ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਚਰਨ ਛੋਹ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਪਾਵਨ ਧਰਤੀ ਪਾਓੰਟਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਨਾਲ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਬੇ-ਇਨਸਾਫੀ ਦੀ ਮੂਹੋ ਬੋਲਦੀ ਗਾਥਾ !
Dry river bed at Gurudwara Paonta Sahib
This water emerges in Yamuna nearly 2-3 Kms next to Paonta sahib. The remaining Yamuna is again dried by malfunctioning and ruining Sikh shrine which has already been stated above.
After the battle was over, Guru ji distributed awards to brave soldiers. He also asked Peer ji if he wishes anything. At that time Guru ji was combing his hairs, a few broken hairs were stuck in the comb. He demanded that comb of Guru from him as worldly materialistic things are not valued by holy men.
Discrowning;
River Yamuna during rainy season at Paonta Sahib
Gurdwara Paonta Sahib is situated at the place where 16 year old Guru Gobind Singh ji dismounted from horse here which stopped here. Thus by first touch of Guru’ feet in this valley of Sirmour was called Paonta.
Guru ji lived here in this calm and quite beautiful valley for four and half years. His elder son sahibzada Ajit Singh ji was born here. Guru ji passed his time in his youth here by hunting lions, bear and other wild animals in surrounding forests. He taught the martial spirit and art of sword and archery to his Sikhs.
The first war of his life was also fought here at nearby Bhangani Sahib which was fought against the hilly kings of Garhwal and other parts of hills now in Himachal.
Guru ji had appointed 52 poets in his Darbar (court) to compose many works of religious translations of old Sanskrit manuscripts into Punjabi and Brij. He himself composed many baanis like Jaap Sahib, Swayyes Patshahi dasvin & Chandi di war etc. A kavi darbar was regularly held here.
Introduction;
Paonta sahib is situated at the bank of river Yamuna in Himachal Pradesh but this river divides Himachal from Uttrakhand also. In my childhood we used to cross river through ferry as it was not connected by bridge.
Gurdwara Shri Paonta Sahib - Paonta or Panvta on the right bank of Yamuna River, is connected with road with Yamuna Nagar (65 kilimetres) and Nahan (42 kilometers), and can also be reached from Dehradun (47 kilometers) by crossing the river at Paonta bridge. It was founded in 1685 by Guru Gobind Singh, who stayed here upto 1688. During this period he engaged himself not only in hunting and training his warrior Sikhs in the martial arts, but also in literary activities composing many works of religious as well as heroic poetry and patronizing several talented poets and writers whom he employed mostly for translating ancient classics into contemporary Braj or Punjabi. Towards the end of his stay, he also fought and won the first battle of his life against a combination of hill chiefs hostile to him, in his words, 'for no cause'. Before he left for Anandpur Sahib, he appointed Bhai Bishan Singh to look after the fortress-like complex and the Gurdwara within it. The building was reconstructed in 1823 by Baba Kapur Singh with funds provided by Sardar Sahib Singh Sandhanwalia. The shrine and about 120 acres of land attached to it continued to be controlled by hereditary mahants until Nihangs occupied it forcibly in 1964. This was followed by a raid by Himachal Pradesh policed in which 11 Nihangs were killed. After lengthy enquiries and court proceedings, the management was entrusted to an eleven-member committee with the president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee as its ex-officio chairman. Meanwhile the Himachal Pradesh government had permanently allotted most of the land of Gurdwara Sri Paonta Sahib to former tenants under Big Landed Estates Abolition Act passed by it. The Gurdwara complex spreading over three acres includes, besides the main sanctum Darbar Sahib, several smaller shrines connected with the Guru's activities here. They are Talab Asthan, where pay was disbursed; Kavi Darbar Asthan, where literary works were recited and discussed; Dastar Astha, where robes of honour were given to warriors for their performance during the battle of Bhangari; a memorial to Rishi Kalpi, whom the Guru had brought from his hermitage to stay here; and the Gobind Ghat leading down to the river waters; and of course, the inevitable Guru Ka Langar.
