Miri Piri Maalik Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib
During the reign of Jehangir, Guru Hargobind ji visited Kashmir ( 1620 A D precisely ). Guru ji is reported to have met Bhai Ram Dass a sikh convert who was living just outside the fort wall. Mata Bhagbhari an old Kashmir Pandit saintesslived in Rainawari. Kashmiri Pandits used to worship Mata Bhagbhari as a saintess of high order. She is reported to have walked to the house of Bhai Ram Dass from Rainawari to present a Cloak to Guru Ji. Mata Bhagbhari had worn her eyes out while weaving the white cloak for guru ji. It is further mentioned in sikh scriptures that Guru Ji was much pleased with this gift. He wanted to remove Mata Bhagbhari 's suffering and he shot an arrow into the ground and water gushed out. He took the water and sprinkled it on her eyes restoring her eyesight.
The present Chatti Patshahi Gurdwara has come up exactly at this spot only. Interaction between Mata Bhagbhari and Guru Hargobind ji is well preserved and documented in various sikh scriptures .
Initially a small wooden structure was built over here but later during the rule of Sikhs in Kashmir( 1819-1846 ) a Gurudwara and a Dharmshala was constructed by Hari Singh Nalwa the then sikh Governor of Kashmir. Pandit Sewa Ram ( who later came to be known as Bhai Seva ji ) son of Mata Bhagbhari was appointed as the first attendant of this shrine. As a matter of fact, Kashmiri Pandits have a history of close interaction with sikh Gurus . For example Guru Nanak Dev ji met Pandit Brahm Dass at Mattan. Brahm Dass was a direct ancestor of Pandit Kirpa Ram who led the delegation of Pandits to Guru Teg Bshadur Ji.
Pandit Kripa Ram was so much touched with the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji that he decided to stay with Guru Gobind singh ji and teach him Sanskrit Classics and Shastras. Pandit Kirpa Ram too adopted the new Faith later and became a Khalsa never to return to Kashmir .
The present Gurudwara of Chatti Patshahi is built exactly at the place where Guru Hargobind ji camped . The place is outside the Kathi Darwaza or gate to the wall of Akbar’s Fort . The gurudwara is just a kilometer away from the Saida kadal bridge on the canal connecting Dal lake with Nageen lake . Nageen lake is just two Kms away from the Gurudwara . The highly revered shrine of Hazrat Bal is also just 2.5 kms from this Gurudwara .
The Gurudwara over here has now been built with white marble exterior and beautiful wood interior.
Shivpreet Singh walking in a hurry to save time as our driver turned up too late but he made up to start his Kirtan on time at 6.30 AM
Harvinder trying to match with Shiv.
The wall of Akbar Fort visible from the Gurdwara Sahib.
Head Granthi Bhai Vicki Ji
We enjoyed the Kirtan, although there was not much of Sangat. But as the Kirtan progressed, some Nitnemis and Sewadars joined. In all it was tranquil all around with Shivpreet reciting Bhai Gurdas Ji’s Shabad ‘Aaj More Aaye Hain…’ written in praise of Sixth Guru. It was so appropriate, as Shivpreet has been repeatedly singing this composition during last few months and what a final culmination at this sacred place.
The well dug by the arrow of Shri Guru Har Gobind Singh Ji
Main Gate well crafted wood.
Shivpreet coming out of Mata Bhagbhari Samadh
The place where Guru ji sat and blessed Mata Ji
Samadh of Mata Bhag Bhari
A high quality Painting of Mata Bhag Bhari by Ravi Dhar, where She is presenting a Cloak woven by herself to Sixth Guru ji
No comments:
Post a Comment