Gurudwaras in Punjab
Punjab is the land where the religion of Sikhism was born. The great saint and religious leader Guru Nanak founded the faith, which is followed by millions today.The holy place of worship for the Sikhs is the Gurudwara. Being the home to birth place of Sikhism, there are numerous Gurudwaras in Punjab.The word Gurudwara has a beautiful and appropriate meaning.The meaning of Gurudwara is the gateway to reach the Guru.There are Thousands of Sikh Temples in and around the state of Punjab.
Har Mandir Sahib or Golden Temple
Amritsar City. With a part of the land granted by Emperor Akbar, the foundation stone laid by a Muslim Sufi Saint, Mian Mir, the construction was completed in 1601. Free kitchen and recitation of the divine word never cease here. Its four gates invite everyone from all directions, the scripture is unique, it contain the divine message as received by saints, bhagats and pirs of all the faiths of India.
The Baisakhi and Diwali fairs in April and October every year are celebrated with great fervor and gusto. On the fair of Baisakhi all the jewelry in the toshakhana (treasury) of the temple, which consist of indescribable ornaments, is displayed around Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Diwali of Amritsar is out-of-the-world.
The entire Golden Temple is illuminated with traditional lamps of different colours. The reflection of the temple in the shimmering water of the holy pool binds the eye, to the many-a-splendoured pageant. Fire works display by the traditional professionals recreates the glory of the times gone past.
Gurudwara Guru-ka-Lahore
(11 Kms from Anandpur Sahib) On 25th January,1686 the 10th Prophet was married to Mata Jito Ji here. Three springs of water which the 10th Prophet had lanced open from huge rocks are still flowing. Sandwiched between Sri Anandpur Sahib and Sri Kiratpur Sahib is CHAMKAUR SAHIB. It was in this area where , having sworn safe passage to the 10th Prophet’s family and forces the Mughal and the hill Chiefs had treacherously attacked them. Gurudrawa Katal Garh Sahib commemorates the martyrdom of the two elder Sahibzadas and 37 Singhs who had died fighting here,Gurudrawa Pariwar Vichhora Sahib marks the site where the 10th Prophet’s family got scattered. Gurudwaras GARHI SAHIB, TARRI SAHIB, RANJIT GARH SAHIB are connected with the dharm yudh that the 10th Prophet had waged against the tyrants.
Gurudwara Ber Sahib, Sultanpur Lodi
This is the Gurudwara built at the place where the first prophet Guru Nanak got enlightenment and created Sukhmani Sahib while taking bath in the river Kali Bein.From Sultanpur lodi only the Guru Nanak started his famous journeys. Sultanpur Lodi in Kapurthala district is easily accessible from Jalandhar and Amritsar via Taran Taran and Goindwal Sahib. One can plan his visit from both Amritsar( around 60 km away) and Jalandhar(36 km away).
Goindwal Sahib
Within easy reach of Tarn Taran was the centre of Sikh religion during the time of the third Prophet, Guru Amar Das ji. The deep well (bauli) in the Gurudwara has 84 steps. Whoever takes a bath here and recites Japji Sahib (divine composition of the first Prophet of the Sikhs, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji ) at each step, and repeats the recitation followed by bath in the Holy Well 84 times, attains moksh, because he lives out 84,000 cycles of birth representing each specie created by God.
Baba Bakala
45 Kms from Amritsar. The 9th Prophet Guru Teg Bahadur had revealed himself to Makhan Shah Lubana, a Sikh devotee here. A fair is held here on the occasion of Rakhsha Bandhan.
Dera Baba Nanak
(35 Kms west of Gurdaspur) Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent last 12 years of his life here. Clothes he wore at Mecca are preserved here. A fair called the Maghi fair is held here every January.
Khadur Sahib
52 Kms from Amritsar. Commemorates the seat of Sikh religion during the time of the second Prophet, Guru Angad Dev Ji.
Gurudwaras at Kiratpur Sahib (90 Kms from Chandigarh)
Kiratpur was established in 1627 by the 6th Prophet, Sri Guru Hargobind Ji. The place is associated with the memory of a Muslim Saint, Pir Buddan Shah who was gifted with a very long life.
Gurudwara Charan Kamal
Commemorates the spot where the Pir had met the Ist Prophet of Sikhism, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. His mausoleum is located on a hill nereby. He died after the 6thProphet had established Kiratpur.
