Spiritual Significance of the Hemkund Sahib

Shri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is pronounced Hemkunt Sahib and means snow (Hem) Kund (bowl) is located in Chamoli district of Uttarkhand. It is one of the holy Sikh places of worship located at an elevation of 4160 mtrs.

It is remains closed between October and April. This is because it lies at a high altitude and the winters are harsh here. Consequently, many service-minded devotees come ahead in the month of May to clear the path for the following pilgrims to have a safe trek. This service is called Kar Seva, meaning selfless service, an important thought of the religion of Sikhism.

History

The site of Hemkund Sahib is mentioned in Dasam Grandh. The tenth Guru has said in his autobiography that he had meditated here in his previous birth.

But the actual location was discovered much later by a retired person from Indian army named Sant Sohan Singh. The Gurudwara was very small at first, measuring just 10ft by 10ft. Many renovations and additions were made later to enlarge the area under General Harkirat Singh

This place holds more tales…according to a tale of Hindu mythology, Lord Ram’s brother, Lakshman is also said to have meditated here. There is a temple dedicated to him close by and it is called Lakshman temple. Some local pundits also believe that even King Pandu of Mahabharata meditated here.

Timings

The Gurdwara, dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, is open early but closed by 3pm due to the vagaries of the weather. The general public is not allowed to stay beyond that time. So the devotees get up as early as 4 in the morning to reach the top in time for a heavenly darshan and return back soon.

Festivals

Some festivals celebrated here are

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanthi

The birth date of Guru Gobind Singh is celebrated with processions and devotion songs. People share sweets and sharbat with each other on this day.

Maghi

This day is celebrated to honor the forty followers of Guru Gobind Singh who gave up their lives fighting the Mughal forces.

How to Reach

By Air:

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun. It is 268 kms away from Hemkund Sahib.

By Train:

The nearest railway station is Rishikesh.

By Road

Gobind ghat is well connected to Rishikesh by buses and other road transport.

Since Hemkund Sahib lies at a high altitude, few complete a part of the journey by vehicles. The final stretch can be done only on foot or on mules. To seek the divine is the ultimate goal, and the devout do not mind the hardships that they encounter to reach that destination with fortitude.

The Pilgrim's Journey

The trail to the shrine scales from an altitude of 6500ft to 10000ft in few kilometers. Only those fit enough can attempt this pilgrimage with ease.

The devout start at Gobhindghat early in the morning to reach the Gurudwara in time to have a darshan and return before the weather causes problems.

Snacks are available all along the way. Cleaners keep cleaning the track to help out pilgrims

At the top it is extremely cold the area is filled with snow most of the time. To counter this, the Gurudwara even provides blankets to those praying inside the premises.

Food in Langar and a dip in the Hemkund Sahib lake make the trip memorable. If you travel a bit higher, you may get to see the famed Brahm Kamals that bloom once in 12 years.

Helicopter Service

Weather permitting you can avail a helicopter service from Gobindghat to Ghagaria. The Cost for this ride would be INR.3000/- per passenger. About 5 kgs of baggage is allowed.

About the Trek

We at Kashti Adventures understand how important it is for you to undertake this pilgrimage. To address this, we have treks from Haridwar to Hemkunt Sahib regularly.

We begin the trek by picking you up from Haridwar. We reach Govindghat by evening where dinner and night stay will be arranged.

Next day we drive you to Poolna and from there we trek together with you to Ghangaria.

Next, it is a 6 kms trek to Hemkund sahib passing through a steep trail surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, glaciers, flowering plants, waterfalls and mountains. Food and hotel facilities will be arranged by us throughout the journey. Our guides will support you in various ways to make you reach the top without any issues.

Some unique facts of the temple

This is the highest Gurudwara in the world.
It is the only Gurdwara in the world built in Pentagonal design
The heavy plates used to build the holy shrine were carried manually!
Despite being mentioned in the autobiography of the 10th Guru, it was discovered only two centuries later.

Some places to stay near the shrine

The Tatva – 16.7 kms from Hemkund Sahib

Some amenities here free car parking, yoga room, breakfast, car hire, 24 hour security, yoga room

Hotel Sudarshan Palace

They have 14 rooms with running water, toiletries, drinking water bed, bathroom and other facilities.

Shri Krishna Palace

This hotel is in Chamoli with a multicuisine restaurant, laundry and other amenities.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit this shrine

This shrine can be visited only in Summers between May until October.

Where does the Trek to Hemkund Sahib begin

The trek begins from Gobindghat. There are numerous hotels here where you can rest the previous day and start early the next morning.

Trek distance

The total distance of the trek is 19 kms. The trek begins at Gobhindghat partly by car and partly by trek to reach Ghagharia. After a break the next is a non-stop 6 kms trek to Hemkund Sahib.

Closing date of Hemkund sahib

The Gurdwara will be closed for public by October 2022 after which it is not possible to travel to this shrine because of onset of winter.

Blog by Kalpana