The doors of Hemkund Sahib were opened to devotees on May 23rd with due ceremonial ceremonies. Hemkund Sahib is located at an altitude of over 15,000 feet above sea level in the Himalayan mountain range in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Shri Hemkund Sahib has emerged as a popular center of Sikh pilgrimage, considered one of the highest Sikh pilgrimage sites. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine every year after the doors open. Hemkund, meaning “lake of ice,” refers to the glacial lake located near the shrine. The site is also known as Lokpal Lake.
10th Guru meditated here in his previous life
The history of Hemkund Sahib is intertwined with the traditions of both Sikh and Hindu religions. According to Sikh belief, the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, meditated here in his previous life as Ram, a warrior. It is believed that he sought peace and spiritual enlightenment in this beautiful and secluded valley, away from worldly distractions. According to Hindu belief, it is named after the Hindu god Vishnu. Legend has it that Lakshmana, Lord Rama’s brother, came here seeking healing after being injured. Another legend holds that Lakshmana’s previous birth was as a seven-headed serpent, where a serpent named Sesnag performed penance to Lord Shiva. During that penance, Lord Vishnu sat on the serpent.
In the modern era, the existence of this pilgrimage site became widely known when Bhai Santokh Singh brought it to the attention of the Sikh community in the 20th century. He is said to have rediscovered the site in the 1930s, which had been lost over time. Since then, Hemkund Sahib has gained immense popularity and has become a sacred destination for pilgrims, mountaineers, and adventurers.
After collective efforts by the Sikh community, a grand gurdwara was built at this place, known as Hemkund Sahib.