Gurudwara Shish Mahal Sahib
The 6th Prophet had established his residence here. The 7th Prophet Sri Guru Har Rai Ji and the 8th Prophet Sri Guru Harkrishan Ji were born here.
Gurudwara Damadama Sahib
The 6th Prophet used to deliver divine sermons here.
Gurudwara Sri Takhat Sahib
The 6th and the 7th Prophets were proclaimed Gurus at this spot according to the Sikh tradition and rites.
Gurudwara Harmandir Sahib
The 6th Prophet had laid a herbal and flower garden here. Mohsin Fani, the famous scholar of Religions of his times and the Mughal Prince, Dara Shikoh had met Sri Guru Hargobind Ji here.
Gurudwara Manji Sahib
Marks the site where the 6th Prophet’s daughter, Bibi Veero had got her house constructed. A sacramental book containing divine hymns (Pothi), a cot, a hand-fan and a scarf gifted to her by her father and the holy of cap of Guru Nanak Dev Ji can be seen here.
Gurudwara Babaan Garh
Bhai Jaita (Jiwan Singh after baptism), in defiance of the Mughal authority had managed to escape with the martyred head of the 9th Prophet,Sri Guru Teg Bahadur from Delhi after his martyrdom in 1675. It was first rested here. From Gurudwara TEER SAHIB the 6th Prophet had revealed Gurudwara Patal Puri by shooting an arrow. The 7th Prophet was created at Patal Puri and ashes of the 8th Prophet were immersed in river Satluj nearby. Gurudwara Baba GURDITTA is located on a close by hill. In 1665 the 9th Prophet Sri Guru Teg Bahadur had bought the site of Anandpur Sahib from the Rani of Bilaspur.
Gurudwara Thara Sahib
It was at this spot in 1675 that a delegation of 15 Kashmiri Brahamans led by Pandit Kirpa Ram had come to beseech the 9th Prophet to save them from the tyranny of the Mughals who were forcibly converting them to Islam. It was here that the Prophet had decided to embrace martyrdom to awaken the dead soul of India that of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Gurudwaras at Anandpur Sahib
GURU-KA-MAHAL It was built as the residence of Guru Teg Bahadur ji. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji also stayed here and his four Sahibjadas (baby sons) were also born here.
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
The martyred head of Guru Teg Bahadur who embraced martyrdom in Delhi in 1675 to save Hindu dharm was brought from Kiratpur Sahib and cremated here.
Gurudwara Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib
The Panj Piaras five beloved ones) were baptised here ; Sikhs were consummated as the Khalsa -saint soldiers, at this spot. 12 weapons of the 10thProphet are preserved here. One among them is Hazrat Ali’s sword. The Hola Mohalla fair of Anandpur Sahib is famous.
Mosques in Punjab
The word mosque comes from the Arabic word, masjid, which means a place where one prostrates oneself, or a place of worship. The concept of the mosque originated during the life of Prophet Muhammad, who built the first mosque during his Prophethood in Medina.
Mazaar, Pir Baba Haji Rattan, Bathinda City
Situated between the Civil Hospital and the grain Market. It attracts devotees from all faiths. Baba Haji Rattan had visited Mecca as an ambassador of Raja Bhoj. On returning to India he had settled at Bhatinda. The Mazaar ( mausoleum) marks the site where the Peer used to meditate. The place is halloed by the visits of the 1st and the 10th Prophets of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh J
Rauza Sharif, Sirhind
Can be reached both from Patiala, 50 Kms north as well as from Chandigarh by road and by train. The magnificent and spacious Rauza is a mausoleum which commemorates the burial place of Mujadid-alf-Saani Sheikh Ahmed Farooqi, Kabuli, Sirhindi who lived during the reigns of Akbar and Jahangir from 1563 to 1634. The old mosque in the vicinity is extant, so are several cenotaphs. The tomb of the Shah Zaman, one of the Kings of Afghanistan indicates that the Rauza was once considered a propitious burial place of high and mighty. Some Muslim sects place it, next only to the Mecca in reverence. A great Urs is held here every August yearly.
