Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Sri Amritsar District

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Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Sri Amritsar District

Dr Dalvinder Singh Grewal​

Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Amritsar
Sri Amritsar was founded by Sri Guru Ramdass ji, the fourth guru of the Sikhs in about 1574 A.D. Before this, the area was covered with thick growth and had several lakes. Guru Ramdas invited 52 traders from different sectors belongings to nearby places like Patti and Kasur and settled them at this place. These families started the first 32 shops in the city which still stand in the street called Batisi Hatta (32 shops). The Guru himself shifted to live among them in the city which came to be called Ramdaspur and has been eulogized in the Guru Granth Sahib.

The construction of Amrit Sarovar, from which the city gets its present name, was also stared by Sri Guru Ramdas. His successor, Sri Guru Arjan Dev, completed the project and located the Harmandir Sahib in its midst. Later, when Guru Arjan Dev completed the writing of Holy Adi Granth Sahib, a copy of the same was ceremonially installed in Harmandir Sahib. Baba Buddha Sahib was appointed the First Granthi.

After the joining of Eternal Light of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, Baba Banda Bahadur came to the Punjab and inflicted several crushing defeats on the imperial Mughal forces. This led to the rise of Sikh power and the rise of several Misls (Jathas or groups) . 12 Misls of the Sikh confederacy controlled Punjab and from time to time attempted to expand their territory and resources. 4 of these Misls, namely; the Ahulwalia Misl, Ramgarhia Misl, Kanhiya Misl and Bhangi Misl controlled Amritsar from time to time. Each of them contributed to the city of Sri Amritsar. The Ahluwalia Misl Controlled a large part of the city. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was its most prominent leader. He defeated the Afghan Ahmad Shah Abdali in the battle of Amritsar in 1765. At one time he was the richest and the most powerful misaldars. The Misl built a fort in the city and had full control, till Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s forces became a challenge to accept his eadership. The Ramgaria Misl controlled the rest of Amritsar and became the most powerful misl. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was the first to fortify Ari Amritsar. He surrounded the place with the Huge mud wall calling it Ram Rauni or fort of God. It was attacked and destroyed by the imperial Mughal forces but it was rebuilt by Jassa Singh who renamed the place as Ramgarh from which his misl took its name Ramgarhia. He was the ferocious military leader and even captured red fort in New Delhi and made away with four guns and the endowment slab on which the Mughals were crowned and placed it within the Golden Temple Complex. During this Misl period Barracks, Bungas, Forts and Havelis were constructed around the Golden Temple as required for use of the Sikh Army.

Before Maharaja Ranjit Singh, outer Amritsar was controlled by the Bhangi misl who built the Gobindgarh Fort. They were defeated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, early in his career. Part of Amritsar was controlled by the Kanhiya Misl with whom Maharaja Ranjit Singh formed a matrimonial alliance by marrying Jai Singh’s infant granddaughter Mahtab Kaur when he was six year old himself.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh brought all the Misls under his control and took over full control of Amritsar by 1802 A.D. He fortified the Gobind Garh Fort on the modern lines. He also built the Ram bag Palace and the garden of Mughal Lines and covered Sri Harmandir Sahib in Gold and made it look as we see it today. Maharaja Ranjit Singh also built a huge wall with 12 gates around the city of Amritsar. Only one gate “The Ram Bagh Gate” stands till day.

The British took over Amritsar in 1840 A.D. The years under the British rule saw the demolition of the outer walls of the city and rebuilding of gates, the construction of Town Hall from where they administered the city of Amritsar. The British also renamed the Ram Bagh Garden as Company Bagh. Current building of the Railway Station, the post office and the Saragarhi Gurdwara Memorial were all Constructed during the British era.

The best example of Indo-British architecture however, is the Khalsa College, designed by the famous architect Ram Singh, a resident of Cheel Mandi, Amritsar. His works include the Darbar Hall of Queen Victoria at Osborne House, UK and the Darbar Halls of Mysore and Kapurthala, Christian College at Lahore and several other outstanding examples of Indo-British Architecture The city is the cultural capital of Punjab today. Sri Harmandir Sahib is the most visited temple in the world today where persons of all religion are allowed to pay their obeisance. (1)

There are many Historic Sikh Gurdwaras in Amritsar City. These include Harmandar Sahib complex Gurdwaras.1.. Gurdwara Sri Harmandir Sahib 2. Gurdwara Sri Baba Atal Sahib 3. Gurdwara Sri Baba Deep Singh Shaheed 4. Gurdwara Sri Lachi Ber Sahib 5. Gurdwara Sri Mata Kaulsar Sahib 6.Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Harmandir 7. Gurdwara Sri Shaheed Ganj Baba Gurbaksh Singh 8. Gurdwara Sri Thada Sahib Amritsar near Dukh Bhanjni Beri 9. Gurdwara Sri Thara Sahib near Akal Takhat Sahib Amritsar - 10 Historic Place Of Beri Baba Budha 11.Historic Place Of Dukh Bhanjani Beri 12. Sri Akal Takht Sahib 13. Gurdwara Sri Baba Bota Singh And Baba Garja Singh - Shaheeda Sahib Road complex14. Gurdwara SriBibeksar Sahib; Shaheeda Sahib Road complex Gurdwaras include 15.Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Amritsar 16. Gurdwara Sri Ramsar Sahib Amritsar 17. Gurdwara Sri Shaheed Ganj Baba Deep Singh- 18. Gurdwara Yaadgar Vaisakhi 1978 De Shaheed Sahib; other Gurdwaras include19. Gurdwara And Burj Akali Phula Singh - 1 km from Sri Harmandir Sahib 20. Gurdwara Bhai Manjh Da Khooh - 5.5 km's from Sri Harmandir Sahib 21. Gurdwara Bhai Shalo Da Tobha - 700 meters from Sri Harmandir Sahib 22. Gurdwara Qila Lohgarh Sahib Amritsar - 900 meters from Sri Harmandir Sahib 23. Gurdwara Sri Atari Sahib Sultanvind - 3.5 km's from Sri Harmandir Sahib 24. Gurdwara Sri Chaurasti Atari - 500 meters from Harmandar Sahib 25. Gurdwara Sri Darshani Deori - 250 meters from Sri Harmandir Sahib 26. Gurdwara Sri Guriaana Sahib - 8 km's from Sri Harmandir Sahib 27. Gurdwara Sri Guru Ka Mehal - 500 meters from Sri Harmandir Sahib 28. Gurdwara Sri Kotha Sahib - 7 km's from Sri Harmandir Sahib 29. Gurdwara Sri Pipli Sahib Amritsar - 3.5 km from Sri Harmandir Sahib 30. Gurdwara Sri Tahli Sahib Amritsar - 650 meters from Sri Harmandir Sahib31.Gurdwara Sri Toot Sahib - 3 km's from Sri Harmandir Sahib. (1)

Guru Nanak Dev ji travelled widely to preach God’s Word and Truth. The places visited by him in Amritsar Disgtrict include Udoke Khurad Baba Bakala while going to Batala for marriage, Amritsar Sahib (Thada Sahib near Dukh Bhanjni Beri), Verka, Ram Tirath, (while coming from Sultanpur Lodhi via Khadoor Sahib and going to Emnabad), Verroke Ajnala, Ramdas, Dharamkot, Saurian, Kathunangal, Sathiala.

