Sirhind is a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the glory and tragedy of religions, and the fusion and diversity of cultures. Located in the Fatehgarh Sahib district of Punjab, India, Sirhind is a treasure trove of historical monuments, religious shrines, and cultural festivals. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a faith seeker, Sirhind has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the fascinating aspects of Sirhind tourism, Sirhind-Fatehgarh Sahib, Sirhind Gurudwara, Sirhind Mughal, Sirhind Sikh Pilgrimage Site, and more.
History of Sirhind
The name Sirhind means “the head of Hind”, as it was once considered the gateway to India from the west. Sirhind has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times, when it was part of the Indus Valley Civilization. It was also visited by Alexander the Great in 326 BC, who fought a fierce battle with King Porus near the river Jhelum.
Sirhind rose to prominence during the medieval period, when it became a major center of trade, commerce, and culture under various dynasties, such as the Ghaznavids, the Chauhans, the Tughlaqs, the Lodis, and the Mughals. Sirhind was especially favoured by the Mughal emperors, who built many splendid buildings and gardens in the city. Some of the notable Mughal monuments in Sirhind are the Rauza Sharif, the mausoleum of Sheikh Ahmad Faruqi Sirhindi, a renowned Sufi saint and reformer; the Aam Khas Bagh, a royal complex that served as a rest house and a venue for public and private audiences; and the Haveli Todar Mal, a mansion that belonged to a wealthy merchant and a loyal follower of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru.
Sirhind also witnessed some of the most tragic and heroic events in the history of Sikhism, when Guru Gobind Singh’s two younger sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, aged 9 and 7, were bricked alive by the Mughal governor of Sirhind, Wazir Khan, for refusing to convert to Islam. This barbaric act enraged the Sikhs, who vowed to avenge the martyrdom of the innocent children. In 1710, Banda Singh Bahadur, a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh, led a massive uprising against the Mughals and captured Sirhind, killing Wazir Khan and his army. He also established the first Sikh state in Sirhind, and renamed it as Fatehgarh Sahib, meaning “the fort of victory”.
Culture of Sirhind
Sirhind is a city that celebrates its diverse and rich culture, influenced by various religions, ethnicities, and languages. Sirhind is known for its delicious cuisine, vibrant festivals, melodious music, exquisite art, and inspiring literature. Some of the examples of Sirhind’s cultural heritage and traditions are:
Sirhind Heritage Festival: This is an annual festival that showcases the historical and cultural legacy of Sirhind, through various events and activities, such as heritage walks, cultural performances, exhibitions, seminars, etc. The festival is held in the month of February, and attracts thousands of visitors from across the country and abroad.
Sirhind Literature Festival: This is a biennial festival that celebrates the literary achievements and contributions of Sirhind, especially of Sheikh Ahmad Faruqi Sirhindi, who is regarded as one of the greatest thinkers and writers of the Islamic world. The festival features book launches, panel discussions, poetry recitations, lectures, workshops, etc. The festival is held in the month of December, and invites eminent scholars, authors, poets, and artists from different fields and backgrounds.
Sirhind Cuisine Festival: This is a gastronomic festival that offers a taste of the mouth-watering delicacies of Sirhind, which reflect the influence of Mughal, Punjabi, and Sikh cuisines. The festival features a variety of dishes, such as biryanis, kebabs, kormas, parathas, kulchas, lassis, halwas, etc. The festival is held in the month of March, and provides a feast for the senses and the palate.
Sirhind’s culture reflects its history and identity, as it has preserved its ancient roots, while embracing its modern outlook.
Faith of Sirhind
Sirhind is a city that respects and celebrates the religious significance and diversity of its people, who belong to various faiths, such as Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Christianity, etc. Sirhind is home to many places of worship, such as mosques, Gurudwaras, temples, churches, etc., that testify to the tolerance and harmony that exist among the different communities. However, Sirhind is especially renowned for its Sikh faith and its connection to the life and legacy of Guru Gobind Singh and his family.
Sirhind is the site of the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s two younger sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, who were bricked alive by the Mughal governor of Sirhind, Wazir Khan, for refusing to convert to Islam. This heinous crime is commemorated by the Sikhs every year, by visiting the Gurudwaras that were built in their memory. Some of the main Gurudwaras and their history, architecture, and rituals are:
Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib: This is the most sacred and important Gurudwara in Sirhind, as it marks the spot where the two young sons of Guru Gobind Singh were bricked alive. The Gurudwara is a white marble structure, with a dome and a minaret, that symbolizes the fusion of Islamic and Sikh styles. The Gurudwara also houses a museum, a library, and a sarovar (holy pond). The Gurudwara is open daily from 4 am to 10 pm, and offers free langar (community meal) to all visitors.
Gurudwara Jyoti Sarup: This is the second most revered Gurudwara in Sirhind, as it marks the spot where the mortal remains of Guru Gobind Singh’s mother, Mata Gujri, and his two younger sons, were cremated. The Gurudwara is a yellow sandstone structure, with a dome and a minaret, that resembles the Mughal architecture. The Gurudwara also has a sarovar, a museum, and a school. The Gurudwara is open daily from 5 am to 9 pm, and offers free langar to all visitors.
Gurudwara Shaheed Ganj: This is the third most respected Gurudwara in Sirhind, as it marks the spot where the bodies of the Sikhs who were killed by the Mughals in the battle of Sirhind, were cremated. The Gurudwara is a simple white structure, with a dome and a flag, that represents the Sikh spirit of martyrdom and sacrifice. The Gurudwara also has a sarovar, a garden, and a hall. The Gurudwara is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm, and offers free langar to all visitors.