Gurdwara Shri Paonta Sahib - Paonta or Panvta on the right bank of Yamuna River, is connected with road with Yamuna Nagar (65 kilimetres) and Nahan (42 kilometers), and can also be reached from Dehradun (47 kilometers) by crossing the river at Paonta bridge. It was founded in 1685 by Guru Gobind Singh, who stayed here upto 1688. During this period he engaged himself not only in hunting and training his warrior Sikhs in the martial arts, but also in literary activities composing many works of religious as well as heroic poetry and patronizing several talented poets and writers whom he employed mostly for translating ancient classics into contemporary Braj or Punjabi. Towards the end of his stay, he also fought and won the first battle of his life against a combination of hill chiefs hostile to him, in his words, 'for no cause'. Before he left for Anandpur Sahib, he appointed Bhai Bishan Singh to look after the fortress-like complex and the Gurdwara within it. The building was reconstructed in 1823 by Baba Kapur Singh with funds provided by Sardar Sahib Singh Sandhanwalia. The shrine and about 120 acres of land attached to it continued to be controlled by hereditary mahants until Nihangs occupied it forcibly in 1964. This was followed by a raid by Himachal Pradesh policed in which 11 Nihangs were killed. After lengthy enquiries and court proceedings, the management was entrusted to an eleven-member committee with the president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee as its ex-officio chairman. Meanwhile the Himachal Pradesh government had permanently allotted most of the land of Gurdwara Sri Paonta Sahib to former tenants under Big Landed Estates Abolition Act passed by it. The Gurdwara complex spreading over three acres includes, besides the main sanctum Darbar Sahib, several smaller shrines connected with the Guru's activities here. They are Talab Asthan, where pay was disbursed; Kavi Darbar Asthan, where literary works were recited and discussed; Dastar Astha, where robes of honour were given to warriors for their performance during the battle of Bhangari; a memorial to Rishi Kalpi, whom the Guru had brought from his hermitage to stay here; and the Gobind Ghat leading down to the river waters; and of course, the inevitable Guru Ka Langar.
Guru Gobind Singh ji was once composing Gurbani at the bank of river. The force of water was making loud noise, Guru ji was feeling difficultly so he requested Yamuna to flow silently and also warned if she doesn’t stop creating noise, either he will leave the place or she should flow smoothly.
At once the roaring Yamuna obeyed Guru ji and it’s water started flowing smoothly. Since than it passes smoothly beside this sacred place.
Pens of Sri Guru Gobind Singh at Sri Paonta Sahib.
I have seen this silent flow of Yamuna and aware to this miracle since my childhood. During those days I used to watch and view Yamuna for many hours as I always found myself enjoying the presence of Guru Gobind Singh ji beside me.
The water of Yamuna on both side of Paonta sahib runs smooth for about one mile and made the different circles which appeared as shastras (weapons)of Guru Gobind Singh ji. I could watch seven formation of shastras but by the negligency of authorities this seen is disappeared and miracle of Guru is in folk- lores only.
The water of Yamuna on both side of Paonta sahib runs smooth for about one mile and made the different circles which appeared as shastras (weapons)of Guru Gobind Singh ji. I could watch seven formation of shastras but by the negligency of authorities this seen is disappeared and miracle of Guru is in folk- lores only.
History of Sri Paonta Sahib
This was also the site where Muslim saint Peer Budu Shah, a renowened Muslim saint living in Sadhaura near Paonta called on the Guru. The two had a long discourse, after which the Muslim holyman became a devotee of the tenth Master.
In the battle of Bhangani, he sent his disciples to help Guru ji but who fled away. He felt ashamed of it and then sent his four sons with other 700 disciples who fought in support of Guru. His two sons were martyred in this battle.
This was also the site where Muslim saint Peer Budu Shah, a renowened Muslim saint living in Sadhaura near Paonta called on the Guru. The two had a long discourse, after which the Muslim holyman became a devotee of the tenth Master.
In the battle of Bhangani, he sent his disciples to help Guru ji but who fled away. He felt ashamed of it and then sent his four sons with other 700 disciples who fought in support of Guru. His two sons were martyred in this battle.
Satellite picture of Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib
Gurdwara Tir Garhi (Bhangani) - Bhagani, a small village on the right bank of the River Yamuna in Paonta tahsil of Sirmaur district, is the place where Guru Gobind Singh fought his first battle against the hill chiefs in 1688. Although only 11 kilometres from Paonta Sahib as the crow flies, Bhangani is approached by a 22 kilometres, stretch of a winding, fair-weather though motorable road. The dispute with the hill chiefs arose when Raja Bhim Chand of Kahlur, annoyed with Guru Gobind Singh over the latter's refusal to give him a trained elephant, went to Srinagar (Garhwal) to marry his son Ajmer Chand to the daughter or Raja Fateh Chand of Garhwal. As Fateh Chand was friendly with Guru Gobind Singh, then staying at Paonta Sahib, the Guru, too, sent a few Sikhs to Srinagar with tambol, the customary wedding present in cash. Bhim Chand forced Raja Fateh Chand to refuse the present from one who was his (Bhim Chand's) enemy. Not content with that, he also made Fateh Chand and other chiefs to agree to infest Paonta after the marriage. Guru Gobind Singh on his part came to know of their plan and made preparations for a showdown. He came forward to Bhangani to meet the invaders. The battle took place on 16th April 1688 (though some chronicler differ on this point), and ended on the same day with a complete victory for the Guru. Two Gurdawaras exist at Bhangani. The one right on the river bank where the Guru had his command post is called Gurdwara Tir Garhi, and the other a few hundred yards behind it is known as Gurdwara Bhangani Sahib. A congregational fair is held on 16th, 17th and 18th of Baisakh (end April) to commemorate the victorious battle of Bhangani.
