Episode 8: Divine Waters: Wells Blessed by Five Guru Sahiban
(Safar-e-Patshahi Ninth – The Martyrdom Route Journey)
Resuming the Journey
Background Hymn: (A gentle, sacred melody, infused with Guru-remembrance, flows softly in the background.)
Offering salutations to the holy Sangat, we begin the next chapter of our journey with the greeting, “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!” After having the sacred darshan of the historic jail at Bassi Pathana, we now return once again to the traditional route—the very path upon which, as one walks, the footprints of history seem to emerge on their own.
This journey is not merely the covering of distance; rather, it is an opportunity to reawaken those memories that once gave voice to the conscience of humanity.
From Bhatta Sahib to Guru Garh
As our vehicle turns from Khandhar Chowk and moves toward Anandpur Sahib, the boundary of Ropar city comes into view. Within moments, the holy sight of Gurdwara Bhatta Sahib Ji blesses the Sangat, and further ahead—just after descending the bridge—the first glimpse of that gateway which instantly stirs devotion in the heart appears: Gurdwara Guru Garh Sahib.
Why was this place called “Guru Garh”?
This very question gently leads us back toward the ancient forest that is still referred to as Sadaavrat, a living witness to the Guru’s sacred presence.
Sadaavrat – The Forest in Whose Shade the Guru Rested
As we stand near this site today, the sweet calls of birds and the whispering breeze effortlessly transport the mind to that era when the entire region was covered in dense forest.
The beauty once touched by the Guru Sahiban now survives only as a faint trace; human civilisation has nearly erased such forest belts.
A magnificent Gurdwara Guru Garh Sahib now stands here, yet the ancient voice of nature still seems to echo from the depths of the earth.
The Land Sanctified by the Footsteps of the Sixth Guru
This place first entered the pages of history when Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, after the Battle of Mehraj, halted here. In those times, this area was richly adorned with natural wilderness.
An invaluable relic from that era still exists here—Bauli Sahib
(a traditional stepwell or vavri, also known as a bullock-driven water system).
Built during the Guru’s time, this sacred well still preserves the Guru’s memory with its pure and cooling water. The well remains filled up to its surface level, as though it has been safeguarding the message of Guru’s grace within itself for centuries.
Memories of Punjab’s Water and a Changing Time
Outside the Gurdwara stands an old handpump, remaining silently like a fragment of Punjab’s bygone days. This land was once abundant in water; groundwater lay close to the surface, and such handpumps were iconic symbols of Punjab.
But over time, the water table sank deeper and deeper, leaving such scenes merely as relics of memory. The cool water drawn from the handpump seems to narrate a tale of an older Punjab—a Punjab now wounded by the flames of addiction and social imbalance.
The folk language itself expresses this painful reality:
Na rukh reha, na sukh reha, na jawani disdi hai,
Har passe nashiyan di daud laggi, har passe daaru vikdi hai,
Jis pag nu daag na lagda si, aaj pag ho gayi kaali hai,
Jaide maa, pio nu seesh jhookda si, aaj dhakka te gaali hai.
Memories of the Seventh, Eighth, and Tenth Gurus’ Resting Places
The sanctity of this site is not limited to a single era.
The Seventh Guru, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, arrived here with 2,200 horsemen. The Sangat too rested at this very spot before proceeding toward Kiratpur Sahib.
Similarly, the Eighth Guru, the Child Form Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Har Krishan Maharaj Ji, stopped here while travelling from Ambala to Delhi.
And then came that historic moment—
when the young Bal Govind Rai, the future Guru Gobind Singh Ji, returning from Lakhnaur to Anandpur Sahib, arrived here and drank the water of this very Bauli.
The imprint of these sacred footsteps still bestows a divine radiance upon this site.
A Halt of the Ninth Guru’s Martyrdom Journey
When Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji set out toward Delhi to offer their supreme sacrifice—accompanied by Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, Bhai Dayala Ji, Bhai Uday Ji, and Bhai Gurditta Ji—this place again became their sacred resting point.
Blessed by five Gurus, this site—Gurdwara Sadaavrat or Gurdwara Guru Garh Sahib—holds the eternal light of Guru’s benevolence.
The wells constructed by the Guru’s own hands still exist here—some alive, others buried beneath the sands of time.
Moving Towards the Sacred Darshan
Background singing: (A slow, sacred melody-immersed in the remembrance of the Gurus-flows softly in the background.)
Before entering the Gurudwara Sahib, the very sentiment of the journey seems to steady itself. This place is illuminated not only by the memories of four or five Guru Sahibaan, but also by the revered remembrance of the valiant Baba Zorawar Singh Ji.
