What really captures your attention? Something unique and less explored… right?
We all know that Odisha’s unique heritage has flourished across the world and touched the hearts of several people. It has not only been the birthplace of a rich legacy and heritage loaded with nature’s most beautiful creations, but it has also been a witness to the congregation of people from different places, communities and ethnicities. Odisha has always welcomed a large number of people from various states of India, treating them as one among them and making them feel at home.
While we know several fascinating things about Odisha, there is a part of it that is lesser known. The legacy of Sikhs in Odisha is one such fact which is not very well known amongst Odias.
It is interesting to learn how Guru Nanakdev ji, and the Sikhs created a base for themselves in Odisha, and for centuries have beautifully preserved the Sikh traditions in this divine land of Lord Jagannath !
Our Sikh Brothers in Biranchipur
Biranchipur, a remote village in Ganjam district, belongs to a small Sikh community, who are the descendants of one of the greatest teachers our nation has ever produced, Guru Nanakdev ji.
The Sikhs of Biranchipur do not have any direct link with the mainstream Sikhs who reside in other parts of the country. But they have managed to successfully maintain Sikh traditions for centuries! The legacy has been passed down through generations, with now approximately 40 families in the village practicing Sikhism.
A Glimpse into Guru Nanak’s Temple
A pristine Gurudwara, it is the soul of the Sikhs of Biranchipur, and reminds us of Baba Guru Nanakdev’s visit to Odisha. It is located somewhat in the midst of the surreal silence that surrounds the location.
A historic structure consisting of a splendid mixture of Odia and Bengali architectural styles was built in 1919 and dedicated to Guru Nanak ji. The holy book of the Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib, proudly sits on an iron pedestal, carefully covered with a long red cloth. The rituals of the temple are assigned to a Hindu, Bhaskar Chandra Sahoo, a farmer by profession, who performs the puja on a daily basis.
Painted yellow, the temple invokes sheer positivity in the hearts of those who step inside it. Aside from the 300-year-old Guru Granth Sahib, whose presence illuminates the entire Gurudwara, the community has meticulously preserved some tattered fragments of the holy Bhagwat Gita too.
A Fascinating Place to Explore…
Biranchipur has been a hotspot for several historians who wish to explore the place and delve deeper into its history. They have even spoken about the unwillingness of the Sikhs residing there to open up and share their history with them. However, as the visitors gained their confidence, the local Sikh residents showed them a copper kada, which was given to them by Guru Nanak. A fond token of remembrance, the relic symbolises the strength and unity of the Sikhs.
Distinctly different from the rest of the villagers, the Sikhs religiously follow the teachings of Guru Nanak. They derive the essence of their faith from the ideology “True in God’s Name,” preached by Guru Nanak himself. These lines are etched on the holy walls of the Gurudwara in Odia.
The temple exudes a positive aura, spreading a whiff of happiness in its vicinity. Two framed pictures of Guru Nanak hang on the walls. They prepare the delicious Kada Prasad with sugar,flour,and ghee, bringing the pure flavour of Punjab in it. Langars are held on every full moon night, to mark Guru Purnima and Baba Nanak’s birthday.
What Makes Them Unique
Well, while the Sikhs of Biranchipur take a lot of pride in upholding their identity despite being in years of seclusion from their counterparts, there is something still different about them. Unlike the other Sikhs, they do not cover their heads.
They are warm and compassionate people, upholding the integral values and principles that have been imparted to them.
Sikhs at Bhadrak and the Link with Puri
While there is a small number of Sikhs at Biranchipur, there are a few residing in Bhadrak as well. They have been residing in the district for over three centuries now, and call it their home. It is believed that the Biranchipur Sikhs might have been a part of that group. Later they separated and moved to Biranchipur, establishing an identity of their own.
Another interesting fact to note is that before the partition happened, the Nanakpanthis, a sect of the Sikhs, often visited Puri, making their way through the famous Jagannath Sadak. They were frequently seen during the Rath Yatra, but their presence diminished dramatically after the partition!
Both the major sects of Sikhism, the Nanakpanthis and the Nanakshahis, hold a place in the folklore of the area, including the ancient leaflets and manuscripts that mention them!
If you are looking to visit a serene and tranquil place, we suggest you opt for Biranchipur and explore in depth the fascinating history of our Sikh brothers & sisters and share their happiness and joy!
