Episode No. 13 Historical Account of Gurdwara Moti Bagh Sahib, Patiala Related to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji
(Safar-e-Patshahi Nauvin — Shaheedi Marg Yatra)
Respected Sangat Ji,
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Sangat Ji, we have now arrived in the historic city of Patiala. Patiala is situated at a distance of approximately 250 kilometers from Delhi. Chandigarh Airport lies at a distance of about 60 to 65 kilometers from here. From Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib Ji in Patiala city, the railway station is located at a distance of nearly 1 kilometer, while Gurdwara Moti Bagh Sahib Ji is situated about 5 kilometers away.
When the blessed and revered Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji proceeded from Saifabad, He arrived and halted for some time at this renowned garden situated at Moti Bagh.
Background Singing: A deeply moving melodic strain, as if brushing away the dust of time, carries the viewer into the depths of history.
In this vast garden belonging to Nawab Saifuddin, there were two villages at that time—Village Qayampur and Village Bilaspur. At a raised platform (thara) located between these two villages, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji came and seated Himself in repose.
History records that the identification of this sacred spot was established on the basis of information passed down to Maharaja Karam Singh Ji of Patiala by his ancestors. It is stated that when the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji, along with Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, Bhai Dayala Ji, Bhai Uday Ji, Bhai Gurditta Ji, and other Sikhs, first spent the four-month monsoon period (chaumasa) at Saifabad and thereafter departed from there, the Guru Sahib, accompanied by His Sikhs, came and stayed at this very place.
When clear knowledge of this manifest site reached Maharaja Karam Singh Ji of Patiala, he adopted a special method to precisely identify the exact spot. Spears were planted firmly into the ground, iron vessels (lotas) were placed on their pointed ends, and arrows were shot at them from all directions by the soldiers. Every other vessel was struck accurately by the arrows; however, the vessel placed upon the spear standing at the spot where Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji had been seated was not struck from any direction. In this manner, the sanctity and authenticity of the site were conclusively established. This is the very place where, in the present time, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially enthroned in the main Darbar Sahib.
During that period, a Nishan Sahib was installed at this site by Maharaja Karam Singh Ji of Patiala. The engineering technique of that era remains truly remarkable even today. The Nishan Sahib has been firmly secured with strong iron chains, supported by pillars erected on all sides. These pillars have been designed in such a way that the chains can be tightened or loosened according to seasonal conditions. No matter how heavy the rainfall or how fierce the storms and winds may be, this Nishan Sahib remains unharmed. Having withstood countless storms and tempests, this Nishan Sahib continues to fly proudly and majestically even today.
At this point, it becomes necessary to mention a painful reality. In the previous episode, we had the opportunity to present the darshan of Gurdwara Bahadurgarh Sahib, where a similar ancient Nishan Sahib once stood. Unfortunately, it remains unknown what thoughts crossed the minds of those managing the services at that time, leading to its removal. The Nishan Sahib at Gurdwara Moti Bagh Sahib survived only because it lay within the precincts of the Maharaja’s palace and thus formed part of royal property. Had this site and the Nishan Sahib been under the authority of kar-seva custodians at that time, it is highly likely that no trace of this invaluable historical structure would have survived to the present day.
The ancient garden constructed during that era is the very garden through which we are presently walking. Through these old pathways and within this garden, the movement of the Sangat once took place. This garden was exquisitely beautiful. Even today, the water fountains enhance its splendor and magnificence manifold.
Before us now appear the captivating darshan of Gurdwara Sahib Ji. As we ascend upward after bowing our heads in reverence, we observe that this very Nishan Sahib has been installed upon the roof of the Gurdwara Sahib. The Nishan Sahib adorning Gurdwara Moti Bagh Sahib in Patiala is clearly visible from afar due to its elevated location.
As we pass by this Nishan Sahib, we notice an NSI camp on one side, while on the other side we behold the divine darshan of Gurdwara Moti Bagh Sahib Ji. Upon entering through the main gateway, a jora ghar (shoe-house) is located on one side, and directly ahead the Gurdwara Sahib Ji appears in all its spiritual grandeur. Let us first partake in the darshan of the Gurdwara Sahib Ji, and thereafter proceed to acquaint ourselves with the further historical narrative.
Background Singing: A gentle, devotional melody highlighting the dignity of the sacred place slowly permeates the atmosphere.
When the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji was proceeding towards Delhi to offer His supreme martyrdom, He came and stayed at this sacred place. From here, He continued onward toward the place known as Samana.
Within the same city of Patiala, another Gurdwara Sahib—Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib Ji—is also situated. However, many times we mistakenly claim that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji visited Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib Ji while proceeding to Delhi for martyrdom. No, dear ones. The pages of history clearly bring us to a pause at this point.
With this historical truth, we bring this episode to its conclusion here, and we shall meet again in the next episode of this sacred series.
A Humble Appeal to the Sangat
Historical research, site exploration, route journeys, and extensive documentation involve substantial expenditure. If you wish to extend your support to this Guruwar narrative, this Shaheedi Marg episode, and all forthcoming historical endeavors, please contact us at Mobile No. 97819 13113. Your invaluable support will greatly assist in carrying forward the glory of Guru Sahib and the truth of history to the masses.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Your devoted brother,
Historian — Dr. Bhagwan Singh ‘Khoji’