Episode No. 15: Which Muslim Helped Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji in Samana? The Complete History of Samana Town
(Safar-e-Patshahi Nauvin — Shahidi Marg Yatra)
Sangat Ji, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Today we will gather important information related to the history of Samana town. On the screen, you too are witnessing panoramic views of Samana. We will learn about the ancient history of this town, the arrival of the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji in this town, and many questions connected with Sikh history that have been recorded in the name of Samana. Samana town is located about 30 kilometers from Patiala. Passing through the Sant Ram Shingla route, we are continuing our journey forward. Alongside us, the Bhakra canal keeps flowing. At this moment, we are standing on the bridge over the canal. This canal emerges from the dam known as Bhakra. This is the same canal which, after crossing the Sarsa River, passes through Ropar, goes near Sirhind, flows close to Patiala city, and then further ahead crosses Samana town and continues onward.
When we enter Samana town, entry into the town becomes possible only after crossing this canal. Near this canal, Gurdwara Garhi Nazir Sahib is also located. At that time, this canal did not exist. As soon as we cross the canal and enter the lanes of Samana, even today we see people engaged in traditional occupations; somewhere there are blacksmiths, somewhere there are puncture repairers—thus, people connected with various traditional trades are still seen here. Toward the back side of this town, a Gurdwara Sahib stands adorned. You are viewing the Darshani Deorhi of the Gurdwara of Samana. As we move ahead through this Deorhi, the enchanting building of the Gurdwara Sahib comes into view. Come—first of all, let us have the darshan of the Gurdwara Sahib Ji.
Background Singing: A calm, gentle melody woven in the spirit of Gurbani bows the mind in reverence.
Now we discuss the history. The blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji, traveling from Gurdwara Moti Bagh, arrived here in Samana town. At this place lived a true devotee of the Divine, a worshipper of Allah named Inayat Ali Khan, who resided in a small hut. This was the same Inayat Ali Khan who, along with Muhammad Khan, the owner of Garhi Nazir, had previously gone to Saifabad and met the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. At that time, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was spending the monsoon stay (chaumasa) at Saifabad. The faith, love, and devotion of these beloved servants of the Divine naturally drew them into the presence of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.
When the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji came and halted near the hut of Inayat Ali Khan, a large number of Sangat of Samana town appeared before Guru Sahib and bowed in reverence. At that time, some hardline people had no goodwill in their hearts toward Guru Sahib. When langar (food-prasad) had to be prepared for Guru Sahib, those extremists threw cow bones and meat into a nearby well. This incident deeply pained the devotee Inayat Ali Khan as well, because he understood the greatness of saintly souls.
At the request of the Sikh Sangat, on the same day a small kuin (little well) was dug again for the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Water was obtained from that kuin. At that time, the water level was not as deep as it is today; with a little digging, water would become available. With that very water, the langar was prepared, and the Sangat received its blessing and joy.
When Muhammad Khan, the owner of Garhi Nazir, came to know that the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji had arrived at this place, he too reached there to have Guru Sahib’s darshan.
At night, divans were arranged. The blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji delivered the message of truth to the Sangat present. When Muhammad Khan returned to his Garhi Nazir, he encountered some soldiers sent by Aurangzeb. Those soldiers showed a warrant and stated that they had been sent by Aurangzeb, and that they had to arrest the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and take him to Delhi. They had come to know that the Ninth Guru of the Sikh faith had arrived in Samana town at that time.
Hearing this, Muhammad Khan misled those soldiers and told them that he had no information regarding this matter. Thereafter, he quickly rode his horse and again reached the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji. Muhammad Khan humbly submitted to Guru Sahib Ji—O Guru Patshah Ji, please come with me. Whatever I may be, I will serve you. After this, Muhammad Khan took the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji along and departed toward his Garhi Nazir.
At present, Gurdwara Kuin Sahib Ji stands adorned at this place. Under the supervision of Sant Baba Balbir Singh Ji 96 Karori, the service and management of this Gurdwara Sahib is being conducted in an orderly manner. You are seeing—when we purify our hands and enter the Gurdwara Sahib, first we have the darshan of Nishan Sahib, and then we bow our heads before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. In the Darbar Sahib ahead, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji has been installed upon a raised thada. Have the darshan of that very thada upon which the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji had once sat. You are having the darshan of Gurdwara Kuin Sahib Ji.
Background Singing: A gentle, spiritual melody is flowing in the background, awakening the remembrance of the Guru.
This is the same kuin (small well) that the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji had dug at that time. Standing above, one can look down into this kuin. From the other side, by descending the steps, one can have the darshan of the sacred water of this kuin and may also partake of it.
Background Singing: A slow, devotional melody is settling into the atmosphere, highlighting the dignity of the place.