Qadian
Near Batala on Amritsar-Gurdaspur road. Little over one hour’s drive from Amritsar can also be reached by rail. Qadian is the home of the Ahmediya sect of the Muslims founded by Sheikh Ahmed Qadiani towards the end of the 19th Century. Quadian is actually a town-ship with remarkable structures. The soaring Minar-i-Qadian, the Ahmediya mosque and tomb of the founder epitomise its soul. Ahemdiya flourishing all over the world congregate here in the last week of December.
The Moorish Mosque, Kapurthala City
Situated near the railway station it was built in 1930 during the reign of the last Maharaja of Kapurthala, Jagatjit Singh. He had employed a French architect Manteaux who followed the design of the great Qutbiya Mosque, at Marakesh in Moracco. The inner dome of the mosque was decorated with designs composed by the artists of the Mayo School of Arts, Lahore.
Imam Nasir Mausoleum and Jamma Masjid, Jalandhar City
The beautifully designed mausoleum of Imam Nasir and the Jama Masjid are both located in the heart of the Jalandhar city. According to archaeologists the former is 800 year and the latter 400 years old.
Chilla Baba Seikh Farid, Faridkot City
A small monument which commemorates the visit of the great saint Baba Farid. Baba Seikh Farid Shakarganj was famous as the Sufi Saint of Pakpattan, near Multan (now in Pakistan). On his way to Hansi and Delhi, the Baba had halted at this place for some time. The city of Faridkot is named after him. His divine couplets are included in the scripture of the Sikhs.
Temples in Punjab
The temple is the focus for all aspects of everyday life in the Hindu community – religious, cultural, educational and social. The temple is also the place where one can transcend the world of man.Hindus believe that their lives are merely stages in the progression to ultimate enlightenment. The temple is a place where God may be approached and where divine knowledge can be discovered. All aspects of the Hindu temple focus on the goal of enlightenment and liberation.
Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar
Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar is an ancient temple, which is, situated just 1 km from the railway station of the city. The temple is believed to be more than 200 years old. The old structure of the Devi Talab has been renovated and a number of new changes have been made. In the center of the temple premises a new temple has been recently constructed. In the temple premises very recently a model of Amarnath Yatra has been constructed.
Beside the Devi Talab of the Devi Talab Mandir lies an old temple of goddess Kali. The Hindus consider the temple sacred and large numbers of devotees visit the temple every year. One of the main attractions of the temple is an old tank, considered very holy by the Hindus and which has been believed to be constructed some 200 years ago. Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar is very famous for the ‘Hariballabh Sangeet Sammelan’, which is celebrated every year in the month of December. This musical festival is being celebrated for the past 125 years in the Devi Talab Mandir premises. Well known classical music proponents belonging to both the fields of instrumental and vocal participate in this festival and perform at this Hariballabh Sangeet Sammelan.
Kali Devi Temple – Patiala
One of the consecrated place of worship for the Hindus, the “Kali Devi Temple, Patiala”, is devoted to Goddess “Durga”. Located on “Mall Road” of Patiala in Punjab, just in front of the “Baradari Garden”, the huge monument of the “Kali Devi Temple” is an architectural wonder of the by gone days. Constructed by the royal family of Patiala, the splendid temple of “Kali Devi” is an important landmark of the ancient city. The “Kali Devi Temple” draws many devotees from far and near who visit the temple to seek divine blessings for eternal happiness. Far from the hustle bustle of the city, the calm surrounding of the holy temple provides relief and solace to mind and soul of the devotees. The “Kali Devi Temple” is a living witness to the traditional rituals and customs of the Hindu religion that has triggered down the ages to the modern industrial society of India. The temple rigorously adheres to all the age-old customs of Hinduism and inspires the devotees to do the same.
The sacred sanctorium of the “Kali Devi Temple” bears relics to the rich art and architecture of the ancient times. Apart from the splendid architectural edifice, the walls of the temple have beautiful mural paintings and sceneries that add to the grace of the monument, so much so that it has been adjudged as a “national monument”. The colorful and attractive paintings on the walls draws tourist from far and near whom are completely overwhelmed at the beauty of the giant structure. The wonderful architectural creation coupled with an aesthetic appeal of the “Kali Devi Temple” is pretty awe inspiring for the tourist who throng the holy shrine in search of eternal happiness.
