Introduction
Located at the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth, the current Sikh religion, the Virasat-e-Khalsa or Khalsa Heritage Center is situated on a 100-acre site in Anandpur Sahib, 85 km from Chandigarh. The Takht Keshgarh Sahib, the second most sacred Sikh shrine, is also situated here and boasts an impressive collection of authentic weapons and swords from history.
The project uses local materials and craftsmanship. The buildings combine concrete, local sandstone, and stainless steel roof forms to endure extreme weather conditions in Punjab and express the site’s mission and locale.
It was here, on Baisakhi day in 1699, that the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa Panth and baptized the first five Sikhs, known as the ‘Panj Piaras’ (the beloved ones of the Guru).
Art, Architecture, through belief
The museum building, which is shaped like hands in prayer, offers an unprecedented presentation of Sikh history and traditions. The complex comprises two main sections connected by a ceremonial bridge. Interestingly, the canopy on this bridge faces away from the sun and does not provide shade.
The western section features an auditorium seating 400, a large exhibition gallery, and a library containing books, journals, and other publications about Sikhism.
The eastern section includes the north wing, known as the flower building, and the heritage building also called the boat building. The roof of the flower building is shaped like five petals, representing either the Panj Piaras or the five tenets of Sikhism. Each petal contains a gallery portraying the life stories of all the Gurus from birth to death or enlightenment. The highest petal exhibits information and artifacts about the Guru Granth Sahib.
Exhibit Galleries, an immersive experience
The breathtaking journey at Virasat-E Khalsa begins at ‘Panj Pani’ – The Boat Building, home to the world’s largest hand-painted mural, masterfully crafted by the talented artist Orijit Sen. This magnificent 360-degree artwork portrays the rich history and vibrant presence of Punjab, featuring charming villages, bustling towns, and bustling cities.
As you step into the gallery, the darkness envelopes you until you hear the sweet sound of chirping birds and catch a glimpse of a mesmerizing blue light. It’s impossible to describe this scene’s overwhelming emotions and beauty; it must be experienced firsthand. The gallery walls resemble a magical well, adorned with intricate pop-up-like designs that will transport you through the dawn of the day, countless love stories, Punjabi traditions and customs, occupational activities, the Golden Temple from ancient times, and the setting sun, all while you make your way up the central circular walkway.
The visual feast is accompanied by lively Punjabi music, and on weekends, visitors can be seen joyfully dancing up the ramp in a Bhangra frenzy.
The Sikh’s history as celebrated Warriors
The five petals of the building mark the journies of the lives of the first five Gurus of Sikhism. The storytelling begins with Guru Nanak Dev and ends with that of Guru Arjan Dev.
The exhibit’s first petal beautifully presents the historical context of Guru Nanak Dev’s birth, following his remarkable life through his travels (udasi). The scene at Kartarpur highlights the moment when he bestowed the “Guruship” on Bhai Lehna, naming him Guru Angad. The following galleries showcase the notable achievements of Guru Angad Dev and Guru Amardas. In one of the galleries, a recreated baoli in the middle divides the space into two, emphasizing Guru’s contribution. In this exhibit, the use of shadow puppets and Indian crafts is prevalent and adds to the overall aesthetic value of the galleries.
In the fourth petal of the gallery, visitors can discover fascinating exhibits about Guru Ram Das’s contributions to Sikhism. These include the construction of the city of Ramdaspur, the addition of 11 ragas to the existing corpus of Gurbani, and the Lavan. One of the highlights of this gallery is an embroidered panel that recreates the city of Ramdaspur.
Moving on to the fifth petal, visitors can explore critical events in the history of Sikhism. The gallery showcases the construction of Harmandar Sahib and the writing and installation of Adi Granth. Before entering the gallery, visitors can walk through a pathway that features a replica of Harmandar Sahib. Inside the gallery, the centerpiece is an ethereal and glowing representation of Prakash Sthal, the place of the Adi Granth in Harmandar. Visitors can also enjoy stories related to the establishment of Adi Granth, which are shown around the central installation. Additionally, four arch-shaped doorways provide visitors with different scenes that describe the life and times of Guru Arjan Dev.
Upholding the faith of Khalsa
The Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev is depicted as a sculpture on the terrace of Virasat-E-Khalsa. Known as ‘Tatti Tatva,’ it symbolically depicts how the Guru must have felt the heat taking over his body when he was burned alive.
As you step inside the crescent-shaped building, you’ll be greeted by stunning petals adorning the walls. Each depicts the life stories of the revered Gurus: Hargobind, Har Rai, Harkrishan, Teg Bahadur, Gobind Singh, and Gurta Gaddi. These petals are a true testament to the rich history and culture of the Sikh community.
The building houses two other galleries that provide a deeper insight into Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life and supreme sacrifice and Guru Gobind Singh’s life and teachings. The galleries are filled with fascinating artifacts, exhibits, and displays that will leave a lasting impression.
To add to the experience, visitors can also enjoy a short screening in the mini auditorium that explains the creation of the Khalsa Panth. The screening provides a comprehensive understanding of this significant aspect of Sikh history.
The lower-level galleries showcase the Khalsa’s journey from Banda Bahadur to colonial times, highlighting their trials, tribulations, and triumphs.
Sikh Misls
During this phase, a significant gallery is dedicated to the Misls. These groups helped the Sikhs become the rulers and caretakers of Punjab. Together, the Misls were known as the Dal Khalsa. Any Sikh warrior who could ride a horse was eligible to join one of the 12 Misls.
In one part of the gallery is a unique double-panorama screen displaying the coronation ceremony of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his court, spanning from the pre-British era to the British period. Additionally, there is a black curtain that, when drawn, transforms two of the walls into a panorama screen. This feature allows for a remarkable experience of following the movement of a horse as it appears on one wall and continues onto the other seamlessly!
Essence and Culture
The Museum of Virasat-E-Khalsa is a breathtaking tribute to the Khalsa community’s rich heritage, offering visitors an immersive experience of the history and culture of Punjab through an impressive collection of exhibits and multimedia installations.
From paintings and sculptures to photographs and artifacts, each display highlights the Sikh community’s struggle, courage, sacrifice, and excellence over the last five hundred years since the birth of Sikhism.
The exhibits are thoughtfully curated to transport visitors through time, providing a comprehensive understanding of the historical events and personalities shaping the Sikh community and its culture.
The museum stands as a testament to Punjab and the Sikh community’s lasting legacy, providing a platform for celebrating its cultural identity and an opportunity to explore its rich and vibrant history. A trip to the museum is a must for anyone wishing to experience the diversity of Indian culture and the unique contributions of the Sikh community.
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References:
www.safdiearchitects.com. (n.d.). Safdie Architects. [online] Available at: https://www.safdiearchitects.com/projects/virasat-e-khalsa-museum.
punjabtourism.punjab.gov.in. (n.d.). Virast-E-Khalsa Shri, Anandpur Sahib – Punjab Tourism. [online] Available at: https://punjabtourism.punjab.gov.in/virast-e-khalsa-shri-anandpur-sahib.php.
