History of Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib Ji

ਦਸਮ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹ, ਸਰਬੰਸ ਦਾਨੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਪੂਰਬਲੇ ਜਨਮ ਦੇ ਤਪ ਅਸਥਾਨ ਵਜੋਂ ਜਾਣੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਇਸ ਅਸਥਾਨ ਦਾ ਵਰਨਣ ਦਸਮ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਮਹਾਨ ਕ੍ਰਿਤ 'ਬਚਿੱਤਰ ਨਾਟਕ' ਵਿਚ ਵੀ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ। ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਫੁਰਮਾਉਂਦੇ ਹਨ:

ਅਬ ਮੈ ਅਪਨੀ ਕਥਾ ਬਖਾਨੋ॥...
ਹੇਮ ਕੁੰਟ ਪਰਬਤ ਹੈ ਜਹਾਂ। ਸਪਤ ਸ੍ਰਿੰਗ ਸੋਭਿਤ ਹੈ ਤਹਾਂ॥
ਤਹ ਹਮ ਅਧਿਕ ਤਪੱਸਿਆ ਸਾਧੀ।

ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਦੀ ਇਸ ਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਨੂੰ ਵਿਚਾਰਦਿਆਂ ਕੁਝ ਗੁਰਸਿੱਖਾਂ (ਸੰਤ ਸੋਹਣ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਟੀਹਰੀ ਵਾਲੇ, ਹਵਾਲਦਾਰ ਮੋਦਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਈ ਵੀਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਆਦਿ) ਨੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਸੰਗਤਾਂ ਦੀ ਮਦਦ ਨਾਲ ਇਸ ਅਸਥਾਨ ਦੀ ਖੋਜ ਕੀਤੀ।

ਉਤਰਾਖੰਡ ਸੂਬੇ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਹਰਿਦੁਆਰ ਤੋਂ ਅੰਦਾਜ਼ਨ ੩੨੦ ਕਿ.ਮੀ. ਦੂਰ, ਸਮੁੰਦਰ ਤਲ ਤੋਂ ਅੰਦਾਜ਼ਨ ੧੫ ਹਜਾਰ ਫੁੱਟ ਦੀ ਉਚਾਈ ਤੇ ਸਥਿਤ ਅਤੇ ਚੀਨ ਦੀ ਸਰਹੱਦ ਤੋਂ ੩੫-੪੦ ਕਿ.ਮੀ. ਦੂਰ, ਇਸ ਅਸਥਾਨ ਦੇ ਤਿੰਨ ਪਾਸੇ ਹੇਮਕੁੰਟ ਪਰਬਤ ਮਾਲਾ ਦੀਆਂ ਸੱਤ ਚੋਟੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਚੌਥੇ ਪਾਸੇ ਨੀਲਕੰਠ ਪਰਬਤ ਸਥਿਤ ਹੈ। ਸਾਲ ਵਿਚ ੪-੫ ਮਹੀਨੇ ਬਰਫ ਨਾਲ ਲੱਦੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਅਸਮਾਨ ਛੂੰਹਦੀਆਂ ਪਹਾੜੀ ਚੋਟੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਘਿਰੇ ਇਸ ਅਸਥਾਨ 'ਤੇ ਭਰ ਸਰਦੀਆਂ ਵਿਚ ਕਈ ਵਾਰ ਤਾਂ ੩੦‑੩੫ ਫੁੱਟ ਤੀਕ ਬਰਫ ਪੈ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਅਸਥਾਨ ਦੀ ਉਸਾਰੀ ਸੰਮਤ ਨਾਨਕਸ਼ਾਹੀ ੪੬੮ (੧੯੩੬ ਈ:) ਵਿਚ ਹੋਈ ਤੇ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਪਹਿਲਾ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਅਗਸਤ-ਸਤੰਬਰ ੧੯੩੭ ਈ: ਵਿਚ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ। ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰੋਵਰ ਦੀ ਪਰਕਰਮਾ ਅੰਦਾਜ਼ਨ ਸਵਾ ਤੋਂ ਡੇਢ ਕਿ.ਮੀ. ਹੈ, ਸਰੋਵਰ ਦਾ ਜਲ ਸਰੋਤ ਪਹਾੜਾਂ ਤੇ ਪੈਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਬਰਫ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਜਲ ਸ਼ੀਸ਼ੇ ਦੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਸਾਫ ਹੈ।

Guru Gobind Singh Ji the Tenth Master in one of his great holy compositions entitled “Bachittar Natak” while giving a hint or pointing out this good site Hemkund Sahib or Hemkunt Sahib:

Hemkund Sahib Yatra Website

 

Ab mae apni katha bakhano.

(Now I narrate my own tale)

 

Hemkunt parbat hae jahan. Sapat sring sobhit hae tahan.

