Episode No. 10: One Village, Two Names — Honouring Two Devoted Sikhs of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji
(Safar-e-Patshahi Nauvin — Shahidi Marg Yatra)
Background Vocal: A grave, spiritual melody flows, underlining the dignity and majesty of the Guru’s character.
Beloved Sangat Ji,
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Once again, a blessed and auspicious day has dawned. Today, we stand upon a land where the local dialects of Punjab transform into living history through their distinctive tones. This place is Hasanpur–Kaboolpur, which falls within the Puadhi region. A unique feature of the Puadhi dialect is that the word “ka” is used in place of “da.” Even today, the resonance of the phrase “Anandpur mhara gaon” from the Guru tradition seems to echo through this folk dialect. After Chak Nanaki was established and honored as Sri Anandpur, this feeling became even more profound. Every Sikh of the world is, in essence, a resident of Sri Anandpur Sahib. In this very Puadhi dialect, with the same warmth and intimacy, one Sikh greets another, proclaiming—
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Today, Team Khoj-Vichar stands amidst the fields of Hasanpur–Kaboolpur. This is the distinctiveness of Punjab—that within a few miles, the dialect and language change, and each dialect carries with it an independent universe of culture, memory, and history. The region we are presently in is the Puadhi area. Standing with us are the village’s Fauji Sahib and Sardar Bhag Singh Ji. Behind us, on the screen, two grass-built structures resembling towers are visible. Children may call them towers, but in Punjabi they are known as “Koop,” structures used for storing grain safely. This journey along the path of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji continues to move forward; now we shall interact with the local residents and listen to the history preserved in their collective memory.
In this ongoing dialogue with history, a natural curiosity arises—today, in the year 2025, to what extent does Sikhism flourish at this place, and how many children remain connected to Sikhi? With this purpose, a conversation takes place with the village’s Fauji Sahib in the Puadhi dialect. He explains that this is the Puadhi region, which includes villages such as Hasanpur-Kaboolpur, Sanaharsi, Bartapur, Simbu, Halana, Chhoti Kami, Badi Kami, Chamru, Jhandamgoli, Undsar, and Loh-Simli. According to him, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji rested here overnight, and even today, Sikhi continues to flourish widely in this region; Amrit Sanchar is conducted regularly. Sardar Bhag Singh Ji also affirms this fact, stating that this is the Puadhi area of Hasanpur-Kaboolpur, and Guru Maharaj sanctified this land with His sacred footsteps during the night.
Now, we enter this town-village and resolve to hear its history through the voices of its local inhabitants. What is the vow or spiritual bond that connects this place to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji? Beyond this, are there other events that unfolded here in the continuous flow of Guru history? With these questions, the journey moves forward—along this Shahidi Marg, upon the paths through which Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji proceeded to Delhi to offer His supreme martyrdom. Every town, every pathway shall stand as a witness to this journey.
From a historical perspective, when we look towards the Gurdwara Sahib, a prominently placed plaque on its wall draws immediate attention. Outside, a sacred flame burns continuously, while inside, the Gurdwara Sahib radiates a serene and sanctified atmosphere. The building still preserves its ancient architectural form. At this moment, the village’s mothers and sisters are engaged in the recitation of Sukhmani Sahib. After circumambulation, when we behold the ancient Manji Sahib, framed Hukamnamas and a few copper plates come into view. These copper plates were obtained by the Sikhs from a local goldsmith. This aspect of history will be explored in greater detail later.
One remarkable feature of this place is that it consists of two villages—on one side Hasanpur, and on the other, just a few steps away, Kaboolpur. Generally, this settlement is referred to as Hasanpur-Kaboolpur, yet at a casual glance, it is difficult to comprehend that the village is one while the names are two. Even more intriguing is the fact that both villages have separate Gram Panchayats. At the entrance of the Gurdwara Sahib, one side displays Hasanpur and the other Kaboolpur—like two bodies sharing a single soul. In the same manner, this town-village is one, yet it bears two names.
It is said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, conveying the message of love and unity, combined the names of two brothers to name this village. Now, moving a few steps ahead from Kaboolpur, we arrive at Hasanpur. Before us, the sacred sight of the Gurdwara Sahib unfolds. First and foremost, we bow in reverence and take the divine darshan of the Gurdwara Sahib.
