Gurudwara Tarn Taran Sahib: The Holy Abode of Sikhs

The naming of the Gurudwara Tarn Taran Sahib was thusly coined because of the Tarn Taran Sarovar, and it means 'the boat that takes one across the ocean of existence'. The village and district in which the Gurudwara is located, are also named Tarn Taran Sahib.

The history of the Gurudwara dates back to the early 16th century. The city was founded by the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev, who also was instrumental in the construction of the Gurudwara Shri Tarn Taran Sahib. The first cut for digging the majestic Tarn Taran Sarovar was made in the year 1590, by Guru Arjan Dev. This town of Tarn Taran Sahib was earlier the constituent of the Bhangi dynasty, which was controlled by a Sikh family for almost a century, from the year 1716 to 1810. The significance of this town and Gurudwara grew multi-fold during the partition of the nation in 1947. Later in the 1980s, the city became a center of Sikh activity, post the Sikh rebellion. As of now, it has gained the status as one of the 19th districts of Punjab, since the year 2006, under the order of the then chief minister Amarinder Singh.

The beautiful Gurudwara of Tarn Taran Sahib exhibits brilliant stucco work reminiscent on glass, and immaculate designs high up on the ceilings and inner walls. Glittering gilded sheets cover the upper section of the monument. An elongated dome is situated in the heart of the structure, under which, the holy book of the Sikh community, the Guru Granth Sahib is kept. Gold plating is extended to the main hall of the building, or Darbar Sahib, which is encrusted with a marble inlay. Behind the Darbar Sahib, a flight of marble stairs leads devotees to the location of the first cut for digging the majestic Tarn Taran Sarovar, by the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, in the year 1590. Several other additions have been made to the site over the succeeding years. The Gurudwara is located at an altitude of 226 meters above mean sea level.

1. Shri Tarn Taran Sahib: The Gurudwara Shri Tarn Taran Sahib, is an immaculate structure of three levels located in the heart of the city. Through the main entrance of the double storied arched gate, the Gurudwara welcomes pilgrims all over the world, especially on Amavas. With a floor of marble and a ceiling of glittering gold sheets, the Gurudwara is replete with the lavish architecture of yesteryears. Visitors can offer their prayers and seek blessings, as well as enjoy touring this beautiful place of Sikh worship.
2. Guru ka Khuh: The Gurudwara Shri Guru ka Khuh, is another pristine place of pilgrimage, and is also located in the town of Tarn Taran Sahib, in the southern direction of the Tarn Taran Sarovar. The Gurudwara is so named due to the presence of a well, or 'Khuh', as it is locally called, in the premises of the Gurudwara. Devotees indulge in a holy dip in the auspicious waters, believed to possess healing properties.
3. Bibi Bhani ka Khuh: The Gurudwara Bibi Bhani ka Khuh is another Gurudwara located in the religious city of Tarn Taran Sahib. It is aptly named after the mother of the fifth Guru Arjan Dev, Bibi Bhani. Thus Gurudwara, like Guru ka Khuh, too possesses a well in its vicinity. Here too, devotees flock from all parts of the nation to take a dip in the holy waters of the Khuh for a despite various ailments.
4. Shri Tapiana Sahib: The Gurudwara Shri Tapiana Sahib is another popular pilgrimage place for Sikhs, located in the northern part of Khadur Sahib in Tarn Taran city. This Gurudwara too boasts of a huge Sarovar in its premises. The Gurudwara offers langar (or food), in its Matha Khiwi Langar Hall, to devotees who come to visit the holy place of worship.
5. Shri Lakeer Sahib: Another Sikh shrine, the Gurudwara Shri Lakeer Sahib is located in the northern part of the city of Tarn Taran. Constructed as a tribute to the great Sikh warrior and martyr, Shahid Baba Deep Singh Ji, the Gurudwara welcomes devotees all year round, from all corners of the world.

Commuting to the Gurudwara Tarn Taran Sahib is pretty feasible for visitors due to its proximity to the Amritsar Airport located at a distance of only 18 miles from the city of Tarn Taran. The city of Amritsar is at an approachable distance of 28 kilometers from Tarn Taran. The railway and roadway networks are also pretty well connected, with the nearest railway station being the one at Tarn Taran, at a distance of a kilometer from the shrine. Tarn Taran can be reached from the nearest cities of Amritsar, Bhatinda, and Kapurthala, via buses and taxis.

Visitors can find affordable dining and lunching places, favoring vegetarian cuisine, in the vicinity of the Gurudwara. A variety of Punjabi street food, including Chhole Bhature, Aloo ke Parathe, Makke di Roti and Sarson da Saag, Lassi, and Chaas, Malayi, and Rabdi are available for tourists in local restaurants and dhabbas. The Gurudwara also serves Langar to the devotees who come to visit and offer their prayers, twice a day.

Tourists can find feasible lodging facilities in the vicinity of the Gurudwara, in affordable lodges and hotels in the Tarn Taran city and the adjoining metropolis of Amritsar. A night's rest can also be availed at the Gurudwara premises. The best time to visit the Gurudwara Shri Tarn Taran Sahib is from February to August. A budget range of a couple thousand is enough for a night's stay including meals, in the city of Tarn Taran.