After this, we will proceed toward Gurdwara Garhi Nazir Sahib. But before that, when we were studying the history, the history of the Big Mosque is mentioned. Therefore, first of all, we move toward that Big Mosque.
Background Singing: A sacred music filled with the spirit of Gurmat is making the atmosphere of shared harmony even more divine.
It is said that an extremely ancient dargah is also situated at this place. When our team entered that dargah and met the Maulana Sahib with a feeling of love, the Maulana Sahib also welcomed us with great affection and narrated the history of this place in Hindi and Urdu. Come—let us learn the history of this place from the words of the Maulana Sahib—
Maulana Sahib: “The place where you are standing is the cemetery of Sadat-e-Karam, which is a very ancient cemetery. All the descendants born from this lineage are buried here. In the year 967 Hijri, when Emperor Akbar passed through this place, he got the grave of the Syedzada repaired and restored. When he saw that the Syedzada’s grave was in a deteriorated condition, he got it preserved. This, which you are seeing, is his blessed grave, and beside it is the blessed grave of his parents. At that time, Emperor Akbar had a stone installed at the head of Syedzada’s grave, and that stone is still fixed in the wall as a symbolic mark today.”
Dr. Khoji: “Can we see that stone?”
Maulana Sahib: “Yes, that stone is still present on the wall. This is the same stone installed by Emperor Akbar. The shrine—Roza-e-Imam, Masad Ali bin Hazrat Ali, Nisa-e-Hazar—was constructed in the month of Ramadan-e-Mubarak, in the year 967 Hijri (1559–1560 CE). The text written on this stone is as follows—”
Urdu (Estimated Text):
سنہ ۹۶۷ ہجری میں یہ مقام تعمیر ہوا
یہاں اہلِ ایمان نے عبادت کی
اور اس جگہ کو متبرک سمجھا گیا۔
Hindi (Word-for-word Estimated Rendering):
In the year 967 Hijri, this place was constructed.
Here the people of faith worshipped.
And this place was regarded as sacred.
Maulana Sahib: The place where you are standing at this moment is called Imamgarh. Even today, when we examine official records, it is entered under the name Imamgarh.
Dr. Khoji: Why is this place called Panj Pir (Five Saints)?
Maulana Sahib: This place became famous by the name Panj Pir.
Dr. Khoji: When Banda Singh Bahadur conquered Samana, he never cast an ill intentioned glance toward this grave.
Maulana Sahib: No… no… no.
Dr. Khoji: It is precisely to witness this love, this affection, and this mutual respect that we have arrived today at the shrine of Panj Pir. At this shrine, we met the local Maulana Sahib. He too extended to us the same love, the same warmth, and the same affection, and happily stated that even today love and harmony remain alive in his heart. Sangat Ji, we wish to say that the conflicts being instigated today in the name of religion are created by those people who have never truly understood religion from close quarters. When we met the Maulana Sahib then…
Dr. Khoji: Maulana Sahib, it was a great pleasure meeting you.
Maulana Sahib: Love… may Allah keep you safe, always happy, and prosperous. What kind of a human being is one in whom humanity no longer remains? When you met me and I met you, it was truly a beautiful meeting. The most beautiful thing for a human being is that when one meets another, one builds a home in the other’s heart. It should not happen that when we part, even seeing each other’s face becomes unpleasant. Indeed, love and sacrifice mean meeting in such a way that we always dwell in each other’s hearts. We should remember one another through good thoughts and good habits.
Truly, I am very happy to have met you. You came for the ziyarat, salami, and haziri of the blessed shrine of the Imamzada. May God keep you safe and happy. Remember me in your prayers, and I shall remember you in mine.
Dr. Khoji: Certainly… certainly.
So Sangat Ji, the programme you are watching on Chardikala Time TV, Safar-e-Shahadat of the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, we shall now proceed further along that very martyrdom path through which the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji moved toward his great sacrifice.
Background Singing:
A slow, spiritual cadence seems to be gently unfolding the layers of history.
Dr. Khoji: Sangat Ji, you are seeing and listening to the history of Samana town related to the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Within this, we learned the history of Gurdwara Thada Sahib Ji. Now, moving ahead from Gurdwara Thada Sahib Ji, passing through the central part of Samana town, we reach a square known as Banda Singh Bahadur Chowk. We shall also inform you about the history of this square—how deep and significant Banda Singh Bahadur’s connection with Samana town was; we shall learn this further ahead.
As we move forward, upon crossing the canal, we behold the darshan of a very beautiful and captivating Gurdwara Sahib. This Gurdwara Sahib is adorned in the memory of the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.
