Episode No. 14: The Historical Account of Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib (Patiala) in Relation to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji
(Safar-e-Patshahi Nauvin — Shahidi Marg Yatra)
Sangat Ji, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Sangat Ji, today we shall understand why this place is known as Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib. When the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji was proceeding towards Delhi, at that time he came and stayed at this place. From this very place, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji later departed towards a place known as Samana.
On the other hand, in the city of Patiala, a Gurdwara Sahib stands adorned as Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib Ji. Many times, due to misunderstanding, we assume that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji came to this place when he was going to Delhi to offer his head; no, Sangat Ji, this is not so. When the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji was departing from Sri Anandpur Sahib for Malwa Rattan (extensive travels), he established his camp in a garden known as Panchvati at Bahadurgarh. From this very place, Nawab Saifuddin took him to his palaces. Thereafter, during that period, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji travelled through many surrounding villages.
At the same time, an eminent and devoted servant of the Guru’s house, Ram Jheewar Ji, submitted a humble request before the Guru Patshah, saying, “O True Sovereign, we have come from a village called Lahal. Our village is not progressing; kindly bestow your grace upon us villagers.” Seeing the love and devotion of Ram Jheewar Ji, the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji came to this place and showered his grace.
(Special—Sangat Ji, the ancient structures that once existed at this place have now been removed; however, the Khoj-Vichar team, with great difficulty, has preserved images of those ancient sites. These images are being displayed on the screen for your darshan.)
Background Music: A solemn, spiritual melody flows, highlighting the dignity and grandeur of the Guru’s life.
Sangat Ji, the Gurdwara Sahib that you see today did not exist in this form earlier. Today, a sacred flame burns here, but this flame was not present at this place earlier. The old sevadars and devotees who came for darshan at Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib fifteen to twenty years ago, as well as the elders associated with this place, know this very well. The childhood of this humble narrator (Historian—Dr. Bhagwan Singh Ji Khoji) was also spent in this region, as his residence is located approximately eight kilometers from this place in village Sidhuwal, on Bakshiwala Road.
At that time, when we used to come to this place, descending the steps below the surface of the Gurdwara Sahib, a lamp of pure clarified butter used to burn continuously for twenty-four hours in memory of the arrival of the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji. Along with this, an ancient banyan tree also stood here. You are seeing on the screen the image of that ancient Gurdwara Sahib. We are now also viewing the gateway (deorhi) of that ancient Gurdwara Sahib, but today its physical existence has ended. In place of that ancient structure, you are now seeing the gateway constructed in the present time.
On the other hand, when we approached the Gurdwara Sahib from the office side, we used to climb steps on the left. This left-side path was the ancient route. Today, this route has been converted into a parking area, and vehicles are now parked at this place.
When the Gurdwara was viewed from the side of the sarovar, the sight appeared extremely enchanting. When I interacted with the elders of this place, they also said that the spiritual bliss experienced at that time is not felt in the same way today; nevertheless, the presence of the Sangat still provides deep inner joy.
Background Music: A slow, sacred melody filled with Guru-remembrance flows in the background.
Sangat Ji, you have seen on the screen the images of the old building. Now, let us behold the newly constructed, grand building of Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib Ji. In front, the sacred flame is burning; you are having darshan of the Nishan Sahib, and right before you lies a vast, beautiful, and captivating sarovar, which you are also beholding.
After having darshan of the Gurdwara Sahib, when we turn our gaze towards history, it becomes evident that the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji reached this place after travelling approximately fifteen kilometers from Saifabad. According to historical sources, at that time there existed a small chhappar, that is, a water pond, at this place. When Ram Jheewar Ji, a servant of the Guru’s house, submitted his request before the Guru Sahib, the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji came to this place and sat here. From that moment onward, the Sangat began arriving for darshan of the Guru Patshah.
At that time, a woman named Mata Karmo came with her son to seek the Guru’s darshan. Mata Karmo’s son was afflicted with an illness known as “Sukha,” which was not improving by any means. The child, suffering from this severe disease, was continuously growing weaker.
Mata Karmo submitted a humble prayer at the feet of the Guru Patshah, saying, “O True Sovereign, please remove my suffering. My son is wasting away due to the illness of Sukha. Not only my child, but many children in this entire region are afflicted with this dreadful disease.” At that time, the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji, who was true to his divine word, gave assurance to Mata Ji and said that the child suffering from this illness should be bathed in this chhappar (the small water pond). When the child was bathed at that time, it is natural to believe that the Guru Sahib Ji may also have given him some medicine or medicinal herbs to consume.
The Guru Patshah Ji also instructed Mata Ji to place complete faith in Waheguru and to imbibe Gurbani in her life. Gurbani states—
Bilawal, Mehla 5:
Tati vao na lagai parbrahm saranai.
Chaugird hamarai Ram kar dukh lagai na bhai. ॥1॥
ਬਿਲਾਵਲੁਮਹਲਾ੫॥
ਬਿਲਾਵਲ ਪੰਜਵੀਂ ਪਾਤਿਸ਼ਾਹੀ।
ਤਾਤੀ ਵਾਉ ਨ ਲਗਈ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਸਰਣਾਈ॥
ਚਉ ਗਿਰਦ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਰਾਮ ਕਾਰ ਦੁਖੁ ਲਗੈ ਨ ਭਾਈ ॥1॥
(ਅੰਗ 819)
Meaning: In the refuge of the Supreme Lord, no scorching suffering touches us; not even the slightest pain afflicts us. All around us is drawn the protective line of the Divine Name, through which no sorrow can reach us. ॥1॥
(Ang: 819)
In this manner, the Guru Sahib Ji connected Mata Karmo with Gurbani, and through his grace many patients were healed. Even today, devotees from far and wide come to this place for darshan and sacred bathing, and attain relief from their sufferings. It is an unshakable belief that the Guru Sahib fills the lap of those who come here and awakens their destiny. Especially on the day of Basant Panchami, a massive Jor-Mela is organized at this place. On the occasion of Basant Panchami, Sangat from Patiala as well as from distant regions across the entire Punjab arrives here for darshan and bathing. Such a vast gathering of Sangat assembles that there remains no space even to place a foot within the Gurdwara.
Sangat Ji, within the premises of the Gurdwara Sahib, near the sacred flame (jyot) that remains lit, a board or inscription is installed, which is also referred to as a patta. Certainly, there is a significant difference between an authentic Hukumnama and a patta. At this place, a patta is displayed, on which the following text is inscribed—
ੴ Satigur Prasadi॥
ੴ Akal Ji Sahai॥
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib pargat bhae Baba Bakale.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji Sahib noon, Bhag Ram Byur benati karat bhai.
Ji, Lahal gaon vich bimari jandi nahin. Sache Sahib Saifabad ton uth ke Lahal gaon de pahad wal lagbhag satt–aan–sau taur, bohar de tale aan birajat bhae.
Yihan tebar mein charan dhobat bhae.
Hukam hoya—aithe je koi rogi shraddha sahit ishnan karega, us de sabh rog khandiye jange.
Ithe bada banao, langar chalao—hukam hoya.
Je aithe Basant Panchmi noon ishnan karega, us noon sabh teerthan da phal prapat hovega.
Sangat benati karat bhai—ji, ithe abadi hundi nahin, abadi hove ji.
Hukam hoya—aithe raunak bahut hovegi, aithe Gursikh hosi, rajdhan seva karsi, Gurdham uga hosi sabh jahan.
Jo koi seva kamave, mann vanchit phal pave.
Karma Devi Khatraani charni digi.
Ji, athraae naal baal shaant ho jande hain.
Hukam hoya—aithe ishnan karse door hosi; koi rog na rahsi.
Aithe din Khedas, Magh, Lukal Panchmi, sataraan so unnis, sabh sangat ke khushi karat bhae.
Jo Hukumname de darshan pavega, so mere darshan pavega.
Gurdham ke javega, sabh sukh pavega.
Jam dham na javega.
Samapti.
Sangat Ji, it is also stated that this Hukumnama belongs to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji; however, the vocabulary and stylistic structure of this text do not align with the authenticated Hukumnamas of the Guru Sahiban. On this basis, it may be concluded that this patta was likely written by early Sikhs in later times. This matter requires thorough research and in-depth scholarly study.
