The essence of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Teachings.
“ Ek Onkar,Sat Naam, Kartapurakh
Nirbhou, Nirvair, Akalmurat, Ajooni Sah Bhang,
GurPrasaad.”
God is one- God is Truth- God is the Creator
God is without fear- God is without hatred- God is omnipresent -God is immortal-
Life is God’s Gift.
Sikh Circuit Sites Nepal
Author: Mr. Gyani Gurbakash Singh.
Edited by Ms. Kiran Sandhu. Supported by Sardar Pritham Singh and Ms. Rupy Singh
Photos shared by Mr. Anil Thaman
Sikhism is said to be the youngest religion in the world at 552 years old (1469). It is the only religion that celebrates its birthday on Baisakh 1st (April-May Gregorian calendar). The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539), is the first Guru of the Sikhs. He is followed by nine other Gurus who guided Sikhs with their teachings. The teachings of the 10 Sikh Gurus have been compiled in a holy book called 'Guru Granth Sahib’. In 1708, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, before shedding his physical form decreed the Guru Granth Sahib as the final and perpetual Guru of the Sikhs.
The word 'Guru' comes from Sanskrit, which means teacher, mentor, enlightener and guide. The Gurus are considered to be the servants of God, who have come on this planet Earth to enlighten others and spread the message of God and humanity. One of the fundamental teachings of Guru Nanak Dev is that 'God is one and all human beings are equal regardless of caste, creed or religion’. This is reflected in the Guru Granth Sahib, which upholds the beliefs of all religions with equal respect. The Guru Granth Sahib states, 'Awal Allah noor upaya, Kudrat ke sab bande’, which translates to ‘First, God created Light, and then with his creative powers, He made all mortal beings’. Sikhism stresses Kirat Karo: that is 'honest living' and Va chhako, sharing with the needy.
The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, officially formed the warrior race (Khalsa Panth) on Baisakh 1st, 1699 at Anandpur Sahib, India. Five men were ornamented as the 'Panj Pyaras' - the five beloved ones - after being asked to take an oath to follow the rules set by Guru Gobind Singh by drinking amrit and eating prasad prepared with five elements - water, sugar, wheat, ghee and fire - which had been prepared in an iron pot.
Sikhism propagates Five Rules/ Directives:
• Kesh (hair) - Never to cut hair;
• Kangha (comb) - Keep clean hair and wear a turban on the head like a crown;
• Kacchera (long dresses)
• Karah (iron bangle) - To protect against superstitions and as protection in the battlefield;
• Kirpan (sword) - Used to protect self and others in need.
Guru Nanak Dev and his journey to Nepal
Guru Nanak Dev is said to have travelled during his third 'Udasi' (spiritual sojourn) towards the North, covering Sumer Parbat, which is also known as Kailash Parbat, Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet in the early years of the 16th century. There is much evidence, which indicates that during his third 'Udasi, between 1575-76, he travelled and meditated at different sites in Nepal, which have today been identified as places of significance to Sikhism in Nepal. There are archeological records, which indicate the significance of these sites, making them important for Sikh followers and historians.
The six important sites to Sikhism in Nepal are: (1) Guru Nanak Matth, Balaju, (2) Gyaneshwor Gyandhara, (3) Shoba Bhagwati, (4) Udasi Akhada, Kalmochan Thapathali (5) Bhasmeshwor Guru Nanak Matth, Pashupati Complex and (6) Gurdwara Guru Nanak Satsang, Kupandole.
Limited written records are available to substantiate about the Sikh history in Nepal and most articles are based on oral recollection of stories, legends and history passed on from generation to generation by yogis and mahants. However, inscriptions of Gurmukhi on archaeological sites as well as artifacts and records of land donation to Guru Nanak by King Jai Jagat Malla held safely with Nepal Government are among the evidence, which reflect the long connection between Sikhs and Nepalese. Today, all the sites significant to the Sikhs are managed, protected and developed by a Nepalese social cultural institution called Guthi.
Guru Nanak Matth,
Balaju
Location
The first Guru Nanak Matth in Nepal is located next to Bishnumati Bridge in Naya Bazar in Balaju, Kathmandu.
Significance and Belief
During the third Udasi which covered Nepal, Guru Nanak is believed to have travelled in search of a company of saints and find a peaceful abode where he could meditate. 2 While travelling, he stayed at the Matth after arriving from Saptari before travelling to Chandragiri Hills in around 1574/75.3 Guru Nanak stopped at the banks of Bishnumati River at the dera (compound) of Royal Yogi, Sidh Hari Daas.4
Hari Daas, a devotee of Hindu Gods Vishnu and Hanuman, was considered a great yogi as he had achieved riddhis and siddhis (miracle powers). He was in deep meditation at the Dera when his meditation was disturbed upon hearing Bhai Mardana playing the rebab and singing kirtan for Guru Nanak Dev. Hari Daas wanted to speak to Guru but Guru Nanak was engrossed in deep devotion. This annoyed Hari Daas, an egoist, as he felt disrespected. When the Guru opened his eyes, Hari Daas started showing his miracles to Guru by changing his appearance seven times. Then he challenged Guru to demonstrate his powers to show his superiority. Guru Nanak pointed to the sky and said that only God had the power for miracles. The Guru shared his beliefs with Hari Daas: "That God lies in truth, and one must respect religion, work honestly, share meals, meditate, pray and thank God. God is the greatest of all and is omnipresent. God gives life to all and that is the nature of God's creation." Finally, Hari Daas was convinced that the Guru was no ordinary human and he fell on Guru's feet seeking forgiveness and requested to become his disciple. The news of Yogi Hari Daas becoming a disciple of Guru Nanak spread like wildfire in Nepal. There are reports that King Jai Jagat Malla came to visit Guru Nanak at the Matth in Balaju and thanked him for visiting Nepal, and requested him to stay at the royal palace. At the time, Guru Nanak chose to stay at the dera for the next 16 months.5 According to Nem Muni, Mahant of 'Udasi Sri Guru Nanak Matth’, Guru Nanak meditated in the garden under a peepal (Ficus religiosa) tree and before his departure from Nepal, foot-impressions of the Guru were melted into the rock. This place is also known as Sangat Bari.
According to the Guthi Sansthan report based on historical evidence, during Sambat 877 (Bikram Sambat 1813), King Jai Jagat Malla established a guthi of which copper inscriptions have been found whereby 1600 ropanis (200 acres) of land in Balaju was given in the name of Guru Nanak. Later, King Rana Bahadur Shah is also said to have donated land to Guru Nanak Matth, Balaju after he found solace at the Matth. The records of the donations in the name of Guru Nanak can be found till date in Nepal Government records although the land size has shrunk to around 35 ropanis.6
In the book ‘Arts and Crafts of Shah Period' by culture expert Jagadish Chandra Regmi, it is mentioned that King Rana Bahadur, upon his return from Benares brought back Sadhus of the Nanak sect (between 1857 and 1860 B.S). King Rana Bahadur had arranged for the Sadhus of the Nanak Udasi to stay at Nanak Matth. 7
Nanak Matth in Balaju houses the hath likhat (handwritten) Guru Granth Sahib on the first floor of Matth. This place is of significance for both Sikhs and Hindus. Every day, the Udasi Mahant Nem Mumi does the Singhasan (morning worship) and Sukhasan (evening worship) of the Guru Granth Sahib. As the place also holds importance to the Udasi sect, two Brahmins daily conduct worship to the five Hindu deities - Hunuman, Bishnupaduka, 1st Udasi Mahant's burial site as well as the Holy Cow and the 33 Koti Gods and Goddesses.8
Guru Nanak Matth, Gyaneshswor Mahadev and Gyandhara
Gyaneshwor Mahadev and Ananda Bhairab Temple are in Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bishnu. 9
It is believed that when Guru Nanak reached Gyaneshwor, three sages had been in samadhi (deep meditation) inside a cave. After Guru Nanak interacted with the sages, they surrendered their physical body and hoped that Guru Nanak would appear and give them mukti (salvation).10 This cave is closed to the public now.
At that time Nepal was going through a severe drought. It is believed that when the Guru reached this place people were suffering from lack of drinking water and women and children fell on the feet of the Guru and begged for his blessings. The Guru pressed his thumb against the face of the hillside and a fountain of water sprung from the hill. For the last five centuries, water has been flowing uninterruptedly and this holy spring is known as Gyan Dhara and continues to flow from stone sprout located down the flight of stone stairs behind the temple. Locals and devotees believe that the fountain water is holy and has healing powers. It is believed that all ailments can be healed if one bathes in the holy spring with their clothes on and leaves the clothes at the spring after taking the bath. On hearing about this miracle, King Jai Jagat Malla visited Guru Nanak in 1515 B.S. and sought Guru Nanak's blessings for all of Nepal.11
The Guru walked a few steps away from the fountain and sat under a tree in deep meditation for the next six days and six nights. On the seventh day of his meditation, there was rain all over Nepal. Everyone celebrated in joy as they were saved from a drought. It is believed that King Jai Jagat Malla came to see Guru Nanak Dev for the fourth time at this place and thanked him for his blessings on his country. Today, in Gyaneshwor Mahadev and Ananda Bhairab Temple amidst various gods and goddesses in the compound at the back is a two-storied brick building reminisces of Guru Nanak. On the first floor of this brick building in a small room, a hath likhat (handwritten) Guru Granth Sahib is kept and prayed by the Udasi mahants.
Guru Nanak Matth, Shobha Bhagwati
Another Matth where Guru Nanak is said to have meditated is right beside Shobha Bhagwati temple, Dallu on the banks of Bishnumati temple.
Stories, passed down generations, tell that Guru Nanak meditated at a location where Singha Durbar presently stands. Later yogis who started following the Udasi practice of Guru Nanak continued their meditation at Singha Durbar. However, at the time of the construction of Singha Durbar these yogis were asked to move to a new location. Later they were relocated to Shobha Bhagwati in Dallu. 13
Priest Gyani Gurubaksh Singh shares that at Shobha Bhagwati Matth, too, inside a two-storied brick house, you will find the hath likhat (handwritten) Guru Granth Sahib and the caretaker performs the daily rituals and prayers holding the sanctity of the forgotten Guru Nanak Matth at Shobha Bhagwati. In the courtyard of the Matth hangs a bell used for worshipping which has Gurmukhi inscriptions again symbolising the significance to the Sikhs and historians. On the bell, the main mantra of Guru Nanak Ek Onkar is inscribed which means 'there is only one God’ and symbolises the importance of the belief in oneness of God and the oneness of humanity.
Udasi Akhada
Udasi Akhada Prachin Gurdwara Matth belongs to Kalmochan Ghat. It is located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Thapathali. It is believed that Baba Sri Chand, the eldest son of Guru Nanak Dev, stayed in this Matth during his visit to Kathmandu. Even today, the hath likhat (handwritten) Guru Granth Sahib is placed on the first floor of a wooden planked Gurdwara.14 The current Mahant of this Matth is Mahant Pushpadas Udasi. Inside the Matth, on the extreme right hand side near the wall of the ghat is a holy water well. On close inspection, one can find the mool mantra inscribed in the stone. Priest Gyani Gurubaksh Singh shares that 250 to 300 years ago, Maharaja Ranjit Singh had sent around 12,000 Sikh soldiers and their horses to Nepal as part of the alliance with Nepal. At that time, the soldiers stayed at the Matth for a brief period of time. If you are lucky, then you might get a glimpse of the hidden treasures placed inside a dark room. In the Matth, large vessels used by the Sikh soldiers to cook are still kept under the safeguard of Mahant Pushpadas Udasi and the guthi.
Bhasmeshwor Guru Nanak Matth
Within the Pashupatinath Temple complex, one of the most religious sites for the Hindus, lies a two-storied building which houses a hath likhat (handwritten) Guru Granth Sahib on the first floor. This is the Bhasmeshwor Guru Nanak Matth and there is evidence that Guru Nanak had stayed and meditated at this site when he visited the holy temple of Pashupatinath. This original shrine has each of its wooden pillars engraved with the Khanda, the symbol of Sikhism. The place is open to devotees. However, during the earthquake of 2015, the original shrine sustained damages and currently it is being reconstructed.14
Also, within the Pashupatinath complex, lies another small shrine, known as Raaj Rajeshwari, named after two Sikh princesses who had been married in Nepal and wanted a place of worship. Gyani Gurubaksh Singh explains that every morning for the first puja done at Pashupatinath, the flowers for the puja come from the Raaj Rajeshwari Temple Garden. He added that unless the Bhatta priest uses the flowers from the garden, the puja is not considered complete.
Gurdwara Guru Nanak Satsang
Gurdwara Guru Nanak Satsang in Kupondole, Lalitpur is the main body of Sikh community in Nepal and was established in 1976 under the patronage of Sardar Pritam Singh. Sardar Pritam Singh had first arrived in Nepal in 1958 with three trucks from Jammu and Kashmir, India and established the first commercial transportation company in Nepal. He shared during his interview that he brought along with him many Sikh families from India and helped them settle down in different locations in Nepal. The first gurdwara was set up in a rented room in New Road. Later, as the Sikh community grew, they felt they needed a proper place of worship in Kathmandu and that resulted in the establishment of Guru Nanak Satsang, Kupondole. The large compound of the gurdwara houses the main shrine and a Yatri Niwas has been constructed to accommodate yatris - people coming to Nepal for religious, social and business activities.
Presently, a sacred gathering which is known as Satsang is held in Guru Nanak Satsang daily. Tourists and devotees who visit the gurdwara are offered langar (free meal), a tradition that was started over 500 years ago by Guru Nanak, as a service to the larger community. People visiting the gurdwara are offered food and shelter while spiritual songs and recitations sung here bring peace to their mind so that their heart can open to the divine. At Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara, Kupondole, religious programmes are organized every Saturday, on Gurpurabs to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Gurus and Sankranti (the transmigration of the sun from one zodiac to another). President of the Gurdwara-Sardar Pritam Singh says that everyone is welcome to the gurdwara regardless of caste, creed and status because Sikhism was founded on the principles of equality.
Other Gurdwaras in Nepal
Apart from Guru Nanak's travels to Nepal, the history and roots of Sikhs in Nepal can also be traced back to the time of Maharani Jind Kaur, wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire in the mid-19th century. 16
Historical records show that Nepal's Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa and Maharaja Ranjit Singh forged a secret alliance against the British to oppose the expanding British power. However, the alliance fell apart with the sudden demise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839. His wife, Maharani lind Kaur became regent to lead the Sikh kingdom as King Duleep Singh was still an infant. In 1843, Punjab went to war against the British but with Punjab's annexation, the British imprisoned Maharani Jind Kaur in a jail in Varanasi in India. Two years later in 1849, Maharani Jind Kaur managed to escape from the prison disguised as a maid, and travelled with many of her kin and followers to Kathmandu hoping for support from Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa to uphold the alliance to fight the British together. While travelling to Kathmandu, she was held captive in a prison in Pharping. Upon investigation, it was found that she was the wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and was immediately released. When she reached Kathmandu, she stayed at the residence of Amar Bikram Shah, son of General Chautariya Pushkar Shah, who had been the prime minister of Nepal in 1838-39 and had played an important role in forging the alliance between Punjab and Nepal. However, after a few months of hiding at Amar Bikram Shah's residence, Maharani Jind Kaur approached the then Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana seeking his help to reclaim her lost kingdom. Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana granted her political asylum against the will of the British. He built a Charburja Durbar in Thapathali for Maharani Jind and constructed a small gurdwara within the compound for her to worship because of his deep respect for Maharaja Ranjit Singh. But he did not support her ambitions of going against the British. In fact, her hopes were shattered when Jung Bahadur Rana supported the British during the revolt of 1857. 17
After around 11 years, Maharani Jind Kaur left Kathmandu and travelled back to finally reunite with her son in England. Many Sikhs who had travelled with Maharani Jind stayed back in Sikkhan Pura of Nepalgunj. Since then, many Sikh families settled in three villages - Sikhan Pura, Bankatuwa and Jamunaha - on the outskirts of Nepalgunj. The Bankatuwa Gurdwara in a village called Bankatuwa, is named after the Sikh community's settlement in the forest area. Now, a large gurdwara is in the market area of Nepalgunj.
In the southern plains of the Terai region, in Raxaul, the border point between Nepal and India, a small gurdwara was first established in Amlaiganj by S. Pritam Singh in the early 1960s. Later, the Guru Granth Sahib was shifted to Birgunj where Pritam Singh established a gurdwara within the compound of his Birgunj Transport Office-Nepal Public Motor Service, where he had allocated 2 kathas to the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Satsang, Birgunj. In 2017, Gurdwara Guru Nanak Satsang in Birgunj shifted to a new location and welcomes people from all castes and creeds and is managed by the Birgung Guru Nanak Satsang Committee.
Likewise, Sardar Pritam Singh has been instrumental in establishing gurdwaras in other districts of Nepal including Butwal and Dhangadhi.
Conclusion
The Sikh history in Nepal goes back to Guru Nanak's third Udasi and to the secret alliances between the Gorkhas and Sikhs to now the small Sikh community, which continues to contribute to the development and progress of Nepal. The historical, cultural and social commonalities between India and Nepal are plenty. Nepal has many religious sites that are of significance to the Sikhs and historians and the aim is to revive the forgotten history of Guru Nanak, which has been mentioned in this article.
In Sikhism there is a principle called Gurbani Vichar, which means to come to an understanding of the Guru's wisdom and revisit Guru Nanak's perspective on the world. Guru Nanak believed that a Sikh must always be on a learning path and their ultimate goal should be to have their soul united with God. The aim of this article is to unveil many hidden gems - Guru Nanak Matths - that are in Nepal so that Sikh followers can bask in the glory of the Guru and continue the path of learning.
Disclaimer
The authors of this article have tried to depict fact based on historical records and interviews with Mahants of Nanak Matths in Kathmandu - Nem Muni, Mahant Pushpadas Udasi, Priests from the Sikh community in Nepal - Gyani Gurubaksh Singh and Sikh leaders in Nepal - Sardar Pritam Singh.
By Sardar Pritam Singh, Priest Gyani Gurubaksh Singh, Mrs. Rupy Singh, Transcribed and Translated by Ms. Sarah Sapsanamma Rai, Edited by Kiran Deep Sandhu.
Thanks to Mr. Anil Thaman for contributing the photographs. Photographs taken by Mr. Eesh Deewan.
Important sites related to Sikhism in India
Harmandir Sahib
(Also known as Golden Temple)
By Dr. Mohinder Singh
Amritsar, the city of the 'Pool of Nectar’, stands for the values of eternity, Satsang and Naam-Simran. It elevates the mortal to the level of the eternal. Gurbani brings the experience of eternity alive deep within us. The experience and experiencer and the place of experience become one in the process of spiritual seeking.
Harmandir Sahib is also known as the Darbar Sahib, which means 'sacred audience’ or the Swarna Mandir (Golden Temple). It was founded in 1588 and has since been a living symbol of spiritual and historical heritage for Sikhs. It is the preeminent spiritual site of Sikhs. There is a belief the immortal nectar of the sacred sarovar (pool) surrounds the temple. It was Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru, who expanded the sarovar of nectar that had been in existence since the time of Ram Das, the fourth Guru, and built a concrete structure. The Guru built the temple in the centre of the sacred sarovar and called it Harmandir, the abode of God. There are four doors, one in each direction, which signifies accessibility to people of all faiths from all four directions irrespective of their beliefs. Guru Arjan planned the Gurdwara at a level lower than the city to emphasise humility and the need to efface one's ego before entering the premises to meet the Guru. There is only one bridge to access the Golden Temple, which emphasises that the end goal of all human beings is to be one with God.
After the compilation of the Adi Granth in 1604, the fifth Guru appointed Baba Budda, the first Granthi of the temple. The Harmandir Sahib has a few unique features:
• The practice of Kirtan: It is the only Gurdwara where an uninterrupted Kirtan (hymns sung to the musical tunes in different ragas) is played by different Ragis (hymn singers) throughout the day. It is also the only Sikh shrine where Guru Granth is placed on a cot on the floor and not on a high wooden or cemented pedestal
• The sixth Guru built the 'Akal Takht' opposite the main entrance of the 'Darshani Deodi' of Harmandir Sahib to discuss temporal affairs.
• After the daily religious ceremonies, Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, is taken to a room known as the 'Kotha Sahib' where Guru Arjan resided. Every morning the holy Granth is taken to the sanctum in a palanquin with a procession of devotees. This practice, which has been followed over the ages, continues till date.
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib at Leh
By Mr. Darshan Singh Abbot
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib was established in memory of Guru Nanak. It is about 25 miles from Leh, on the Leh-Kargil road. The Gurdwara commemorates the visit of Guru Nanak to the Ladakh region. Tibetan Buddhists consider Guru Nanak Dev as a saint and is revered by the name of Guru Gompka Maharaj.
Guru Nanak travelled to many places during the 'Udasis' (spiritual sojourns) and it is believed that on his travel back to Punjab via Srinagar, one of the places he halted was in Leh.
There are reports that in the late 1970s during the construction of the Leh-Nimu Road people found a boulder in the middle of the projected road-belt. Even after numerous attempts, they could not remove the boulder with the help of a bulldozer. The driver supposedly had a dream where he was asked not to move the stone. Initially, when he told the army officers of the area about his dream they were all sceptical. However, after a few Lamas and locals visited the army officers working on the road project and apprised them of the story of Saint Nanak Lama and the unyielding boulder, the army officers understood the significance of the historical site, now known as Gurdwara Pathar Sahib.
The Buddhist Lamas shared with the army officers the story attached to the boulder (pathar) which has a negative impression of their revered Lama Nanak - it contains a ‘hollow imprint of his shoulders and backside’. They shared the story of Udasis from 1515-18 when Guru Nanak is believed to have travelled to Sikkim, Kashmir, Nepal and Tibet. They further elaborated that according to legend, a demon lived in the area and terrorised the people. They prayed to the Almighty for help and it is said that Guru Nanak came to their help. There is a belief that the Guru blessed the people with sermons. One morning, when Guru Nanak was meditating, a demon in a fit of rage pushed a boulder down from the hilltop with an intention to kill Guru Nanak. However, when the boulder touched the Guru's body it softened like warm wax and came to a halt on his back.
The demon was taken aback when he saw Guru Nanak unhurt. Mad with anger, the demon tried to push the boulder with his right foot. As the stone was still soft like wax, it is believed that his foot got stuck in the stone and his footprint is also believed to be etched in the stone. The demon realised his helplessness against the spiritual power of the great Guru and sought forgiveness.
Historical Gurdwaras in Delhi
By Mr. Bhagwan Singh
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent and well-known Sikh Gurdwaras in New Delhi. It is located close to the New Delhi General Post Office in Connaught Place, New Delhi. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is associated with Guru Harkrishan, the boy prophet who became the eighth Guru of the Sikhs in 1661. When Guru Harkrishan came to Delhi in 1664, he was received as a royal guest by the Rajput Raja, Jai Singh, in a haveli (bungalow), which is the present site of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. There is a holy pond called Sarovar on the Gurdwara premises.
During this period, there was an outbreak of cholera and smallpox in Delhi and Guru Harkrishan helped those who were sick and suffering. The Guru distributed sanctified water to the poor, sick and ailing, which had a miraculous healing effect on the mind, body and soul. To this day, water sanctified by the ‘Word of the Lord' sung all day in the Gurdwara, is distributed to those seeking faith healing. Many people are reported to have been healed. Raja Jai Singh dedicated this palace in sacred memory of the Guru.
Gundivara Sis Ganj Sahib
Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is located opposite Bhai Mati Das Chowk in Chandani Chowk area of Old Delhi near the Red Fort. Gurdwara Sis Gani Sahib was built at the site where the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded on the orders of the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, for refusing to convert to Islam.
Guru Tegh Bahadur was born in the Holy City of Amritsar in April 1621. He was the fifth and youngest son of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind. He became the ninth Guru of Sikhs nearly 20 years after his father shed his physical form. He was on a missionary tour in Bengal and Assam when he heard Aurangzeb had issued orders to persecute Brahmins. There are reports that 500 Brahmins met Guru Tegh Bahadur under the leadership of Pandit Kirpa Ram to seek help.
In 1675, when Aurangzeb reached Delhi, Guru Tegh Bahadur was arrested in Agra and was brought to Delhi. Aurangzeb failed to convince Guru legh Bahadur that idolaters should be eliminated although Guru Tegh Bahadur was preaching against idolatry and Brahminism, and did not believe in forced conversions. He considered it to be against the basic moral values that he believed in.
People believe that Guru Tegh Bahadur refused to use miracles to save his life. On Aurangzeb's orders, Guru Tegh Bahadur's leading apostles and companions were tortured to death. The Guru was beheaded under a tree at the place where Sis Ganj shrine stands today.
Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib
Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib is an important historical Gurdwara located near Parliament House in New Delhi. The ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded in Chandani Chowk where today Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib stands. It is believed that after the beheading of the Guru who refused to convert to Islam, there was a storm. In the midst of the storm, a devotee named Lakhi Shah, a government contractor, swiftly removed the lower part of the body from the site without the Mughal guards noticing it and put the body on his cart under bales of cotton. The contractor took the body of the Guru to his house in Raisina and set the house on fire. Bhai Lakhi Shah’s house where the body was cremated by his family has been transformed into a beautiful historical monument where today Rakab Ganj Sahib stands.
Similarly, another man named Bhai Jaita picked up the severed head of the Guru and took it to Anandpur, where his son Guru Gobind Singh cremated it near the place where the Guru used to meditate in a cell.
Gurdwara Nanak Piao Sahib
Gurdwara Nanak Piao Sahib is Located on G.T. Road near Rana Pratap Bagh in Delhi. It is believed that during his spiritual sojourns to the East, Guru Nanak is said to have stopped in a garden in the outskirts of Delhi. He is said to have delivered inspiring sermons on religion and mystical experiences through music and hymns. There are reports that Pandits, Mullas, Yogis and Sanyasis came and debated with him on many religious issues of their interest. The owner of the garden built a shrine to commemorate his visit, which is now known as Gurdwara Nanak Piao.
Gurdwara Damdama Sahib
Gurdwara Damdama Sahib is located behind Humayun's Tomb, near Nizamuddin in New Delhi. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last prophet of the Sikhs, left Punjab for South India on October 21st, 1706. When he reached Bhagaur in Raputana in March 1707, He was received by a special envoy from Prince Muazzam, requesting the Guru for political and moral support in the prince's battle for succession to the throne with his brother, after the death of Aurangzeb.
Guru Sahib met the prince near Humayun's Tomb in 1707, and together they drew up a battle strategy. Guru Sahib promised to help the prince if he would punish all those responsible for the treacherous killing of his sons and destroying his army and his city, Anandpur. Later, Guru Sahib helped the prince defeat his brother and claim the throne. The place where Guru Gobind Singh met Prince Muazzam is where Gurdwara Damdama Sahib stands today.
Gurdwara Banda Singh Bahadur
Gurdwara Banda Singh Bahadur is situated close to Post Office Mehrauli near Qutab Minar in Delhi. In 1708, when Guru Gobind Singh reached Nanded in South India, a miracle-mongering yogi named Madho Das tried to use his occult powers to humble the Guru but was unable to do so. He then became a disciple and devoted himself to Guru Gobind Singh, and was known as Banda Singh.
Banda Singh is said to have gone to Punjab with others who were skilled in warfare and military administration to chastise those who persecuted the Sikhs and avenge the martyrdom of the young Sahibzadas (sons) of Guru Gobind Singh. There are reports that Bhai Mani Singh, the high priest repulsed the attacks on Amritsar with only 500 Sikhs in April 1709 against the Lahore and Patti armies. However, the emperor arrived with all his forces and Banda Singh was unable to hold Punjab. He retreated to the hills, but kept fighting the might of the Mughals. He was forced to surrender and imprisoned in December 1715. Many companions of Banda Singh were beheaded. Banda Singh was mercilessly tortured along with his three-year-old son. He died on June 9th, 1716. This Gurdwara commemorates the martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur.
Gurdwara Majnu Tilla Sahib
Gurdwara Majnu Tilla Sahib is located at Khyber Pass on Ring Road in Delhi. It is believed that on the banks of river Yamuna, there lived in Delhi a Muslim Sufi Darvesh, who led the life of a penitent recluse. So lonely and God-intoxicated was he that he was nicknamed Majnu, the mad lover. When he met Guru Nanak, he felt that he was in the presence of a prophet, who had imparted to him a new revelation. He felt spiritually exalted and illumined and the 'Light of God' was revealed to him.
Guru Nanak had many Muslim disciples in Punjab but Majnu was his first Muslim disciple in Delhi, who not only became a staunch devotee but a great missionary, who converted his Khangah into a shrine of Guru Nanak, which continues to be known after his name as Majnu-ka-Tilla to this day.
It is also believed that Guru Gobind Singh stayed at the Majnu Tilla shrine when he visited Delhi. Also, when Guru Har Rai sent his son Ram Rai to explain the tenants of Sikhism to Aurangzeb, he stayed at the shrine.
Gurdwara Bala Sahib
Gurdwara Bala Sahib is located at Bhagwan Nagar, Ashram on Ring Road, Delhi. This Gurdwara is associated with the eighth Guru, Guru Harkrishan Sahib. During his stay in Delhi in 1664, the Guru helped many suffering from cholera and smallpox irrespective of their caste, creed or status. In his pursuit to help more he shifted to the banks of River Yamuna. Guru Harkrishan spent the last two weeks of his life looking after these people at this location. On March 30th, 1664, the Guru shed his physical form asking his disciples to seek his successor, whom he addressed as 'Baba Bakale’. He was cremated at the present site where today Gurdwara Bala Sahib stands.
He has long been remembered by the Muslims as Bala Pir and by Hindus as Balmukand. In the invocation prayer (Ardas) written by Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikhs recite these words every day: 'Sri Harkrishan dhiaaeeay Jis ditthe sabh dukh jaye’.
Gurdwara Bala Sahib is also sacred because Mata Sundri and Mata Sahib Kaur were also cremated here. The samadhi of Mata Sahib Kaur, a small marble room, is in the main hall of the Gurdwara, whereas that of Mata Sundri is outside the new Gurdwara building.
Gurdwara Moti Bagh Sahib
Gurdwara Moti Bagh Sahib is located near Dhaula Kuan on Ring Road. Gurdwara Moti Bagh is associated with the visit of the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who had come to Delhi on the request of Prince Muazzam, later to become Emperor Bahadur Shah, who sought his help in the battle of succession to the throne of Delhi. This happened in 1707, when the struggle for succession started due to the sudden demise of Emperor Aurangzeb in Deccan. Bhai Nand Lal, the great scholar and poet of Persian language and a devotee of Guru Gobind Singh, requested him to help Prince Muazzam, the eldest son of Aurangzeb.
Guru Gobind Singh is said to have camped here in a colony of cobblers with his army. It is believed that the Guru announced his arrival in Delhi by shooting an arrow into the right foot of Emperor Bahadur Shah's chair from a distance of eight miles. Bahadur Shah was sitting in the Red Fort at that time. Seeing an arrow, Bahadur Shah took this as a miracle. Soon another arrow was shot in the left foot with a note that this was not a miracle but skill in archery. The emperor was so impressed with the skill that he immediately acknowledged Guru's supremacy.
The Deohri (gate) from where Guru Gobind Singh shot the arrows has been preserved and Guru Granth Sahib has been installed there as a mark of respect to the superb archery skills of the Guru. Even now from the top of the Deohri, one can see the skyline of Delhi and Red Fort. The Sikhs of Delhi have constructed a new Gurdwara building but the old building from where the tenth master shot two arrows to Red Fort, is still intact.
Gurdwara Mata Sundri Sahib
Gurdwara Mata Sundri Sahib is situated behind Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital adjoining Ghalib Urdu Academy on Mata Sundri Lane.
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee constructed an imposing shrine on the site of the Haveli where Mata Sundri, wife of Guru Gobind Singh, stayed, after the Guru's departure for Deccan. According to historical records, Mata Sundri and Mata Sahib Kaur stayed for many years in Kucha Diwali Singh near Ajmeri Gate. Most of the Sikhs believe that after the passing away of Guru Gobind Singh at Nanded in October 1708, she nurtured and guided the Khalsa for 40 years after the Guru's demise. Sikhs followed her instructions and respected her, looked up to her for guidance. Mata Sundri Kaur died in 1747 at the place where the Gurdwara now stands.
Gurdwara Domegaon Maharashtra
Domegaon is a village in the outlying Shrirampur Tehsil of Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra located on the banks of River Godavari.
Mr. Prithipal Singh shares that 'more than 165 years ago, an old handwritten copy of Guru Granth Sahib was brought to be preserved in Domegaon’, It is believed that the Sikhs of Shrirampur learnt about it around 65 years ago.
A marble stone on the Gurdwara wall has the following inscription: "The construction of Gurdwarab by Sri Birdh Baba holy person’. Domegaon was started by a Nanded saint on May 25", 1968. About 150 years ago, a Sikh saint of Punjab, who had a hand-written copied version of Guru Granth Sahib kept it in this place in a thatched hut, which has now been converted to a Gurdwara. The village is situated on the banks of River Godavari, which often gets flooded since the times of the Birdh Baba. Guru Granth Sahib was carried to River Godavari and prayers were offered to Ganga Mai (Godavari) so that the floods would recede. The local people had full faith in Guru Granth Sahib and Birdh Baba. The floods abated after the prayers and people were spared from huge losses. This tradition continues to date. For instance, on August 6, 1968, when there was a flood the village people repeated the same thing and there was no damage to the village."
How to reach
Belapur Railway Station is the nearest railway link, about one kilometre from Shrirampur Bus Stand, while Pune Lohegaon Airport is about 110 km from Ahmednagar, is the nearest air link.
The Five Takhts
Seats of Holy Authority
A Takht is commonly understood to be a King's throne. However, in the Sikh tradition, the term Takht refers to the seat of a holy authority, wherein decisions pertaining to worldly and spiritual matters related to the Sikh faith are taken. During the times of the Gurus, spiritual teachings were imparted here and edicts were issued. At present, the 'Five Beloved Ones' who hold the important holy seats of the Sikh way of life in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, adjudge, give opinions, and issue verdicts to be followed by the concerned on important issues. The decree issued by the 'Five Beloved Ones' is considered as the edict of the Guru.
These Takhts are now recognized as the seats of spiritual authority of the Khalsa. Here, issues pertaining to worldly and spiritual matters are decided upon, whereas, Gurdwaras are meant only for worship, meditation, and the singing of religious hymns.
The Akal Takht Sahib
This holy seat is situated in Amritsar in Punjab, India. It was built by Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru (Divine Master), who expounded the version of the worldly and spiritual realms (Miri Piri) in 1609. The Akal Takht (the seat of the Timeless One) has a pre-eminent role in the affairs of the Sikh way of life and provides guidance to Sikhs on secular issues viewed from a spiritual perspective. Any edict issued from here is binding on all the Sikhs around the world. Any issue of vital importance to the Sikh faith is deliberated upon by the 'Five Chosen Ones’, from all the five Takhts, sitting together at the Akal Takht in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. After studying the issue, according to Sikh way of life, an edict is issued, which may be addressed to an individual or to the Sikh community at large. Those in charge of these Takhts are required to tread the Divine Path with love and devotion, eradicating their ego completely, and considering the whole community in their decision-making irrespective of caste, creed, gender or social status.
Takht Sri Patna Sahib
This holy seat is situated in Patna, the capital of Bihar, and is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Divine Master. Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Sri Harmandirji Sahib) was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1939), the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. Guru Gobind Singh spent his early years in Patna before moving to Anandpur Sahib.
Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib
Located in the town of Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, this Takht commemorates the Vaisakhi of 1699, when Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth after the 'Panj Pyaras' - the 'Five Beloved Ones' were asked to drink the priceless gift of Amrit (divine nectar). Later, Guru Gobind Singh asked the 'Five Beloved Ones' to bless him and make him a true Sikh, a Khalsa. It is the place, where Guru Gobind Singh, while performing spiritual deeds spread the message of Divine Truth to mankind by shedding ego, and a message of acceptance and harmony irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
Takht Sri Hazur Sahib
It is also known as Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib and is located in Abchal Nagar, Nanded of Maharashtra. It is the place where Guru Gobind Singh merged his mortal body with the five elements of nature and became one with the all-pervading one, i.e., divine. It was here that before shedding his mortal body, he bestowed the divine authority - Guruship on Guru Granth Sahib. He decreed that henceforth, all Sikhs, though initially belonging to different castes, creeds and religions, should have faith in the sacred scripture of the Guru Granth Sahib as their Eternal Guru, and this has been amply clarified by him in the following verse:
Aag-e-aa bha-ee Akal kee
Tab-ei chalaa-e-o panth.
Sabh Sikkhan ko hukam h-ei
Guru maan-e-o Granth.
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib
Located in Talwandi Sabo, a small town 28 km south-east of Bathinda in Punjab, this Takht commemorates the visit of Guru Gobind Singh in 1706. After retreating from Anandpur Sahib, he rested here for some time, and went on to stay for more than nine months. The phrase 'Dam Lena' in Punjabi means 'to rest a while’ hence the name Damdama Sahib. His work during his stay here led to the blossoming of the Sikh faith in its full glory. It was here that he recited from his divine memory the entire text of the Granth Sahib. The Guru blessed this place as Guru ki Kashi, i.e., the highest learning place not only in religious or divine wisdom, but also imparting value-based education in all spheres to motivate students to become holy persons and render selfless service to humanity.
During the daily Diwan, the Guru would elucidate the hymns of the holy scripture and preach to the divinely congregation (Sangat), He also set about teaching Gurmukhi to the Sikhs and declared, ‘This is the Guru-Kashi and will emerge in future as a great centre of learning for value-based education’.
Reference list:
1 Mann, Gurinder Singh (2001). The Making of Sikh Scripture. Oxford University Press. Pp.21-25, 123-24. ISBN 978-0-19-513024-9.
2 Puri M., Gautam P. and Bhattarai A. (2019) Sikh Heritage of Nepal p.12.
3 Guru Nanak Matth Study Report, 2070, Guthi Sansthan, Department of Archeology
4 Shah, M.H. (n.d), Taajudin’s Diary: An account of a Muslim author who accompanied Guru Nanak from Makkah to Baghdad.
5 ibid, p. 251-252.
6 Guru Nanak Matth Study Report, 2070, Guthi Sansthan, Department of Archeology.
7 ibid
Mal (also spelled as Malla) dynasty (1201-1769) was established by Ari Mal (Mal in Sanskrit means a wrester).
8 ibid
9 Puri M., Gautam P. and Bhattarai A. (2019) Sikh Heritage of Nepal p. 21.
10 Shah, M.H. (n.d), Taajudin’s Diary: An account of a Muslim author who accompanied Guru Nanak from Makkah to Baghdad, p. 253.
11 Puri M., Gautam P. and Bhattarai A. (2019) Sikh Heritage of Nepal p. 21.
12 Shah, M.H. (n.d), Taajudin’s Diary: An account of a Muslim author who accompanied Guru Nanak from Makkah to Baghdad, p. 254-255.
13 Puri M., Gautam P. and Bhattarai A. (2019) Sikh Heritage of Nepal p. 18.
14 ibid, p. 25.
15 Puri M., Gautam P. and Bhattarai A. (2019) Sikh Heritage of Nepal p. 22.
16 ibid, p. 27.
17 ibid, p. 27.
