Uttarakhand’s famous Hemkund Sahib is a well-known Sikh shrine in the Himalayas. Every year, thousands of pilgrims embark on the arduous journey to Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Ji. This year, it is scheduled to open its doors to pilgrims on May 25. The gurudwara is covered in snow throughout the winter and reopens for the Hemkunt Sahib Yatra, an annual pilgrimage, in the summer.
Hemkunt Sahib Opens For Pilgrims
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At an elevation of around 4,329 meters, Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Ji is located on the edge of the immaculate Hemkund Lake. Hemkunt Sahib, also called Hemkund Sahib, is one of the most revered Sikh shrines and attracts thousands of people annually. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the Gurudwara is a well-liked destination for visitors and trekkers due to its scenic natural settings and trek routes, which include one to the Valley of Flowers.
Opening to pilgrims from May 25 onwards, pilgrims can schedule their holy pilgrimage appropriately. Situated in the border district of Chamoli, Uttarakhand, Hemkund Sahib is closed in the winter. Even though it’s a strenuous 17-kilometer walk from Pulna to the Himalayan temple, Hemkund Sahib draws several pilgrims from India and elsewhere every year. The pilgrimage typically begins at Govindghat, from where devotees trek through breathtaking landscapes, crossing rivers, dense forests, and steep mountain trails.
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Spiritual Oasis In The Himalayas
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Guru Gobind Singh is the tenth Sikh Guru. According to Sikh belief, he meditated at this very site in his previous incarnation as Guru Gobind Rai. He achieved enlightenment after intense meditation and spiritual discipline. Among the highest gurudwaras in the world, the gurudwara’s pristine white structure is a scene of ethereal beauty. The main prayer hall has intricate frescoes and paintings with scenes from Sikh history and mythology.
Its majestic setting, rich history, and profound spiritual significance continue to attract pilgrims from all walks of life. Moreover, the 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) Valley of Flowers is located approximately 3 kilometers away from here. It is a well-liked alternate stop for pilgrims travelling to Hemkunt Sahib and worth witnessing the floral pleasures.
The closest airport to Hemkund Sahib is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, which is roughly 334 kilometres away. If you’re taking a train, Rishikesh is the nearest 300 kilometres away from your location.
So, are you heading to this religious place?
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons
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First Published: February 26, 2024 1:39 PM