Guru Ka Tal Gurudwara

Guru ka Tal is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for the Sikhs. It is located close to Sikandra (famous for the Akbar tomb) and is associated with an important episode in the history of Sikhism. This gurudwara was built in temory of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and is visited by lakhs of devotees every year to pay respects and seek blessings.

The spot where the gurudwara stands today is the place where the ninth Guru, Teg Bahadur Ji, offered himself up for arrest to Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor of India. The structure dates back to the 17th century and is originally believed to have been a water reservoir (hence the name taal).

According to various historical sources, the water reservoir was built around 1610 AD under the reign of Jahangir to conserve water during the rainy season. However, after the surrender of the Guru, a gurudwara was constructed in its place in his honor. Apart from the Sikhs, it is also visited by tourists in general because of its tranquillity and historical importance. This gurudwara also stands out from the other ones due to its massive size.

History of Guru ka Tal Gurudwara

This Gurudwara is a historical Gurudwara a very important one in the Sikh historical place. The ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Teg bahadur sahib was martyred in Delhi and an important Gurudwara stands on that site known as Gurudwara Shees Ganj Sahib. It is said guru sahib himself came to Agra and offered himself voluntarily to the authorities from Agra Guru Sahib after being confined at Agra fort nine days was taken to Delhi. It is said Guru Sahib along with his disciples came and rested at this place earlier famous for a Tal (water reservoir). A Muslim ship herder met the Guru, the guru sahib gave him his ring to purchase groceries, and this Guru Sahib offered his voluntary arrest after arrest Guru Sahib was kept in confinement for 9 days at this place. The place where Guru Sahib initially came and rested in the place for Gurudwara Manji Sahib at Gurudwara Guru Ka Tal. Taal was a reservoir made during the Jahangeer era not much is left fast few Chattris remain.

Architecture of Guru ka Tal Gurudwara

Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal, one of the popular tourist attractions in Agra, shares a similarity with other Mughal-era structures in terms of its overall architecture. The use of red sandstone in its construction also enhances that similarity. The structure originally consisted of twelve towers, out of which only eight have survived to this day.

Interesting Facts about Guru ka Tal Gurudwara

• Gurudwara Guru ka Taal is believed to be the place where the ninth Sikh guru, Teg Bahadur Ji, surrendered to Aurangzeb.
• It was once a water reservoir.