Gurudwara Mata Gujri: This is the fourth most esteemed Gurudwara in Sirhind, as it marks the spot where Guru Gobind Singh’s mother, Mata Gujri, spent her last days, before she died of grief upon hearing the news of her grandsons’ martyrdom. The Gurudwara is a red brick structure, with a dome and a flag, that depicts the maternal love and courage of Mata Gujri. The Gurudwara also has a sarovar, a museum, and a school. The Gurudwara is open daily from 6 am to 9 pm, and offers free langar to all visitors.
Sirhind is one of the most important and popular Sikh pilgrimage sites in India, as it attracts millions of devotees every year, especially during the annual Shaheedi Jor Mela, which is held in the month of December, to commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons. The festival is a three-day event, that features religious ceremonies, cultural programs, exhibitions, fairs, etc.
Attractions of Sirhind
Sirhind is a city that offers a variety of attractions and things to do for its visitors, such as historical monuments, museums, parks, gardens, markets, etc. Some of the main attractions and their details are:
Rauza Sharif:
This is the mausoleum of Sheikh Ahmad Faruqi Sirhindi, a renowned Sufi saint and reformer, who is also known as Mujaddid Alf Sani, meaning “the reviver of the second millennium”. The mausoleum is a magnificent structure, with a dome, a minaret, and a courtyard, that displays the finest examples of Mughal and Persian architecture. The mausoleum also contains the graves of Sheikh Ahmad’s descendants and followers. The mausoleum is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and has no entry fee. The mausoleum is also a place of pilgrimage for Muslims, who visit it to pay their respects and seek blessings.
Aam Khas Bagh:
This is a royal complex that served as a rest house and a venue for public and private audiences for the Mughal emperors, especially Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. The complex is a splendid example of Mughal architecture and engineering, as it features various structures, such as palaces, pavilions, baths, tanks, fountains, canals, etc. The complex also boasts of some unique and innovative features, such as the Sheesh Mahal, a palace with mirrors and paintings; the Sarad Khana, a cooling system that used water and air; and the Hamam, a bath with hot and cold water facilities. The complex is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and has an entry fee of Rs. 25 per person.
Haveli Todar Mal:
This is a mansion that belonged to Todar Mal, a wealthy merchant and a loyal follower of Guru Gobind Singh, who played a crucial role in the cremation of Guru Gobind Singh’s mother and sons. The mansion is a beautiful structure, with a red sandstone facade, a dome, and a balcony, that showcases the influence of Mughal and Sikh styles. The mansion also has a museum, a gallery, and a garden. The mansion is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, and has no entry fee. The mansion is also a place of reverence for the Sikhs, who visit it to pay their respects and gratitude to Todar Mal.
Sanghol Museum:
This is a museum that displays the archaeological findings and artefacts from Sanghol, a nearby village that was part of the Indus Valley Civilization and the Kushan Empire. The museum has a collection of coins, pottery, sculptures, seals, terracotta figurines, etc., that date back to the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD. The museum also has a replica of the Sanghol Stupa, a Buddhist monument that was discovered in Sanghol, along with some rare and exquisite Sanghol Sculptures, that depict the life and teachings of Buddha. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Mondays, and has no entry fee.
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary:
This is a wildlife sanctuary that covers an area of 36 sq km, and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, such as neem, eucalyptus, acacia, banyan, peacock, deer, jackal, mongoose, etc. The sanctuary is a perfect place for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and bird watchers, as it offers a serene and scenic environment, along with opportunities for safari, trekking, camping, etc. The sanctuary is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and has an entry fee of Rs. 50 per person.
These are some of the main attractions and things to do in Sirhind, but there are many more to explore and enjoy, such as the Floating Restaurant, a unique and innovative restaurant that floats on a lake and offers a panoramic view of the city; the Sirhind Bazaar, a bustling and colourful market that sells a variety of items, such as clothes, jewellery, handicrafts, etc.; and the Sirhind Park, a spacious and well-maintained park that has a playground, a fountain, a boating facility, etc.
Sirhind is a city that has a lot to offer to its visitors, as it is a hidden gem of history, culture, and faith in Punjab. Sirhind is a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the glory and tragedy of religions, and the fusion and diversity of cultures. Sirhind is a city that celebrates its diverse and rich culture, influenced by various religions, ethnicities, and languages. Sirhind is a city that respects and celebrates the religious significance and diversity of its people, who belong to various faiths, such as Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Christianity, etc. Sirhind is a city that offers a variety of attractions and things to do for its visitors, such as historical monuments, religious shrines, cultural festivals, etc.
Sirhind is a city that is worth visiting and exploring, as it is a unique and fascinating destination for history, culture, and faith. Sirhind is a city that will leave you spellbound and inspired, as it is a city that has a story to tell and a lesson to teach. Sirhind is a city that will make you fall in love with Punjab, as it is a city that represents the true essence and spirit of Punjab.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Sirhind today, and discover the hidden gem of Punjab. You can book your tour packages for Sirhind or other pilgrimage sites in India through Tripoto, the leading online travel platform that offers the best deals and services for your travel needs. Tripoto is your trusted and reliable partner for your travel dreams, as it has a team of experts, authors, and travellers, who can guide you and help you with your travel plans. Tripoto is also a community of travellers, who share their experiences, stories, and tips, that can inspire you and motivate you to travel more.
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