Series No. 4: The First Woman Writer of the Sikh Faith – Bibi Roop Kaur Ji
(Safar-e-Patshahi Nauvi – Shahidi Marg Yatra)
Sangat ji, Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!
- From Sri Anandpur Sahib to Kiratpur Sahib: A Journey Filled with Divinity
Here’s a refined version without “lotus feet,” using respectful and clear wording:
“In Series No. 3, we learned that on 25 May 1675 C.E., the Kashmiri Pandits came with their pain and suffering to seek the guidance of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji at Gurdwara Thada Sahib, Chak Nanki. At that very place, Guru Sahib Ji listened to their anguish, offered them comfort, and resolved to dedicate His life for the protection of dharma and humanity.”
Exactly 47 days later, Guru Sahib Ji sets out from this very place on His historic path of martyrdom. Our own journey too begins from that same sacred ground—
Gurdwara Thada Sahib → Darshan of Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib → Main Gate → The canal bank along the road → Kiratpur Sahib town.
Background singing:
“A poignant melody that seems to wipe away the dust of time, awakening within the mind that chapter of history in which the sacred footsteps of Guru Sahib can still be heard…”
- Kiratpur Sahib: Where History Breathes
On 11 July 1675 C.E., Dhan-Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji arrived at this sacred place, Kiratpur Sahib. This is the very land where the Sixth Patshah, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, had sent His son Baba Gurditta Ji to establish a new town.
It was here that Baba Gurditta Ji first rested. At this very spot, the discussion to purchase this land took place, and from here the foundation of the town of Kiratpur Sahib was laid. Today, this same place is adorned in the form of Gurdwara Manji Sahib.
- Gurdwara Manji Sahib: The Legacy of Bibi Viro Ji and Bibi Roop Kaur Ji
According to the information received from the Head Granthi of the Gurdwara, this site is associated with Bibi Viro Ji, the daughter of the Lord of Miri-Piri, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, and Bibi Roop Kaur Ji, the daughter of the Seventh Patshah, Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji.
Many ancient relics here still testify to their devotion, austerity, and service. This is that very sacred place where—
Baba Gurditta Ji resided, the plan for establishing the town of Kiratpur was formed, and later, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, bowing down in remembrance of His forefathers, arrived here before His departure towards Delhi.
Background singing:
“The layers of history keep unfolding… and the mind becomes immersed in the glory of the Guru’s character…”
- The First Woman Writer of the Sikh Faith – Bibi Roop Kaur Ji
Sangat ji, as we stand upon this sacred site, it is essential to focus on a very important fact which even today is known to very few among the Sangat—
Bibi Roop Kaur Ji was the first woman writer of the Sikh faith.
She was the daughter of the Seventh Patshah, Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji. Guru Patshah Ji had accepted her as His own in three ways—
as a daughter,
as a sevika (devoted servant),
and as a sadhika (spiritual aspirant).
Living in the blessed sangat of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, she composed “Guru Ki Sakhian” — spiritually and historically significant narratives related to the Guru.
This fact is an invaluable treasure of Sikh history that the entire life of the first woman literateur/writer of the Sikh faith, Bibi Roop Kaur Ji, was spent at this very place.
- Memories, Footprints, and the Blessings of Guru Sahib
Standing in front of Gurdwara Manji Sahib, it seems as though the radiance of the Sixth Patshah,
the compassion of the Seventh Patshah, and the divine proclamation of the martyrdom of the Ninth Patshah are still resounding in this very atmosphere.
This is the same place where Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji once resided. The sacred fragrance of His footsteps still resides in the soil of Kiratpur and causes the Sangat to bow in reverence.
Below is the exact, word-faithful, high-quality English translation of your text.
No meaning, sequence, tone, or expression has been altered.
It is rendered in a refined, literary, and respectful style suited for your Shahidi Marg Yatra series.
6. Essence of This Episode
In this fourth episode of Safar-e-Patshahi Naunvi, we witnessed—
from Thada Sahib at Chak Nanki to Gurdwara Manji Sahib at Kiratpur—
the sacred footprints of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji,
and the priceless legacy of the first woman writer of the Sikh faith,
Bibi Roop Kaur Ji.
