History Of Hemkund Sahib

Guru Gobind Singh is the penultimate and tenth Sikh guru who meditated for many years in the tranquil banks of Hemkund and finally left his heavenly body on this earth. To pay homage to the great saint, the star-shaped Gurudwara at a height of 4,000 meter was built at his burial place. Another mythology states that Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama meditated here and there is also a shrine devoted to him on the lake shoreline. The Gurudwara is nestled at the same place where the guru used to meditate. Enormous flocks of Sikh devotees pay their visit to this sanctified Gurudwara every year.

All About Shrine

Hemkund is a Sanskrit word that actually means ‘Snow-Bowl’ The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is situated at an altitude of 15200 feet above sea level. If you are looking for a serene and tranquil place for worship, it is an ideal place for you. The holy shrine is bordered by seven hills, called Sapta Sring. The place of worship got its name from Lokpal Lake that is also known as Hemkund. This sanctified place was structured under Havaldar Modan Singh in 1944-45 A.D. The shrine also houses a big hall for the purpose of langar. Many people also visit valley of flowers that is nearby Gurudwara and enjoy the picturesque beauty of nature.

Devotees are provided Khichri and tea in the Gurudwara hall. Karah parshad that is sacred sweet made with ghee, sugar and white flour is given to visitors. Every year, a lot of tourist pay visit to this consecrated place to seek blessings of Sikh Guru.

Hemkund Sarovar

Hemkund Sarovar is the sacred pond nearby Gurudwara. It is said that a dip in holy water of sarovar washes off the sins. The sarovar is 200 yards wide and 400 yards long and bordered by Himalayan peaks. On its three sides, the seven peaks that are also known as Sapt Sring are standing gracefully. According to the conditions of atmosphere, these peaks change their colors. Sometimes they look golden, sometimes of scarlet red color and sometimes snow white.

Fed by waterfalls and springs, the water of Sarovar is extremely spine-chilling cold. Until mid June, the water alongside sarovar is covered by snow. For bathing there are separate sections for men and women. Men bathe outside under a shelter while women take bathe inside the Gurudwara. Most of the people enter the frigid and chilly water gradually; devotees utter a prayer and then take couple of dips before moving back to seashore.

The Holy Water Of Sarovar

The water of lake is considered as jal (holy water) or amrit (nectar). Devotees fill holy water in the bottles that are sold alongside sarovar.

Climatic Conditions

Summers : (June-October) Hemkund Sahib is blessed with cool and pleasant weather with maximum temperature reaches to near 25°C.

Winters : (November-May) are snow covered months and not ideal for visiting the place. The average temperature in winter is about -4°C.

Best time to visit : June to October

Quick Facts

• State: Uttaranchal
• District: Chamoli
• Famous for/as: Pilgrim
• Languages: Garhwali, Hindi
• Best Season: June - October

How To Reach Hemkunt?

In order to reach Hemkund, one can go via train. The closest railway station is Haridwar that is almost 300 km away from the place. Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is the closest airport that is 268 kms from Hemkund Sahib. You can also reach Hemkund by road. Gobindghat is well-connected by road to Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun and Kotdwara.

Hemkund Sahib is a wonderful hallowed place that not only gives you a spiritual feeling, but also enthralls you with its snow clad hills, serene water and unending natural beauty.