Now the journey proceeds- towards the darshan of the Gurudwara Sahib, then the Baoli Sahib, and then towards those layers of history that continue to breathe even today…
The Symbol of Guru-Remembrance: The Small Nishan Sahib and the Three Baolis
At a short distance from the Gurudwara complex, a gently fluttering small Nishan Sahib instantly captures the heart.This is no ordinary Nishan Sahib or flagpole;it is the emblem of those memories that even time could not fade.Humbly swinging before the larger Nishan Sahib, this small Nishan Sahib is dedicated to the sacred memory of Baba Zorawar Singh Ji, the adopted son of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj— memories which may not be elaborately recorded in historical texts, yet continue to live in the heartbeat of this land.
The Sevadar Speaks of the Sacred Legacy
With deep reverence, the sevadar Singh explains: “Sadh-sangat ji, this Nishan Sahib is not an ordinary one.It stands outside the main Gurudwara complex because it carries a divine memory uniquely connected to the lineage of Guru Sahib. Where the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj are called biological heirs (vidhi-putra),
Baba Zorawar Singh Ji was the nati-putra-the adopted son- who, even with his tender heart, embodied remarkable courage and unwavering devotion to the Guru.”
A Testimony of Pain and Preservation
The sevadar’s voice pierces the silence of history as he continues: “Baba Ji was separated from Guru Maharaj during the battle of Chamkaur and wandered for many days in this very region- Kotla Nihang, Khidrabad, and Sadaavratt. This Nishan Sahib swings today in honour of those sweet and innocent memories.But the sorrow is that even the local sangat is unaware of this history.The ancient relics that could have helped us understand this memory
were erased over time- many historical markers were destroyed in the name of kar sewa.
The Baoli Sahib in front, which in its original ancient form was a priceless heritage,
also could not be preserved. Yet, the sign of the Guru’s eternal grace is that this Baoli still remains filled with pure, sacred water- and during heavy rainfall, its waters rise all the way to the surface of the earth.”
The Three Baolis of Guru-Period
As one steps onto this sacred stretch of land, Dr. Khoji draws attention “There were three Baolis here. One of them still lies buried beneath the floor.”Walking behind the Gurudwara Sahib, a large slab of marble appears- within it, a deep hollow stands as a silent witness
to that ancient Baoli.
Dialogue with the Elder
Dr. Khoji respectfully asks a local elder: “Bapu ji, how old is this Baoli Sahib? And is it true that three wells once existed here?”The elder responds softly, yet with firm confidence: “Yes, all three wells were built during the presence of Guru Sahib. There was severe scarcity of water in this region. When the sangat made a request, first one well was dug, then the second, and due to agricultural needs, the third well was constructed.
By Guru Sahib’s grace alone, this land remained alive- its water, its life.”
The Land of that Era
Dr. Khoji asks again: “How much land did this place have during Guru Sahib’s time?” The elder replies: “In those days, the land stretched across five to seven killas. But now only time remains; only four or four-and-a-half killas survive. All of this land is now under the Gurudwara Management Committee.”
Use of the Sacred Well
The discussion continues- “What was the water of this well used for?” “For drinking,” the elder says. Pointing toward the well in front, he explains: “This area lay on the route that passed from Nangal towards Ambala and Delhi. This was also the main road to Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib. Whenever Guru Sahib or the sangat travelled, it was the water of these wells that kept this region alive and pulsating.”
History of the Well in Front
Dr. Khoji asks again: “What is the history of the well in front?” Bapu ji replies: “It was originally an old well. Later, the revered saints involved in kar sewa rebuilt it beautifully.Baba Avtar Singh Ji (TP Sahib) led this sacred service.”
The Halat / Rahat Tradition
When the conversation turned to the halat/rahat (bullock-driven water-lifting device), a glimmer of ancient soil returned to the elder’s eyes- “In this region, two halats (rahats) operated. The Baoli in front provided drinking water, while the well with the rahat supplied water for farming and irrigation.”
Memory of the Guru-Dham, Ancient Baulies, and the Divine Union with Nature
Dr. Khoji explains that we have just gathered additional information about the Bauli located near the Langar Hall from another elderly local resident. The old Langar building had been demolished, and the new Langar Hall was constructed in its place. The small Nishan Sahib that stands in front, and the large Nishan Sahib now installed at its present location—at that very site Guru Sahib’s Prakash used to be. In the years 2007–2008, when the entire management of the place came under the Gurdwara Committee, only then was the new building constructed, and the Prakash of Guru Sahib was shifted into that newly built structure.
Dr. Khoji asked, “Have you seen the old building? Was it constructed with small bricks?”
The elderly local resident replied, “Yes, the second Darbar that stands here today is the very structure built with those old small bricks.”
Dr. Khoji confirmed, “So that is the old building?”
The elder nodded and said, “Yes, that is the old building. The entire area in front lies at a lower level.”