Ram Tirath Temple – Amritsar
One of the consecrated place of worship for the Hindus, the “Kali Devi Temple, Patiala”, is devoted to Goddess “Durga”. Located on “Mall Road” of Patiala in Punjab, just in front of the “Baradari Garden”, the huge monument of the “Kali Devi Temple” is an architectural wonder of the by gone days. Constructed by the royal family of Patiala, the splendid temple of “Kali Devi” is an important landmark of the ancient city. The “Kali Devi Temple” draws many devotees from far and near who visit the temple to seek divine blessings for eternal happiness. Far from the hustle bustle of the city, the calm surrounding of the holy temple provides relief and solace to mind and soul of the devotees. The “Kali Devi Temple” is a living witness to the traditional rituals and customs of the Hindu religion that has triggered down the ages to the modern industrial society of India. The temple rigorously adheres to all the age-old customs of Hinduism and inspires the devotees to do the same.
The sacred sanctorium of the “Kali Devi Temple” bears relics to the rich art and architecture of the ancient times. Apart from the splendid architectural edifice, the walls of the temple have beautiful mural paintings and sceneries that add to the grace of the monument, so much so that it has been adjudged as a “national monument”. The colorful and attractive paintings on the walls draws tourist from far and near whom are completely overwhelmed at the beauty of the giant structure. The wonderful architectural creation coupled with an aesthetic appeal of the “Kali Devi Temple” is pretty awe inspiring for the tourist who throng the holy shrine in search of eternal happiness.
Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar
Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar is an ancient temple, which is, situated just 1 km from the railway station of the city. The temple is believed to be more than 200 years old. The old structure of the Devi Talab has been renovated and a number of new changes have been made. In the center of the temple premises a new temple has been recently constructed. In the temple premises very recently a model of Amarnath Yatra has been constructed.
Beside the Devi Talab of the Devi Talab Mandir lies an old temple of goddess Kali. The Hindus consider the temple sacred and large numbers of devotees visit the temple every year. One of the main attractions of the temple is an old tank, considered very holy by the Hindus and which has been believed to be constructed some 200 years ago. Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar is very famous for the ‘Hariballabh Sangeet Sammelan’, which is celebrated every year in the month of December. This musical festival is being celebrated for the past 125 years in the Devi Talab Mandir premises. Well known classical music proponents belonging to both the fields of instrumental and vocal participate in this festival and perform at this Hariballabh Sangeet Sammelan.
Kali Devi Temple – Patiala
One of the consecrated place of worship for the Hindus, the “Kali Devi Temple, Patiala”, is devoted to Goddess “Durga”. Located on “Mall Road” of Patiala in Punjab, just in front of the “Baradari Garden”, the huge monument of the “Kali Devi Temple” is an architectural wonder of the by gone days. Constructed by the royal family of Patiala, the splendid temple of “Kali Devi” is an important landmark of the ancient city. The “Kali Devi Temple” draws many devotees from far and near who visit the temple to seek divine blessings for eternal happiness. Far from the hustle bustle of the city, the calm surrounding of the holy temple provides relief and solace to mind and soul of the devotees. The “Kali Devi Temple” is a living witness to the traditional rituals and customs of the Hindu religion that has triggered down the ages to the modern industrial society of India. The temple rigorously adheres to all the age-old customs of Hinduism and inspires the devotees to do the same.
The sacred sanctorium of the “Kali Devi Temple” bears relics to the rich art and architecture of the ancient times. Apart from the splendid architectural edifice, the walls of the temple have beautiful mural paintings and sceneries that add to the grace of the monument, so much so that it has been adjudged as a “national monument”. The colorful and attractive paintings on the walls draws tourist from far and near whom are completely overwhelmed at the beauty of the giant structure. The wonderful architectural creation coupled with an aesthetic appeal of the “Kali Devi Temple” is pretty awe inspiring for the tourist who throng the holy shrine in search of eternal happiness.
Ram Tirath Temple – Amritsar
One of the consecrated place of worship for the Hindus, the “Kali Devi Temple, Patiala”, is devoted to Goddess “Durga”. Located on “Mall Road” of Patiala in Punjab, just in front of the “Baradari Garden”, the huge monument of the “Kali Devi Temple” is an architectural wonder of the by gone days. Constructed by the royal family of Patiala, the splendid temple of “Kali Devi” is an important landmark of the ancient city. The “Kali Devi Temple” draws many devotees from far and near who visit the temple to seek divine blessings for eternal happiness. Far from the hustle bustle of the city, the calm surrounding of the holy temple provides relief and solace to mind and soul of the devotees. The “Kali Devi Temple” is a living witness to the traditional rituals and customs of the Hindu religion that has triggered down the ages to the modern industrial society of India. The temple rigorously adheres to all the age-old customs of Hinduism and inspires the devotees to do the same.