What really captures your attention? Something unique and less explored… right?
We all know that Odisha’s unique heritage has flourished across the world and touched the hearts of several people. It has not only been the birthplace of a rich legacy and heritage loaded with nature’s most beautiful creations, but it has also been a witness to the congregation of people from different places, communities and ethnicities. Odisha has always welcomed a large number of people from various states of India, treating them as one among them and making them feel at home.
While we know several fascinating things about Odisha, there is a part of it that is lesser known. The legacy of Sikhs in Odisha is one such fact which is not very well known amongst Odias.
It is interesting to learn how Guru Nanakdev ji, and the Sikhs created a base for themselves in Odisha, and for centuries have beautifully preserved the Sikh traditions in this divine land of Lord Jagannath !
Our Sikh Brothers in Biranchipur
Biranchipur, a remote village in Ganjam district, belongs to a small Sikh community, who are the descendants of one of the greatest teachers our nation has ever produced, Guru Nanakdev ji.
The Sikhs of Biranchipur do not have any direct link with the mainstream Sikhs who reside in other parts of the country. But they have managed to successfully maintain Sikh traditions for centuries! The legacy has been passed down through generations, with now approximately 40 families in the village practicing Sikhism.
A Glimpse into Guru Nanak’s Temple
A pristine Gurudwara, it is the soul of the Sikhs of Biranchipur, and reminds us of Baba Guru Nanakdev’s visit to Odisha. It is located somewhat in the midst of the surreal silence that surrounds the location.
A historic structure consisting of a splendid mixture of Odia and Bengali architectural styles was built in 1919 and dedicated to Guru Nanak ji. The holy book of the Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib, proudly sits on an iron pedestal, carefully covered with a long red cloth. The rituals of the temple are assigned to a Hindu, Bhaskar Chandra Sahoo, a farmer by profession, who performs the puja on a daily basis.
Painted yellow, the temple invokes sheer positivity in the hearts of those who step inside it. Aside from the 300-year-old Guru Granth Sahib, whose presence illuminates the entire Gurudwara, the community has meticulously preserved some tattered fragments of the holy Bhagwat Gita too.
A Fascinating Place to Explore…
Biranchipur has been a hotspot for several historians who wish to explore the place and delve deeper into its history. They have even spoken about the unwillingness of the Sikhs residing there to open up and share their history with them. However, as the visitors gained their confidence, the local Sikh residents showed them a copper kada, which was given to them by Guru Nanak. A fond token of remembrance, the relic symbolises the strength and unity of the Sikhs.
Distinctly different from the rest of the villagers, the Sikhs religiously follow the teachings of Guru Nanak. They derive the essence of their faith from the ideology “True in God’s Name,” preached by Guru Nanak himself. These lines are etched on the holy walls of the Gurudwara in Odia.
The temple exudes a positive aura, spreading a whiff of happiness in its vicinity. Two framed pictures of Guru Nanak hang on the walls. They prepare the delicious Kada Prasad with sugar,flour,and ghee, bringing the pure flavour of Punjab in it. Langars are held on every full moon night, to mark Guru Purnima and Baba Nanak’s birthday.
What Makes Them Unique
Well, while the Sikhs of Biranchipur take a lot of pride in upholding their identity despite being in years of seclusion from their counterparts, there is something still different about them. Unlike the other Sikhs, they do not cover their heads.
They are warm and compassionate people, upholding the integral values and principles that have been imparted to them.
Sikhs at Bhadrak and the Link with Puri
While there is a small number of Sikhs at Biranchipur, there are a few residing in Bhadrak as well. They have been residing in the district for over three centuries now, and call it their home. It is believed that the Biranchipur Sikhs might have been a part of that group. Later they separated and moved to Biranchipur, establishing an identity of their own.
Another interesting fact to note is that before the partition happened, the Nanakpanthis, a sect of the Sikhs, often visited Puri, making their way through the famous Jagannath Sadak. They were frequently seen during the Rath Yatra, but their presence diminished dramatically after the partition!
Both the major sects of Sikhism, the Nanakpanthis and the Nanakshahis, hold a place in the folklore of the area, including the ancient leaflets and manuscripts that mention them!
If you are looking to visit a serene and tranquil place, we suggest you opt for Biranchipur and explore in depth the fascinating history of our Sikh brothers & sisters and share their happiness and joy!
