Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib

Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib, Paonta Sahib has magnificent and vivid antiquity. Positioned in the Sirmour district, at a distance of 23 km from Paonta Sahib, in Himachal Pradesh, the Gurudwara Sahib is nestled in verdant and lavish farms. The place enriched with holiness and serenity was once a battleground. Linked with the battle of Bhangani, the Gurudwara Sahib is seen as an insignia of triumph in the war against Raja Bhim Chand. This was the place where the 10th Guru of the Sikhs- Guru Gobind Singh ji fought his first battle at the tender age of 22 against Raja Bhim Chand in 1686. Raja Bhim Chand along with Raja Fateh Chand of Garhwa (a close comrade of Guruji and relative of Raja Bhim Chand) and many other Rulers of the Sivalik Hills decided to combat against Guru Gobind Singh, leading to the Battle of Bhangani, which was later accomplished by Guru Gobind Singh. The final rites of the Sikh martyr in the battle of Bhangani were performed in the Gurudwara as well.

This Gurudwara was assembled in the commemoration of the war victims and connotes conquest and influence of the concord of Sikhs. Sitting in the Gurdwara Sahib premises in serenity, one can visualize Guru Gobind Singh seated on his mount commanding his Sikhs to battle the enemies bravely. What a glorious combat it was with Guru Ji and his Sikhs, although heavily outnumbered but victorious. Presently, sewa of the Gurudwara is accomplished by Sant Baba Pritam Singh Ji from Ludhiana in Punjab. The aura of the white marbled sanctuary amid the paddy meadow is simply mesmerizing and is worth a stopover on a trip to Paonta Sahib.

Traveler Tips:

• Visitors should remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the Gurdwara Sahib.
• It is forbidden to smoke or consume tobacco on the premises.
• Be modestly attired.
• Wash hands, and feet before entering the Gurudwara Sahib.
• Bow respectfully before the holy scripture- Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
• Sit quietly on the floor with your legs crossed, and face towards Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Things to Do:

• Sit quietly and enjoy the serenity and spiritual aura of the Gurudwara Sahib.
• Take a stroll through verdant meadows to revitalize your mind.
• Listen to the recitation of the verses (Kirtan or Path) and surrender yourself to the Guru Sahib.
• Accept Karah Prasad (a sanctified delicacy made from flour, ghee, and sugar) with both hands.
• Enjoy a vegetarian meal from the free langar kitchen.

Availability:

• Anytime between 4 am to 7 pm.

History:

This was the place where the 10th Guru of the Sikhs- Guru Gobind Singh Ji fought his first battle at the tender age of 22 against Raja Bhim Chand in 1686. Raja Bhim Chand along with Raja Fateh Chand of Garhwa (a close comrade of Guruji and relative of Raja Bhim Chand) and many other Rulers of the Sivalik Hills decided to combat against Guru Gobind Singh, leading to the Battle of Bhangani, which was later accomplished by Guru Gobind Singh. The final rites of the Sikhs martyr in the battle of Bhangani were performed in the Gurudwara as well.

Architecture:

Well-constructed with white marble, the Gurudwara Sahib has a very simple entrance. There is a provision of circumambulatory path around the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, being Guru Sahib Ji, the focal point for the devotees.


How to Reach?

It can be reached by driving through some long, slender, grimy roads that pass through a set of small villages.

Interesting Facts and Trivia About:

Gurdwara Sahib is surrounding with meadows of lush green crops with an ambiance of harmony and tranquillity belies a violent past.

Nearby Attractions:

• Gurudwara Paonta Sahib
• Assan Lake
• Khodra Dak Pathar
• Sahstra Dhara