The sacred sanctorium of the “Kali Devi Temple” bears relics to the rich art and architecture of the ancient times. Apart from the splendid architectural edifice, the walls of the temple have beautiful mural paintings and sceneries that add to the grace of the monument, so much so that it has been adjudged as a “national monument”. The colorful and attractive paintings on the walls draws tourist from far and near whom are completely overwhelmed at the beauty of the giant structure. The wonderful architectural creation coupled with an aesthetic appeal of the “Kali Devi Temple” is pretty awe inspiring for the tourist who throng the holy shrine in search of eternal happiness.
Durgiana Mandir – Amritsar
Shree Durgiana Mandir in Amritsar is a focal point of faith for the Hindus. Pilgrims flock to this temple not only from India but also from abroad. Over the years, it has become an epicenter of Hindu renaissance and rejuvenation. The complex is popularly known as the Durgiana derives its name from the Goddess Durga. This connection with Goddess Durga has a socio cultural references as Goddess Durga is normally invoked for protection and health while the soldiers go to war. Placed strategically in the middle of the city, the mandir is very easily approachable by Rail, Road & Air.
The sacred city of the Amritsar, which was founded by the fourth Sikh Guru Ram Dass ji, has come to assume a special significance in Hindu cosmology because of various mythical and historical connections. Amritsar is particularly nearer and dearer to Hindus as it is believed that the Lov-Kush along with their mother Mata Sita spent their early childhood in the ashram of Bhagwan Maharishi Balmiki ji in the land of Amritsar.
Panch Mandir – Kapurthala
One of the most admired places, the “Panch Mandir, Kapurthala Town” is dedicated to several Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Constructed by “Fateh Singh Ahluwalia”, the “Panch Mandir” of the Kapurthala town in Punjab bears the relics of rich architectural legacy of the by gone golden era. The temple is an important hallmark of the small town of Kapurthala, which draws several devotees from all over the state to seek divine blessings. As the name suggests, the temple houses numerous small temples that are dedicated to different Gods and Goddesses. Many smaller temples encircle the giant structure at the middle of the holy sanctorium. The temple displays the engineering skills of the people of the ancient times. Apart from being an important place of religious worship, the “Panch Mandir” is also a celebrated place for archaeologists who throng the temple to study the rich architecture of the traditional society.
The beautiful white structure of the “Panch Mandir” looks strikingly awesome on a moonlit night. The sacred temple gives one an intense pleasure and satisfaction. The “Panch Mandir” may be said to be an architectural marvel of the golden past. One cannot but appreciate the splendid monument that has an aesthetic appeal for the devotees. The awe-inspiring structure of the “Panch Mandir” has its model in one of the museums of Lahore, now in Pakistan.
The “Panch Mandir” of the Kapurthala town is always full of devotees who visit the holy shrine in search of peace of mind and soul. The clean and well maintained surrounding of the temple is an epitome of “purity” and “eternal happiness”.
Shiv Mandir – Jalandhar
One of the most ancient temples of the region, the “Shiv Mandir, Gur- Mandi, Jalandhar” represents the deep religious fervor of Punjab. Agricultural advanced and industrially developed state of Punjab, also nurtures an intense faith in the “Supreme Being”. Being one of the most secular state of our country, Punjab portrays the rich religious and cultural tradition of the by gone golden era.
Located in the heart of a busy market of the “Gur- Mandi”, the temple of Lord Shiva bears relics of the brilliant architectural ability of the ancient times. Constructed by a Muslim “Nawab” of the “Lodhi dynasty”, adjacent to the mosque of Imam Nasar, the age old temple is a living witness of religious tolerance which has triggered down across the centuries to the modern period.
The famous temple of Lord Shiva highlights the engineering skills of the people of the by gone days. The temple presents a perfect blend of the Hindu and Muslim architecture. While the entrance to the sacred temple was modeled after the gate of a mosque, the other buildings of the temple bear a rich style of the Hindu architecture. Many devotees through out the year visit the temple. However, the holy shrine assumes special importance during “Shiv Ratri” and other Hindu festivals when devotees throng the place to seek divine blessings.
