Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib
Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib is a historical Sikh shrine located in the district of Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab, India. It is situated on the banks of the Sirhind Canal, about 15 kilometres from the town of Rajpura. The Gurudwara is dedicated to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who visited this place during his journey towards the South in 1706.
'Bibeksar' means 'pool of wisdom', and the Gurudwara is built around a natural spring believed to possess medicinal properties. The spring water is considered to have healing powers and is said to cure various ailments. The Gurudwara complex covers an area of about five acres and includes a main prayer hall, a langar hall, a library, and several rooms for pilgrims to stay.
The history of Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib dates back to the early 18th century when Guru Gobind Singh Ji visited this place while travelling towards the South. According to historical records, the Guru had stopped here to rest and meditate. During his stay, he blessed the site and drank water from the spring. He also instructed his followers to build a Gurudwara around the spring and named it 'Bibeksar Sahib'.
The Gurudwara has undergone several renovations and expansions. The present-day structure was built in the 1950s and featured a beautiful white marble façade with intricate carvings and paintings depicting the life and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The main prayer hall, which can accommodate up to 1,000 devotees at a time, is adorned with colourful frescoes and has a marble platform where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of the Sikhs) is placed.
One of the most important features of Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib is the langar hall, where free meals are served to all visitors irrespective of their caste, creed, or religion. The langar is prepared and served by volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that everyone who visits the Gurudwara is well-fed. This tradition of serving free meals to all visitors is an integral part of Sikhism and is known as 'seva'.
Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib is a place of worship and a centre of learning and community service. The Gurudwara runs several educational and social welfare programs, including a school for underprivileged children and a medical camp that provides free healthcare services to the local community.
Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib is a sacred and serene place that attracts devotees worldwide. The peaceful surroundings and the spiritual atmosphere make it an ideal place for meditation and contemplation. The Gurudwara's emphasis on community service and social welfare programs is a testament to the Sikh faith's core principles of equality, compassion, and selfless service.
Places To Visit Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib In Punjab
Fatehgarh Sahib:
This historic town is just 10 kilometres from Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib and is home to several other important Sikh shrines, including Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurudwara Jyoti Sarup, and Gurudwara Shahid Ganj. The town also has a rich cultural heritage known for its handicrafts and cuisine.
Sirhind:
Located about 25 kilometres from Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib, Sirhind is another historic town home to several important Sikh shrines, including Gurudwara Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib and Gurudwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. The town is known for its Mughal-era monuments and the Sirhind Canal, a popular picnic spot.
Chandigarh:
Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, is about 70 kilometres from Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib. It is a modern city with well-planned architecture and has several tourist attractions, including the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, and the Capitol Complex.
Amritsar:
Amritsar, the holiest city of Sikhism, is located about 180 kilometres from Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib. It is home to the iconic Golden Temple, the most visited Sikh shrine in the world. Other tourist attractions in Amritsar include Jallianwala Bagh, Durgiana Temple, and the Wagah Border ceremony.
Ludhiana:
Ludhiana, located about 90 kilometres from Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib, is a bustling industrial city known for its textile and garment industry. It is also home to several tourist attractions, including the Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum, the Punjab Agricultural University Museum, and the Phillaur Fort.
These are just a few recommendations for visiting places to visit in Punjab. There are several other tourist attractions in the state that you can explore based on your interests and preferences.
