Must Visit Sikh Gurudwaras in Agra
Agra is known for Mughal Forts of India. Agra is a city which is situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The capital of Uttar Pradesh Lucknow but Agra remained the capital of Mughal kingdom for around 200 years before the shifted to Fatehpur Sikri. University where there is the dominance of Mughal culture, it is remarkable to see two very famous Gurudwaras which represent Sikh culture. When you are on same day Agra tour by car, you must visit at least one of them for a change; for the good.
Gurudwara Shri Maithan Sahib
Gurudwara Shri Maithan Sahib is located at City Station Road, Mai Than Mohalla, Garhia Azam Khan, Civil Lines, Agra Uttar Pradesh.
Gurudwara Shri Maithan Sahib has a very interesting story. It is about a lady devotee of Lord Krishna. She used to consider Lord Krishna as her husband. She was known for the art of dancing and singing. Once upon a time, the very first Guru of Sikhs visited the house of mother Jassi to see her dance and listen to her voice. There are 10 gurus in Sikhism. The lady Jassi was treated as mother Jassi. She used to sing songs praising Lord Krishna and danced while being in love with him. This is one probable reason for the popularity of the name Jassi in Punjabi culture. She was the divine lady. When Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited her house, she was inspired by his learnings. After some years Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji also came to visit her house. At that time she was 175 years old. When Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji came here to visit she gifted him certain things. Those things were a horse and a roll of cloth. This role of cloth is called as ‘Than.’
The conversation that took place between Guru Nanak Dev Ji and mother Jassi was very interesting. She asked him the way to reach God. The answers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji inspired hurt so much that she became the duty of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. You are such a great devotee of the Gurus of Sikhs that surname becomes so popular earlier we are there was her house, there is now The Gurudwara. It is such an inspirational story and one can understand the height of clarity of thoughts that Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji possessed. Her house was so pure and divine that the Gurus came over here and even decided for about a month. She was completely devoted to piousness. She used to have a religious gathering and spoke and spoke beautiful learning that she had from the religious texts and later on from Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal
Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal is located at Mathura Road Guru Ka Tal, Sikandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal is a centre of Sikh worship with ornamented architecture and well maintained Gardens with historical artifacts. This Gurudwara is particularly dedicated to Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. The story behind the building of this Gurudwara is the voluntary unrest which was offered by Guru Teg Bahadur Ji to Aurangzeb. The devotees over here come and remember this incidence every year to pay homage to one of their great gurus. He had to sacrifice his life after getting arrested by Aurangzeb. The reason behind this was the freedom to practice his faith in Sikhism. The founder of Sikhism was Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was the ninth guru of the Sikhs. It was not allowed to practice any other religion apart from the major to religion of Hinduism and Islam at that time in Agra. But the principles of the religion remained intact.
The place where he was arrested was near a Reservoir which is called as a ‘taal’ in Hindi. The purpose of this study was to conserve natural rainwater in Agra when Jahangir was the ruler in Agra. This water stored in the Reservoir was used for various other purposes apart from drinking. It was used for irrigation at the time of the dry season. The Reservoir was built beautifully and it was honored with stone carvings and sculptures. The man who can be given the credit of building this reservoir was Sant Baba Sadhu Singh Ji ‘Mauni’.
The title in the Gurudwara is the prime attractions for the tourists. There were 12 Towers in the Taal originally. But now there are only 8 towers. Guru ka Taal Gurudwara is also built of red sandstone. Of which there are many other spectacular structures also built.
When you go to Delhi to Agra by car, this Gurudwara on your itinerary will have a great impact on your experience and your soul. It is definitely a great idea to go over there and spend some time.
