Sis Ganj Gurudwara Ambala

Sis Ganj Gurudwara is a prominent Sikh shrine located in Ambala, Haryana, India. This sacred place holds immense religious significance as it stands dedicated to the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who is revered for his sacrifice to protect religious freedom.

The Gurudwara marks the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur is said to have visited and rested during his journeys. It serves as a symbol of peace and spiritual sanctity. The architecture of the Gurudwara is simple yet elegant, reflecting the Sikh community's values of humility and inclusiveness. Upon entry, visitors can hear the soothing recitation of Gurbani—hymns from the Sikh scriptures.

Devotees gather here to pray, seek blessings, and partake in the Langar—a community kitchen where free meals are served to all, regardless of religion or background. The serene atmosphere of Sis Ganj Gurudwara provides a tranquil retreat for reflection and prayer, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike from various parts of the country. The Gurudwara also plays a key role during Sikh festivals when the celebrations and religious fervor elevate the spiritual experience.

When Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji passed through Ambala on his way to Kurukshetra in 1702, he alighted under a tree near the potter's huts. Mehar Dhumian, now an old man, told him about the stranger with a basket who had stayed under the same tree 27 years earlier.

When Guru Gobind Singh related to him the story of his father's martyrdom and of the courageous Sikh who had conveyed the former Guru's severed head to Anandpur, Mehar Dhumian bowed to him in awe and wonder. The story spread and many people assembled to see Guru Gobind Singh, who held a congregation (Satsang) there.

The Guru is also said to have visited the house where Bhai Jaita had stayed overnight. Both places became holy for the Sikhs who established tharas (platforms) at them where they occasionally assembled for prayers.

History of Sis Ganj Gurudwara

Sis Ganj Gurudwara in Ambala, Haryana is an important historical and religious site for Sikhs all around the world. The Gurudwara commemorates the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, who played a pivotal role in protecting the religious freedom of Hindus during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The name 'Sis Ganj' refers to the 'Ganj' or place of the 'Sis' or head, marking the location of the Guru’s martyrdom.

The history of Sis Ganj Gurudwara begins in 1675 when Guru Tegh Bahadur was publicly beheaded in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, by the orders of Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam. The Gurudwara in Ambala marks one of the spots where his severed head was honored by his followers as it was being transported to Anandpur Sahib. This site was thereafter regarded as sacred by Sikhs and eventually, a Gurudwara was constructed to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Tourism to the Sis Ganj Gurudwara in Ambala has steadily grown over the years. Devotees visit this place to pay their respects and seek blessings. It's not just a place of worship but also a significant historical site attracting tourists interested in the rich Sikh heritage of Punjab and Haryana.