Earlier the water of Giri river which was close to this shrine Bhangani sahib, was dried. I went to see the flow of this river up in hills and found it in full flow at Baru Sahib near Rajgarh , then followed it downwards. Near Renuka it wass diverted into a tunnel, the electricity is produced in an underground power house then water is released near Giri city. Gurdwara Tir Garhi (Bhangani) - Bhagani, a small village on the right bank of the River Yamuna in Paonta tahsil of Sirmaur district, is the place where Guru Gobind Singh fought his first battle against the hill chiefs in 1688. Although only 11 kilometres from Paonta Sahib as the crow flies, Bhangani is approached by a 22 kilometres, stretch of a winding, fair-weather though motorable road. The dispute with the hill chiefs arose when Raja Bhim Chand of Kahlur, annoyed with Guru Gobind Singh over the latter's refusal to give him a trained elephant, went to Srinagar (Garhwal) to marry his son Ajmer Chand to the daughter or Raja Fateh Chand of Garhwal. As Fateh Chand was friendly with Guru Gobind Singh, then staying at Paonta Sahib, the Guru, too, sent a few Sikhs to Srinagar with tambol, the customary wedding present in cash. Bhim Chand forced Raja Fateh Chand to refuse the present from one who was his (Bhim Chand's) enemy. Not content with that, he also made Fateh Chand and other chiefs to agree to infest Paonta after the marriage. Guru Gobind Singh on his part came to know of their plan and made preparations for a showdown. He came forward to Bhangani to meet the invaders. The battle took place on 16th April 1688 (though some chronicler differ on this point), and ended on the same day with a complete victory for the Guru. Two Gurdawaras exist at Bhangani. The one right on the river bank where the Guru had his command post is called Gurdwara Tir Garhi, and the other a few hundred yards behind it is known as Gurdwara Bhangani Sahib. A congregational fair is held on 16th, 17th and 18th of Baisakh (end April) to commemorate the victorious battle of Bhangani.
This water emerges in Yamuna nearly 2-3 Kms next to Paonta sahib. The remaining Yamuna is again dried by malfunctioning and ruining Sikh shrine which has already been stated above.
After the battle was over, Guru ji distributed awards to brave soldiers. He also asked Peer ji if he wishes anything. At that time Guru ji was combing his hairs, a few broken hairs were stuck in the comb. He demanded that comb of Guru from him as worldly materialistic things are not valued by holy men.
Guru ji cheerfully presented his comb to him. Thus was the divine love and attachment.
I have witnessed the construction of Dhak pathar dam and the tunnel through which the diverted water of river TONS is brought. There is an underground power house is constructed in this tunnel. There are totally seven hydro-electrical power houses are constructed including this power house built on water of Tons river. Other six are built on Yamuna as Tons disappear in Yamuna at Dak pathar. A bairaj is built here and a canal carries the water upto Tajewala in Haryana but this canal’s water is not used to water the harvests, only to produce electricity. All the power houses have three turbines of 11 megawatt capacity each.
Though all the Gurudwaras were brought under control of SGPC in early 1920-23 but this Gurudwara remained under possession of Mahants.
On 22nd May 1964, Sikhs tried to liberate this Gurdwara from Mahant Gurdial Singh (I have seen him several times before 64), The Mahant with the support of then govt of Himachal attacked the Sikhs doing sewa in Gurudwara. His goons & Policemen tried to terrorize Sikhs doing their duty on Tabiaa (reading Gurbani from Sri Guru Granth sahib ji) by shooting the time piece at side table to warn the Pathi singh to run away to save his life but the brave pathi singh preferred to die then disrespect of his Guru. The next bullet pierced his chest, he died on the spot reading Gurbani till his last breath but did not run to save his life.
11 Sikhs were killed on that day in this Gurudwara . It sent a wave of anger in Sikhs throughout world. Jathas (groups) from all parts of India started reaching Paonta Sahib. Ultimately the Gurudwara was brought under control of SGPC and Mahant disappeared.