After this, following the departure of the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji from this place, a phase begins in which the city of Patiala starts to receive divine fortune. The establishment of Gurdwara Moti Bagh Sahib takes place. Upon the request of the Sangat, a Gurdwara Sahib was constructed at this site. This land was donated to the Gurdwara Sahib by a Sikh devotee (Bhai).
Who was this Sikh devotee? The answer to this question is found in the ancient history of the Gurdwara Sahib. When we visited the Gurdwara Sahib, we observed that at the very spot where the karah prasad is prepared, a stone foundation slab (shilanyas) is installed. On this foundation slab, the name of Jailedar Kaku Singh is inscribed. Jailedar Kaku Singh Ji was a resident of village Mahal. During the time of the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji, he transferred 60 bighas of land from this place and 40 bighas of land from village Pandhri—making a total of 100 bighas—in the name of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, so that the sacred place associated with the Guru Patshah could be formally established.
We obtained information about a member of this family and proceeded to their residence. Upon reaching there, we were informed that nearby, a retired Colonel from the same family, Sardar Balwant Singh Ji Chahal, is still residing in Chardi Kala. We visited his residence and obtained important historical information related to this subject.
Colonel Sahib belongs to the family whose ancestors donated 100 bighas of land in service of Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib Ji. The ancient structure of the Gurdwara Sahib was also constructed by this very family. Colonel Sahib rendered invaluable services in the Indian Army and participated in several wars.
Statement of Colonel Baldev Singh Ji Chahal:
“I am Colonel Baldev Singh Chahal, son of Sardar Gurdit Singh Ji, resident of village Chahal. The entire land on which Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib Ji is built belonged to Jailedar Kaku Singh Ji, while a portion of it belonged to the residents of village Lahal. In the year 1922, my father, Sardar Gurdit Singh Ji—who was then a Forest Officer in the Patiala State—after consulting Jailedar Kaku Singh Ji, laid the foundation for the construction of the Gurdwara Sahib at this place. At that time, there was neither sufficient funding nor adequate facilities. My father had a small room constructed and appointed a Nihang Singh to reside there and perform seva.
After some time, the Nihang Singh left. In the year 1929, all respected Sikhs of Patiala were invited, and the formal foundation of the Gurdwara Sahib was laid, as this land belonged to my maternal grandfather and partly to the Sikhs of village Lahal. Construction work commenced, and by the year 1933, the construction of the Gurdwara Sahib was completed.
I do not possess very detailed historical knowledge, but this land belonged to Jailedar Kaku Singh Ji, and at that time it was under the control of Mahants. Several armed confrontations took place between the Mahants and the residents of Lahal, during which two of my maternal uncles attained martyrdom. The Mahants also suffered heavy losses and ultimately abandoned the site. Thereafter, my father established the structure and the managing committee of the Gurdwara Sahib. He dedicated his entire life to the construction and upkeep of the Gurdwara Sahib.”
Subsequently, on this very land, the foundation of Khalsa College was laid. At that time, my father met Sardar Tara Singh Ji, the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, and proposed the establishment of Khalsa College within the premises of Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib. The college was established at the place where the Langar Hall currently stands. At that time, no special assistance was received from the government or the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Initially, chairs, tables, and benches from our own home were arranged, student admissions were conducted, and the college was started.
Dr. Khoji:
“When we spoke with Colonel Baldev Singh Ji, we asked him whether he had personally witnessed the cutting down of the ancient banyan tree, and what emotions arose in his heart at that moment.”
Colonel Baldev Singh Ji:
“At that time, the local Sangat had lodged a complaint with Sardar Gurcharan Singh Ji Tohra, stating that something wrong was happening. I had also come on leave from the forces and met him. He stated that while constructing a new building, certain compromises become necessary, but the sanctity of the place would be maintained. It was with this sentiment that the construction of this building was carried out. The toba (small water pond) that existed within the Gurdwara premises was, through the seva of the Sangat, transformed into a Sarovar. Later, the walls of the Sarovar were permanently constructed.”
Dr. Khoji:
Colonel Baldev Singh Ji, please do share one important matter with the Sangat. During the period of British rule, when the railway track was being laid at this place, the engineer at that time was Mian Zahiruddin. At that time, at the location of Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib, there stood a barota (a banyan tree). That engineer stated that the banyan tree should be cut down and the railway line laid through this place. Even after the Sikh Sangat objected, the engineer remained adamant and continued to say that he would lay the railway line according to his own plan. It is said that after having his afternoon meal, something happened to him in such a manner that he could not even turn back to breathe. This incident became widely known at that time, and consequently, the railway track was laid diagonally over the city of Patiala, bypassing this place. The railway line was originally meant to pass through this very site, but it was diverted and taken outside instead. This incident is also recorded in the printed pamphlets that provide historical information about Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib.