Amritsar District: Places with red roundels are the visited by Guru Nanak

The Gurdwaras commemorating his visits are as under

Gurdwara Thada Sahib Sri Amritsar

• Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib, Verka Amritsar
• Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Ram Tirth, Amritsar
• Gurdwara Nanaksar Saurian, Amritsar
• Gurdwara, Ber Sahib Dharmkot, Amritsar
• Gurdwara Ber Sahib, Veroke Ajnala, Amritsar,
• Gurdwara Janamasthan Baba Budha ji,,Kathunangal,Amritsar
• Gurdwara Tap Asthan Baba Budha Ji, Ramdas, Amritsar
• Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib, Sathiala, Amritsar.
• Gurdwara Thamm Sahib, Udoke Khurad Baba Bakala Amritsar.
• Gurdwara, Guru ka Khooh, Udoke Khurad Baba Bakala, Amritsar.

Continued

 

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Gurdwara Thada Sahib Sri Amritsar

Gurdwara Sri Thada Sahib Amritsar is situated in the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex near the Langar hall entrance next to Dukh Bhanjni Beri Gurdwara. It is said that Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji and Sri Guru Angad Sahib Ji visited this place then in village Sultanwind. Guru nanak dev Ji blessed this place with continuous shabd kirtan. The site marks the place where Sri Guru Ram Das Ji would sit and supervise the excavation of the Sri Harmandir Sahib Sarovar. Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji recited the Shabad in Raag Ramkali 'Athsath tirath jah sadhu pag dareh'. Some believe that bath near here, is spiritually

more beneficial than bathing in the 68 holy places around India. Meditating at this place is real bliss specially in V hours (amrit vela) when there is total peace around and the lights on water of Sarovar provide a lyrical dance. When Sri Guru Granth sahib installed in ri Harmandir ahib it was first kept at this place. Even now as an installation ceremony this remains the first place where Sri Guru Guru Granth Sahib is placed initially as a symbol.

References

1. History | District Amritsar, Government of Punjab | India

2. Gurdwara Sri Thada Sahib Amritsar | Discover Sikhism

 

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Gurdwara Thada Sahib Sri Amritsar

,Gurdwara Sri Thada Sahib Amritsar is situated in the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex near the Langar hall entrance next to Dukh Bhanjni Beri Gurdwara. It is said that Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji and Sri Guru Angad Sahib Ji visited this place then in village Sultanwind. Guru Nanak Dev Ji blessed this place with continuous Shabd Kirtan. According to Bhai Kahn Singh ‘during Kalyug, in Samwat 1595 (1538 AD) Guru Nanak came from Kartarpur and sat on the peaceful banks of this water reservoir, the place where now ‘Thada Sahib’ stands. Having been there for some days, Baba Budha Ji and Lehna ji (Guru Angad) came searching for him. Astonished to find Guru Nanak at the place, both bowed before the Guru and prayed, “The True Lord, why have you left an environmentally rich place Kartarpur and have sat by the bank of this pond? What is the reason? Knowing all, Guru Nanak ji said, “Bhai Lehna and Budha Ji! The real truth why I left the enchanting place of Kartarpur and came here is that the water reservoir which you call a pond is not a mere pond” He recited a shabad (hymn):

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨੀਰੁ ਗਿਆਨਿ ਮਨ ਮਜਨੁ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਸੰਗਿ ਗਹੇ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਉਪਦੇਸਿ ਜਵਾਹਰ ਮਾਣਕ ਸੇਵੇ ਸਿਖੁ ਸੋੁ ਖੋਜਿ ਲਹੈ ॥ 1 ॥ ਗੁਰ ਸਮਾਨਿ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਸਰੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਤਾਸੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ 1 ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਦਰੀਆਉ ਸਦਾ ਜਲੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਮੈਲੁ ਹਰੈ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਪਾਇਐ ਪੂਰਾ ਨਾਵਣੁ ਪਸੂ ਪਰੇਤਹੁ ਦੇਵ ਕਰੈ ॥ 2 ॥ ਰਤਾ ਸਚਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਤਲ ਹੀਅਲੁ ਸੋ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਰਮਲੁ ਕਹੀਐ ॥ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਵਾਸੁ ਬਨਾਸਪਤਿ ਸਉਰੈ ਤਾਸ ਚਰਣ ਲਿਵ ਰਹੀਐ ॥ 3 ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜੀਅ ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਉਪਜਹਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਿਵ ਘਰਿ ਜਾਈਐ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਈਐ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਿਜ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥ 4 ॥ 6 ॥ (ਪ੍ਰਭਾਤੀ ਮਹਲਾ 1, SGGS 1328:13)

One who bathes in the Ambrosial Water of spiritual wisdom takes with him the virtues of the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage. The Guru’s Teachings are the gems and jewels; the Sikh who serves Him searches and finds them. || 1 || There is no sacred shrine equal to the Guru. The Guru encompasses the ocean of contentment.



|| 1 || Pause || The Guru is the River, from which the Pure Water is obtained forever; it washes away the filth and pollution of evil-mindedness. Finding the True Guru, the perfect cleansing bath is obtained, which transforms even beasts and ghosts into gods. || 2 || He is said to be the Guru, with the scent of sandalwood, who is imbued with the True Name to the bottom of His Heart. By His Fragrance, the world of vegetation is perfumed. Lovingly focus yourself on His Feet. || 3 || The life of the soul wells up for the Gurmukh; the Gurmukh goes to the House of God. The Gurmukh, O Nanak, merges in the True One; the Gurmukh attains the exalted state of the self. || 4 || 6 || (Prabhaatee, First Mehl: p. 1328:13)

ਸੇਵਹੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਮੁੰਦੁ ਅਥਾਹਾ ॥ ਪਾਵਹੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਤਨੁ ਧਨੁ ਲਾਹਾ ॥ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਮਲੁ ਜਾਇ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰਿ ਨਾਵਹੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਰ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ 8 ॥ (ਮਾਰੂ ਮਹਲਾ 1: 1043:85)

So serve the True Guru, the unfathomable ocean, and you shall obtain the profit, the wealth, the jewel of the Naam. The filth of corruption is washed away, by bathing in the pool of Ambrosial Nectar. In the Guru’s pool, contentment is obtained. || 8 || (Maru Mahala 1, 1043:8)

History book Guru Khalsa, in Nagri letters, published in Bombay, p. 187 has the following record: The Third Guru told the Fourth Guru that, “There is an order from our previous Gurus that the Amrit sarovar will be created. Guru Nanak gave this service to Guru Angad. Guru Angad passed on this service to me. Now I am passing this on to you.”

It is written in Panth Prakash typed print p. 92, stanza (Chhnand) 24-25:

ਫਿਰ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਜੀ ਬਸੈ ਜੰਗਲ ਮੇਂ ਇਸ ਠਾਇ। ਜੜੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੀ ਤ੍ਰਿਤੀ ਗੁਰ ਪਈ ਇਸ ਹੀ ਥਾਂਇ।

Then Sri Nanak settled in this jungle. The foundation of Amrit Sarovar was kept by the third Guru at this place.