The temple of Lord Shiva is an important landmark of the ancient city of Jalandhar. Amidst the problems of religious intolerance and injustice, the Shiv Mandir of the Gur Mandi stands tall with its long and enriched history of secularism.
Churches in Punjab
The Christian Church is the assembly or association of followers of Jesus Christ. The origin of the church rests entirely in God: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The New Testament refers to the church as “the church of the living God”. The church is essentially a human institution, one of the many forms of human association. Of course, the church is made up of people, but according to the Scriptures, for all its human composition, the origin does not rest in man but in God and His purposes.
The Christ King Church – Sahnewal (Ludhiana)
The Christ King Church, located on the GT Road between Sahnewal and Doraha, was inaugurated by Cardinal Telesphore P Toppo, president of the Catholic Bishop Conference of India on 29th August 2004.
The Church is said to be the first of its kind in the northern region in terms of its architecture, design and capacity. About 3000 people can sit in the prayer hall at a single time. The ceilings have special murals and frescoes with angels flying over it. The special work of art has been procured from Kerala. It took a lot of efforts and artistic work for a few years for the Church to be completed.
As the Christ King Church has been built to serve as a Center of Prayer for the faithful, this Church provides an opportunity to the people of the area to get together for the religious congregation. All we hoped that the message of peace would be spread from this church and people will pray here for world peace and the welfare of humanity.
Holy Cross Church – Sarabha Nagar (Ludhiana)
The newly renovated Holy Cross Church, Sarabha Nagar Ludhiana is the biggest in the city. This Catholic Church, which was constructed in 1963, is also the headquarter of the Catholic Spheres in the Ludhiana district. Except for the residence of the priest, the church has been renovated completely. It covers an area of more than 6,000 square feet. Rt Symphorian Keeprath, the Bishop of Jalandhar, is the architect for this church.
The church is 81 feet high. It includes a basement, a large balcony, and three storeys built on the balcony to carry the glowing stars and the Cross-, and a statue of Jesus Christ. The church hall is based on 19 pillars, which are 28 feet high. Constructed at a cost of Rs 1 crore approximately, the church has the capacity to accommodate 3,000 people.
The beautiful ceiling of the church narrates many historical and mythical stories, and has been made by six artists from Kerala. The blue background sports murals and paintings on the life of Jesus Christ. In the center is God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. In a corner, there are Mother Mary, Jesus Christ and jos_eph. On the rest of the ceiling are impressions of angels and followers of Jesus Christ.
St Mary’s Cathedral Church ( Jalandhar Cantt)
The old church dedicated to St. Patrick was built by Rev. Fr. John Macodnnel, Q.F.M.CAP of the Vicariate Apostolic of Agra, in 1947 at the same site of new church since 1886. Various chaplains appointed to Jalandhar from the Diocese of Lahore looked it after. After the partition in 1955, the Catholic Mission of the Indian Punjab was raised to the status of Apostolic Prefecture with its headquarter at Jalandhar and the church at Jalandhar Cantonment became the Cathedral or the Mother Church of Punjab. The demolition of the old church was started on 15th February 1987. The foundation stone for His Holiness Pope John Paul II blessed the new church in February 1986 and laid by His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Symbhorian Keeprath Bishop of Jalandhar Diocese on 19th April 1987. The roofing of the basement, the balcony and the main church were done on 19th September, 19th November and 19th December 1987 respectively. The church was designed in such a way as to highlight the secular character of our motherland. Te new church was blessed by His grace Archbishop jos_e Sanchez, the special delegate of Pope John Paul II from Rome and inaugurated by His Grace Archbishop Agostino Cacciavillan, the Vatican Ambassador and the Apostolic pronounced to India on 29th October 1989, the day of the National Festival of Light, Diwali. On this occasion Archbishops and Bishops representing different regions of India were also present.
A few other places worth mentioning are a Sanyas Ashram (popularly known as Bahrian-da-Talab) on the Kapurthala road. Nathan-Di Bagichi, Darbar Muhammad Jamal Zahra (in Basti Sheikh), Baba Jhandianala (in Basti Nau), shrines of Baba Lakki Shah Pir and Dargah Pir Hazi Shah Qutab situated in the Jalandhar Cantonment.