Uttarakhand
Hemkund Sahib
- 26 May 2025
- 3 min read
Why in News?
Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh shrine in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, has been opened to devotees, marking the start of the annual pilgrimage season.
Key Points
Hemkund Sahib
- Hemkund Sahib is nestled at an elevation of approximately 4,329 meters (14,200 feet) above sea level.
- It is beautifully situated on the banks of the serene Hemkund Lake, surrounded by snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
- The beautiful landscape, with glacial waters and alpine meadows, adds to the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
- Trekking routes, including the path to the Valley of Flowers, make it a popular place to visit.
- A small stream named Himganga flows out of Hemkund Lake, adding to the ecological richness of the area.
- Spiritual Significance:
- Hemkund Sahib is among the most revered Sikh shrines globally.
- As per the holy Granth Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, is believed to have meditated at Hemkund Lake in one of his earlier lifetimes.
- The site serves as a symbol of divine reflection, resilience, and purity for devotees.
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
- Early Life:
- Born as Gobind Rai Sodhi on 22 December 1666 in Patna, Bihar, he was the tenth and final Guru of the Sikh faith.
- Son of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru.
- Born as Gobind Rai Sodhi on 22 December 1666 in Patna, Bihar, he was the tenth and final Guru of the Sikh faith.
- Turning Point and Ascension:
- At the age of nine, after the martyrdom of his father in 1675, he was formally installed as Guru.
- He combined spiritual leadership with martial discipline and literary expression.
- Founding of the Khalsa:
- On the day of Baisakhi in 1699, he established the Khalsa, a martial and spiritual order of saint-soldiers.
- Initiated the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), introduced Khande Di Pahul (Amrit initiation), and mandated the Five Ks: Kangha (comb), Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kirpan (sword), and Kachhera (shorts)
- He changed his name from Gobind Rai to Gobind Singh.
- Military Struggles and Sacrifices:
- Fought numerous battles against Mughal forces and hill rajas, including at Bhangani (1688), Nadaun (1691), and Muktsar (1705).
- Lost all four sons and mother Mata Gujari to Mughal oppression but remained unshaken in spirit.
- Final Days and Legacy:
- Fatally wounded in 1708 at Nanded by assassins sent by Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind.
- Before his death on 7 October 1708, he declared the Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, ending the line of personal Gurus.
