# Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh), Virbhadra - GurdwaraSahib.in > Source: https://gurdwarasahib.in/gurdwara/gurudwara-sri-hemkunt-sahib-rishikesh-w1203023989 Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh) 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, Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh) 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). ## Significance The gurdwara serves as a vital spiritual and community center. In Sikh tradition, a gurdwara is not merely a place of worship but a center for learning, community service, and social equality. The institution of Langar (community kitchen), Sangat (congregation), and Pangat (eating together in rows) are practiced here, reinforcing the Sikh values of equality and brotherhood. ## Nearby Gurdwaras [☯ ### Gurdwara Gyan Godri Sahib India 22 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](https://gurdwarasahib.in/gurdwara/gurdwara-gyan-godri-sahib-q85764892)[☯ ### Gurdwara Guru Amardas Sahib Ji ,Kankhal Haridwar India 25 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](https://gurdwarasahib.in/gurdwara/gurdwara-guru-amardas-sahib-ji-kankhal-haridwar-q68621290)[☯ ### Gurdwara Sahib Haridwār, India 26 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](https://gurdwarasahib.in/gurdwara/gurdwara-sahib-w227217595)[☯ ### Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Jawalapur India 28 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](https://gurdwarasahib.in/gurdwara/gurdwara-sri-guru-singh-sabha-jawalapur-q65550683) ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Modest clothing covering arms and legs. Head must be covered at all times inside the Gurdwara. ☯ ### Head Covering Free head coverings (rumaals) are available at the entrance for all visitors. ### Shoe Storage Remove shoes before entering. Free shoe storage (Jora Ghar) is available at the entrance. ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in the outer premises. Please be respectful inside the main prayer hall. ### Etiquette Wash hands and feet before entering. Sit on the floor facing the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Do not point feet towards the Guru Granth Sahib. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The Gurdwara operates a free community kitchen (Langar) serving vegetarian meals to all visitors. Langar embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Everyone sits together on the floor (Pangat) regardless of background. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Vaisakhi Vaisakhi marks the birth of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This major Sikh festival celebrates the creation of the Sikh community of initiated men and women. Special prayers, processions (Nagar Kirtan), and extended Langar are organized. April 14 #### Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurab Celebrates the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru who created the Khalsa. Special prayers, Kirtan, Akhand Path, and community celebrations mark this important day. January (varies by lunar calendar) #### Maghi Commemorates the martyrdom of the Chali Mukte (40 Liberated Ones) who sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Muktsar in 1705. Special Kirtan and prayers honour these brave Sikhs who returned to fight alongside Guru Gobind Singh Ji. January 14 #### Hola Mohalla A Sikh festival of martial arts and valor, established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji as an alternative to the Hindu festival of Holi. Features martial arts displays (Gatka), mock battles, music, poetry, and community feasts. March (day after Holi) #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab Celebrates the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Akhand Path (48-hour continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji) is held, followed by Nagar Kirtan, special Kirtan Darbars, and extended Langar Seva. November (varies by lunar calendar) #### Bandi Chhor Divas The Sikh Festival of Liberation, celebrated on the same day as Diwali. It commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 Hindu kings from Gwalior Fort. The Gurdwara is illuminated with lights and candles. October/November (varies by lunar calendar) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Is there an entry fee at Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh)? No, there is no entry fee at Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh). Like all Gurdwara Sahibs, it is open to everyone free of charge, regardless of faith, caste, or background. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers, participate in Langar, and explore the premises. What should I wear when visiting Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh)? When visiting Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh), wear modest clothing that covers your arms and legs. All visitors must cover their head inside the Gurdwara — free head coverings (rumaals) are available at the entrance. Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall; shoe storage is provided. Can non-Sikhs visit Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh)? Absolutely! Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh) warmly welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. Sikh Gurdwaras are open to everyone. Non-Sikh visitors are encouraged to attend prayers, enjoy Langar (free community meal), and learn about Sikh traditions. Just follow basic etiquette: cover your head and remove shoes. Can I take photos at Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh)? Photography is generally permitted in the outer premises of Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh). However, please be respectful inside the main prayer hall (Darbar Sahib) and avoid using flash. Video recording during prayer services should be done discreetly. Always ask permission before photographing individuals. What are the visiting hours of Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh)? Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh) is generally open from early morning (around 4:00-5:00 AM) until late evening (9:00-10:00 PM). The morning prayers (Amrit Vela) begin at dawn, and evening prayers (Rehras Sahib) are held at sunset. Langar timings may vary. For exact hours, please contact the Gurdwara management. ### langar Is free food available at Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh)? Yes, Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh) serves free vegetarian meals through Langar, the Sikh community kitchen. Langar is available to all visitors regardless of background. Everyone sits together on the floor (Pangat), embodying the Sikh principle of equality. The food is prepared by volunteers as an act of selfless service (Seva). ### logistics Where can I park at Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh)? Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh) typically has parking facilities for visitors. During major events and festivals, additional parking arrangements are usually made. For specific parking information, it is recommended to contact the Gurdwara management directly or visit during non-peak hours for easier parking. How do I reach Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh)? Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh) is located, India. The GPS coordinates are 30.1120°N, 78.3042°E. You can use map navigation apps for precise directions. Local auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses can help you reach the Gurdwara. ### accessibility Is Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh) wheelchair accessible? Accessibility features vary at Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh). Many Gurdwara Sahibs in India are working to improve accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges. Please contact Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh) management directly for the most current accessibility information and any special arrangements that can be made. ### accommodation Is accommodation available at Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh)? Many Gurdwara Sahibs offer basic accommodation (Sarai) for travellers and pilgrims at no charge or minimal cost. Availability at Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib (Rishikesh) may vary. It is recommended to contact the Gurdwara management in advance to check current accommodation facilities and make any necessary arrangements.