Samadhi

A Samadhi is a funerary monument or memorial shrine in Hindu and Sikh traditions, erected in memory of a saint or guru. These structures are often pilgrimage sites and places of veneration.

n Hindu and Sikh traditions, a Samadhi is a funerary monument or memorial shrine erected in memory of a saint or guru. The term "Samadhi" literally means "union" or "absorption" in Sanskrit, and in this context, it represents the final union of the soul with the divine.

These monuments are often built at the site of the saint or guru's cremation and become pilgrimage sites and places of devotion. A notable example is the Samadhi of Baba Atal in Amritsar, dedicated to Baba Atal Rai, the son of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind. This monument is distinguished by its architecture and spiritual significance for Sikhs.

Samadhis are often adorned with sculptures, bas-reliefs, and religious symbols, reflecting the life and teachings of the commemorated individual. They serve not only as eternal resting places but also as centers of spiritual inspiration and prayer for disciples and devotees.

In some cases, ceremonies and festivals are organized around these monuments, reinforcing their cultural and spiritual importance within the community. Thus, a Samadhi symbolizes the continuous connection between the physical world and the divine spirit, offering a place for meditation and reflection.