Gurdwara Charan Kamal

Gurudwara Charan Kamal is a religious and historically significant house of worship and very sacred to the Sikh community. The Gurudwara is located in the Kiratpur Sahib city, Rupnagar district. Situated on the banks of the River Sutlej, Kiratpur district was established by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru.

The city also houses some other significant Gurudwaras. Prominent among them is the Gurudwara Patal Puri, a sacred site for immersing the ashes of the dead. It is considered an important immersion place as Guru Hargobind and Guru Har Rai Ji were cremated here in 1644 and 1661 respectively. Guru Harkrishan’s ashes too were immersed here in 1664.

History

Gurudwara Charan Kamal in Kiratpur Sahib is built on a mound overlooking one of the canals from Nangal Dam. This place was the meeting ground between the First Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev and a Muslim saint, Pir Buddan Shah. Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited the place much before its establishment as a city during one of his preaching tours known as Udasi. During his meeting with the Muslim saint, Pir Buddan Shah who lived in vicinity much religious discourse were preached and shared. It is said the Pir offered a glass of fresh goat’s milk to Guru Nanak Devji. Guru Saheb asked the Pir to preserve the milk saying that he would ask for it later.

It was in 1627, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the Sixth Guru established the Kiratpur Sahib City and went to meet Pir Buddan Shah asking for the preserved glass of milk. In memory of the meeting between the First Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev and Pir Buddan Shah, Gurdwara Charan Kamal was built on the sacred spot. Pir Buddan Shah died after the establishment of Kiratpur by Guru Hargobind and a mausoleum was built to honor the Pir on a nearby hill.

In 1627, the Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji wished to establish a town in the Rupnagar district and his son Baba Gurditta bought land from Raja Tara Chand of Kehloor. Kiratpur Town is sacred as it was blessed by the presence of other Sikh Gurus too. The Seventh Guru, Guru Har Rai and Eighth Guru, Guru Harkrishan's was born here. They also received their Gurgadi at this place.

After the execution by beheading Guru Tegh Bahadur ji in Delhi in 1675, his devoted follower Bhai Jaita escaped with the guru's revered head and handed it over with great respect and devotion to Guru Gobind Singh and his followers in Kiratpur Town.

To honor this supreme martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, the Punjab Government constructed a pillar in Kiratpur Town, inscribing Guru Gobind Singh Ji's words on it, "The Lord (Guru Tegh Bahadur) protected their paste mark (Tilak) - and the sacred thread. A great deed he enacted in the age of kala (darkness)".

Location and its Surroundings

Kiratpur Town in Rupnagar District is located on the banks of the River Sutlej. It is in close proximity to other main cities in Punjab namely Anandpur about 10 kms and Chandigarh about 90 kms. It can be reached using the National Highway 21 on the Nangal-Rupnagar-Chandigarh road.

There are other gurudwara in the town like Patalpuri Sahib, Babangarh Sahib, Baba Gurdita Ji, Manji Sahib and Shish Mahal Sahib. The town also houses a few temples.

Celebrations

The Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth Sikh community in the year 1699 are celebrated as Baisakhi or Vaisakhi festival by Sikhs all over the world. Special programs are held in the Gurudwara here with devotees offering flowers. Other festivals include the Battle of Saragarhi Day on 12 September, the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, birthdays of other Gurus, Bandi Chhor Divas and many others. Langars are organized where free food is served to all irrespective of caste and creed.

Travelling to Kiratpur, Rupnagar

By Air

The closest airport is the Chandigarh Airport. It is serviced by numerous domestic air operators that connect the Union Territory of Chandigarh to other major Indian airports. From the airport, taxis and buses can be availed to reach Kiratpur Sahib.

By Train

There are a limited number of trains that halt at Kiratpur Sahib Railway station, hence it is advisable to use the Rupnagar Railway Station that has well-connected train links to many Northern States. From the station, one can make use of local taxis, autos or state buses to reach the Gurdwara Charan Kamal.

By Road

Rupnagar can easily be reached by road from most parts of Punjab especially Chandigarh located only 42 kms away from here and Delhi. State transport is the best option as the frequency is higher and rates are quite reasonable. One can also avail buses of private operators that have A/C and Non A/C buses and taxis. As Rupnagar district is well-known, self-driven vehicles are also a good option. Roads are well marked.

Services

The gurudwara provides free food in Langars for all who seek darshan and allows Seva to be done by the devotees.