Raipur Gurudwara : Chhattisgarh Oldest and most Sacred Gurudwara
Chhattisgarh’s oldest and most sacred Gurudwara, Shri Guru Singh Sabha is a stone’s throw away from the Raipur station. Pilgrims can walk to the Gurudwara and seek blessings. It is an amusing fact that railway drivers would rest at the Gurudwara during the changing of their shifts and chant the holy hymns while meditating here.
The story behind the creation of Shri Guru Singh Sabha dates back to 1932, even before India became independent. Forest Officer Sardar Vikram Singh observed the problems of the railway staff and the inconveniences they faced. Taking them into consideration, he brought the piece of land and built the Shri Guru Singh Sabha there. The Gurudwara is dedicated to Shri Granth Sahib; a holy book written by Shri Guru Nanak It offers a peaceful retreat to one and all.
In 1943 a small brick construction was developed into a concrete one by Sardar Gurubachan Singh Veerdi Ji, who was appointed as the main chairperson here. It was during the same time that food provisions were made for tourists who came here. In 1958, the Gurudwara was expanded under the supervision of Sardar Deedar Singh Ji and the Bhavan was created.
In 1993, Sardar Dilip Singh Hora became the chairman of the Gurudwara, and even today he is successful in maintaining and improving the services of this place.
New Gurudwara Bhavan Inauguration
This event took place on the auspicious day of 28th September 2007 and was graced by the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Dr. Raman Singh as the guest of honour. Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee Chairman Shri Sardar Avatar Singh Makkad was also present for the occasion. The then Honourable Tourism Minister Shri Brijmohan Agrawal had also made his warm presence felt at the event.
Services Offered
The Shri Gurudwara Sahib Bhavan has 5 floors and there is a huge parking lot at the ground level along with 2 lifts for taking senior citizens. Shri Guru Granth Sahib sits inside a beautifully decorated palanquin made from rich white marble. Peacefully mediating in his holy shade, the devotees offer prayers. chant Bhajans and pray to their heart’s content. At the Gurudwara Sahib Bhavan, Shri Guru Granth Sahib’s chants are carried on continuously for 48 hours.
Langar Hall
On the second floor of the Shri Gurudwara Sahib, there is a hall called the Khivi Ji Langar Hall. The hall boasts of a capacity of 1500 devotees who can eat comfortably here. Some of the important events celebrated here are every Saturday night and Magh Sangarand along with the birth anniversary of 10 Sikh gurus. Langar or food is served during these celebrations and to tourists who stay at the Bhavan.
Expert Medical Care
Shri Guru Tegbahadur Dharmarth Clinic, at the Bhavan, provides professional medical care to needy people belonging to different casts and religions completely free of cost. Regular checkups, follow ups, tests and health drives are conducted free of cost at the Shri Guru Tegbahadur Dharmarth Clinic. Experts from different fields give professional advice to the needy, free of cost.
Computer Training Centre
The Bhavan isn’t just a pilgrimage destination, but a step towards a progressive future. The Gurudwara Sahib Bhavan provides technical education free of cost to the children with its Harikishan Computer Training Centre. Housewives and kids are taught the basics of computers so that they can soar to newer heights in their life.
Library
Shri Gurudwara Sahib Bhavan also has a library of many religious texts. Shri Guru Nanak Library gives knowledge to many so that they can learn about their religion and improve their own lives.
Dharmashala
Shri Guru Ramdas Yatri Nivas has 24 rooms for devotees and tourist who come from afar. The rooms are also given for marriages, Kirtans, and other religious gatherings.
Nagar Kirtan, Guru Nanak Jayanti
Every year, on the birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak, a huge celebration and Nagar Kirtan is held at the Shri Gurudwara Sahib Bhavan. About 40-50 thousand devotees participate in this auspicious event every year. The grandest attraction of this event is the procession of Shri Guru Nanak, which comprises of elephants, horses, beating drums and much more. Festivity is in the air and Guru arrives in a beautifully decorated palanquin, amidst much pomp. People come from afar to witness this grand event and their accommodation and food is arranged at the Gurudwara.
How to reach
By Air: Raipur is the nearest airport well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Vishakhapatnam and Chennai. By Rail: Raipur railway station is located on the Bombay- Howrah main line. By Road: Local taxis, buses and private vehicles can be hired for site-seeing in Raipur