(Hemkunt Mountain is auspiciously situated among “Sapat Sring”, a mountain-chain of the Himalyas

 

Tah hum adhik tappasia saadhi.

(At that site I meditated heavily on God in the previous birth)

 

Tin prabh jab aais muhe dia. Tab ham janam kalloo meh lia.

(When the Almighty allowed me then I took birth in the dark age) On the basis of the aforesaid holy composition uttered by Guru Sahib and with the Sikh Sangat’s assistance some Gursikhs (the true Sikhs) Sant Sohan Singh ji Tihri wale, Hawaldar Modan Singh ji, Bhai Vir Singh ji etc. started the research work of this holy place Hemkund Sahib. In Samvat Nanakshahi 465-66 (1933-34 A.D.) they on the dint of the Sikh Sangat’s assistance and the Guru’s kind grace were successful in reaching this holy place, Hemkund Sahib or Hemkunt Sahib. Roundabout Samvat Nanakshahi 468 (1936 A.D.) the Sikh Sangat got the Gurdwara Sahib constructed at Hemkund Sahib. The inauguration of the installation of Guru Granth Sahib ji was manifested in Samvat Nanakshahi 469 (August-Sep., 1937 A.D.)

Located in the high Himalayas, the holy shrine of Hemkund Sahib will open for public on 20 May 2023 in the Morning. Hemkund Sahib kapaat will open on 20 May 2023. A very good news for those who wish to pay obeisance at Hemkund Sahib. This year Hemkund Sahib Kapat is going to open for devotees after opening of Chardham Temples. The trust has decided to open the doors of Hemkund Sahib (Hemkund Sahib Opening Date 2023) on 20 May after meeting with state administration.

Doors of Hemkund Sahib, Lokpal Laxman temple will open on 20 May 2023

The doors of Hemkund Sahib will open on 20 May 2023. The Sri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust has started preparations for the Hemkund Yatra.

This year there is much snow around the Hemkund Sahib Dham, but the weather is favorable. Therefore, in April itself, the army team will start the work of removing snow from the path of Hemkund Sahib Dham. With this, the journey can be started by 20 May.

Located at an altitude of 15000 feet above sea level, the Hemkund Sahib was built near a lake where 10^th Sikh Guru Govind Singh is said to have meditated. Pilgrims have started enquiring about the Hemkund Sahib Yatra which forecasts the good yatra season. Facilities of food and lodging will be given for pilgrims on the road route between Rishikesh and Hemkund Sahib.

First Batch of Pilgrims from Rishikesh to Hemkund Sahib

On 18 May, first batch of Sikh pilgrims embark on the revered Hemkund Sahib Yatra from Rishikesh. The group, comprising devotees from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, set off on Wednesday from Gurdwara on Laxmanjhula Road, Rishikesh, marking the beginning of a spiritual journey for approximately 250 passengers.

The Governor, Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh, and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, accompanied by several cabinet ministers, graced the occasion and bid farewell to the pilgrims with warm greetings. Prior to the departure, they participated in an Ardas, a Sikh prayer, along with the devotees at the Gurudwara, seeking divine blessings for a safe and fulfilling journey.

However, it was announced that sick individuals aged 60 years and above would no longer be permitted to undertake the Hemkund Sahib Yatra, ensuring the well-being and health of the devotees.

The Hemkund Sahib Yatra holds immense significance for Sikhs, who consider it a sacred pilgrimage to the high-altitude Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. This spiritual journey is characterized by devotion, self-reflection, and a deep connection to their faith.

As the first batch of pilgrims embarked on this divine expedition, it marked the beginning of a season filled with devotion and reverence. The Yatra is expected to witness an influx of pilgrims from various parts of the country, fostering a sense of unity and shared spirituality.

The pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib is not only a personal endeavor for the devotees but also an opportunity to connect with fellow believers, strengthen their bond with Sikhism, and experience the tranquility of the Himalayan region. With each passing year, the Yatra continues to attract a growing number of pilgrims, illustrating the enduring devotion and significance of Hemkund Sahib in the Sikh community.

The first batch’s departure from Rishikesh signifies the commencement of this spiritual odyssey, offering a chance for devotees to embark on a transformative journey filled with faith, devotion, and introspection.

Helicopter service for Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage from Govindghat to start from May 20

Starting from May 20, a convenient helicopter service to Hemkund Sahib will be available for pilgrims traveling from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib. The helicopter will transport passengers from Govindghat to Kanjila (Ghangaria) in just five minutes, opposite to Hemkund Sahib Trek which takes around 7-8 hrs. From there, pilgrims can proceed to Hemkund Sahib on foot or choose to ride on horseback or mules for the remaining eight kilometers.

The fare for the helicopter service has been fixed at Rs 2975 per pilgrim, providing an accessible and time-efficient option for devotees making the journey to the revered Hemkund Sahib. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience and facilitate the pilgrimage for those seeking to pay their respects at this sacred site nestled amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape.