# Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda, Haridwar, Uttarakhand – a Singh Sabha gurdwara serving the Sikh community near the sacred city of Haridwar. # Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda is a Sikh place of worship located in the village of Aurangabad, in the Bahadrabad Block of Haridwar district, Uttarakhand, India. Situated approximately 17 kilometres west of Haridwar city and around 25 kilometres from the sacred town of Haridwar proper, this gurdwara serves as a vital spiritual and community centre for the Sikh population residing in and around Tanda Aurangabad. The gurdwara stands at an elevation of roughly 271 metres above sea level in the fertile Gangetic plains of the Himalayan foothills — a landscape rich in spiritual heritage and natural beauty. As a Singh Sabha gurdwara, the institution embodies the core principles of Sikhism: devotion (seva), equality, and community service. It functions as the primary gathering place for Sikhs from Aurangabad and surrounding villages such as Puranpur Salhapur, Garh, Rajpur, and Daluwala Khurd. Regular diwan (congregation) sessions are held where the Guru Granth Sahib — the eternal Sikh scripture — is recited, and kirtan (devotional singing) fills the prayer hall with sacred hymns. The gurdwara draws Sikh pilgrims and visitors year-round, particularly during major Sikh festivals including Guru Nanak Gurpurab, Baisakhi, and Hola Mohalla. Given its location near Haridwar, one of India's most revered pilgrimage cities, visitors to the holy Ganges often include the gurdwara in their spiritual itinerary. Sikh travellers en route to the famous Gurdwara Nanakwara in Haridwar — which marks the spot where Guru Nanak Dev Ji stopped during his first Udasi (spiritual journey) — often visit Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda as well. True to Sikh tradition, the gurdwara operates a langar (community kitchen) that provides free vegetarian meals to all visitors, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or socioeconomic status. This institution of langar powerfully embodies the Sikh values of equality and selfless service. Volunteers from the local Sikh community contribute their time, resources, and skills to ensure the langar runs daily. The gurdwara also plays a social role in the community, often hosting events related to education, health awareness, and inter-faith dialogue. Located in the Jwalapur Assembly constituency and surrounded by the broader spiritual landscape of the Haridwar-Rishikesh region, this gurdwara occupies a unique position at the confluence of Sikh devotional life and the ancient pilgrimage culture of Uttarakhand. ## Significance Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda holds deep religious and cultural significance for the Sikh community in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand. As a Singh Sabha institution, it is aligned with the principles articulated during the 19th-century Sikh reform movement — promoting scriptural Sikhism, community welfare, and the equal treatment of all human beings irrespective of caste or social background. The gurdwara's location near the holy city of Haridwar adds a layer of broader spiritual significance. Haridwar itself is one of the four sacred sites of the Hindu Kumbh Mela, and Guru Nanak Dev Ji's visit to the city in the early 16th century cemented its importance in Sikh tradition. For Sikh pilgrims travelling to Haridwar and the wider Himalayan pilgrimage circuit — including Hemkund Sahib, Rishikesh, and other sacred sites — Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda serves as a place of worship and rest. Within the local community, the gurdwara functions as far more than a house of prayer. It is a centre for Punjabi cultural identity, a venue for community discussions, and a site for celebrating major Sikh festivals with collective devotion. The institution of langar embodies the Sikh commitment to seva (selfless service) and challenges social hierarchies by ensuring every visitor — whether rich or poor, Sikh or non-Sikh — shares a meal as equals. For many families in the Aurangabad area, the gurdwara represents the spiritual heart of their community and a tangible link to Sikh heritage and values passed down through generations. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Jawalapur India 12 km away Approximately 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily; ... Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Jawalapur is a revered Sikh place of worship located in Jawalapur, a town situated approximately 4–5 kilometres south of Haridwar in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, India. Set amidst the spiritually charged landscape of the Ganga plains at the foothills of the Himalayas, the gurdwara serves as the principal Sikh religious institution for the local Sikh community of Jawalapur and the broader Haridwar metropolitan area. The name 'Guru Singh Sabha' reflects the Singh Sabha tradition — a reformist movement that swept through Sikhism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, establishing congregational bodies (sabhas) dedicated to reviving Sikh learning, religious practice, and community identity. Gurdwaras bearing this name are typically founded and managed by local Singh Sabha committees, which oversee religious programming, langar (community kitchen), and education. Jawalapur itself is a historically significant town in the Haridwar district. It lies on the banks of the Ganges River, to the south of Rajaji National Park, and is connected to the broader Haridwar urban area by road and rail. The town has long been a part of the sacred geography of the Ganges corridor, a region held holy by multiple religious traditions. The Sikh community here, though a religious minority, has maintained a vibrant presence centered around the gurdwara. The gurdwara welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds, embodying the foundational Sikh principles of equality, selfless service (seva), and universal brotherhood. The Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) enshrines the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal Sikh scripture, and daily prayers (nitnem) and kirtan (devotional music) are performed here each morning and evening. A langar hall provides free vegetarian meals to all who visit, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. As a community gurdwara in a region of profound religious significance — within close reach of Haridwar's ghats and the pilgrimage circuit that includes Rishikesh — Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Jawalapur occupies an important place in the spiritual landscape of northern Uttarakhand. It attracts not only local Sikh residents but also Sikh pilgrims traveling through the Haridwar region on their way to Hemkund Sahib and other Himalayan Sikh shrines. The gurdwara stands as a symbol of the Sikh community's enduring roots in the Uttarakhand region. Historical ### Gurdwara Sahib Haridwār, India 12 km away Gurdwara Sahib is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Gurdwara Guru Amardas Sahib Ji ,Kankhal Haridwar India 15 km away Believed to be open from early morning (... Gurdwara Guru Amardas Sahib Ji, popularly known as Gurdwara Sati Ghat, is a historically revered Sikh shrine situated in the Kankhal area of Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India, approximately three kilometres south of the main Haridwar town centre. Nestled on the sacred banks of the River Ganga, this gurdwara marks the very spot where Sri Guru Amar Das Ji — the third Sikh Guru — used to stay and meditate during his extensive annual pilgrimages to Haridwar. The site holds a unique dual significance: it is both the place of Guru Amar Das Ji's pre-Sikh spiritual transformation and a monument to his fearless crusade against the oppressive practice of sati pratha — the immolation of widows on their husbands' funeral pyres. Before embracing Sikhi, Amar Das Ji was a devout Vaishnava Hindu who undertook more than twenty pilgrimages to the Ganges at Haridwar. He would stay at what is now Kankhal, performing worship at the Ganga ghats. It was on his twentieth such pilgrimage, around 1539 CE, that he encountered Bibi Amro, daughter of Guru Angad Dev Ji, reciting hymns of Guru Nanak, and his life changed forever. He subsequently became a devoted Sikh of Guru Angad Dev Ji and later, in 1552 CE, was appointed the Third Guru of the Sikh faith. As Guru, Amar Das Ji made one final visit to Haridwar — this time not as a pilgrim but as a spiritual reformer — to preach the truth about God, challenge empty ritual, and actively oppose the sati practice that was prevalent at the Kankhal ghats. His sermon that true satis are not those who burn themselves but those who endure the pain of separation with grace became a defining declaration of Sikh thought on women's dignity. Today, the gurdwara is overseen by the Nirmala Sikhs, a learned scholarly sect deeply rooted in classical Sikh learning. Unlike most gurdwaras, it does not house a Guru Granth Sahib; instead, the sanctum preserves a Thara Sahib — a sacred platform — marking the exact spot where Guru Amar Das Ji used to sit and hold divine congregations. The gurdwara is adorned with remarkable early 19th-century wall and ceiling paintings, some of Vedic character, making it an extraordinary blend of Sikh devotion and subcontinental artistic heritage. It draws Sikh pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and devotees of all faiths, especially those visiting the broader Haridwar-Kankhal spiritual corridor. Its proximity to the Sati Ghat, where widow immolation once occurred, gives the shrine an especially poignant reformist dimension that continues to resonate in contemporary discourse on social justice and the Sikh tradition. Historical ### Gurdwara Gyan Godri Sahib India 16 km away The sacred site near Har Ki Pauri is acc... Gurdwara Gyan Godri Sahib, whose name translates as the 'Treasure of Knowledge' (Gyan = knowledge, Godri = treasure trove), is one of the most historically significant Sikh sacred sites associated with Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. Situated near the renowned Har Ki Pauri — the sacred ghat on the banks of the River Ganges — this gurdwara marks the very spot where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is believed to have halted during his first great journey (Udasi) through the Indian subcontinent in 1504–1505 CE. Haridwar, one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, was a crossroads of spiritual inquiry, and Guru Nanak's visit here produced one of the most celebrated episodes of Sikh philosophy: the 'Gyan Godri' (Treasure of Knowledge) incident that challenged empty ritual and affirmed the primacy of inner devotion over superstition. Located along the western bank of the Ganges at coordinates 29.9558° N, 78.1706° E, the gurdwara occupies a site in the Prem Nagar area of Haridwar, a city in Haridwar District that draws millions of Hindu pilgrims annually as well as a growing number of Sikh devotees retracing Guru Nanak's footsteps. The site has been venerated by the Sikh community for centuries, though it has endured significant tribulations in the modern era, including demolition by local authorities in 1979 and decades-long efforts by Sikh religious bodies to restore it. For Sikh pilgrims, Gurdwara Gyan Godri Sahib holds a place of deep reverence as a living testament to Guru Nanak's philosophy of rational thought, compassion, and the direct relationship between the individual and the Divine. The site is visited as part of longer Sikh pilgrimage circuits that also include Gurdwara Nanakwara and Gurdwara Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib within Haridwar, making the city a meaningful destination for Sikh