Virasat-e-Khalsa or Ajuba, it is really one of its kind. But the time I first saw this complex it didn’t look like any museum representing Sikh culture and history. The time you enters the museum’s main gate, it starts showcasing the Sikh history and values of tradition. Visiting Virasaat-e-Khalsa was an unforgettable experience for me. Let’s see what was in the museum which makes it unique, mystical and eternal.
About Virasat-e-Khalsa
After getting the tickets from the ticket counter, I entered this 100-acre estate called Virasat-e-Khalsa. The museum is divided into two different complexes; the western complex and the eastern complex. Both the complexes are joined by a 540-ft long pedestrian bridge; build over a series of reflecting pools. Arcaded walkways and gardens are on either side of the complex which gently cascades towards the pools.
Talking about the western complex, it comprises of two-level research and reference library and changing exhibition galleries and an auditorium with 400 seating capacity.
The complex has a flower building and a boat building. The flower building roof has shaped in the form of five petals projecting skywards. The boat building roof is designed in geometric shapes – cylindrical, triangular and in the square that rises out of the sand cliffs.
Permanent exhibitions are held on the eastern complex to represent the Sikh history, culture and religion. The galleries are designed in such a way that it reflects the five virtues of Sikh religion. Sandstone tower and silver roofs represent the themes of Earth and Sky, mass and lightness and depth and ascension.
Attractions inside Virasat-e-Khalsa
Virasat-e-Khalsa is such an incredible complex which makes it popular among schools, NRI’s and local communities. Not only the complex structure but various galleries inside the complex makes all the visitors impressed. So, here’s the journey inside the museum starts of experiencing different attractions.
*Photography is prohibited inside the museum
Panj-Pani or the Boat Building, is one of the best experiences. It is the first phase of entering the main gate. The time I entered the boat building it was all dark but, as I move I started hearing voices of chirping birds and blue light becomes visible.
It’s like you are walking inside a well and the walls of the well are decorated with the world’s largest hand-painted mural, showcasing the history of Punjab, in its villages, towns and cities, depicting Punjab’s culture, seasons, festivals and climate. The building floor is covered with water. The circular walkway inside the building gives you the 360 view of the hand-painted wall.
Then, I moved further to visit the remaining galleries, auto-triggered guides are available in three languages such as English, Hindi and Punjabi to guide the visitors. As you move into the specific area of the gallery the auto-guide plays specific content related to that area.
The flower building, is comprised of five galleries namely Guru Nanak: Early years, Guru Nanak at Kartarpur, Guru Angad, Guru Ramdas, Guru Arjan Dev. All these galleries beautifully describe the journey of all the first five Gurus. The first petal shows the times when Guru Nanak was born and his far-flung (Udasis) life he lived.
Other galleries show the contribution of Guru Angad and Guru Ramdas. One of the galleries is divided into two parts to create Baoli so that a latter’s life work can be highlighted. The fourth gallery shows the contribution of Guru Ram Das whether it is the construction of the Ramdaspur city or adding 11 ragas to the existing Gurbani. The fifth petal shows the construction of Harmandar Sahib or Golden Temple.
The buildings also have a library, Amphi Theatre, Exhibition Hall, Auditorium, and Cafeteria. Various cultural functions and co-curricular activities are held in Amphi Theatre. The exhibition hall display things related to Punjabi culture and exhibition hall is further subdivided into four sections.
How to Reach Virasat-e-Khalsa: You can reach Virasat-e-Khalsa either by road, train or by Air. By Road, Chandigarh to Anandpur Sahib is 80 Km.
You can board any of the Government or Private bus to Anandpur Sahib from Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), located in Chandigarh Sector 43. For the bus timings, you can ask around. All the buses are really well-maintained and also not much crowded.
If you are travelling in the night, you can also take the train. Every day, the departure of the train is around 7:15 PM. It takes 1 hour 43 minutes to reach the destination.
If you’re driving your own vehicle, you can take the same basic route: Chandigarh ---> Kurali ---> Malikpur ---> Anandpur Sahib ---> Virasat-e-Khalsa. So, I personally prefer to go via road as it is a more convenient option.
Visiting Hours: Morning 10 AM to 6 PM and the last ticketing entry will be made at 5 PM in the evening.
*Every Monday, the museum is closed. Entry is free to the museum.
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