Just 30 Km From Pune, This Gurdwara Is Carved Into a Mountain and Few People Know About It
PUNE – While the mist-covered peaks of Lonavala and Mulshi are staples for weekend travelers, a spiritual marvel remains tucked away in the rugged terrain of the Sahyadri ranges, largely unnoticed by the passing crowds. Known as Gurdwara Chhota Hemkund Sahib, this shrine is not merely built on a mountain, it is carved directly into one.
Located in Begampura near Mulshi, approximately 30 km from the popular hill station of Lonavala and a two-hour drive from Pune, this gurdwara offers a serene alternative to the arduous Himalayan pilgrimage of Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand.
A Four-Year Labor of Faith
Unlike traditional Sikh shrines characterized by soaring white domes and marble facades, Chhota Hemkund Sahib is an architectural feat of patience and devotion. The sanctuary was created by carving and digging into the solid rock face over a period of four years. It was only in the fifth year that the Prakash (installation) of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was performed with full honors.
The result is a cave-like sanctuary that feels like a natural extension of the cliffside. The rock walls provide a cool, meditative atmosphere, shielded from the hustle of the nearby tourist circuits.
The “Chhota Hemkund” Experience
The shrine earns its name from its spiritual inspiration, the famous Hemkund Sahib situated at 15,000 feet in the Himalayas. While the Maharashtra counterpart sits at a much lower altitude, it mirrors the original’s essence: a place of prayer surrounded by nature’s raw beauty.
For elderly devotees, families, or those physically unable to undertake the grueling trek in Uttarakhand, this site provides a meaningful spiritual connection. The gurdwara remains open until 10 PM, maintaining a peaceful environment devoid of the commercialization often found in Lonavala’s mainstream spots.
How to Reach
Situated along Mohol Road in the Pune district, the gurdwara is easily accessible by road. For travelers heading toward Mulshi or exploring the outskirts of Lonavala, a small detour to Begampura reveals this hidden “Mountain Gurdwara.”
As Pune continues to grow as a hub for both heritage and tourism, Chhota Hemkund Sahib stands as a testament to the quiet, enduring Sikh history within Maharashtra, a sanctuary where the mountain itself bows in reverence.