Background Vocal: Within slow, meditative notes lies the essence of penance and journey—the melody advances like measured footsteps.
Dr. Khoji
One more exceptionally unique and deeply heart-touching fact is that the Gurdwara Sahib is located in Hasanpur, while the Langar Hall is situated in Kaboolpur. This means that the Sangat walks from Gurdwara Sahib to Kaboolpur to partake of Langar. Yet Kaboolpur is not a distant place; rather, it is an inseparable part of the Gurdwara complex itself. The bond of love between the two real brothers, Hasna and Kaboola, was woven together by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji in such a profound manner that even today, devoted Sikhs walk from Gurdwara Hasanpur to partake of Langar at Gurdwara Kaboolpur, remembering the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji along the way.
When the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was on His Malwa preaching tour, He stayed at Bahadurgarh. While travelling across Malwa in His spiritual journeys, the Patshah Ji came and resided in this town as well. At that time, two Muslim brothers—Hasna and Kaboola—lived in this town. The blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji Himself came to meet these two devoted souls. Near the place where these brothers lived, a sacred site still exists. Let us proceed towards that holy place.
Background Vocal:
Music touching the spirit of martyrdom, deepening the emotional impact of the narrative.
Dr. Khoji- We have now reached a corner of this town/village. Nearby stands a Maari—a spiritual space associated with Pirs and Fakirs, where devotion and memory seem to breathe together. When we arrived at this place and opened its doors, we saw several graves inside a large hall-like chamber. Some of the larger graves belong to elders who are revered here as Pirs. Near these graves, in one corner, lie the graves of the two brothers—Hasna and Kaboola. These brothers were extremely beloved and devoted Sikhs of the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, whom the Guru Sahib Himself came to meet.
The words spoken by the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji at that time continue to illuminate the soul of humanity even today: “First, Allah created the Light;
From His power, all beings were created.
From the One Light, the entire universe came into being—
Who then is good, and who is bad?”
(Ang 1349)
ਅਵਲਿ ਅਲਹ ਨੂਰੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕੇ ਸਭ ਬੰਦੇ॥
ਏਕ ਨੂਰ ਤੇ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਉਪਜਿਆ ਕਉਨ ਭਲੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਦੇ॥
(ਅੰਗ ਕ੍ਰਮਾਂਕ 1349)
Background Vocal: A sacred melody imbued with Gurmat spirit, filling the atmosphere of shared humanity with divine resonance.
These words deeply moved Hasna and Kaboola. A discussion arose about prayer—about offering the five daily prayers. The blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji explained to them what the life of the inner conscience truly means, what inner purity is, and what sincere devotion actually looks like. Listening to this teaching, both brothers became disciples of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji and devoted themselves to the worship of Allah while remaining in the Guru’s service.
Even today, this history—approximately three and a half centuries old—stands as testimony that the spiritual message of the Divine bestowed by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji upon these souls continues to manifest the vision of shared humanity through the graves of these two brothers.
Background Vocal: Muslim women are performing devotion in a spiritual manner, clapping their hands rhythmically.
Dr. Khoji-Undoubtedly, these two brothers shared immense love and a deep bond of spiritual attachment with the Guru Sahib. When Baal Gobind Rai Ji came here from His childhood home in Lakhnaur, He too felt a special connection with this place. In His childhood, the blessed Sri Guru Gobind Rai Ji visited this site and met many Muslims of this area.
As Team Khoj-Vichar moves forward on this path, we shall attempt to bring forth an important truth. When the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was walking this route to offer His head in supreme sacrifice, it is possible that some Muslims were also among His opponents, since the Guru Sahib was going to Delhi to protect the Hindu faith. However, it is equally true that when Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji passed through this route, He met the Sangat of this region—He met Hasna and Kaboola, He met Nawab Saifuddin at Bahadurgarh, and He stayed at the residence of Garhi Nazir. That ruler, too, was a Muslim.
In reality, the issue is not one of opposition between religions. The Guru Sahib’s message is far more expansive and far higher—a message that we shall gradually present to you as we continue walking this Shahidi Marg.
The blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji resided in this town; Baal Gobind Rai Ji also came here. When the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji walked this Shahidi Marg—that is, when He passed through this route to offer His head—He reached this place via Mukarrampur. (At present, this Gurdwara is under the management of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.) On the wall of the Gurdwara, a board is prominently displayed, clearly recording this At that time, what petitions were placed before Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji by Hasna and Kaboola? How did this town gradually come to be inhabited thereafter? From where were the Hukamnamas displayed at this place obtained? It has also come to light that the blessed Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj, from Nanded, sent some Sikhs to this place and thus caused it to be re-revealed.
All these facts and memories will be learned in detail from the elders of this town—because this alone is the true voice of living history.
Local Elder- Gurupyari Sangat Ji, according to the history received through the Guru tradition, two Sheikhs resided in this town. Both of them served a Pir Sheikh of the town. When the Guru Sahib arrived and took residence at this place, and when these Sheikhs came to know of His presence, both of them bowed at the Guru Sahib’s feet and rendered service to Him. The Guru Sahib stayed at this place for three days, and during all three days both Sheikhs served the Guru Sahib with complete devotion and surrender.
Pleased with their service, the Guru Sahib declared that in the future this town would be named after the two brothers. Two towns exist at this place, with only a ten-foot pathway between them. One town is named Kaboolpur and the other Hasanpur. The very existence of this town came about in the names of these two brothers.
When the Guru Sahib visited this place again, He bestowed Hukamnamas upon these Sheikhs. These Hukamnamas remained with the Sheikhs for a long time. Over time, as the Sheikhs were illiterate, they handed the Hukamnamas to a goldsmith of the town to have them read. After reading the Hukamnamas, the goldsmith told the Sheikhs that these were of no use to them and said that he would keep them safely in his possession. Thus, the goldsmith preserved the Hukamnamas with himself.
Later, when the Tenth Patshah sent Sikhs from Nanded with the command to re-reveal this place, those Sikhs arrived here and first constructed an earthen platform and began the service and upkeep. Thereafter, the goldsmith of that same town handed over the Hukamnamas to the Sikhs. Gradually, a simple, unbaked structure was constructed here.
In later times, a Nihang Singh offered his services at this place. That Nihang Singh was extremely dear to the Maharaja of Patiala. Every year, the Maharaja of Patiala would have an Akhand Path Sahib conducted through that Nihang Singh. The Maharaja of Patiala did not have the blessing of children, but through the Guru Sahib’s grace he was blessed with progeny. After this, a permanent structure was constructed at this place. Later, the rear portion of this building was damaged by a lightning strike, which was subsequently repaired.
At a short distance from here lies Harpalpur, where there is a historic Gurdwara of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji. The saints of that place also rendered complete service toward the construction of this building. This service commenced in the year 1956. Gradually, with the cooperation of the town’s residents, the entire construction of this Gurdwara Sahib was completed.
Dr. Khoji- While researching history, we also came to know that there existed a tree and a sarovar at this place.
Local Elder-
Gesturing with his hand, he explains that near the neem tree at this place there was a kendu tree, which later dried up. An ancient well still exists here. Just ahead, behind the Langar Hall, steps of a chhappar—that is, a natural pond—are present, and there is also a platform where the Sangat goes to bathe.
Dr. Khoji-
Sangat Ji, now we turn toward certain matters that are not recorded in books. Books can be written while sitting in universities, but when one reaches the ground level and conducts research, certain events come to light that fill us with awe.
The elders of this place told us that approximately thirty years ago, when Amrit Sanchar was taking place here, a loud knocking sound was suddenly heard at the door. Those sitting inside said that the people outside had knocked, while those outside said that the sound had come from inside. At that very moment, a small child shouted loudly, “Look, he is going—the one on the blue horse… he is going—the one on the blue horse!”
According to the elders, the child was playing while Langar was being served nearby. At that time, intense heat prevailed. While playing, the child ran onto a hot iron griddle, burning his feet. Yet, astonishingly, the child did not cry. He was taken for darshan at the Gurdwara Sahib, and by Guru’s grace he recovered completely.
Dr. Khoji-
Could this not be a message that the Guru Sahib never truly left—that in some form or another He is present here even today? It was not without reason that the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji came to this town, and it was not without reason that the blessed Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj sent Sikhs from the land of Nanded to re-reveal this place.
According to the elders of the town, based on indications, it is also believed that in His childhood Sri Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj came to this place. He had immense love for His father, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji. Wherever the Guru Sahib resided, those places remain adorned even today.
Here, we bring these pages of history to a pause.
We shall meet again-
in the next episode, the next part…
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!