Authored by Dr. J.S. Neki and photography by Sondeep Shankar

Situated at a height of over 15,000 feet above the sea level in the Himalayan ranges of Northern India, Sri Hemkunt Sahib has emerged as a popular center of Sikh pilgrimage which is visited by thousands of devotees from all over the world every summer. According to “Bachitra Natak”, the autobiographical account of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last human spiritual teacher of the Sikhs, it was at this place, adorned with seven snow-clad peaks that he mediated in his previous life.

It was during the thirties of the twentieth century that this place was discovered by Sant Sohan Singh and Bhai Modan Singh. Bhai Vir Singh, a leading Sikh scholar and poet, played an important role in first locating this place for the above two men and then later providing financial assistance for building a Gurdwara at this site. Collective efforts of the Sikh community have led to the formation of a trust called “Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust” that has constructed various en route Gurdwaras.

In spite of the difficult terrain where Hemkunt Sahib is situated, devotees from all over the world make it to this unique Sikh shrine with high spirits and enthusiasm. Apart from enjoying the scenic beauty of the snow clad peaks, the devotees are immersed in a rare spiritual mood throughout the journey. Popular folklores surrounding the life of the great Guru are narrated and his poetic hymns are also sung. It is a thoroughly educative and spiritual experience. The pilgrims make friends with each other for a life time.

This book by an eminent Sikh scholar, Dr. Jaswant Singh Neki and India’s leading photographer, Sondeep Shankar attempts to give a historical perspective of this site and compels the readers to visit this unique destination.

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