Episode No. 5: The 100-Year-Old Manji Sahib of Bharatgarh
Episode No. 5: The 100-Year-Old Manji Sahib of Bharatgarh
Sangat ji, Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!
Background Music: (In the background, a soft, gentle and spiritual melody is flowing—
as if awakening the sacred memory of the Guru, slowly and subtly.)
Beloved Guru-roop Sangat ji, this historic journey towards the future from Kiratpur Sahib began at that very moment when blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji, after meeting the Sangat and his family, set out with this command:
“Now, no one is to come after us.”
In the video, you are now beholding the divine glimpse of Gurdwara Patalpuri Sahib—the very place where, after the final rites of the departed, the flowers are consigned to the waters. This is that sacred land where the last rites of the Sixth Patshah, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, were performed. From that time till today, this site is regarded as extremely holy and venerable in the Sikh Panth. Sangat from all over the world come here with devotion to perform the final ceremonies of their family members.
From Kiratpur to Bharatgarh:
An 11-Kilometre Journey on the Martyrdom Route
From Kiratpur Sahib, 11 kilometres ahead, we are walking on the Martyrdom Route of Guru Sahib. In those days, there were no easy, modern roads as we have today—times changed, rulers changed, and circumstances too.
The bridge over which we cross the canal today is followed, just ahead, by a hill. On that hill is situated a small village, which the Raja of Nalagarh named Bharatpur after his son Bharat.
Before this, this place was known by the name Basotiwala. Here, people of the Prajapati (potter) community would make earthen pots and sustain their livelihood. For the coming and going of the Sangat, there used to be a sarai (inn) here as well. According to Sikh history, even before the time of the Guru Sahiban, the message of Sikh Dharma had already reached and spread in this region.
The First Halt on the Martyrdom Route – 11 July 1675 CE
When Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji set out from Sri Anandpur Sahib to embrace martyrdom,
then, moving ahead from Kiratpur, he made this place—Bharatpur / Bharatgarh—his first halt.
The day was 11 July, 1675 CE, and Guru Sahib was travelling on foot.
Of the entire 124-day Martyrdom Journey, this was the first day, and the first night Guru Sahib ji spent at this very place.
The Divine Utterance of Guru-Vani:
A Message of Fearlessness
At that very time, Guru Sahib uttered this Vani from his holy lips:
“Bhai kaahoo kau det nahee, nahee bhai maanat aan.” (Ang 1427)
ਭੈ ਕਾਹੂ ਕਉ ਦੇਤ ਨਹਿ ਨਹਿ ਭੈ ਮਾਨਤ ਆਨ॥ (ਅੰਗ 1427)
Meaning: do not frighten anyone, and do not fear anyone yourself; that is— “Frighten no one, and do not yourself be afraid of anyone.”
This Vani was the spiritual prelude to the coming Khalsa Revelation Day.
At that time, Sri Guru Gobind Rai ji (the future Tenth Patshah) was seated on the Guru’s throne.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji instructed the Sangat:
“You, Sangat, must remain with Sri Guru Gobind Rai ji—
we are going to offer our head.”
The hearts of the Sangat were emotional,
but the resolve of Guru Sahib was unwavering.
The First Night:
The Sacred Soil of Bharatgarh
History tells us that the first night of the Martyrdom Route was spent by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji at this very sacred place.
Today, when you travel on the highway from Sri Anandpur Sahib towards Ropar,
then about 20–21 kilometres before Sri Anandpur Sahib, this holy Gurdwara comes into view.
At present, the seva and management here is being carried out by Baba Ajit Singh ji.
The 125-Year-Old Manji Sahib –
A Living Sign of History
My humble request is this, Sangat ji— do not merely pay your respects at the Gurdwara and return.
Within this place are hidden such pearls of history, which to see, to hear, and to understand
is a matter of great fortune for every Sikh.
The managers here, with great humility, share that a 125-year-old Manji Sahib of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji is still preserved here.
Earlier, this site was situated near the pathway coming from the village side.
The memory of Guru Sahib’s rest at this spot still today makes the Sangat bow their heads in reverence.
Come, let us first have the sacred darshan of this holy Gurdwara Sahib.
Background Music:
(A poignant melody that wipes away the dust of time—slowly guiding the viewer into the sacred depths of Guru-history.)
When we say that a Gurdwara Sahib is 100, 125, or 150 years old, it does not merely signify the passage of time— it represents the simplicity, austerity, artistry, humility, and living heritage of that age.
The architecture of old Gurdwaras and the grand, modern structures of today do not resemble each other at all.
Yet, Sangat ji, the managing committee here deserves heartfelt appreciation— because they have preserved the ancient structure of this sacred place exactly as it was.
The Gurdwara Sahib may be small, but the peace, serenity, and Guru’s grace are felt here in their highest form. Even today, within the old architecture, we experience a unique spiritual warmth.
Modern Gurdwaras are built for the convenience of the Sangat, and this is absolutely necessary;
but during new construction, we often end up destroying old, priceless heritage sites unknowingly.
In this Gurdwara at Bharatgarh, the excellent preservation of the ancient site is truly commendable.
This place is approximately 125 years old.
The Devotion of the Mother and the Construction of the Ancient Manji Sahib
A devout mother—whose love and reverence for Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji was deep and boundless— had this Manji Sahib constructed in Guru’s memory, with the help of the villagers.
When we enter the Gurdwara for darshan, the ancient doors still appear resplendent with their old glory. In those days, doors were erected and installed using wooden support. These very doors remain intact even today. The modern method of fixing doors with a frame did not exist then.
The Ancient Baradari and the 21-Foot-High Roof—
A Marvellous Example of Architectural Skill Just as baradaris used to be constructed in earlier times,
in the same way, an old baradari stands here for the passage of air and light.
When one raises the eyes upward, it becomes evident that the roof of this baradari is installed nearly 20–21 feet high. The arrangement for natural light and ventilation was exceptionally well-designed—
a clear indication that even though the Gurdwaras of that era were simple, Guru-devotion and the comfort of the Sangat were always given utmost attention.
The buildings were raw, but the devotion of the Sangat was extremely firm. The character of Sikhs was as strong as steel.
Water-Service and the Ancient Manji Sahib
As soon as one enters the premises of the Gurdwara, a water tank can be seen— from which the Sangat washes their hands before entering the inner hall.
In the main hall, the ancient Manji Sahib is still present, adorned with utmost respect.
Palki and Takht – The Fundamental Principle of Maryada
Dr. Khoji ji made a very important observation—
Today we see beautiful, modern palkis in Gurdwaras.
But we must remember:
A palki is a means of “carrying.”
A Takht is the “seat of the Guru.”
At Sri Akal Takht Sahib, when the sacred form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji comes in a palki, it is ceremoniously seated upon the Takht. Upon returning as well, the form travels back in the palki.
This means:
The palki is only for movement.
The Guru’s throne is the Takht.
Today, in many places, we perform prakash directly in modern palkis— this does not conform to tradition or maryada. Guru Sahib resides on the Takht, not on the palki.
The Ancient Manji Sahib of Bharatgarh –
Prakash at Two Locations
Here, inside the Manji Sahib, Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is seated upon the Takht.
Prakash of Guru Sahib is performed at two locations:
- In the main, large Gurdwara Sahib
- In the ancient Manji Sahib
Through the tireless service and immense grace of Baba Ajit Singh ji, both the sanctity and the structure of this sacred place remain protected.
Baba Ajit Singh ‘Hansawali’ – The Living Tradition of Sikh Wrestling Akharas
Another highly significant point— the revered saint Baba Ajit Singh Hansawali, whom the entire Sangat knows with deep devotion— his original hometown is this very place.
From the time of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib ji, and especially during the eras of Sri Guru Angad Dev ji and Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, the art of mall-vidya (traditional wrestling akharas)
has remained a vibrant and living tradition within the Sikh Panth.
During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh ji, these very akharas produced warriors like Hari Singh Nalwa.Today, this art is nearing extinction- yet here, Baba Ajit Singh ji keeps this tradition alive
by organising annual fair-like wrestling tournaments.The author (Dr. Khoji) himself is personally present here every year to witness the wrestling contests in these akharas.
This Manji Sahib of Bharatgarh—
- a living example of ancient architecture,
- a cool lotus blossoming under the scorching sun of Guru-memory,
- and the divine centre of Sikh maryada.
This place is not merely a Gurdwara- it is an unparalleled confluence of Guru-history, tradition, discipline, and heritage.
Background Music:
(Soft, gentle, spiritual notes—slowly brushing away the dust settled upon the layers of history, carrying us into that bygone era.)
Earlier, this town was known by the name Basotiwala. Later, the Raja of Nalagarh named it Bharatpur after his son Bharat. In the times ahead, based on the ancient fort situated here, its name evolved into Bharatgarh.The Sevadar Baba ji of this place, a keen scholar of its history, explains that—
This soil is illuminated by the sacred footprints of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji.
When Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Maharaj ji was journeying from Sri Anandpur Sahib towards Delhi
to offer his martyrdom, he sent the Sangat back from Kiratpur Sahib and spent the first night of his entire Martyrdom Route right here in Bharatgarh.Bharatgarh is that historic halt in district Ropar
which Guru Sahib’s presence has made eternal.
The Ancient Well and the Decision During the British Raj
There is an ancient well situated here. When was it built? Who built it? No information is available. Yet it is certain that this well was considered one of the revered water-sites during the Guru-period. During British rule, a dharamshala also stood here. Due to some internal dispute, the matter reached the court. The British officers carried out a thorough investigation, and finally handed over this place to the Sikhs. After this, the reconstruction of the Gurdwara began.The ancient site- Gurdwara Manji Sahib– has existed since the era of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji.
Today, under the leadership of Baba Ajit Singh ji Hansapuri, both the main Gurdwara and the ancient Manji Sahib are being served with deep love and strict maryada. Here, Guru’s Langar runs continuously, twenty-four hours a day.
The Bharatgarh Fort –
The Heritage of Nawab Kapoor Singh ji. Now the question arises- What is the history of this fort? What is its connection with the Sikhs? And why is this place called Bharatgarh? Sangat ji- This fort of Bharatgarh dates back to the time of Nawab Kapoor Singh ji, whose descendants still reside in this very fort. The fort is extremely ancient, vast, and steeped in history. On this very soil was born
Sant Baba Ajit Singh ji Hansawali. Later, he moved to Hansawali, but the foundation of his spiritual legacy remains Bharatgarh. By Guru’s Grace, there is uninterrupted, continuous Langar at this place. This land is blessed with the immense benevolence of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji.
It is our humble prayer that this place may always remain in Chardikala.No definite information about the ancient well here has been found even today. But it surely indicates one thing-
Wherever the Guru’s House existed,
a continuous, sacred source of water always existed too.
The First Night of the Martyrdom Route –
The Immortal Memory of Bharatgarh Sangat ji- Now, bowing before this sacred Gurdwara Sahib,
we move onwards to our next destination.
A humble request to you- Whenever you visit Sri Anandpur Sahib, make sure to halt at Bharatgarh. Visit the Gurdwara Manji Sahib situated behind the main Gurdwara— for this is the very place where:
- for the protection of Dharma,
- at the moment of becoming a protective “sheet” for all humanity,
- leaving behind his family and young son,
- and with the resolve to offer his sacred head,
Blessed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji
spent the first night of his Martyrdom Journey.This place is not merely a memory- it is the first chapter of the supreme resolve to protect humanity itself. Here, this segment of history draws a pause- and we shall meet again in the next episode…
A Service-Oriented Appeal
Sadh-Sangat ji- To research this history, to walk upon these sacred pathways, and to collect authentic evidence requires great expense and continuous seva. Your support- your companionship-
is invaluable to us.
Those who wish to offer seva may humbly contribute to the number below:
📞 97819 13113
So that the complete Martyrdom Route of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji may be documented and presented to you word-by-word, site-by-site.
Yours in devotion,
Historian Dr. Bhagwan Singh ‘Khoji’
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa
Waheguru ji ki Fateh!