Guru ka Tal Gurudwara, Agra

Guru Ka Tal Gurudwara:

In this blog, you will learn about Guru ka Tal, located near Sikandra, Agra—a historic rainwater reservoir and architectural marvel from the Mughal era. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Agra.

Key highlights:

• Guru ka Tal, a 17th-century Mughal reservoir in Agra, renowned for its octagonal towers and intricate red sandstone architecture.
• It includes lush gardens, a 24-hour Langar, and Bhora Sahib, where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was confined.

The Comprehensive Guide to Explore Guru Ka Tal:

Gurdwara Guru ka Tal is also known as Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran is situated in Sikandra near to Agra. It is a Rainwater tank of 17 th century belonging to the Jahangir period built up with red sandstone structures with Octagonal towers. This place is also historically significant because Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life for a fight against religious persecution. It was Established in the 1970s by Sant Baba Sadhu Singh ji Mauni.

What to see in Guru Ka Tal:

• Historic Reservoir: Guru Ka Tal is a rain water harvesting structure was constructed in 1610 near Sikandra, Agra by Jehangir to store water.
• Architectural Marvel: Has brick and rubble masonry embankments which are square in shape with beautiful octagonal towers.
•  Barahdari and Chhatris: It has a red sandstone barahdari lined with chhatris, graceful pillars and stone hooks with finely carved patterns.
• Water Management: Initially utilized in irrigation with effective intakes, a dam for water supply, and a canal to drain the excess flow into the river.
•  Restoration Efforts: It has been renovated to an important level in the last few years with a view to retaining its historic features.
• Cultural Significance: Located near the Tomb of Itibar Khan Khawaja Sara indicating synthesis of the Mughal architecture and the local culture.
• Accessibility: It is also reachable through a wide red sand stone staircase with twenty-two steps leading to the second level with an outstanding view of the terraced grounds.
•  Heritage Conservation: Although eight of twelve octagonal towers  of Guru Ka Tal remain, people work to retain its features and historical value to represent the structure.

History of Guru Ka Tal:

The history of Guru Ka Tal is quite interesting. The Guru ka Tal, a 17th-century reservoir situated near Sikandra, Agra assumed historical importance when The Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of Sikhs did not obey the order of Aurangzeb to embrace Islam. By sacrificing himself, Guru Tegh Bahadur provided an opportunity to the poor shepherd to collect the bounty put by Aurangzeb. Due to his firm stand he was executed at Delhi on November 11, 1675 symbolizing and fighting against religious oppression and standing for principles of Sikhism.

Do you know? 

For nearly five decades, people have been flocking to Guru Ka Tal with asthma and any ailments related to the respiratory system on Sharad Poornima night. They preserve a bowl containing medicinal kheer through the night and have it at breakfast, then they take roti and radish. Their healing ritual includes a two-kilometer walk within the Gurudwara grounds.

How to Reach Gurdwara Guru Ka Tal, Agra?

It is not difficult to reach Guru Ka Tal. Once the visitors arrive at the railway station or a bus stand, local transport to the Gurdwara is easily accessible. The nearest airport is Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport which is approximately 12 kilometers to the city. Located about 3 km away from Guru ka Tal, there are taxis available to directly transport visitors to this important Sikh shrine.

Conclusion

Guru Ka Tal  was built as a water storage system in the seventeenth century but subsequently transformed into a very holy site for Sikhism where both history and religion intermingle. The fascinating red sandstone edifice, verdant lawns, and spiritual ceremonies make Guru ka Tal a gateway to understanding the timeless traditions devotees want to embrace.