata Ji then expressed concern that she would be forgotten after her death.

In response, Guru Sahib assured her that her name would be remembered forever through the holy sarovar. He instructed all devotees to bathe in Kaulsar Sahib Sarovar before visiting Shri Harimandir Sahib.

2. Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib, Amritsar

History of Gurudwara Ramsar Sahib

Gurudwara Ramsar Sahib, one of the notable gurudwaras in Amritsar, is situated on the bank of its namesake pool, northeast of the Golden Temple. Guru Arjan Dev Ji spent over a year here in seclusion with Bhai Gurdas, compiling the holy Adi Granth. This sacred volume was completed in 1604 and ceremoniously installed in Harmandir Sahib. It embodies the unity of God and the brotherhood of mankind, preserving the pure philosophy of the Gurus for perpetual guidance.

The Adi Granth, arranged according to musical measures for singing, was later given the status of the Guru by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Before his departure on October 7, 1708, he declared, “Accept Guru Granth Sahib as the visible image of the Guru.” This proclamation ended the line of human Gurus, enjoining Sikhs to revere the Granth Sahib as their eternal Guru. Thus, Gurudwara Ramsar, where the sacred text was compiled, holds immense significance for Sikhs.

The Gurudwara, situated on the bank of the Ramsar Sarovar near Chattiwind Gate, was a secluded site chosen by Guru Arjan Dev Ji for its peacefulness, one kilometer away from the town’s bustle. To enhance the surroundings, he had the tank dug and named Ramsar after Guru Ram Das.

Here, Guru Arjan composed the famous Sukhmani Sahib (Psalm of Peace) and, with Bhai Gurdas as his scribe, compiled the Adi Granth between 1603 and 1604. The present Gurudwara, built in 1855, features a small marble-lined hall topped by a gilded, fluted lotus dome, marking the site of Guru Arjan’s work.

3. Gurudwara Baba Bota Singh Garja Singh

The Gurdwara is located within the Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Complex at Chattiwind Gate, Amritsar.

4. Gurudwara Manji Sahib Amritsar

The Gurdwara is located within the Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Complex at Chattiwind Gate, Amritsar, and one of the prominent Gurudwaras in Amritsar.

5. Golden Temple, Amritsar

Describing the philosophy, ideology, and inner and outer beauty of Sri Darbar Sahib is a profound endeavor that transcends mere words; it is an experience in itself.

Following the guidance of Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji, Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji commenced the excavation of the Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) of Sri Darbar Sahib in 1577 A.D. The tank was later lined with bricks by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji on December 15, 1588, who also initiated the construction of Sri Darbar Sahib.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the scripture of the Sikhs, was first installed at Sri Darbar Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D., with Baba Budha Ji appointed as its first Head Priest.

The architecture of the Golden Temple features unique Sikh characteristics. Constructed at a lower level than the surrounding land, it imparts teachings of egalitarianism and humility. Its four entrances from all directions symbolize the inclusive nature of the shrine, welcoming people from every walk of life equally making it one of the top gurudwaras in Amritsar.

Experiencing “Langar” in the Golden Temple is one of the best things to do in Amritsar.

6. Gurudwara Guru Ki Kothri

When the Fifth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Arjun Dev Ji, traveled from Sirhali Kalan to this village, Mata Numberdaarni offered him a kothri (small room) to stay in. Guru Ji resided here for approximately 2 years, 5 months, and 13 days with his wife, Mata Ganga Ji, and their young son, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.

The well where Guru Arjun Dev Ji used to bathe still exists. This Gurdwara is also known as Gurdwara Mata Ganga Ji Da Asthan.

7. Gurudwara Gurusar Satlani

According to local tradition, Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) appointed one of his Sikhs, Bulaka Singh, as the custodian of this shrine. During the first half of the nineteenth century, Sikh rulers and chiefs generously endowed the shrine. In 1925, the management of the Gurdwara, along with its vast farmlands, was transferred to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.

In 1974, Sant Marigal Singh was entrusted with its renovation and reconstruction. The main hall is situated on the ground floor of the six-storey building. The water of the old pond, now properly lined and used as a sarovar, is believed to have medicinal properties that can cure skin diseases. An annual fair, which attracts large crowds, is held on the full moon day of Bhadori (August-September).

8. Gurudwara Pipli Sahib

Shri Guru Ram Das Ji: Guru Ram Das Ji established a well under the shade of a Peepal tree (Banyan tree) due to its strategic location on the route to Lahore.

Shri Guru Arjun Dev Ji: When Guru Arjun Dev Ji assumed the guruship, Prithi Chand turned hostile and diverted donations, resulting in insufficient provisions for the communal kitchen (langar).

After Bhai Gurdas Ji returned from Agra following Shri Guru Ram Das Ji’s death, he noticed the langar only had onions and grams. Bibi Bhani explained Prithi Chand’s actions, prompting Bhai Gurdas Ji and Baba Buddha Ji to come to this place and seek donations from the sangat arriving from Kabul, Kandhar, and the West. They collected donations and handed them to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib and Mata Ji then served and cared for the Sangat.

Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji: During his first battle, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji defeated Mukhlis Khan on this ground. After the war, he untied his waistband (Kamar Kasa), drank water, and rested at this site.

9. Gurudwara Janam Asthaan Shri Guru Amar Das Ji

For a long time, Guru Amar Das Ji undertook pilgrimages to the Ganges (Ganga Yatra). Upon hearing the hymns of Guru Nanak Sahib from Bibi Amro Ji, Guru Sahib inquired about them and then went to Khadoor Sahib, where he served Shri Guru Angad Dev Ji for 12 years. During this period, Guru Amar Das Ji would fetch water from Goindwal Sahib for Guru Angad Dev Ji’s bath.

10. Gurudwara Shri Janam Asthan Baba Budha Ji Sahib

Baba Ji was born here to father Sugha Randhawa Ji and Mother Gauraan Ji. In his childhood, he was known as Budda. After meeting with Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he became known as Baba Budha Ji Sahib.

When Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the first Shri Guru Granth Sahib at Harmandir Sahib, Baba Budha Ji Sahib was appointed as the first head granthi sahib. He had the honor of performing the tilak ceremony and serving as the head granthi from Shri Guru Angad Dev Ji to Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.

11. Gurudwara Patshahi 6 Dhand

Bhai Langaha Ji, who served as the commander of the 6th Paatshaahi, Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, hailed from Dhand Village, Dhillon Kalan. As he grew older, he retired from his duties serving Guru Sahib and settled in his village, Dhand. In his later years, his greatest wish was to meet Guru Sahib, so he spent much of his time in devotion and remembrance of him.

One day, Guru Sahib decided to visit this true Sikh who, due to his advanced age, could not come to meet him. Riding on his horse, Guru Sahib arrived, met Bhai Langaha Ji, and blessed him. Guru Sahib tied his horse to a Peepal tree at this spot.

To commemorate this visit, Gurudwara Pippal Sahib, 6th Patshahi, was established. This Gurudwara is also known for the blessings Guru Sahib bestowed upon Bhai Langaha Ji and the villagers.

12. Gurudwara Shri Atari Sahib

Guru Sahib visited this place in 1661. Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji personally erected the hitching post (qila) which has since grown into a tree.

Amritsar’s Treasures

These sacred sites not only foster a sense of community among Sikhs but also welcome people of all backgrounds to experience the ethos of equality, service, and devotion that Sikhism embodies. Whether it’s annual events or community activities, these gurdwaras continue to serve as centers of spiritual learning, cultural heritage, and social cohesion, reflecting the enduring legacy of Sikhism in Amritsar.