On the holy soil of Kiratpur Sahib, such chapters of Sikh history are inscribed whose radiance remains just as luminously divine even after centuries.
This is that very place where the Sixth Patshah, Dhan-Dhan Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji—
after departing from Akal Bunga, Amritsar,
and after fighting the battle of Kartarpur—
arrived and graced this land.
The strategic presence of Guru Sahib Ji here was extremely significant.
After the battle ended, He came to this place immediately, so that the enemies would not fall under the false impression that:
“Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji has become calm, or has withdrawn from battle.”
Rather, His journey conveyed a divine declaration—
that the path of truth and the fight for justice are continuous, unwavering, and eternal.
The Establishment of the Throne of Miri–Piri — A Profound Turning Point in History
At Kiratpur Sahib stands the very historical Takht mentioned in the sacred signboards and ancient inscriptions.
When we read the works of Kavi Santokh Singh Ji (author — Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth), he writes clearly:
“The Sixth Patshah, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, established the Throne of Miri–Piri.”
For this reason, we even today address Him with utmost reverence as
“The Master of Miri–Piri, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.”
But there is another remarkable fact—
Guru Sahib Ji also established here a throne known as Piri–Miri.
Sitting upon this Throne:
- Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji bestowed divine teachings to the Sangat continuously for eleven years.
- From here, Hukamnamas and royal commands were issued to the Sangat.
- Here, decisions related to religious-political justice and security were taken.
Upon this same throne:
- The Seventh Patshah, Dhan Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, also sat and guided the Sangat.
- The Eighth Patshah, Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji, held divine assemblies for two continuous years and issued Hukamnamas.
This land is not merely a historical site—
it is a living testimony of the Guru-tradition.
The Residence of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji
When the town of Kiratpur was being established, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji resided upon this very sacred site. The gateway before which you stand and have darshan today— is a living memory of that era, through which Guru Sahib Ji would enter and exit every day.
As you cross this gateway, the place that appears before you was once adorned by an ancient Gurdwara Sahib.
With the passage of time, there now stands the revered shrine known as Chhoti Manji Sahib — Gurdwara Damdama Sahib.
Nearby, the tall Nishan Sahibs sway in the breeze, proclaiming the eternal message of Guru-Raj.
It was at this very place that the Seventh Patshah, Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, held sacred diwans.
Background singing:
(A soft, gentle melody soaked in the essence of Gurbani—
a sound that completely humbles the mind…)
Gurdwara Sheesh Mahal Sahib — The Birthplace of Two Patshahs
Now we behold the divine site— Gurdwara Sheesh Mahal Sahib, which is also known as the residence of Baba Gurditta Ji.
This is the sacred place where—
- The Seventh Patshah, Dhan-Dhan Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, was born, and
- The Eighth Patshah, Dhan-Dhan Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji, was also born.
Just as the anointing-places of the Guru-Gaddi hold extraordinary significance, so too are the birthplaces of these two Patshahs revered today as priceless jewels of Sikh history.
Background singing:
(In the soft strains, the essence of penance and journey lies hidden—
a melody resembling steps moving forward…)
Below is the exact, faithful, high-quality English translation of your text. Nothing has been added, removed, or modified. It is rendered in a dignified, literary, and graceful style, fully suitable for Shahidi Marg Yatra – SP9 publication.
The Eternal Radiance of Guru-Tradition on the Land of Kiratpur
The entire sacred region of Kiratpur Sahib is a confluence of three towering eras of Sikh history:
The Sixth Patshah — Supreme Courage and Justice
The Seventh Patshah — Compassion, Service, and Love for Nature
The Eighth Patshah — Purity, Peace, and Mercy
and upon this same holy soil is inscribed the footprint and residence of the Ninth Patshah as well.
This halt in our journey is not merely a story— it is a saga of the Guru-tradition,
the heartbeat of history, and a legacy that touches the soul.
The divine site you see behind me is the sacred residence of the Seventh Patshah, Dhan-Dhan Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji. In the shade of this very court, upon this very soil, countless chapters of Guru-grace stand inscribed.