As we walk along the banks of the canal, we observe that Sangat come here to immerse the bone-flowers (ashes) of their departed relatives. What is the history behind this? Come, let us learn it from the local Baba Ji…
Baba Ji: Waheguru Ji. Since the Baba Ji of the Kar Seva tradition arrived at this place, by the Guru’s grace, continuous Guru ka Langar has been running here twenty-four hours a day. Excellent arrangements for night stay have also been made for travelers.
In addition, when Sant Baba Gurmel Singh Ji Phull (whose surname was Phull) passed away, his ashes were immersed in this nearby canal. This canal is called the Bhakra Canal. From that very time, the tradition of ash immersion has continued here. Even today, people from distant regions of Haryana and Punjab come here to immerse the ashes of their relatives, which also benefits the local population. See, Sangat Ji—countless devotees come to this place carrying flowers and immerse them into the flowing water. For poor people who cannot travel far, this place becomes a great support. The Guru’s divine utterance also gives the same command—
Pindu patali kiria diva phul hari sari pavae. (Ang 923)
ਪਿੰਡੁ ਪਤਲਿ ਕਿਰਿਆ ਦੀਵਾ ਫੁਲ ਹਰਿ ਸਰਿ ਪਾਵਏ॥ (ਅੰਗ ਕ੍ਰਮਾਂਕ 923)
That is, immerse my bones in the Harisar. Rituals such as pind-patali, rites, lamps, and offerings find fulfillment only in the remembrance and praise of the Divine.
Travelers also stay here overnight. On the day of Amavasya, special programmes are organized. The festival of Baisakhi and the death anniversaries of saints and holy persons are also observed every year on 24 January. The Sangat of this region receives great peace and contentment from this place.
The construction and development of this place owe a great deal to saintly personalities. These holy persons also rendered great service by constructing several bridges over the Ghaggar river flowing from here, which has greatly benefited the general public.
Dr. Khoji: Along with this, we are walking beside the wall of the Gurdwara Sahib, having the darshan of the Darshani Deorhi, and ahead we are also witnessing the under-construction building of the Gurdwara Sahib.
This is Gurdwara Garhi Nazir Sahib Ji—have its darshan, Sangat Ji, the darshan of Gurdwara Garhi Nazir Sahib Ji…
Background Singing:
A slow, reverential melody highlighting the grandeur of the place descends into the atmosphere.
Sangat Ji, the history of this place tells us that Mohammad Khan was a deeply devoted admirer and a faithful servant of the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. When the blessed Guru Sahib Ji stayed near Saifuddin, a profound bond of love and spiritual connection was established between these beloved servants of the Divine. History also records that when Guru Sahib Ji returned after his Malwa Rattan (itinerant travels), Mohammad Khan once again remained in the Guru’s company.
When Mohammad Khan came to know that the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji had arrived in Samana town and was staying with Inayat Ali, he too came to this place to have the Guru’s darshan. As he was returning from there, some soldiers informed him that they had been sent by Aurangzeb, and that wherever Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji might be, it was his duty to provide information about Him.
When Mohammad Khan realized that these soldiers had been dispatched to arrest the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji, he misled them and immediately rushed to the Guru Sahib Ji, submitting with humility—
“O True Sovereign, please come with me to my fort.”
The blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji replied—
“We shall spend this night with these faqirs.”
At that moment, Mohammad Khan again submitted—
“Patshah Ji, the soldiers sent by Aurangzeb are coming to arrest you.”
To this, the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji responded—
“Then what of it? I am myself going to Delhi to offer my head.”
Hearing this, the owner of Garhi Nazir, Mohammad Khan, in great anguish said—
“Patshah Ji, what will people say tomorrow? Let it not be said that a pious servant of Allah himself had the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji arrested by Aurangzeb’s soldiers. I do not wish that such an accusation fall upon me. Please be gracious and grant darshan at my fort.”
At that time, the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji said—
“If Aurangzeb comes to know that Mohammad Khan saved me from his soldiers, you will be punished.”
To this, Mohammad Khan replied—
“Patshah Ji, my love for you is such that I am willing to accept any punishment for it. But I do not want that, while I am alive and in my own city, anyone should arrest you and take you to Aurangzeb.”
This was that love; this was that devotion. The servants of the Divine do not see caste, creed, religion, or discrimination. Those who are connected with the Supreme Master possess a love that cannot be bound by words.
At the place where Gurdwara Garhi Nazir Sahib Ji stands today, Guru Sahib Ji had rested. Some time later, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji had a small Guru’s house constructed here. Thereafter, the care and service of this place were maintained by our elders. We met a member of the family of those elders, who informed us that there once existed an ancient well at this site. The small Guru’s house built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji was expanded over time.
When we speak of the history of Samana town, it is said to be more than a thousand years old. Initially, the town was known as Niranjan Kher. People from Iran came and settled here. At that time, a tribe lived in Samana, and the town came to be known by the name of that tribe’s Begum, Samana. Another historical fact is that this town fell under the authority of the Patti Raja of Bathinda.
