Gurudwara Rewalsar is a significant pilgrimage site on Lake Rewalsar’s outskirts. Its spiritual significance makes it a major attraction for Sikh pilgrims who believe visiting this holy site brings peace and sanctity. People from all around the world attend the fairs and festivals held at the Rewalsar Gurudwara. Devout Sikhs journey from every corner of the globe to seek the blessings of their sacred Lord, Vahiguru.
The Gurudwara also serves as a venue for fairs during festive occasions, where people from all over the country come together to celebrate the spirit of festivity. In Himachal Pradesh, Gurudwara Rewalsar is considered one of the most important religious sites. Suppose you’re planning a tour of Himachal Pradesh, including a visit to this Gurudwara. Our tour packages are fully customizable, making including this spiritual site in your itinerary easy.
History of Gurudwara Rewalsar
Gurudwara Rewalsar has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, visited this place in 1690. The Guru stayed at this site for a month and composed the famous “Chandi di Var” here. According to legend, the Guru was pleased with the devotion of a local king named Raja Joginder Sen, who gifted him a horse, which became the Guru’s favourite.
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Recent History
The gurdwara at Rawalsar Sahib was built in 1930 by Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi to commemorate Guru Gobind Singh’s visit. The gurdwara is made of stone and can be reached by climbing 108 stairs. It has a large Sarovar (tank) attached to it, which is believed to have medicinal and curative properties. Taking a dip in the tank is considered very auspicious. The gurdwara is particularly sacred to Namdhari Sikhs as it is mentioned in Sau Sakhi as a sanctuary.
Apart from Sikh pilgrims, the area is also visited by pilgrims of Buddhism and Hinduism. There are several sites, shrines, and mandirs related to the history of each religion in this area.
At 1360 meters above sea level in the Southern Himalayan belt, Rawalsar can be extremely cold in winters, but summers are generally pleasant.
Significance of Gurudwara Rewalsar in Sikhism
Gurudwara Rewalsar holds immense significance for Sikhs as it is believed to be where Guru Gobind Singh wrote the “Chandi di Var”, a composition praising the goddess Durga. The gurudwara also has a collection of rare manuscripts, including the “Dasam Granth”, a religious text by Guru Gobind Singh.
Cultural attractions in and around Gurudwara Rewalsar
Besides its religious importance, Gurudwara Rewalsar is famous for its cultural attractions. The Gurudwara complex has a museum that displays the life and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh.
The Rewalsar Lake is also a popular tourist destination, known for its serene beauty and boating activities. The nearby monasteries and temples, such as the Naina Devi Temple and the Drikung Kagyu Monastery, are also worth a visit.
Pilgrimage to Gurudwara Rewalsar
Pilgrimage to Gurudwara Rewalsar is a significant event for Sikhs. Devotees worldwide visit this holy site to pay their respects to Guru Gobind Singh and seek blessings.
The pilgrimage usually takes place during January, which marks the Guru’s visit to this site. The pilgrims dip in the holy Rewalsar Lake and offer prayers at the gurudwara.
Rituals and customs of the pilgrimage
The pilgrimage to Gurudwara Rewalsar involves several rituals and customs. The pilgrims perform the “Akhand path”, a continuous reading of the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, for 48 hours. They also participate in “kirtan”, a devotional singing of hymns.
The pilgrims carry a “Nishan Sahib”, a Sikh religious flag, throughout the pilgrimage. The holy water from the Rewalsar Lake is also considered auspicious, and the pilgrims carry it back to their homes.
Story of Gurudwara Rewalsar Sahib
Sikhism has a special connection with Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh, particularly with Mandi district, where the tenth guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, not only visited 331 years ago but also stayed for 6 months and left with a promise to protect it. Even today, the ancient memories of Guru Gobind Singh Ji can be seen and felt in this region.
