Earlier known as Khalsa Heritage Complex, the Virasat-e-Khalsa is a museum in the Rupnagar district of Punjab. It is known for its distinctive architecture. It showcases the journey of 550 years of Sikhism and Punjab’s vibrant culture and tradition.
Sri Anandpur Sahib, where this museum is located, is often called the ‘town of spiritual bliss’. It is considered the second holiest town of Sikhism. The ninth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, in 1664 founded it. The ideology of Khalsa also began from here.
Opened to the public on November 25, 2011, Virasat-e-Khalsa is located in this holy town and is surrounded by nature. It is a visual-cum-narrative museum and has won worldwide recognition. Its name is recorded in the ‘Limca Book of Records’, ‘India Book of Records’, ‘Asia Book of Records’, and ‘World Book of Records.
Let’s know more about the Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum:
Renowned architect Mosche Safdie built this museum. The inspiration for the design was taken from the Holy Golden Temple and the holy town of Sri Anandpur Sahib. It has two complexes – the Western and the Eastern complex with a 165-meter-long bridge.
The western complex is smaller and contains the entrance to the museum, a temporary exhibit gallery, two-level research and reference library, and an auditorium with a seating capacity of 428 people. Cultural events and seminars took place here.
The eastern complex is enormous as compared to the western complex. It is home to 27 permanent exhibit galleries that make visitors aware of the rich history of Sikhism.
Tourist Attractions at Virasat-e-Khalsa
Besides its architecture, the main tourist attraction of this Virasat-e-Khalsa is its galleries. Mentioned below are these galleries:
- Culture and Tradition of Punjab
- 15th Century Period
- Ek Onkar: The Concept of One
- Life of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
- Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Kartarpur
- Shri Guru Angad Dev Ji and Shri Guru Amardas Ji
- Life of Shri Guru Ramdas Ji
- Life of Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji
- Martyrdom of Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji
- Miri -Piri: The two swords symbolise worldly (political) and spiritual authority
- Golden Temple: Shri Harmandir Sahib
- Shri Guru Harkrishan Ji
- Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji listening to the plea of Kashmiri Pandits
- Martyrdom of “Hind di Chadar” Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji
- Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Birth of Khalsa
- Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji post-Khalsa
- Guru Granth Guru Panth: Gurbani Slokas emanating from Cosmos
- Towards Sovereign Rule-I: The rise of Banda Singh Bahadur and his execution
- Towards Sovereign Rule- II: Stories of struggles, martyrdom and re-establishment of independent Misls
- The Golden Rule: Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780 – 1848)
- Colonial Rule and The Sikhs (1849 – 1925)
- Participation in the struggle for Independence (1907 – 1947)
- Map of Unified Punjab 1947
- A Riveting Journey (1947-1948): Tragic saga of migration of millions from West Punjab of India
- Participation in Retrospect (Post-Independence) – Recounting the stories of loss and nostalgia of Pre-Partition Punjab
- New roots – Resurrection after great suffering
- The spirit of celebration amidst adversity
- The resurgence of Sikhs in India and Abroad (Post-Independence)
- Chardi Kala: To maintain a high spirit, always
Timings of Virasat-e-Khalsa
The Virasat-e-Khalsa museum remains open from 10 am to 4.30 pm every day except Monday. It also remains closed on Diwali, Dussehra, Independence Day, Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti, and from January 24 to January 31 and July 24 to July 31.
Tickets of Virasat-e-Khalsa
The entry to Virasat-e-Khalsa is free.
Address of Virasat-e-Khalsa
Virasat-e-Khalsa, Sri Anandpur Sahib, District Rupnagar, Punjab – 140118
Contact Number
01887232592
How to reach Virasat-e-Khalsa?
- By Air
The nearest airport to Virasat-e-Khalsa. It is located at Sri Anandpur Saahib, at a distance of about 80 Km from Chandigarh. Local transports like buses and cabs are available to reach the museum.
- By Train
Sri Anandpur Sahib Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Virasat-e-Khalsa. Local transport can be taken to reach there.
- By Road
Buses are the easiest way to reach Virasat-e-Khalsa if you plan to visit there by road. It has a well-connected network of roads. Once you reach Chandigarh, buses can be taken from ISBT located in Sector -43 to Sri Anandpur Sahib.
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