devotees visiting northern India. It is recommended to visit between October and February when Haridwar's climate is most pleasant for spiritual travel, and when the Ganges ghats are particularly atmospheric in the early morning hours. The best visiting time is dawn, when Ganga Aarti is also performed at Har Ki Pauri nearby, providing a profoundly spiritual experience for all visitors irrespective of faith. Historical ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda is interwoven with the broader narrative of Sikh settlement and religious organisation in the Uttarakhand region. The Haridwar district has been home to Sikh communities for generations, drawn in part by the region's deep spiritual significance and the proximity to the Ganga — a sacred river revered across multiple Indian religious traditions. The roots of the Singh Sabha movement, from which this gurdwara derives its name and institutional identity, trace back to 1873. The original Sri Guru Singh Sabha was established in Amritsar on 1 October 1873, under the leadership of Sardar Thakur Singh Sandhawalia and Khem Singh Bedi, as a response to the perceived threat to Sikh identity posed by Christian missionary activity and Hindu reform movements such as the Arya Samaj. The movement sought to revive Sikh religious identity, promote Gurmukhi script and Punjabi language, and restore gurdwaras to orthodox Sikh practice. Over subsequent decades, Singh Sabha-affiliated gurdwaras proliferated across India, and communities outside Punjab — including those in Uttarakhand — established their own local Singh Sabhas to serve resident Sikh populations. The Sikh connection to the Haridwar area is longstanding. Historical records indicate that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, visited Haridwar during his first Udasi (proselytising journey) around 1504–1505 CE. At the Ganges ghats, Guru Nanak famously challenged the Hindu ritual of offering water eastward to deceased ancestors by splashing water westward toward his fields in Punjab, illustrating through action the futility of superstitious ritual. This event is commemorated today at Gurdwara Nanakwara in Haridwar. Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda is believed to have been established to serve the Sikh farming families and traders who settled in and around the Aurangabad area of Bahadrabad block. As the local Sikh community grew, they formalised their religious congregation into a registered gurdwara following the Singh Sabha model. The gurdwara has since been managed and maintained by the local sangat (congregation), with periodic renovations undertaken to maintain its facilities and expand its capacity to serve the growing community. While precise founding dates are not publicly documented, the institution reflects the enduring Sikh presence in the Haridwar plains that spans at least several generations. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central hall of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed under a ceremonial canopy (palki). Devotees gather here for daily prayers, kirtan, and diwan. The hall is carpeted and maintains a serene atmosphere of reverence. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A dedicated hall adjoining the main complex where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served to all visitors daily. The langar hall is managed by volunteers from the local sangat and embodies the Sikh principle of equality and selfless service. ### Nishan Sahib (Flagpole) tower The tall flagpole bearing the triangular Sikh flag inscribed with the Khanda symbol, erected prominently at the gurdwara entrance. It serves as a visible landmark identifying the gurdwara and symbolises the sovereignty and universality of the Sikh faith. ### Entrance Gateway and Shoe Stand entrance The main entrance to the gurdwara complex where visitors remove footwear, wash hands, and cover their heads before proceeding inside. Head-coverings are typically available for visitors who do not have one. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) sarovar Many gurdwaras of the Singh Sabha tradition include or plan for a sarovar (sacred water tank) for ritual bathing and meditation. If present, this structure adds to the spiritual ambience of the complex, particularly significant given the proximity to the sacred Ganges river. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head must be covered (scarves/rumaals available at entrance); shoes must be removed before entering; modest, clean clothing required ### Photography Generally permitted in outer areas; seek permission before photographing inside the Darbar Sahib ### Etiquette Cover your head before entering; remove footwear at the shoe stand; wash hands at the entrance; bow respectfully before the Guru Granth Sahib; avoid tobacco, alcohol, and meat within the premises; sit cross-legged or respectfully on the carpeted floor ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Serves the local sangat and visiting devotees; capacity expands significantly during Gurpurabs and special occasions Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda follows the traditional architectural conventions of Sikh religious structures, blending the distinctive Punjabi-Sikh style with the modest scale appropriate to a community gurdwara serving a rural and semi-urban population. The complex is typically oriented to allow congregants to approach the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) after removing footwear and washing hands at the entrance. The main building is believed to feature a central dome — a hallmark of Sikh religious architecture — constructed in white or cream masonry that reflects the purity and openness central to Sikh worship. The Darbar Sahib houses the Guru Granth Sahib under a decorative canopy (palki), and its interior is maintained with immaculate care by the gurdwara's sevadars (volunteers). The complex also includes a langar hall (community kitchen and dining area) where free meals are prepared and served, as well as facilities for ablutions, shoe storage, and head-covering distribution for visitors. The nishan sahib — the tall flagpole bearing the triangular Sikh flag (Khanda) in blue or saffron — is prominently displayed, serving as a visible beacon that identifies the gurdwara to approaching visitors. The grounds are kept clean and open, in keeping with Sikh tradition of welcoming all. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central hall of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed under a ceremonial canopy (palki). Devotees gather here for daily prayers, kirtan, and diwan. The hall is carpeted and maintains a serene atmosphere of reverence. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A dedicated hall adjoining the main complex where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served to all visitors daily. The langar hall is managed by volunteers from the local sangat and embodies the Sikh principle of equality and selfless service. ### Nishan Sahib (Flagpole) tower The tall flagpole bearing the triangular Sikh flag inscribed with the Khanda symbol, erected prominently at the gurdwara entrance. It serves as a visible landmark identifying the gurdwara and symbolises the sovereignty and universality of the Sikh faith. ### Entrance Gateway and Shoe Stand entrance The main entrance to the gurdwara complex where visitors remove footwear, wash hands, and cover their heads before proceeding inside. Head-coverings are typically available for visitors who do not have one. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) sarovar Many gurdwaras of the Singh Sabha tradition include or plan for a sarovar (sacred water tank) for ritual bathing and meditation. If present, this structure adds to the spiritual ambience of the complex, particularly significant given the proximity to the sacred Ganges river. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is the most widely celebrated event. The gurdwara holds Akhand Path (48-hour continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, and a grand langar serving the entire community and visiting pilgrims. #### Gurpurabs of the Ten Gurus The gurdwara observes the birth and martyrdom anniversaries (Gurpurabs) of all ten Sikh Gurus throughout the year, with special congregations, kirtan, and langar on each occasion. ### festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated each year on 13 or 14 April, Baisakhi marks both the Punjabi harvest festival and the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The gurdwara holds special diwan and community celebrations. #### Hola Mohalla Celebrated the day after Holi, Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival instituted by Guru Gobind Singh. The gurdwara observes this occasion with kirtan, martial arts demonstrations, and community gatherings. #### Diwali / Bandi Chhor Divas Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from Gwalior Fort. The gurdwara is illuminated and special kirtan and langar are arranged for the community. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda is generally open from early morning (around 4:00 AM) until late evening (around 9:00 PM) daily. Timings may be extended during major Sikh festivals such as Guru Nanak Gurpurab and Baisakhi. It is advisable to contact the gurdwara directly for the most current schedule. Yes, entry to Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda is completely free for all visitors, as is the tradition at all Sikh gurdwaras. Free langar (community meal) is also available to every visitor without charge. Langar is the Sikh institution of a free community kitchen that serves vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or social status. Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda operates a langar where meals are served daily, typically in the morning and early afternoon, with extended service during festival days. Visitors are welcome to participate and also to volunteer in the langar as seva (selfless service). The gurdwara celebrates all major Sikh festivals including Guru Nanak Gurpurab (birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji), Baisakhi (harvest festival and anniversary of the Khalsa), Hola Mohalla, and the Gurpurabs (birth and death anniversaries) of other Sikh Gurus. These occasions are marked by extended kirtan, special diwan sessions, and enhanced langar service. All visitors must cover their head before entering the gurdwara — scarves or rumaals are usually available at the entrance. Shoes must be removed at the designated shoe stand. Modest, clean clothing is expected. Tobacco, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited on the premises. ### history Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda is a Singh Sabha-affiliated gurdwara serving the Sikh community of Aurangabad village in the Bahadrabad Block of Haridwar district, Uttarakhand. The Singh Sabha movement, from which its institutional identity is derived, began in Amritsar in 1873. The gurdwara is believed to have been established to serve Sikh families who have lived in the Aurangabad area for generations, in a region that has Sikh significance due to Guru Nanak Dev Ji's historic visit to nearby Haridwar around 1504–1505 CE. ### transport The gurdwara is located in Aurangabad village, approximately 17 km west of Haridwar city. The nearest railway station is Haridwar Junction (HW), from which you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus toward Bahadrabad/Aurangabad. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 55 km away. By road, take the Haridwar–Roorkee highway (NH 334) westward and follow signs toward Bahadrabad and Aurangabad. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad Tanda Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit