ੴ Satgur Prasād ॥
Sangat Ji, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Beloved Guru-Pyāri Sangat Ji, In this first episode of “Safar-e-Patshahi Nauvin” (Journey of the Ninth Guru), we embark upon that sacred land from where the divine Martyrdom Route of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji began- a path that was not merely a journey, but an eternal message of faith, sacrifice, and human dignity, forever inscribed in the annals of history.
The Foundation of Sri Anandpur Sahib
About nine kilometers from Sri Kiratpur Sahib, there existed a region formed by three villages—Makhoval, Sohota, and Lodipur. At that time, the area was barren and desolate. A tall mound stood here, known as the “Makhovalan di Theh.” People, driven by fear and superstition, avoided coming near it. During this period, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, while residing at Kiratpur Sahib, was looking ahead to the future and searching for a site where a new city could be founded- a city that would serve as a spiritual and cultural center for generations to come.
The Devotion of Rani Champa
Around the same time, the ruler of Kahlur State, Raja Tarachand, one of the fifty-two kings once imprisoned in the fort of Gwalior, had passed his throne to his son Raja Deepchand. Upon the demise of Raja Deepchand, his widow Rani Champa—a devout follower of the Guru’s house—sent a message to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, requesting his presence for the final rites of her husband.
Guru Sahib, along with his devoted Sikhs, arrived in Kahlur State and personally performed the sacred funeral ceremony. During this time, Rani Champa came to know that Guru Sahib was seeking land to establish a new settlement. With deep humility, she offered, “Maharaj, whichever place you deem suitable, kindly accept it as my humble service.”
But the farsighted Guru responded, “Rani Ji, the course of time is unpredictable. Today you are connected to us, but there is no certainty about the coming generations. Therefore, this land shall not be accepted as an offering; it will be purchased at a fair price so that it remains eternally under the sanctified ownership of the Guru’s House.”
The Purchase of Land and the Laying of the Foundation
Historical records reveal that Guru Sahib acquired this land with love and mutual goodwill, paying ₹500 for the purchase. The acquisition included the Makhoval mound, as well as the villages of Sohota and Lodipur. In those times, land deeds similar to modern registries were called “Jari Patte.” The responsibility for the supervision and development of the new town was entrusted to Bhai Jhanda Ji.
On 19 June 1665 CE, the foundation stone (Mohri Gadd) was laid, for which Guru Sahib specially invited Bhai Gurditta Ji, a descendant of Baba Buddha Ji—the revered saint who had served the Guru lineage since the time of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji, and whose descendants traditionally anointed the Gurus at the Gurugaddi ceremonies.
On that sacred day, as the foundation was laid, Guru Sahib named the site “Chakk Nanaki,” in honor of his revered mother Mata Nanaki Ji. This very place later came to be known across the world as Sri Anandpur Sahib.
The Sorrow of Today: The Vanishing Palaces and Minarets
It is, however, deeply painful that with the passage of time and the rush of modern constructions, the original palaces and minarets of Sri Anandpur Sahib—within whose walls the soul of history once breathed-now stand on the brink of extinction.
This series is a humble effort to revive those fading memories, so that future generations may know that the land from where the Path of Martyrdom began was not merely a city, but a living embodiment of faith, discipline, strength, and humanity.
The Map of the City Designed by Guru Sahib
History bears witness that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji Himself designed the blueprint of this sacred city. In this newly founded settlement, named “Chakk Nanaki,” the construction of elegant buildings began. Seven grand entrance gates were built—unique both in security and architectural beauty. Tragically, today only one gate remains—standing in a fragile and decaying state in the middle of Chhoi Bazaar,as if silently weeping over the fading memories of its golden age.
The Heroic Tale of the Ancient Gate
The Chhoi Bazaar, founded by Guru Sahib, was once a confluence of commerce and spirituality. Climbing the old gate, one can still see the Three-Pit Para Point—a raised defensive spot. On both sides of it were built small guard chambers, from where Sikh soldiers defended the city and repelled invaders. From this very point, bullets were fired in defense of the city, ensuring the safety of its borders. But the irony remains—today, as we commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary (2025 CE) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, this priceless gate has turned into a ruin. If timely preservation by the authorities and the Sangat is not ensured, this living relic of history too shall crumble, surviving only in old photographs.
The Mansion of Baba Surajmal Ji- A Living Memory
For His elder brother, Baba Surajmal Ji, Guru Sahib had a grand mansion constructed in this very city. The same mansion—visible in the documentary footage—is still in comparatively good condition today. From its high terrace, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city of Sri Anandpur Sahib. The meenakari (enamel art) adorning its main doorway still stands intact in splendid form-as though the stones themselves are preserving the purity of their heritage deep within.
The Crumbling Mansion of the Sodhis
Behind this mansion stands another-now broken and mournful, narrating its own tale of forgotten grandeur. This is the Kuraṛi Wale Sodhis’ mansion, an extraordinary specimen of Sikh architecture, but now dilapidated and neglected.
A local resident shared that the mansion originally belonged to two real brothers. One of their homes has already disappeared into the sands of time; the other, barely standing, still bears silent testimony to the architectural mastery of that era.
According to historical accounts, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji Himself brought this Sodhi family from the town of Kuraṛi and settled them here. Hence, the area is still known as “Mohalla Kuraṛi Wala.” The family lineage continued only through two daughters—no male descendants survived- and consequently, the mansion, left without caretakers, gradually crumbled into ruins.
The Silent Question of Heritage
As we celebrate 350 years of Guru Sahib’s supreme martyrdom, one question echoes through the walls of Anandpur Sahib-Have we truly fulfilled our duty to preserve His heritage? Those palaces, minarets, and mansions—from where a new era once began-are they now destined to fade away into mere shadows of the past?
This series seeks to give voice to that silent history, so that future generations may realize that Sri Anandpur Sahib is not merely a city, but an eternal symbol of the Guru’s vision, penance, sacrifice, and cultural splendor.
Every brick and wall of Sri Anandpur Sahib still resonates with history. Even today, one ancient gate stands here—silent yet eloquent, telling countless stories of valor, sacrifice, and faith.
Where the Guru’s Light Still Shines
At this sacred spot, where Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji once resided, an eternal flame (Akhanda Jyot) still burns atop the ancient gate.
Historian Dr. Bhagwan Singh “Khoji” explains-“Sangat Ji, it was through this very path that the severed head (Sheesh) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was brought back to Sri Anandpur Sahib.” Today, this lone gate remains as the last living witness of that divine episode. Regretfully, most pilgrims visiting Sri Anandpur Sahib pay respects only at Kila Anandgarh Sahib and Keshgarh Sahib, unaware that within this city still stands the original gate– the very passage through which the sacred head of the Ninth Guru returned to this holy soil.
Memories of an Elderly Mother
During this Martyrdom Path Journey, the Khoj-Vichar team met a 90-year-old local mother, who had seen Sri Anandpur Sahib with her own eyes in childhood. She recalled, “Son, in those days, the mansions were built with small bricks. The Sodhis’ mansion with the attic, the ancient Bhaunra Sahib—all were made of those small bricks. Our city was renowned for the Sodhi and Bedi lineages. Even the Gurdwaras built on Guru Sahib’s residential sites were constructed with the same small bricks.” From her words, it became evident that Chakk Nanaki, later known as Sri Anandpur Sahib, was an architecturally and artistically flourishing city.
The present-day gateway (Dhiodi) seen by visitors is a modern reconstruction,
yet beneath its soil still rests the footprint and spiritual presence of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji Himself.
Memories of the Guru’s Residence and the Construction of Chakk Nanaki
The pages of history record that the ancient photographs taken by the renowned cyclist and writer Dhanna Singh Patiali still exist as authentic evidence. They reveal that this place was a small yet sacred palace, where Guru Sahib Ji resided with His family, and Mata Nanaki Ji also dwelt with them. It was upon this very sacred land that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji lived for three months, personally contributing with His own hands to the construction of “Chakk Nanaki Nagar.”
From this place, Guru Sahib embarked on His journey to the Malwa region of Punjab, a journey through which He spread the eternal message of faith, unity, and humanity.
The Prelude to a Religious Crisis
In the year 1666 CE, when Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born at Patna Sahib,
Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji returned from there to this sacred place. Later, in 1674 CE, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, at the height of his tyranny, imposed the Jizya tax upon the Hindus of India and initiated his campaign of religious conversion, choosing Kashmir as the first target of this brutal policy.But this raises a vital question- Why was Kashmir chosen? What compelled Aurangzeb to begin his cruel campaign from there?
A Glimpse into the Next Episode
Sangat Ji, stay tuned with the upcoming episode of Safar-e-Patshahi on the Path of Martyrdom, where you will witness how a group of Kashmiri Pandits, in their desperate plea to protect their faith, sought refuge at the feet of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji-and how that divine moment was eternally inscribed in history as
“The Golden Chapter of Martyrdom.”
Your humble servant and historian,
Dr. Bhagwan Singh ‘Khoji’
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!