Opening & Closing Timing of the Temple.
- •(a) general
- •(b) on special days like festivals and utsavas
Opening & Closing Timings
General
- •Opening Time: 5:00 AM
- •Closing Time: 2:00 PM (before winter closure)
Special Days (Festivals and Utsavas)
- •Extended Hours: The temple operates from May to October due to heavy snowfall in winter. Specific timings for special days can be confirmed closer to the events.
Is there any Entry Fees-
- •. What privilege does it grant? For eg quick darshan, special gate, longer view of deity, Prasad, puja etc. Are there any entry restrictions for Foreigners? Spl fees? Declaration to be made? Etc.
Entry Fees
- •General Entry: No entry fee.
Privileges
- •Quick Darshan: Not applicable; the Gurudwara is open to all devotees equally.
- •Special Gate/Longer View: Not applicable.
Restrictions for Foreigners
- •Entry Restrictions: No specific restrictions for foreigners.
- •Special Fees: None.
- •Declarations: None required.
Location- How to Reach/commuting- Flight/Train/Bus/Taxi Stand/Ferry/Port Air- whatever is available?
How to Reach Hemkund Sahib
By Air
- •Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approximately 292 km).
By Train
- •Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station (approximately 273 km).
By Road
- •State Transport Buses and Taxis: Available from major cities like Rishikesh and Dehradun to Govindghat.
- •Private Vehicles: Can drive up to Govindghat.
By Trek
- •From Govindghat: A 19 km trek via Ghangaria leads to Hemkund Sahib.
Special Poojas/ rituals being performed: provide the Days & Timing of these Poojas
- •.What are the rates associated with it? What is the advance booking procedure?
Special Poojas and Rituals at Hemkund Sahib
Daily Rituals
- •Prayers and Kirtans: Held daily as part of the regular schedule.
- •Timing: Typically from 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Special Events
- •Akhand Path: Continuous recitation of Guru Granth Sahib.
- •Gurpurabs: Celebrated on significant Sikh religious dates.
Rates and Booking
- •Rates: No specific charges for prayers and kirtans.
- •Advance Booking: Not required for general participation. For special requests or group bookings, contact the temple administration.
Any online service exists for serving the customers? If yes by whom?
Yes, Hemkund Sahib offers several online services for devotees
- 1Information: Detailed information about the Gurudwara, pilgrimage, and historical significance.
- 2Donations: Facility for making online donations.
- 3Accommodation: Information on lodging options and booking procedures.
Any specific Dress Code prescribed for entry to the place - men /women/for spl puja and festival days?
General Dress Code
- •Men and Women:
- •Modest attire is recommended.
- •Head must be covered at all times with a scarf or turban.
- •Shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall.
Special Pooja and Festival Days
- •Traditional Attire:
- •Wearing traditional attire is preferred, but the key requirement is modesty and head covering.
Are Electronic Gadgets allowed? Which all? If mobile /gadets are not allowed where it can be deposited in or near the temple premises?
Allowed Gadgets
- •Mobile Phones: Generally allowed but should be kept on silent mode.
- •Cameras and Recording Devices: Allowed in general areas, but restrictions may apply inside the prayer hall.
Deposit Facilities
- •Cloak Room: Facilities are available near the temple entrance for depositing electronic gadgets, footwear, and other personal belongings.
Is Photography allowed? If yes, any fee prescribed?
Photography
- •General Areas: Photography is generally allowed in the outer premises.
- •Inside the Gurudwara: Restrictions apply to maintain the sanctity of the prayer hall.
- •Fee: No specific fee is mentioned for photography.
Is there a LIFT /Elevator or any other facility for physically handicapped?
Facilities for Physically Handicapped at Hemkund Sahib
Due to the high-altitude location and the challenging trek required to reach Hemkund Sahib, facilities for physically handicapped visitors are limited. The trek from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib involves a steep climb, which may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
Facility of WheelChair for elderly and physically challenged?
Due to the challenging nature of the trek to Hemkund Sahib, wheelchair facilities are not available along the trekking route. The path from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib involves a steep and rugged climb, making it difficult for wheelchairs to navigate.
Special entry /Special Timing of Darshan for Sick/Senior Citizens /Physically Challenged persons?
Due to the challenging nature of the trek to Hemkund Sahib, there are no specific special entry timings for sick, senior citizens, or physically challenged persons. The entire pilgrimage involves a steep climb, which can be difficult for individuals with mobility issues.
Is Vehicle Pooja Performed. If yes what time? Cost?
The official website for Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib does not mention the performance of vehicle pooja, including timings or costs. This service is typically more common at Hindu temples. For specific inquiries or to confirm any recent changes to services offered at the Gurudwara.
Does the temple provide accommodation facility to the pilgrims? If yes, what are the types of such facilities?What is the cost? How to book in advance?
Yes, Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib provides accommodation facilities for pilgrims. These include various types of rooms catering to different needs and budgets. For detailed information on the types of accommodations, costs, and booking procedures, you should refer to their official website or contact them directly. This information is typically updated regularly to reflect any changes in services or rates.
What is the parking place for those who come by 4 cars, mini bus and two wheelers ?
Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib provides parking facilities for visitors who arrive by various modes of transport, including four-wheelers, mini-buses, and two-wheelers. For specific details about the parking locations, any associated fees, or special arrangements for different vehicle types, please check their official website or contact the Gurudwara's administration directly. This will ensure you have the most accurate and updated information regarding parking facilities.
Temple Prashad services- Meals- procedure, payments if any, different class/lines? How to buy the ticket, if needed and timings?
Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib offers langar (community meals) services to pilgrims, which typically do not require any payment as they are free and run on donations. The langar is available to everyone regardless of class or background, and no tickets are needed to partake in the meals. For specific timings or any special procedures related to langar services during your visit, it's best to refer to their official website or contact them directly for the most accurate and updated information.
Carry home prashad( types) if any.. Cost ?
Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib typically offers carry-home prasad to pilgrims, but specific details about the types of prasad available and any associated costs are not detailed on their website. For the most accurate and updated information regarding carry-home prasad, including types and costs, it's best to check directly on their official website or contact the Gurudwara's management.
What is the procedure for reporting items lost in a temple?
To report lost items at Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib, you typically need to contact the temple authorities. This can be done by visiting the information or security desk within the Gurudwara premises. They will guide you through the process, which usually involves filling out a lost item report with details about the lost item and your contact information.
If any one of the group members is missing, how to report and where to wait for?
If a group member goes missing at Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib, you should immediately report the situation to the temple authorities or the security desk. They will assist you in locating the missing person. It's advisable to wait at a designated meeting point, which is often near the main entrance or a central location within the Gurudwara premises.
Is this temple registered under the state govt/District administration? Provide if the information is visible on the site?
The official website for Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib does not explicitly state whether the temple is registered under the state government or district administration. For verification of its administrative status and any related details, you might need to contact the Gurudwara directly or check with local government authorities.
How can one make Donations , (apart from Hundi offerings in the temple) to whom and which bank account and for what all purposes?
To make donations to Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib apart from Hundi offerings, you can donate through specific bank accounts or directly at the temple. The website provides details about the bank accounts and the purposes for which donations can be used, such as development projects, maintenance, or community services.
Are there any privileges associated with the donation made? For eg. in Tirupati donations to SriVani trust is used for construction of Balaji temples and for every 10k donation one Spl entry ticket is provided with also access to preferential treatment in allotment of quality accomodation maintained by the temple.Similarly in Shirdi donation can be made for Annadana( free meals) and for hospitals etc.
The official website for Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib does not specify any privileges associated with donations similar to those offered by temples like Tirupati or Shirdi. Donations at Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib are typically used for the temple's maintenance, community services, and other charitable activities.
.Provide Construction/ scientific information about the temple?
The construction of Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib, located at an altitude of about 4,633 meters (15,197 feet) in the Himalayas, follows traditional Sikh architectural styles. The temple is designed with a star-shaped structure made of concrete, with a unique pentagonal shape that stands out amidst the snowy peaks. The interior houses the main prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed. The site also includes lodging facilities and a Langar hall for pilgrims.
. Is there any special significance attached to the temple -like for eg. Kasar Devi in Uttar khand- it is said-
“ The region surrounding the Kasar Devi Temple has an enormous geomagnetic field or Paramagnetism, thanks to gaps in bands of radiation. As a result, Kasar Devi is endowed with a cosmic energy similar to that of Stonehenge in UK and Machu Picchu in Peru.”
Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib holds significant spiritual importance in Sikhism. It is believed to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated in his previous life. The location is mentioned in the Guru's autobiographical work, "Bachitra Natak." Hemkunt Sahib is also renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, situated amidst snow-capped mountains and a glacial lake, making it a revered pilgrimage site for Sikhs.
Information which a foreigner would like to know- focussing more on spirituality rather than religion?
For foreigners interested in spirituality rather than religion, Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib offers a unique and serene environment for meditation and introspection. Situated in the picturesque Himalayas, the Gurudwara is a place of tranquility and natural beauty, ideal for those seeking a spiritual connection with nature. The concept of selfless service (seva) and community meals (langar) reflect the values of humility and equality. Visitors can participate in these practices, experience the peaceful ambiance, and explore the spiritual teachings of Sikhism.
27 .Call to action or interaction links- here in it could be for
a. Puja( as and when we tie up) or link to the puja facility on the temple web site( back linking)
b.Donation ( link)
c.Accomodation - here link to our site where we have listed accommodation of all types with an enquiry form
d.Exemption available under Income tax act - 80G etc for the donation made. For eg. Donation to the Anna dana at Shirdi is eligible for 100%/50% exemption.
Call to Action or Interaction Links for Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib
a. Puja Services
- •To inquire about or book puja services, visit the official Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Puja Page.
b. Donations
- •To make a donation, please visit the Donation Page on the official website.
c. Accommodation
- •For information and booking accommodations, please refer to our detailed Accommodation Page, which includes an enquiry form.
d. Tax Exemption
- •Donations to the Gurudwara may be eligible for tax exemptions under section 80G of the Income Tax Act. For more information, visit the Tax Exemption Information Page.
Annual Event of the temple day and date?
Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib doesn't have a specific annual event day like festivals celebrated in other religious temples due to its unique geographical and climatic conditions. The Gurudwara is situated at a high altitude and is accessible only for a few months each year, typically from May to October. The opening and closing ceremonies of the Gurudwara each year are significant events attended by many pilgrims.
Monthly Event of the temple - day and date?
Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib does not have specific monthly events due to its seasonal accessibility, typically from May to October. However, during the pilgrimage season, regular prayers, kirtans, and langar services are held daily.