Ayodhya, the revered birthplace of Prabhu Shri Ram, has always been seen as a cornerstone of Sanatan Dharma. But what is less widely known is its deep and enduring connection with Sikhism as well. The holy city, known as Ayodhyadham, holds a special place in Sikh history, having been blessed by the presence of not just one, but three Sikh Guru Sahibs.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Udaasi: A Historic Visit
The sacred bond between Ayodhya and Sikhism was first established by the founder of the Sikh faith, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj, who visited the city during his first Udaasi (spiritual journey) in 1510-11 AD. Guru Nanak Dev Ji traveled extensively to spread the message of unity, devotion, and righteousness, and his visit to Ayodhya was a significant affirmation of the spiritual stature of the city. During this pilgrimage, Guru Nanak Dev Ji paid respects at the sacred site of Lord Ram’s birthplace, recognizing Ayodhya as a dharmic epicenter that transcended religious boundaries.
The Visits of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji
This connection continued with Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru, who visited Ayodhya in 1668. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s visit, like Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s, symbolized Ayodhya’s spiritual importance across faiths. It was a testament to the belief that dharma could unite diverse traditions under a shared reverence for sacred land.
Later, in 1672, the tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, also visited Ayodhya. This visit was not only spiritual but also deeply symbolic, given Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s lifelong commitment to protecting dharma and resisting tyranny. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who would go on to found the Khalsa Panth, rooted in courage and righteousness, saw Ayodhya as a beacon of resilience and spiritual strength. His philosophy embodied this spirit:
सकल जगत में खालसा पंथ गाजे
जगे धर्म हिन्दू तुरक धुंध भाजे
(Let the Khalsa Panth rise and thunder across the world, awakening dharma and driving away tyrants.)
Ayodhya’s Gurdwaras: A Reflection of Shared Heritage
Today, the historic Gurdwara Sahibs along the serene Saryu River, particularly in Brahmakund, stand as living memorials of these visits. These Gurdwaras reflect the confluence of Sanatan Dharma and Sikhism, a bond forged through shared faith and a common fight against injustice. For centuries, the Sikh Gurus stood shoulder to shoulder with Hindu saints, sages, and warriors in defending dharma from invaders, strengthening the ties between the two traditions.
The Battle to Defend the Ram Temple
This partnership manifested vividly in 1697, when Aurangzeb’s Mughal forces launched an attack on the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. In response, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji sent 400 Nihang Sikhs to defend the temple alongside the Aghori sadhus. Together, these warriors fought fiercely to protect the sanctity of Ram Janmabhoomi, cementing the legacy of Sikh-Hindu unity in Ayodhya’s defense.
Legal Recognition of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Visit
Even in modern history, this centuries-old connection played a pivotal role. During the Ram Janmabhoomi legal case, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s visit to Ayodhya in 1510-11 AD was acknowledged in court as evidence supporting the faith and belief of Hindus regarding the sanctity of the site. One of the presiding judges cited Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s pilgrimage as proof that the birthplace of Lord Ram held deep religious significance, not only for Hindus but for Sikhs as well.
Ayodhya: A Testament to Unity and Shared Dharma
Ayodhya is not just a Hindu sacred site — it is a spiritual bridge where the paths of Sanatan Dharma and Sikhism converge. From Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s spiritual contemplation to Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s martial protection of dharma, Ayodhya’s history is interwoven with Sikh courage, devotion, and reverence. The Gurdwara Sahibs along the Saryu River are not just places of worship; they are monuments to a shared heritage of faith and sacrifice.
As pilgrims from all walks of life now visit the newly built Ram Mandir, they should also pause at these Gurdwaras to reflect on the spirit of Guru Nanak’s message of oneness, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice for religious freedom, and Guru Gobind Singh’s unyielding resolve to protect dharma. In doing so, they will realize that Ayodhya stands not just for one community, but for all who believe in truth, righteousness, and divine justice.
