Fifteen Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan have been airlifted from Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand, India due to high altitude sickness. The pilgrims were part of a larger group on a pilgrimage to the Himalayan shrine and were brought to a hospital in Govindghat for treatment. The Hemkund Sahib gurudwara holds religious significance for Sikhs as it is believed to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh meditated.
Background:
Hemkund Sahib is a sacred Sikh shrine located in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is revered as the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated and attained spiritual enlightenment. Each year, thousands of Sikh pilgrims from around the world undertake a challenging trek to Hemkund Sahib.
Recent Incident:
On August 14, 2023, fifteen Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan were airlifted from Hemkund Sahib to Govind Ghat hospital after suffering from high altitude sickness. The pilgrims were part of a larger group of 45 pilgrims who had embarked on a pilgrimage to the shrine.
Details of the Rescue Operation:
Indian authorities received a distress call from the pilgrims, who were experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and headaches. Two Indian Air Force helicopters were immediately dispatched to Hemkund Sahib.
The pilgrims were airlifted to Govind Ghat, where they received medical attention. All pilgrims were reported to be in stable condition and were expected to recover fully.
Significance of Hemkund Sahib for Sikhs:
Hemkund Sahib is one of the most important Sikh pilgrimage sites. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh meditated at the site in the 17th century and experienced a vision in which he became aware of his divine mission.
The gurudwara at Hemkund Sahib is a symbol of Sikh resilience and devotion. It is visited by thousands of pilgrims each year, who come to pay homage to Guru Gobind Singh and seek spiritual guidance.
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