All the above discussion is aimed to clarify that Guru Nanak meditated at this place. Then Guru Angad Dev ji came here searching for Guru Nanak Dev Ji. There after Guru Amardas came here first to take a special plant and second time he came and started the service of construction of Sarovar. Thereafter, the Fourth Guru started the digging in of Sarovar in Samwat 1621 (1564 AD) which was not yet completed. In Samwat 1631 (1574 AD) Guru Ramdas purchased the land from the farmers of the villages around and named the village as Ramdaspur however it remained famous as ‘Guru ka Chak’. Bhai Saaloh did great service for increasing settlers in this locality. Guru Ramdas also constructed houses for his family which is now known as ‘Guru ke Mahal’. In Samwat 1634 (1577 AD) Guru Ramdas started the digging of Sarovar but it was concretized by Guru Arjan Dev ji. In the center of this sarovar, the foundation of Sri Harmandir Sahib was kept in Samwat 1643 (1486 AD). After completion of Sri Harmandar Sahib Adi Granth sahib was established at this place. (3)

The site marks the place where Sri Guru Ram Das Ji would sit and supervise the excavation of the Sri Harmandir Sahib Sarovar. Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji recited the Shabad in Raag Ramkali 'Athsath tirath jah sadhu pag dareh'. Some believe that bath near here, is spiritually more beneficial than bathing in the 68 holy places around India. Meditating at this place is real bliss specially in V hours (amrit vela) when there is total peace around and the lights on water of Sarovar provide a lyrical dance. When Sri Guru Granth sahib installed in ri Harmandir ahib it was first kept at this place. Even now as an installation ceremony this remains the first place where Sri Guru Guru Granth Sahib is placed initially as a symbol.

References

1. History | District Amritsar, Government of Punjab | India
2. Gurdwara Sri Thada Sahib Amritsar | Discover Sikhism
3. Shromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Gurdham Didar, based on Mahan Kosh of Bhai
Kahn Singh, March 2005, pp. 24-28.

 

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Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib, Verka, Amritsar,

Gurdwa Nanaksar Verka, Sri Amritsar

Lady with her sick child praying Guru Nanak to cure

Gurdwara Board Nanak Sar Sahib Verka

Gurudwara Shri Nanaksar Sahib, is situated in the village Verka Distt Amritsar. It marks the place where Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji stopped while going to Batala.(1) Guru Nanak Devji came to Verka From Dukh Bhanjni Beri and Thada Sahib in Sultanwind (now Sri Harmandir Sahib) (Dhanna Singh, P.333).(2) Guru Nanak stayed here for a day. Guru Nanak washed his feet. Guru Sahib sat on the bank of a small pond. People started coming to seek blessings of Guru Sahib. One lady came to Guru Sahib whose child was suffering from Marasmus (soka). Guru Sahib asked her to make her child bath in that sarovar. The child was cured with that. Later Guru Sahib blessed that Sarovar that who-so-ever will take bath in that sarovar on five Sundays children will be cured."Suke Hare kiye Khin Mahe" (1). The massive sarovar is said to have curative powers. (4) Gurdwara Nanaksar commemorating Guru Nanak’s visit to Verka is in the west of the village and a brick lined sarovar is attached to it. Bibi Birji Bai of Shikarpur Sindh got the sarovar brick-lined from 9 jeth samwat 1956 (1899 AD) onwards and was called Nanaksar. The Gurdwara building was reconstructed in 1973. The new three-storey doomed edifice stands in a walled compound. The sanctum is at one end of a hall at the ground floor. It is scheduled Gurdwara (serial No 48) and is administered by SGPC through a local committee. Besides usual prayers and anniversaries an annual congregational fair is held here on 12 Chetra (March) the date Guru Nanak visited the place. (5). 10 Bighas of land is attached to the Gurdwara. Railway station Verka is close by. Guru Nanak went to Achal Batala from this place. (3) (6) (Gurdham Didar, p.37)

References
1. HistoricalGurudwaras.com, a Journey to Historical Gurudwara Sahibs
2. Dhana Singh Chehal, Gurtirath Cycle Yatra, p. 332.
3. Gurdwara Sri Nanaksar Sahib Verka | Discover Sikhism
4. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib, Verka Amritsar, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, Punjab October 2019, p.69
5. Gurmuksh Singh . Historical Sikh Shrines, Singh Brothers Amritsar, 1995, p. 116
6. SGPC Gurdham Didar, extracted from Mahan Kosh by Bhai kahn Singh Nabha, March 2005, p.37

 

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Gurdwara Nanaksar, Manji Sahib Ram Tirath, Sri Amritsar

Gurdwara Manji Sahib Ram Tirath Sri Amritsar

Guru Nanak came to Ram Tirath from Sri Amrisar along with Bhai Mardana and Bhai Bala his devoted companions on his way to Batala. It is about 15 km from Sri Amritsar to the North. Ramtirath is a Hindu pilgrimage center where Saint Balmik gave protection to Sita Ji who came here after having been abandoned by Sri Ram. Here she gave birth to her two sons Luv and Kush. The place was dominated by Pandits and Bairagi Sadhus. A pandit who claimed to have seen Go and was offering the same experience to his followers and visitors for money. Guru Nanak asked Bhai Bala to remove his kamandal (utensil)before him away out of his sight while he was meditating. When the priest opened his eyes and began looking for his kamandal, the Guru asked him how he could see God when he is unable to find his own kamandal. Guru Nanak recited the Shabad (hymn) (SGGS: 56)

ਪੰਡਿਤ ਵਾਚਹਿ ਪੋਥੀਆ ਨਾ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਅਨ ਕਉ ਮਤੀ ਦੇ ਚਲਹਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾ ਵਾਪਾਰੁ ॥ ਕਥਨੀ ਝੂਠੀ ਜਗੁ ਭਵੈ ਰਹਣੀ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ 6 ॥ ਕੇਤੇ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਜੋਤਕੀ ਬੇਦਾ ਕਰਹਿ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਵਾਦਿ ਵਿਰੋਧਿ ਸਲਾਹਣੇ ਵਾਦੇ ਆਵਣੁ ਜਾਣੁ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਕਰਮ ਨ ਛੁਟਸੀ ਕਹਿ ਸੁਣਿ ਆਖਿ ਵਖਾਣੁ ॥ 7 ॥(ਰਾਮਕਲੀ ਮ:1, 56)

The Pandits, the religious scholars, read their books, but they do not understand the real meaning. They give instructions to others, and then walk away, but they deal in Maya themselves. Speaking falsehood, they wander around the world, while those who remain true to the Shabad are excellent and exalted. || 6 || There are so many Pandits and astrologers who ponder over the Vedas. They glorify their disputes and arguments, and in these controversies they continue coming and going. Without the Guru, they are not released from their karma, although they speak and listen and preach and explain. || 7 || (Ramkali M 1, 56)

Having listened and realized the depth of the hymn they bowed before Guru Nanak. A brick-lined sarovar and Gurdwara were got constructed by daughter-in –law of Chandu Lal Minister of the Nawab of Lahore who got Guru Arjan Dev ji martyred after great torture. Sikhs do not have bath in this sarovar because of this very reason.(1) The shrine encloses a massive sarovar which was once a pond besides which Guru Nanak Dev ji performed his Shabad Kirtan. The Gurdwara is located in Kaler village near the turn for Ram Tirath.

References: .

1. Gyani Gyan Singh, Gurdhm Sagreh, GPC, Sri Amritsar, p. 19
2. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Ram Tirth, Amritsar, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, Punjab October 2019, p.68

 

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Gurdwara Nanaksar, Saurian, Sri Amritsar

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Gurdwara Nanaksar Pind Saurian, Sri Amritsar

Saurian village is located in Ajnala tehsil of Amritsar district in Punjab, India, situated 12 km away from Ajnala and 32 km away from Amritsar. As per 2009 statistics, Saurian village is a gram panchayat. The total geographical area of the village is 365 hectares with population of 1,156 in 212 houses. According to Census 2011, the location code of Saurian village is 037287 and pin code is 143108. Ajnala is the nearest town to saurian village for all major economic activities. (1)

Saurian is an ancient city where medieval monuments, shrines, mosques and mausoleums can be seen all around. This gives it an ancient and spiritual look. The streets are narrow. The village is built on the banks of Saki Nullah which flows through rural Ajnala with pure water but while passing by Sri Amritsar it is turned into a badly polluted Nullah. Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Saurian commemorates Guru Nanak’s travels in First Udasi en route to Dera baba Nanak. Earlier Gurdwara was a one room structure but in 1986 it was converted into a large complex. Here Guru Nanak Dev Ji rested and debated with Sheikh Mallo, Pathan Ubarey Khan and went to meet Abdul Rehman.

Sheikh Mallo

Sheikh Mallo was a very God fearing man. He was astonished to find that both Hindus and Muslims paid equal respect to Guru Nanak and followed his teachings. He came to Guru Nanak to confirm the truth and was impressed but to clarify further he put numerous questions: “Is Hindu or Turk is greater? Who is better from among the two? How to achieve salvation? Why does every one praise you?”

Guru Nanak replied: “Everyone is made out of the same earth, the same water and the same God’s light prevails in them all. You should have no doubt that everyone is created by One and the same God. . There is no difference between Ekangkaar, Khuda, Ram or Rahim as all of them are the same. Who does not understand him remains in the circle of life and death. The body of both Hindu and Muslim perishes whatever religion he may follow. When the body is burnt or buried, there is nothing left. What is left is God’s Name: it may be Allah, Akal or Sri Ram. Any other claim is all falsehood. (Nanak Prakash 40-63-66)

The difference between Hindu and Muslim is only cultural. Both have the same type of body and blood and both breathe in the same air. The mind of both is of same kind. Allah or Ram created him the same. The countries, dresses and cultures have differentiated their languages, their traditions and customs. But God has created every human being to have same type of conduct. Through the same light everyone is to have the same experiences in the universe created by Him.

Sheikh Mallo enquired as to how to reach the court of God maintaining one’s honour. ‘Please explain the characteristics needed for facing no restrictions while reaching God’s court.”.(Nanak Prakash 40-72)

Guru Nanak answered, “Praise Allah, accept His will as a sweet order, remain balanced in anger and tragedy and do good to others having mercy on them. This is how you will get the honour and Truth in this world. Never have claims of having reached God. Always accept His will. Praise Him in this time of Kalyug. This will get you honour everywhere. Consider anger and tragedy, honour and dishonor as the same. You will not be stopped from going into His court. Those who are Truthful will speak truth; those who have soft heart will do welfare of others. Feel pleasure and pain as the same. (Nanak Prakash, 74-75) Mallo stayed with Guru Nanak for Number of days and accepted him as his peer.

Ubarey Khan

Sheikh Mallo told his murid, Ubarey Khan about Guru Nanak’s great philosophy. Ubarey Khan went to Guru Nanak to test him. Wishing him ‘Salama Lekum’ he sat close to Guru Nanak and enquired, “Is Hindu religion’s philosophy greater than Muslim religion’s?” Guru Nanak replied,” The path of love and truthful meditation is different from both. This is the real destination for all. Claim of any religion that his religion only is great and their people only are loved by God and all knowledge is given to them only; is a false claim. Guru Nanak said further, “Do meditation from core of your heart being truthful. God’s name must be on the tongue and heart always. Keep company of saints and veterans. Forget all claims. God creates all as equals. Only fools and false have claims and they remain in the circle of life of death. Only true guide can tell the reality. (Nanak Prakash, 41-70) (3)
Convinced by the philosophy and ideas of Guru Nanak Ubarey Khan too eventually became Guru Nanak’s followers. (2)

Abdul Rehman
After a few days, a die-hard Muslim, Faqir Abdul Rehman met Ubarey Khan. Ubarey Khan told him that he has become the follower of Guru Nanak. At this Abdul Rehman was pained and said, ”Why have you become a follower of this {censored}?” Ubarey Khan said,” Nanak is neither Hindu nor Muslim; he is the Divine Light of God. To say bad words in his honour is evil. You see this himself and make your own opinion.” Second day Ubarey Khan took a very costly costume for the Guru but the Guru said that it was of no use for him as he is a faqir who has worn simple clothes all his life. On Ubarey Khan’s repeated requests, the Guru touched the cloth to his body. hUbarey Khan then told Guru Ji about Faqir Abdul Rehman who used very disrespectful words i! Why are you having enmity with me without reason? I have not taken forcible possession of your property. What country of yours have I snatched? Which property of yours have I taken? Why do you have enmity with me. Please tell me this without any doubt.” Abdul Rehman kept quiet. Ubarey Khan said, “Sheikh Ji! Why have you kept quiet. Say something now.” Sheikh felt ashamed of his earlier utterings but asked, “Which religion do you follow?” Guru Ji replied, “Sheikh Ji! You got some raw peer who has not told you the right way to Allah. Only pride has been put into you by him. Please listen to the important matter. You have lost your peace. Only those who remember God always get Him.” Guru Nanak thus had a blessed vision on him that Abdul Rehman’s all anger vanished. (Nanak Parkash:87) Abdul Rehman fell at Guru’s feet,” Dear Tapa! Please excuse me.I have been on a forgotten track. I spoke ill of you. Having understood as idol worshipper Hindu I insulted you. But you are different from Hindus and Muslims as well. After having you in front of me and listening to you my eyes are now opened.” Abdul Rehman also became Guru Nanak’s follower thereafter. (3)

References

1. Saurian Village in Ajnala (Amritsar) Punjab | villageinfo.in.
2. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Nanaksar Saurian, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, Punjab October 2019, Amritsar pp. 66-67
3. Dr Trilochan Singh, Jeevan Charitar Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Board, Delhi, pp. 379-382.

 

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Gurdwara Ber Sahib, Veroke Ajnala, Amritsar,

Gurdwara Ber Sahib, Vairoke Ajnala

Vairoke village is 3 km west of Lopoke, in Amritsar district of the Punjab. It has a historical shrine sacred to Guru Nanak, who once visited it during his travels through these parts. Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to Shah Bakhtiar’s house, But his wife told that Mian ji has gone to Bhilowal. Guru Sahib left the place and said these wordings " Bibi Wase damdam mian Bhilowal, Sunje mahal drawane, Barkat Mardan naal" Guru Sahib said if he had met Mian ji, in future here city would have developed. Saying this Guru Sahib left for Bhilowal. Shah Bakhtiar ji also left from Bhilowal and met Guru Sahib here at Veroke, on a dry tree trunk. Having glimpse of Guru Sahib, Shah Bakhtiar was very happy. He asked Guru Sahib to sit under some shady tree. Guru Sahib asked Bhai Mardana ji to pour water on the dry trunk, When Bhai Mardana poured water on the dry trunk of the Bere tree the trunk became green from both sides. Watching this, Shah Bakhtiar was very happy and fell on Guru Sahib's feet. The Guru had a discourse with Shah Bakhtiar, whose tomb now stands on the eastern outskirts of the village. Gurdwara Babe di Ber Sahib, or simply Ber Sahib, marking the site still has two ber trees which are believed to have sprouted from the log on which Guru Nanak was sitting. The present building, a square room with the sanctum in the middle, was constructed in 1920. Above the sanctum are two-storeys of square rooms topped by a lotus dome with a gilded pinnacle. Divans, accompanied by Guru ka Langar, mark the observance of every full moon day. Its address is: Gurdwara Ber Sahib Lopoke Road, Vairoke, Amritsar District (1,2,3)

References
1. HistoricalGurudwaras.com, a Journey to Historical Gurudwara Sahibs
2. Gurdwara Babe Di Ber Sahib - Veroke - World Gurudwaras
3. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Ber Sahib, Veroke Ajnala, Amritsar, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, Punjab October 2019, pp. 62-63

 

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Gurdwaras relating to Guru Nanak’s visits to Baba Buddha Ji place

Baba Buddha Ji

Baba Buddha ji (ਬਾਬਾ ਬੁੱਢਾ ਜੀ ) (1506-1631) or Bhai Buddha is recognized as o Kathu Nangal one of the great Sikhs of the Guru period. Baba Buddha Ji (1506-1631) was born in Kathu Nangal on 6 October 1506 was the only son of Bhai Sugha Randhawa and Mata Gauran Ji who was from a Sandhu Jatt family. H e was named as Bura at the time of his birth. His father did farming in the Village. They were Hindu Jatts. Later his parents had adopted Sikhism when they came in contact with Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539) the founder of the Sikh Religion. At that time, Sikhism was spreading across the Region of Punjab. The family later moved to Jhanda Ramdas village also in Amritsar District. At the age of seventeen he was married to Mata Miroan Achal Village in Gurdaspur District of Punjab. He settled in Bir Baba Buddha ji in Amritsar District, where a forest (Bir) stood where he was granted land by Chaudhary Bhai Langah Dhillon of Jhabal Kalan a Sikh of the Guru..

Baba Buddha ji was a most venerated primal figure of early Sikhism. As a small boy, one day he was grazing cattle outside the village when Guru Nanak happened to pass by. According to Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, Bura went up to him. Making obeisance he offered a bowl of milk as his offering, saying: “O sustainer of the poor! I am fortunate to have had a sight of you today. Absolve me now from the circuit of birth and death.” The Guru said, “You are only a child yet. But you talk so wisely.” “some soldiers set up camp by our village,” replied Bura, “and they mowed down all our crops – ripe as well as unripe. Then it occurred to me that, when no one could check these indiscriminating soldiers, who would restrain Death from laying his hand upon us whether young or old.” At this Guru Nanak pronounced the words: “You are not a child; you possess the wisdom of an old man.” From that day, Bura, came to be known as Bhai Buddha, Buddha in Punjabi meaning an old man, and later, when he advanced in years, he was known as Baba Buddha.

Baba Budha as a young boy presenting himself before Guru Nanak and getting his blessings

Bhai Buddha became a devoted disciple. His marriage at the age of seventeen at Achal, 6 km south of Batala, did not distract him from his chosen path and he spent more time at Kartarpur where Guru Nanak had taken up his abode than at Katthu Nangal. In the absence of Guru Nanak from his home, Baba Budha stayed in the service of Guru Nanak’s wife Mata Sulakhani and sons Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das. Such was the eminence he had attained in Sikh piety that, at the time of installation of Bhai Lehna as Guru Angad, i.e. Nanak II, Guru Nanak asked Bhai Buddha to apply the ceremonial tilak on his forehead. After the death of Guru Nanak, Guru Angad Dev left Kartarpur to settle in Khadur Sahib near the river Beas while Baba Buddha continued to live at Kartarpur. The site where the ashes of Guru Nanak was buried was developed in to a village named Dera Baba Nanak. The foundation of the first building of the village was laid by Baba Buddha. Being a contender for the succession, Guru Nanak’s elder son, Sri Chand, was not happy over the succession in favour of Bhai Lehna i.e. Guru Angad Dev . To evade the conflict, Guru Angad Dev went into seclusion for about a year and an half. The Sikhs could trace Guru Angad Dev and persuade him to give up solitude only with the help of Baba Buddha. Guru Angad Dev ji invented Gurmukhi script and to popularize it, he started teaching it to the children. Baba Buddha also learnt it and then started to teach it others. Prithi Chand, the elder brother of the fifth Guru, was jealous of and hostile to him. As the Guru had no child for many years, Prithi Chand proclaimed that the Guru was not destined to have any child, and hence he would eventually be the next Guru. But with blessings from Baba Budha, who by then was living in the forests near Basarke Village, Mata Ganga gave birth to her only child Hargobind who became the sixth Guru. Mata Ganga had served Baba budha with bread, raw onion and butter-milk. Pleased by this gesture, he gave his blessings to Mata Ganga. He also Blessed Mata Ganga Ji the wife of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606) fifth Sikh Guru did not have any child.

Mata Ganga Ji being blessed by Baba Buddha Ji with a saint soldier son
Guru Arjan Dev Ji sent her to Baba Buddha the Great Saint. She took food for Baba Buddha ji. While having food he took an onion in his hand and crushed it and blessed Mata Ganga ji saying that a great warrior saint will be born to you who will crush the heads of the enemy; the way I have crushed this onion. When the Adi Granth was compiled and installed in Harmandir Sahib on 16 August 1604, Baba Budha was appointed the first granthi or the high priest of the Sri Harmandir Sahib. The first recitation of the Adi Granth was carried out by Bhai Gurdas.

While applying Tilak of Guruship to Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, Baba Budha adorned him with the two swords on his both sides, which the Guru promulgated as the symbols of Miri and Piri. Baba Budha laid the foundation stone of Akal Bunga and Akal Takht. The sacred tank at Amritsar and the baoli at Goindval were excavated under his supervision. The ber tree (Jujube) under which he used to sit while supervising the excavation of the Sarovar at the Golden Temple still stands in the Golden Temple precincts. Bhai Buddha lived up to a ripe old age and had the unique honour of anointing all of the four following Gurus. He continued to serve the Gurus with complete dedication and remained an example of holy living for the growing body of disciples. He devoted himself zealously to tasks such as the digging of the baoli at Goindval under the instruction of Guru Amar Das and the excavation of the sacred tank at Amritsar under Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan. He led an ideal Sikh life for more than a hundred years. He was one of closest companions of the Guru Nanak (the first Guru of Sikhism) and is one of the most revered and sacred saints in Sikhism. He served as the first head Granthi of Darbar Sahib Amritsar, and also laid the foundation of Akal Takhat Sahib in 1609 along with Bhai Gurdas Ji (1551-1637). Baba Ji also used to meditate and preach Sikhism. He had the privilege of being blessed by the first six Gurus. He holds one of the most important and pivotal positions in Sikh history. He was the first head Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib. The beri tree under which he used to sit supervising the excavation of the Amritsar pool still stands in the precincts of the Golden Temple. He subsequently retired to a bir or forest, where he tended the livestock for Guru ka Langar. This Bor or forest is still known Bir Baba Buddha Sahib.

Baba Buddha Ji passed his last days in meditation at Jhanda Ramdas, or simply called Ramdas, a village founded by his son, Bhai Bhana, where the family had since shifted from its native Katthu Nangal. Baba Budha Ji, served the first 6 Sikh Gurus with devotion. He performed the Tikka Ceremony of the first 5 Sikh Gurus from Guru Angad Dev Ji to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. His grandsons Bhai Gurditta Ji, and his great great Grandson Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh applied Tikka to the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Sikh Gurus.

He died at Jhanda Ramdas at the age of 125 years in 1631 AD in the presence of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (1595-1644). Guru Hargobind was also present at the pyre when the body of Baba Buddha ji was cremated at Jhand Ramdas. His Samadh stands to this day. As the end came, on 16 November 1631, Guru Hargobind was at his bedside. the Gurbilas Chhevin Patshahi mentions that Guru Hargobind Ji gave his shoulder to the bier and performed the last rites. Bhai Gurdas, further to quote the Gurbilas, started a reading of the Adi Granth in memory of the deceased. The obsequies concluded with Bhai Gurdas completing the recital and Guru Hargobind Sahib presenting a turban to Bhai Buddha’s son, Bhana. Two shrines stand in Ramdas commemorating Baba Buddha, Gurdwara Tap Asthan Baba Buddha Ji, where the family lived on the southern edge of the village, and Gurdwara Samadhan, where he was cremated. (1)(2)(3)

Four Gurdwaras commemorate various events related to Baba Budha Ji in Kathunanagal and Ramdas These Gurdwaras are (a) Gurdwara Janam Asthan Baba Buddha Sahib Ji, Kathunanagal (b) Dera Janam Asthan Baba Buddha Sahib Ji Kathunanagal (c) Gurdwara Smadh Baba Buddha Sahib Ji Ramdas (d) Gurdwara Tap Asthan Baba Buddha Sahib Ji Ramdas. (4)(5)

Kathu Nangal

Kathu Nangal is a very old village in Majitha-3 Tehsil of Amritsar District of Punjab. It is located 19 KM towards East from Amritsar; 3 KM from Majitha Rural. and 234 KM from State capital Chandigarh. Kathunangal Pin code is 143502 and postal head office is Kathu Nangal itself. This Place is on the border of the Amritsar District and Gurdaspur District. Fatehgarh Churian in Gurdaspur District is North towards this place. As per 2011 census, Kathu Nangal local language is Punjabi. Village l population is 3898 and number of houses are 751. (1) Kathu Nangal has a rich Sikh History. Local folklore has it that Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Kathnanagal when Baba Buddha ji’s parents passed away. These visits find mention in Jeevan Charitar Baba Buddha Ji, a biographical account of Baba Buddha ji written by Bhai Mangal Singh. (2)

Gurdwara Janam Asthan Baba Budha Ji, Kathu Nangal

Gurdwara Janamasthan Baba Budha Ji, Kathunangal, District Sri Amritsar

Gurdwara Janam asthan Baba Budha Ji is located on Amritsar-Batala road in an expensive high walled complex which houses a massive langar hall, an equally large congregational hall, a sarovar and several rooms to serve as accommodation for devotees. The shrine is splendidly illuminated on Baba Budha Ji’s birthday in October when special celebrations are held in his memory. (2) A two day fair is held every year in October by the sangat to commemorate Baba Buddha Sahib where Gurbani and Kirtan are continuously recited. Entire Gurdwara complex is lighted. Kabaddi matches are also held. Gurudwara Janam Asthan Baba Budha Sahib KathuNanga lin Amritsar is listed under section 85 of Gurudwaras Act.

Dera Janam Asthan Baba Budha Ji, Kathunagal

Dera Janam Asthan Baba Budha Ji, Kathunagal

Dera Janam Asthan Baba Budha Ji, Kathunagal is located a short distance across highway from Gurdwara janam Asthan Baba Buddha Ji sahib. The Gurdwara lies behind another Gurdwara and a langar hall builtfacing the busy highway.This smaller shrine has a similar name as the main gurdwara across the highway. A room to the left of the sanctum encloses an account well believed to date back to Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s time. Guru Nanak visited this place when Baba Buddha Ji’s parents died. Address of the Gurdwara is P2HM+RWG, Kathu Nangal, Punjab 143502, phone 097792 61440 (5)

Ramdas

Ramdass is a city and a municipal council in Amritsar district. It is situated on the bank of Ravi River. It is a border area. It is an ancient holy city. It is nearly 50 K.M. far from Amritsar. It is connected through railway line (Amritsar - Verka - Fatehgarh Churrian - Ramdass - Gurdaspur - Dera Baba Nanak) and all weather concrete road (Amritsar - Ajnala - Ramdass - Dera Baba Nanak and Amritsar - Majitha - Fatehgarh Churrian - Ramdass). Dera Baba Nanak (Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan) is 14 K.M. far away from Ramdas. As of 2001 India census,[6] Ramdas had a population of 5790 primarily Jat Sikh Bal clan. In ancient times Baba Buddha (ਬਾਬਾ ਬੁੱਢਾ ਜੀ) ji lived here. Guru Nanak is believed to have visited this place in 1518. He rested by the bank of Ravi which then passes by the side of Ramdas. During this period Guru Nanak is said to have visited Baba Buddha Sahib ji and his family. This town was founded by Fourth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Ram Das Ji when he went there to bless Jhanda, the grandson of Baba Buddha Ji. Guru Ji named this town Jhanda Ramdas. Baba Buddha Ji with his family came here and spent about 22 Years and did intense meditation. His last cremation was done here by Guru Hargobind Ji, sixth Sikh Guru. In His remembrance two Gurudwaras are built here named Gurudwara Tappasthan (ਗੁਰੂਦੁਆਰਾ ਤਪ ਅਸਥਾਨ) and Gurudwara Smadha (ਗੁਰੂਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਮਾਧਾਂ). (5)

Gurdwara Tap Asthan Baba Budha Ji, Ramdas

Gurdwara Tap Asthan Baba Buddha Ji, Ramdas

Baba Budha ji meditating while at Ramdas
Gurdwara Tap Asthan Baba Buddha ji Sahib is situated in in town Jhanda Ramdas in district Amritsar at a distance of 45 Km from Amritsar City towards Dera Baba Nanak. Baba Buddha’s family shifted to Ramdas from Kathunangal and Baba Buddha ji stayed here. Baba Buddha ji spent 21 years 11 months and 13 days here in his later years of life. Gurdwara is constructed at the place where Baba Buddha Sahib Ji did meditation and singing Shabads written by Guru Nanak. Baba Buddha Ji did intense meditation at this place. The family lived on the Southern edge of the town. The bed of Baba Ji is still preserved here. The sacred bed belonging to Baba Buddha ji Sahib is preserved here. Baba Buddha ji stayed here in the last years of his life. (6)(7)

An air-conditioned glass enclosure at the far end of tranquil sanctum houses the slab of marble on which Baba Buddha Sahib sat upon while absorbed in thought and prayer. A well in the court yard of the thick-walled house towards the back of the gurdwara harks back to baba Buddha’s time. The façade of the double-storey dwelling was renovated recently. (6)(7) (8)(9) (10)

Gurdwara Smadh Baba Budha Sahib Ji

Gurdwara Smadh Baba Budha Sahib Ji​

Baba Buddha Ji breathed his last at the age of 125 Years, 11 month and 11 days. In 1631, the funeral pyre of Baba Budha Ji was set up by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji at the place where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is now situated. Guru Hargobind Sahib helped lift the body of Baba Budha Ji and performed the funeral ceremony. With Guru Hargobind was Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Jetha, Bhai Langhah, Baba Bidhi Chand and Sri Chand Ji. According to Sikh tradition, an Ardas was carried out and Bhai Bhana, the youngest son of Baba Budha Ji lit the pyre. Nearby there is a platform called Thara Sahib where Guru Hargobind recited Kirtan Sohila. At this location Guru Ji distributed parshad to all who came. The pot used to distribute the parshad was given to a poor villager. (9) (11)

Guru Hargobind shib Ji with Baba Budha Ji just before he breathed his last

References
1. Kathunangal Village
2. Jeevan Charitar Baba Buddha Ji, a biographical account of Baba Budha ji written by Bhai
Mangal Singh.
3. Brief History of Baba Budha ji
4. Baba Budha Ji: the Epitome of Simplicity, Devotion and Commitment | Khalsa Vox
5. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Janam Asthan Baba Budha ji, Kathu Nangal, Amritsar, Dera
Janam Asthan Baba Budha Sahib Ji, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global
Limited, Punjab October 2019, p.70-72
6. Gurdwara Tap Asthan Baba Budha | Discover Sikhism
7. Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
8. Gurudwara Sri Tap Asthaan Baba Budha Ji, Ramdas - World Gurudwaras
9. Gurdwara Tap Asthan Baba Budha | Discover Sikhism
10. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Tap Asthan Baba Buddha Ji, Ramdas, Amritsar, Guru Nanak’s
Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, October 2019, pp.74-75.
11. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Smadh Baba Buddha ji, Ramdas, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, Punjab October 2019, p. 73

 

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Sathiala

Gurdwara Sri Nanaksar Sahib, Sathiala​

Sathiala is a Village in Rayya-6 Tehsil in Amritsar District of Punjab State, India. It is located 46 KM towards East from Amritsar. 8 KM from Rayya-6, 200 KM from State capital Chandigarh. Sathiala Pin code is 143205 and postal head office is Sathiala. This Place is in the border of the Amritsar District and Kapurthala District. Kapurthala District Dhilwan is South towards this place Punjabi is the Local Language here. Baba Bakala, Raya and Beas are the very nearby railway stations to Sathiala. However Amritsar Jn Rail Way Station is major railway station 44 KM near to Sathiala. Sathiala. also known as Sethiaala is a village 4 km northeast of Baba Bakala (SP'MN, 75"16'E) in Amritsar district of the Punjab. It has the honour of having been visited by three Gurus: Guru Nanak, Guru Hargobind and Guru Tegh Bahadur. Their visits are commemorated by three different gurdwaras. Previously known as "Mughalani", it was renamed "Sethi-aala" to honor a sikh jat devotee, Sethi, who looked after Guru Nanak and his companions. Later the name of the village changed to Sathiala. During the Sikh Confederacy, Sathiala was located in the territory of the Sikh rincipality of Ahluvalia Misl. In 1808 Ahluvalia Misl and, Ramgarhias Misl, got into a bloody conflict and fought the baffle known as "The Battle of Sathiala."

From Vairowal Jalalabad etc., Guru Nanak entered Majha region while moving towards Kidi Pathanan in Gurdaspur District he stayed at Sathiala. Sathiala village was then known as Mughlani. Gurudwara Shri Nanaksar Sahib is situated in village Sathiala, Teh Baba Bakala, Distt Amritsar Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji stayed in majha area for many months preaching people of this area. Guru Sahib came here while going from Sultanpur Lodhi to Gurdaspur. In those days this village was known as Muglani and in this village was ruled by Mughals. Mughals had strong fort in this village. In Hazipur Area of this village, Hazi Fakir used to stay. Janamsakhis mentioned that he was Raja Janak's cook in his previous life and because of curse he was born as Muslim. He used to tell people that he has many magical powers. He never allowed any fakir to enter or stay in this village. He used to tell people that he has direct connection with God. To break his myth Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to this village and sat near pond. Along with Guru Sahib was Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana Ji, They started singing shabad. A Muslim lady when heard this keertan came to Guru Sahib with child who was sick. When after sometime Guru Sahib opened his eyes, he understood the lady’s prayer and asked her to have this child take bath in this pond and said that Bathing in this pond is equal to bathing in 68 Holy places. Bhai Mardana ji made the child to bath in pond. After bath child was feeling healthy. Watching this, the lady fell on Guru Sahib and Bhai Mardana Ji's feet. The lady told everyone in village that a true fakir is sitting near village Pond. Everyone else is liar. Guru Sahib told everyone that whosoever will take bath in this pond his/her wishes will come true. Soon the villagers started gathering around Guru Nanak. Most of this audience consisted of Muslim ladies. They complained to him about the skin diseases and polio which were the bane of the village. The Guru advised them to have their children bathed regularly in the pond. The practice proved efficacious, The faqir was furious and threatened the people for serious consequences. However, the people did not care for him. He came to Guru Nanak and held discussions. As his reality was exposed, he fell at Guru Nanak’s feet. The villagers raised in Guru Nanak's honour, a memorial. Gurdwara Nanaksar Patshah Sathiala that marks the site where Guru Nanak sat by the small pond to preach. The building comprises a rectangular hall, with a square sanctum topped by a lotus dome covered with white glazed tiles. The old pond has been converted into a small octagonal sarovar, and people still believe in the curative powers of its water. The Gurdwara is maintained by the village sangat. There is also a Gurdwara named Gurdwara Bunga Sahib, dedicated to Guru Hargobind. It is a flat-roofed rectangular room on the eastern outskirts of the village. It is managed by Nihang Sikhs. Gurdwara Dera Sahib Patshahi 9 commemorates the visit of Guru Tegh Bahadur who came here from Baba Bakala and sat under a pipal tree which still stands behind the sanctum. The Gurdwara, constructed in 1939 inside the village, is entered through a two-storey gateway. The square sanctum, inside a marble-floored hall, is topped by a pinnacled dome. The shrine is looked after by a follower of the Bhindran Wale sants. (1)(2)(3)(4)

References
1. Fauja Singh, Guru Teg Bahadur : Yatra Asthan, Paramparavan te Yad Chinh. Patiala, 1976 2.http://www.maplandia.com/india/punjab/amritsar/sathiala/
3. Sathiala - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.
4. HistoricalGurudwaras.com, a Journey to Historical Gurudwara Sahibs
5. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib, Sathiala, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail
(Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, October 2019,, Amritsar pp.56-57

 

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Gurdwaras related to Guru Nanak in Udoke Khurd, District Sri Amritsar

Udoke Khurd

Uddoke Kalan and Udoke Khurd are two villages inter-mixed without clear boundaries but Udoke Kalan is in Gurdaspur District while Udoke Khurd is in Amritsar District. Udoke Khurd is about 10 km from Batala (31"49`N, 75"12`E), on the boundary between Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts of the Punjab in Tarsikka-7 Tehsil of Amritsar District. Udoke Khurd Coordinates are Latitude 31.7359394 and Longitude 75.1648548000001. It is located 29 KM towards East from Shri Amritsar and 188.7 KM Chandigarh. It is administered by a village panchayat. i of Punjab State, India. 217 KM from State capital Chandigarh. Udhoke Khurd Pin code is 143119 and postal head office is Mattewal. It has been visited by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Guru Nanak Dev Ji came and stayed here for 9 months and 26 days. Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji came here while taking marriage Party (baraat) of his son Baba Gurditta Ji to Batala. (1)(2)(3) According to Sri Guru Tirath Sangreh by Tara Singh Narotam, the bridegroom here performed the ceremony of cutting a twig from a Jand tree. (4) Gurdwara Thamm Sahib and Gurdwara Guru ka Khooh commemorate Guru Nanak’s visit to the place and Gurdwara Kotha Sahib. Udoke is divided into two villages, Udoke Khurd and Uddoke Kalan, without a distinct line to separate them. The shrine dedicated to Guru Nanak is in Udoke Khurd which falls in Amritsar district, the other part lying in the district of Gurdaspur.

Gurdwara Thamm Sahib, Udoke Khurd Baba Bakala Amritsar

Board Gurdwara Thamm Sahib Udoke Khurd, District Amritsar

Gurdwara is named Thamm Sahib because Guru Nanak placed a wooden pillar (Thamm) to the house constructed at udho ke khurd. Guru Nanak had promised to visit Bibi Isri, the young daughter of a devoted Sikh who lived near Khadoor Sahib. (5) Few years later the Guru visited the place where Bibi Ishar Kaur was married in Udoke Khurd. He is stated to have stayed at Udoke Khurd for nine months an 26 days delivering discourse and singing his compositions near a well on the outskirts of the village. When he was preparing to depart, the villagers feeling bereft, requested him to leave a remembrance behind. With little to offer by way of material things, the Guru gave a Thamm (wooden support) used to hold up the rafters in his modest dwelling as a symbol of gesture of continued support and protection. (5) The story behind this as told by Dhanna Singh Chahal (8) is as under: " As Guru Nanak reached Udoke Khurd, he sat by the bank of a village pond. Mardana felt hungry and requested for food and reminded him of Bibi ishri. A he went to Bibi Ishri,she grot Guru Nanak and Mardana to her house. he husband Brij also became a devotee of Guru Nanak. As her father in Law Namberdar Mian had gone to Delhi to deposit collections from land revenue to Delhi and returned after six months he was infuriated seeing two saints in his house. In anger he kicked his son. But his leg got bent suddenly and he repented and asked apologized. Guru Nanak had left her house and sat under a peeple tree by then. Guru Nanak . Mian agreed to construct a kutcha house for Guru Nanak. Guru nanak asked Minan to move his leg for mixing the gaara (Mud)
for fixing between bricks. Mian's leg was cured as he moved his legs in mud. Guru Nanak planted a wooden thamm or support of the house. A Gurdwara constructed later at the place was known as Thamm sahib. The size of this thamm acording to Dhanna Singh Chehal is three feet long and one feet one palm width. (9)
The Gurdwara, formerly called Kotha Sahib, iee of Guru nanaks now named Gurdwara Thamm Sahib Patshahi Pehli ate Damdama Sahib Patshahi Chhevin. It also commemorates Guru Nanak’s first visit when his marriage party stopped at this place for some time. Guru Hargobind Sahib also stopped over here when travelling to Batala with the wedding party of his son, Baba Gurditta. The present building was first constructed in 194 (8) and later developed comprises a square sanctum within a high ceilinged hall, was constructed in 1942. The dome above the sanctum has a brass pinnacle and an umbrella shaped finial. Square shaped domed kiosks rise above the corners of die hall. The Gurdwara is maintained by the local sangat of the twin Villages. (5) Village link road exists from Achal Batala. Nine bighas of land is attached to the Gurdwara by the villagers. Another 100 bighas of land attached by the villagers to the Gurdwara is at a separate place. It is 6.4 km from Kathu Nangal Railway Station. (7)

Gurdwara Guru ka Khooh, Udoke Khurad, District Amritsar

At Udoke Khurd, Guru Nanak stayed near a well. A shrine was later constructed next to this place where he preached during his nine months stay. This Gurdwara is a short walk from Gurdwara Thamm Sahib and consists of circular structure that encloses the well, its archways covered in wired mesh. The surface of the inner walls has been completely plastered over, and a light bulb hangs roughly halfway down to light up narrow niches, which are said to be built with bricks laid by the Guru himself. The massive canopy of the old peepal tree tower over its surroundings including over the well that harks back to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s time. (7)

References
1. Google Maps
2. HistoricalGurudwaras.com, a Journey to Historical Gurudwara Sahibs
3. Gurdwara Tham Sahib Patshahi Chhevin Udoke Khurd - Wikimapia
4. Narotam, Tara Singh, Sri Guru Tirath Sangrahi. Kankhal, 1975 2. Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Gurduarian. Amritsar, n.d
5. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Thamm Sahib, Udoke Khurad Baba Bakala Amritsar, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, October 2019, 5. pp. 58-59
6. Gurdham Didar, SGPC Amritsar, (based o Mahan Kosh Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, March 2005, p.54
7. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Gurdwara, Guru ka Khooh, Udoke Khurad Baba Bakala, Amritsar, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, October 2019, 5. pp.60-61
8. Gurmukh Singh Major, Historical Sikh Gurdwaras, Singh Brothers, 199, pp.118-119
9. Dhanna Singh Chehal, gur Tirath Cycle Yatra , p. 346

 

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Gurdwara Ber Sahib Dharamkot, District Sri Amritsar

Gurdwaera Ber Sahib and the Ber tree Dharamkot
Dharamkot village is located in Ajnala tehsil of Amritsar district in Punjab, India. The latitude is 31.7784347 and longitude is 74.6819472. It is situated 13 km away from Ajnala and 23km away from Amritsar. As per 2009 stats, Dharamkot has a gram panchayat. The total geographical area of village is 300 hectares. Dharamkot has a total population of 1,122 peoples in 216 houses.. According to Census 2011 information the location code or Ajnala is nearest town to Dharamkot village for all major economic activities. (1)

Guru Nanak Dev ji visited this place while his way from Saurian to Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur District. He along ith Bhai Mardana settled on a sand dune in the vicinity and stayed her for two days. Before leaving he planted a twig of a ber tree which has now sprawled into many trunks and branches and a treat to watch its spread. It is within the complex of Gurdwara Ber Sahib.
References
1. Dharamkot Village in Ajnala (Amritsar) Punjab | villageinfo.in
2.unitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Ber sahib Dharamkot, Amritsar, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, October 2019, 5. pp.60-61