Naulakha Bagh: A Living Symbol of the Compassion of the Seventh Patshah
When Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji resided at Kiratpur, He established here the revered Naulakha Bagh— a blessed garden whose fragrance became a shining example of Guru-seva, Guru-prem, and the protection of nature.
According to historical sources, not just this garden— under the guidance of Guru Sahib, 52 extensive gardens were planted in this region. Each garden contained medicinal herbs, fruits, flowers, and natural vegetation.
The Treatment of Dara Shikoh — A Unique Example of the Guru-Vaidh Tradition
A very significant event of history is also linked with this very place. Dara Shikoh, son of Emperor Shah Jahan, had fallen gravely ill. It is said that someone deceitfully made him swallow a hair from a tiger’s whisker, a condition no physician, hakim, or royal doctor could cure.
Finally he received this advice:
“If there is any place where treatment is possible, it is only in the dispensary of the Seventh Patshah, Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji.”
When Dara Shikoh reached Kiratpur, Guru Patshah Ji was seated upon this very throne.
Here operated a free dispensary, where even those without a single coin received complete treatment.
Not only humans— but sick animals and birds were also cared for here, for beside the dispensary existed a small bird-hospital and rescue enclosure, where injured birds received treatment and regained their wings to fly again.
Dara Shikoh’s treatment was completed successfully in this divine dispensary.
Naulakha Bagh Today — The Contrast Between History and the Present
Forgive me, Sangat ji— where once this garden was filled with medicinal herbs, life, and compassion,
today only a few small plants remain visible.
The place that once stood as the centre of Guru-Patshah’s natural medicine, today does not provide even a remedy for a simple headache.
Sangat ji… history was something else, the present is something else.
In memory of the Seventh Patshah, there should have been great free dispensaries across the world,
from where medicines were given at no cost. But time has changed the circumstances.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji —
The First Moment of the Journey Towards Martyrdom (11 July 1675 C.E.) This is the sacred place where, on 11 July 1675 C.E.,
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji— before departing towards Delhi to offer His sacred head—
met His family and the Sangat.
Here Guru Sahib gave the command:
“No one will follow behind Me now.”
This very moment became the first page of the greatest chapter of self-sacrifice for the protection of dharma.
Gurdwara Patalpuri — The Final Memorial-Site of the Sixth Patshah
Moving ahead from Kiratpur, we arrive at Gurdwara Patalpuri Sahib, where the Sixth Patshah, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, received His final rites.
This is the same sacred ground where Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji also bowed down
on 11 July 1675 C.E.
From across the world, Sikhs bring the flowers of their loved ones’ final rites and immerse them here.
This place remains an eternal centre of liberation, peace, and remembrance.
The 124-Day Martyrdom Journey and the Significance of Kiratpur
From 11 July 1675 to 11 November 1675, in these 124 days, Guru Sahib wrote the martyrdom
that changed the destiny of humanity.
After the martyrdom, Guru Sahib’s sacred head was once again brought to Kiratpur Sahib.
To which exact place was it brought?
We shall learn this on our return route.
Gurdwara Jo Chaubachha (Natural Spring) Sahib
We now reach the place where the court of the Seventh Patshah was held. Here lie natural springs— whose water once quenched the thirst of the horses of Guru Sahib’s 2,200 cavalrymen.
Today these springs have reduced in flow, but the history remains alive.
Message for Pilgrims
Whenever Sangat ji visits Kiratpur Sahib, the moment you enter the gateway across the canal,
you receive the wondrous blessing of beholding the darshan of the Gurdwara Sahib.
This is the very earth from where, on 11 July 1675 C.E., Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji
set forth upon the journey of the future.
The Path Ahead
Now the question is— Where did Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji proceed after Kiratpur?
We shall learn this in Shahidi Marg Yatra — Series No. 5.
The Pledge of the Khoj–Vichar Team
The Khoj–Vichar Team and Chardikala Time TV take this sacred pledge to keep connecting you with—
• historical Guru-dhams,
• authentic sources,
• forgotten heritage sites,
• and the divine Guru-history.
Yours sincerely,
Historian Dr. Bhagwan Singh ‘Khoji’**
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!
Background Singing:
(A soft, touching melody— as though the earth itself is singing a hymn in remembrance of the Guru…)