Colonel Baldev Singh Ji:
At the time when discussions were underway regarding the construction of the railway line, the proposed line was passing directly through the site of the Gurdwara Sahib, and along that same route stood the haveli of Jailedar Kaku Singh Ji. At that time, my father, who was serving as a Forest Officer in the Patiala State, met Maharaja Patiala along with Jailedar Kaku Singh Ji and informed him that Sri Guru Sahib had visited this place; therefore, it would not be appropriate for the railway line to pass through here. He further explained that due to the railway line, our haveli would also be destroyed, and the villagers would be left without any place to reside. For these reasons, the Maharaja accepted their request and ordered the railway line to be relocated. It is also heard that the engineer did not agree and remained stubborn, and within two days, he passed away.
Dr. Khoji:
From Colonel Sahib’s family, a leaf of that banyan tree is still preserved even today, which was cut approximately forty years ago. That banyan leaf has been carefully preserved with great reverence in memory of Guru Sahib Ji. Today, we see that Patiala, one of the 23 districts of Punjab, is establishing its own distinct identity. The city of Patiala is known for its royal and regal heritage of the Maharajas. Today, Patiala continues to move forward as a developing city.
Sangat Ji,
Whenever you visit the city of Patiala, I would like to make a humble request. All around the city of Patiala, there are numerous places associated with the sacred memory of the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji. At a distance of approximately eight kilometers from Patiala city is located the Shahi Chaubara. At this place, you will experience Punjabi culture, Punjabi lifestyle, and the traditional cuisine of Punjab. You are viewing the Shahi Chaubara. In this Shahi Chaubara, those individuals and families may stay who do not have any relatives in Punjab.
For accommodation at the Shahi Chaubara, one may contact the mobile number 9988110544, and this place may be used as a rain basera (rest house). Here, one kotha is named after Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji, and another kotha is named after Maharani Jind Kaur. Even today, this Shahi Chaubara, constructed using ancient architectural techniques, is your own home and is recognized by the Tourism Department of the Punjab Government. Sardarni Gurmeet Kaur Khalsa is the head of this house, who is the Sindhni (wife) of this humble narrator (Dr. Khoji). This narrator himself also resides at this very place. Any individual or family wishing to stay here may contact the mobile number 9988110544.
Certainly, you may book this house and stay here. The visiting Sangat will be taken for darshan of historical and scenic places located around Patiala, and a complete tour of Patiala city will also be arranged.
Special:
A library has also been established at this place. Those members of the Sangat who wish to acquaint themselves with history will be guided to all historical sites associated with the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji in the surrounding areas. From this place, Sri Anandpur Sahib Ji is located at a distance of approximately two and a half hours, and Fatehgarh Sahib Ji is about one hour away. Around the city of Patiala, there are many such places for which a complete tour can be planned for darshan.
In this episode, we have learned about the history of Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib Ji. However, it is also important to remember that the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji visited Gurdwara Sri Dukh Nivaran Sahib Ji during his Malwa Rattan (travels). We were discussing Gurdwara Moti Bagh Sahib, and now the question arises—after Moti Bagh, by which route did Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji proceed further? To learn this complete history, stay connected. Now we move towards the next halt of this journey; we proceed towards the town of Samana. What is the history of the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji associated with Samana? Stay connected, Sangat Ji.
Background Singing:
Music touching the spirit of martyrdom is further deepening the impact of the narrative.
We conclude these pages of history here.
We shall meet in the next episode……
A humble request to the Sangat:
Historical research, site surveys, route journeys, and detailed documentation involve significant expenses. If you wish to contribute to this Guru-centered narrative, this Shahidi Marg episode, and all forthcoming historical efforts, please contact the mobile number 97819 13113. Your invaluable support will greatly assist in conveying the glory of Guru Sahib and the truth of history to the masses.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Your own brother,
Historian — Dr. Bhagwan Singh ‘Khoji’