Sunday, May 11, 2008

Gurudwara Taran Taaran Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab

Located about 22 kms south of Amritsar, Gurudwara Sri Taran Taaran Sahib was established by the fifth Guru, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1590 AD. Guruji named the Sarovar - Taran Taaran which signifies ‘the means to swim across’. The Gurudwara Sahib and the township around the Gurudwara also got the name of Taran Taaran Sahib.



Gurudwara Sri Taran Taaran Sahib has amongst the largest sarovars (about 300m x 230m rectangle) of all Gurudwaras.


The sarovar is believed to have medicinal properties especially effective for curing leprosy.



At the southeast corner of the sarovar is a marble platform on which stands the Gurudwara Sahib building; a three storeyed structure with the dome and upper part plated with gold.



Every month there is a gathering (fair) at the Gurudwara on the Amavas day (no moon night). Close to the Darbar Sahib building is Guru ka khuh (khuh means well) which was constructed by Guru Arjan Dev. While supervising the construction of the sarovar, this is the place where Guruji used to relax.

Another shrine near Darbar Sahib – Gurudwara Manji Sahib, is marked for its relevance to the sixth Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib, who stayed at this place enroute Delhi to Lahore.