Thus it becomes clear that the new Gurdwara was built later, while the ancient divine memories still live on in the structure on that side. Now, the eyes of the Sangat rise toward the Bauli Sahib, constructed during the time of the Sixth Guru. During heavy rainfall, the water of this Bauli swells so much that it overflows beyond its boundaries. Immersed in the sacred remembrance of the Guru, we recite the Mool Mantra upon having darshan of the Bauli.
Background Hymn: (A soft, spiritual melody awakening the remembrance of the Guru flows gently in the background.)
Even today, sweet water is obtained from this Bauli Sahib. Sangat arrives here from faraway places, bathes, and experiences the grace of this sacred site. Thereafter, we proceed inside the Gurdwara Sahib for darshan.
Dr. Khoji says, “When the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, set out toward Delhi for their immortal sacrifice, they too halted at this place. The reason is clear—this is the first historical resting point when traveling from Punjab toward Himachal or Sri Anandpur Sahib.”
Three wells, the Baulies, and the remnants of this natural forest even today—together they endow this land with a primal and spiritual power.
He further explains: At that time, there were neither highways nor paved roads. One can only imagine what this quiet, secluded forest must have looked like. Anyone from the Sangat who wishes to experience the beauty of nature must visit this place, for Guru Sahib themselves were lovers of nature. This is why an eco-tourism zone has now been developed in the Sadaavrat area. From the canal path behind the Gurdwara, one can reach this forest. Standing in the pure shade of nature, it feels as though the footsteps of five Guru Patshahis still resonate in the air.
On a board installed here, the sacred words of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji are inscribed—
“Khāk nūr kardan ālam dunyāi ॥ Asmān jimī darakhat āb paidāisi Khudāi ॥” (Ang 723)
ਖਾਕ ਨੂਰ ਕਰਦੰ ਆਲਮ ਦੁਨੀਆਇ॥ ਅਸਮਾਨ ਜਿਮੀ ਦਰਖਤ ਆਬ ਪੈਦਾਇਸਿ ਖੁਦਾਇ॥ (ਅੰਗ 723)
Meaning: This entire realm and world have been created by the Divine from dust and conscious light. The sky, the earth, the trees, and the water—all are the creation of that Almighty Lord.
This divine hymn seems to fill this mountainous forest and Bauli-rich region with a celestial radiance.
Dr. Khoji further reminds us, “The Sixth Guru, Maharaj Ji, had halted here. The Seventh Guru, Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, stayed here with 2,200 horsemen.
The Eighth Guru, Sri Guru Harkishan Maharaj Ji, stopped at this very place while travelling toward Delhi.
The Tenth Guru—then in childhood form as Gobind Rai—arrived here while journeying from Patna to Anandpur Sahib.
And the Ninth Guru, Dhan-Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji themselves, stayed here twice—once while returning from Patna Sahib, and again while travelling to Delhi for their supreme martyrdom.”
“In this way,” he explains, “this sacred site, Sadaavrat—sanctified by the holy feet of five Patshahis—today shines gloriously under the name ‘Gurdwara Guru Garh Sahib.’ The Sangat comes here, bows in reverence, and every page of history seems to come alive upon touching this holy land.”
Dr. Khoji continues, “If you come to Chamkaur Sahib, merely four kilometres ahead stands Gurdwara Bhattha Sahib. Gurdwara Parivar Vichhora Sahib is also nearby. As you travel from Ropar toward Anandpur Sahib, upon reaching the Sadaavrat site located on the highway, you can have the divine darshan of Gurdwara Guru Garh Sahib. Even now, you are beholding this sacred Gurdwara.”
His words indicate the path ahead:
“Now we shall proceed toward the next halt on the Martyrdom Route—‘Mukarrampur,’ which is located approximately 50 kilometres from here. Passing through village pathways on the route from Fatehgarh Sahib to Chandigarh, we shall continue to show you more historical places. This journey through history will continue unbroken—just keep listening, keep connecting.”
As the soft, spiritual music in the background rises once more, it feels as though the layers of history themselves are unfolding.
“We pause the pages of history here. We shall meet again in the next episode of the Martyrdom Route.”
A Humble Appeal to the Sangat
Historical research, site visits, trail journeys, and extensive documentation—all require significant expenditure.
If you wish to support this Guru-inspired narrative, this Martyrdom Route project, and all future historical endeavors, then—
please contact at mobile number: 97819 13113.
Your invaluable support will greatly help in bringing the glory of Guru Sahib and the truth of this history to every household.
Yours truly,
Dr. Bhagwan Singh ‘Khoji’
Background Hymn: (A deep, spiritual melody highlighting the grandeur of the Guru’s life resonates through the atmosphere.)
“Sangat Ji, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!