A beautiful Gurudwara, situated on the Manali–Chandigarh National Highway 21, on the banks of the Beas River, along with the town of Mandi, serves as a testimony to the historical significance of this region. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s memories are preserved in this Gurudwara, making it a popular destination for Sikh devotees.
In 1686, Guru Gobind Singh Ji first arrived in Rewalsar and was later brought to Mandi by the then king, Siddha Sen, who showed him great respect and hospitality. Although the king offered him to stay in his palace, Guru Gobind Singh Ji chose to reside outside Mandi Nagar. He spent six months and eighteen days here.
Bhai Hira Singh, Head Granthi at the Guru Gobind Singh Gurudwara, mentions that the gun, ammo pouch, bed, and rabav presented to Guru Ji by the king are still kept here. The 331-year-old gun weighs 18 kg and is 7 feet 4 inches tall.
As Guru Gobind Singh Ji was about to depart, the king was apprehensive about external attacks and asked him for protection. In his own style, Guru Ji promised the king by standing on the Kolsara rock in the middle of the Beas River and throwing a hand into the river. The handi was targeted with a gun, but it remained unharmed. Upon seeing this, Guru Gobind Singh Ji said to the king, “As the handi is left, so will the market be; those who loot the market will leave the sky.” This statement has been recorded in the pages of history.
People from far and wide come to this historical Gurudwara to witness and experience the ancient memories of Guru Maharaj. Sikh devotees consider themselves fortunate to witness these memories.
The Gurudwara in Mandi provides complete arrangements for the living and eating of the devotees. Langar is served here 24/7, and there are ample provisions for the stay of devotees. The local Gurdwara Management Committee administers the Gurudwara, and grand events are organized here on all major festivals of Sikhism throughout the year.
Best time to visit Gurudwara Rewalsar
The best time to visit Gurudwara Rewalsar is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. The winter season is ideal for pilgrimage as it marks the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Gurudwara. The summer season, from April to June, can be hot and humid, making it less favourable for tourists.
How to Reach:
Gurudwara Rewalsar is well-connected to the rest of India through air, rail, and road networks.
By Airport: The nearest airport to the Gurudwara is the Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, about 63 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to reach the Gurudwara.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Gurudwara Rewalsar is Kiratpur Sahib Railway Station, about 122 km away. You can hire a taxi from the railway station or take a bus to reach the Gurudwara.
By Road: If you prefer to travel by road, Gurudwara Rewalsar is easily accessible from major cities in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Delhi. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from nearby cities such as Mandi, Shimla, and Chandigarh to reach the Gurudwara. Overall, several convenient transportation options are available for visitors wishing to visit Gurudwara Rewalsar.
Here is a list of nearby cities and their distance in kilometers from Gurudwara Rewalsar:
- Mandi – 24 km
- Kullu – 66 km
- Manali – 85 km
- Bilaspur – 90 km
- Shimla – 136 km
- Chandigarh – 176 km
- Ludhiana – 200 km
- Dehradun – 230 km
- Delhi – 423 km
- Jaipur – 740 km
Nearby Attractions Gurudwara Rewalsar
There are several other places of interest near Gurudwara Rewalsar that you can explore during your visit:
- Lake Rewalsar: Located near the Gurudwara, Lake Rewalsar is a picturesque spot surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake’s crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding mountains, making it a sight to behold. It is believed that the lake is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs and is said to have healing properties.
- Mandi: Known as the “Varanasi of the East”, Mandi is an important center for Buddhist pilgrimage. It is located on the banks of the Beas River and is known for its rich cultural heritage. The city is home to 81 old stone temples, each testament to its colonial architecture. Despite being a developing city, Mandi has preserved its ancient culture and heritage.
- Kunt Bhayog Lake
- Pandoh Dam
- Bhima Kaali Temple
- Kamlahgarh Fort
- Tarna Devi Temple
- Ardhnareshwar Temple
Exploring these nearby places will give you a deeper insight into the history and culture of the region and will make your visit to Gurudwara Rewalsar even more memorable.
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