Scholars such as Amir Khusro also came to this town for study. Under Sirhind, the annual revenue from Samana town and its surrounding nearly two hundred villages amounted to approximately one and a half crore rupees, which reached Sirhind and then Delhi. From this, it can be inferred that the palanquins of twenty-two Nawabs passed through Samana town. For this reason, Samana was also known as the Town of Nawabs. It is said that the Nawabs of Samana had very close marital relations with the Nawabs of Hyderabad and Lucknow, with marriages taking place among each other’s families.
Another historical truth associated with this town is that when the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji was martyred at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, the executioner named Syed Jalaluddin was a native of this very town.
Similarly, when we look at the history of the blessed Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji, we learn that the executioners Shashal Beg and Bashal Beg, who bricked alive the younger Sahibzadas in the walls at Sirhind, were also residents of this town. Thus, Samana town had come to bear a deep stain upon itself.
When Banda Singh Bahadur came to know that this was the very town whose executioners had martyred the younger Sahibzadas and whose Nawabs had mocked the tragedy, he destroyed the entire town in November 1709 CE while advancing through Punjab. The grand havelis of this town— from which the twenty-two Nawabs once rode out in their palanquins—were all demolished. Samana town was razed brick by brick.
However, at that time, he did not even raise his eyes toward the mosque at the shrine of Panj Pir. Those who laid thorns on the path of the Sikh faith were certainly punished. Thus, Samana town was completely destroyed by Banda Singh Bahadur.
Today, when we walk through the lanes of Samana town, it becomes evident that the ancient buildings have vanished. Where once magnificent palaces and vast havelis stood, no trace remains today. But, Sangat Ji, at the site of the hut of Inayat Ali, who loved the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji, Gurdwara Thada Sahib Ji now stands adorned. At this very place, we also had the darshan of Gurdwara Khui (Kuin) Sahib Ji.
On the other hand, where Mohammad Khan’s fort once stood, it gradually disappeared with time. At that site, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji had first constructed a small Gurdwara Sahib. Today, you are having the darshan of Gurdwara Garhi Nazir Sahib Ji at that very place.
Local Sevadar: Bhai Sahib Ji, when our elders migrated here from Pakistan, our grandfather Harbans Singh Ji and our uncle Sardar Dilip Singh Ji told us that initially Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji had built a small Gurdwara at this site. When our grandfather Harbans Singh Ji managed the service and care of this place with the support of the local Sangat, there also existed a small well here, from which water was drawn using a rahat (traditional Persian wheel). When the water level of that well went down, the well gradually became defunct.
Thereafter, the Sangat of the area collectively requested the saints associated with Kar Seva. Around 1970–72 CE, Sant Baba Jivan Singh Ji Maharaj came here and initiated Kar Seva. After him, Baba Bakshish Singh Ji and Baba Gurmel Singh Ji Phull rendered their services. With the support of the regional Sangat, the Masya (Amavasya) programme of twelve villages continued to be organized here, and a new Darbar Sahib was constructed.
In 1998 CE, Baba Ji passed away. Thereafter, Sant Baba Balbir Singh Ji became the head. Under Baba Harbans Singh Ji (Delhi-wale), the Kar Seva continued. At present, Jathedar Balbir Singh Ji has once again initiated the Kar Seva of this new building. The Sangat of the area is providing full cooperation. The committee of this place consists of local sevadars, and there is no interference from any external organization.
Approximately three years ago, when this servant (Dr. Khoji) visited this place, Kar Seva was also in progress at that time. Then, the Parkash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji used to take place here. Due to the ongoing service, the Parkash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji has now been shifted to another place. Some elders still say that the ancient site should have been preserved in its original form.
Sangat Ji, this was the complete history of Samana town. The martyrdom path of the blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji—we shall continue to move forward on the very paths on which the blessed Guru Patshah Ji once walked.
Now, let us proceed toward Karhali Sahib Ji. What is the history of Gurdwara Karhali Sahib Ji? We shall behold the ancient structures of that town, which are gradually disappearing with time.
Let us go, Ji…
Background Singing:
A slow, spiritual cadence seems to unfold the layers of history one by one.
Here, we bring the questions of history to a pause.
We shall meet again in the next episode…
A humble request to the Sangat:
Historical research, site exploration, journey routes, and detailed documentation involve significant expenditure. If you wish to support this sacred narrative, this martyrdom-path project, and all forthcoming historical efforts, please contact Mobile No. 97819 13113. Your invaluable support will greatly help in carrying the glory of the Guru Sahib and the truth of history to every household.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Your own brother,
Historian — Dr. Bhagwan Singh ‘Khoji’