Such is the love to their Guru and valor of Khalsa. Those martyred are remembered every year, a placard displaying their names and a Blue Nisan sahib is unfurled there to mark respect to them.
The foundation stone of the langar hall [adjoining main Gurudwara where about 2000 to 5000 devotees eat in this free community kitchen (Langar) daily], was laid down by Maharaja Yadwinder Singh of Patiala. I was also present there to witness it.
I have witnessed the construction of Dhak pathar dam and the tunnel through which the diverted water of river TONS is brought. There is an underground power house is constructed in this tunnel. There are totally seven hydro-electrical power houses are constructed including this power house built on water of Tons river. Other six are built on Yamuna as Tons disappear in Yamuna at Dak pathar. A bairaj is built here and a canal carries the water upto Tajewala in Haryana but this canal’s water is not used to water the harvests, only to produce electricity. All the power houses have three turbines of 11 megawatt capacity each.
Discrimnation;
Out of these seven power houses, one is built near Paonta sahib about one km upside the current of water on east coast. The water could easily be stored in a reservoir below the Gurudwara and a bairaj could be built here to keep the sanctity of the sacred place as in Haridwar, Kashi and other Hindu religious places but not.
What you see in the picture a small dam to control flow of water. This is not the water of river Yamuna but sometimes additional water is released from Aasan Bairaj which is not much but if such gates could be constructed here then why not a full reservoir was made to keep the sanctity of ghat also. See the picture below in enlarge---
The water stored in this reservoir could be flown into the canal and there would have no harm to this shrine of Sikhs but this is deliberately ruined. Could you show me any Hindu shrine, damaged like this in India?
The British built the canals but provided all facilities to follow the holy rituals at the bank of canals and rivers. Sufficient water is provided at these holy places. The Har ki pauri at Haridwar is also fed water through a canal but public does not know it. They maintained the sanctity and never hurt the religious sentiments of devotees but Indian govt only takes care of Hindu devotees only.
The British built the canals but provided all facilities to follow the holy rituals at the bank of canals and rivers. Sufficient water is provided at these holy places. The Har ki pauri at Haridwar is also fed water through a canal but public does not know it. They maintained the sanctity and never hurt the religious sentiments of devotees but Indian govt only takes care of Hindu devotees only.
The earning sources of this Gurudwara through tenants was stopped by Himachal govt through a legislation of ‘Big Landed Estates Abolition Act’. There was 120 acre land in the name of this Gurudwara but now only three acre of land is in the possession of Gurudwara. Why the SGPC did not protest and challenged it in Supreme Court is not known to me. Is there any other example if the land of any religious place ever taken and given free of cost to former tenants ?
The Nanakana Sahib – Pakistan has 18,000 acre land in it’s name and Pakistan govt never tried to takeover this land but in India
Discrowning;
A canal was built to take this water away from this power house to the next whish is a few kms away. This way the then UP govt and Himachal govt betrayed with Sikhs, there famous shrine was thus ruined and the authorities destroyed the sanctity and beauty of this holy place.
Could any govt. UP govt or Uttrakhand govt can play with the sentiments of devotee Hindus who visit to dip in holy water of Ganga at Haridwar or Kashi? If not why they ruined the holy place of Sikhs and played with the sentiments of Sikh pilgrims? Is it not an example of discrimination with Sikhs in India?
By the time this project was completed and the holy signs and Sikh religious culture was abolished at this place in mid 80. An attack to eliminate Sikhs and to suppress them, their all the holy places in Punjab were attacked to abolish their culture. 44 Sikh Gurudwaras were attacked by army.
The Himachal govt soon after came in existence did this job to deprive of the Gurudwara Paonta Sahib from its land and resources of earning. It deprived it from it’s land, it dried the river bed and lost the charm of beautiful ghat, it deprived from landscape of Yamuna forming seven shastras (weapons) of Guru, It deprived of ancient evidence of Yamuna which passes smoothly beside Gurudwara to mark it’s regard to guru as an obedient child.
How could it earn revenue from the Gurdwara land which was taken over by a legislation which was with the former tenants, the ownership was never given to them but now on transfer deeds, it earns. Actually the Court, Police station and a Govt Colony & almost all the market, bus stand may be the property of Gurudwara if it really had 120 acres (source-sikhiwiki). All these are built on this precious land which costs thousands of millions of rupees. So that it has taken over by a mischievous move of by implementing a legislation for vested interests only.
Is this not a direct interference in our religion by the govt which guarntee it’s citizen to follow their religion without interference? Is it not the violation of Rights of freedom under article 19 of the Indian constitution?
Written by;
Ajmer Singh Randhawa.
0091-9818610698.
