In the heart of a bustling city, remnants of a rich spiritual past continue to whisper stories of devotion and cultural heritage. Long before the term “akhara” became synonymous with wrestling, these sacred centres served as vibrant hubs of education and religious practice, drawing on centuries of Sikh tradition.
Historically, akharas were managed by unmarried saints dedicated to preserving the sanctity of Sikh shrines. Until the early 20th century, these institutions played a vital role in the religious administration of the community, a responsibility later assumed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee established in 1920.
Once numbering as many as 12 active Udasi akharas within the city, only a few remain active today. Many have migrated to revered pilgrimage sites like Haridwar and Rishikesh, while others have slowly receded into the folds of history. The origins of these spiritual enclaves date back to the mid-18th century. Sikh historian Kahn Singh Nabha records that Udasi saint Mahant Nirvan Pritam Das founded the Panchayati akhara in 1779, welcoming and supporting fellow saints during gurpurbs.
The legacy of hospitality and learning was further enriched by the Nirmala mahants who established their own akharas at various sacred sites. These institutions are often tied to the lineage of Sri Chand, the elder son of Guru Nanak Dev, thereby weaving a deeper narrative of spiritual succession and cultural identity.
Several of these historic akharas continue to capture the imagination with their architectural grandeur and storied pasts. Akhara Tehal Das, once a thriving sanctuary near Katra Jallian and on the route to Jallianwala Bagh, now stands in a state of quiet reminiscence, its samadhi near the Golden Temple serving as a poignant reminder of its illustrious history. Meanwhile, Akhara Kashi Wala, founded in 1795 near Sultanwind Gate, remains a welcoming haven for devotees seeking rest and reflection.
Other notable centres include Akhara Shatte Wala, recognized for its distinctive balcony, and Akhara Bala Nand, established in 1775. The latter boasts a three-storied gate adorned with intricate frescos that narrate the vibrant history of Sikhism. Perhaps the oldest among them, Akhara Brahm Buta—located on the northern edge of the Golden Temple—carries with it legends of spiritual visits by Baba Shri Chand during Guru Ram Das’s era and the heroic legacy of Mahant Nirban Santokh Das, a steadfast figure who once defied Ahmad Shah Durrani.
Additional sites such as Akhara Bibbeksar, which earned a grand entrance through a grant from Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the imposing Sanglan Wala Akhara in Mai Sevan Bazaar, known for its striking iron chains and valuable proximity to the Golden Temple, further embellish the tapestry of this historical heritage.
These ancient centres are distinguished by unique features such as the dhuna—a sacred hearth where Udasi saints engage in deep spiritual practices—and the iconic gerua flag, a red-ochre banner decorated with peacock feathers. Inside, richly painted murals and frescos recount the saga of Sikh history, though the inner sanctums remain accessible only to those bound by spiritual discipline.
Today, as modern organisational shifts in gurdwara management continue to reshape religious practices, the enduring presence of the akharas stands as a testament to a vibrant and historical legacy. Their continued existence not only honors centuries of tradition but also offers a window into a past where spiritual education and hospitality flourished amidst the challenges of time.
