Gurudwara Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Mandi

Guru Gobind Singh was invited to Mandi by Raja Siddh Sen to stay at his place. But Guru Gobind Singh preferred to stay on the banks of river Beas. Inside this river, a big stone was there, on which, the darbar was held by the Guru. On that site a beautiful Gurdwara had been located which has now become a famous pilgrimage spot. Even today, some of the relics of Guru Gobind Singh had been preserved in this spot, which includes a cot and a rifle.

History

Gurudwara Guru Gobind Singh Sahib is situated in the town of Mandi on Mandi - Kullu National highway number 21. On invitation by the ruler Raja Siddh Sen, the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh had pitched his camp outside the town. The palace is still maintained by the Ruling family. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib stayed at that place for about 6 Months and 19 days. One day when Guru Gobind Singh Sahib was about to leave Mandi, Raja Siddh Sen requested him to stay over and save them from the cruelty of Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. He was asked to stay in order to unite the Hindu rulers to fight against the powerful Mughal emperor. At that time, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib aimed at a clay pitcher in River Beas. The Guru fired on that pitcher and soon whole of it was on fire and was saved. It was still floating on the river. After this, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib said

"Aise Bachi Ye Handi Vaise Bachegi Teri Mandi, Jo Mandi ko Lutenge Aasmani Gole Chutenge". Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's belongings are still preserved in the Gurudwara. They include the Holy bed, Holy Gun, Holy Gun Kuppy, Holy Rawab and Holy Talai that is Mattress. During his stay in Mandi, there was a rock in River Beas on which Guru Gobind Singh Sahib used to meditate daily that also has been preserved.

How to Reach

Mandi is about 165km from the capital of Himachal Pradesh that is Shimla and 225km from Pathankot. It is situated at a height of about 2000ft above sea level. Buses are available frequently from Shimla to Manali via Bilaspur and are also between Pathankot and Mandi via Kangra. Mandi is also connected to major cities by bus, train or plane facility.

By Air

Mandi does not have an airport. The nearest airport is the Bhuntar Airport at Kullu which is just 60km away from Mandi. Cities like Delhi, Shimla, Pathankot, Dharamsala and Chandigarh are well connected to Kullu by air. Taxies and bus services are available from Kullu to reach Mandi. The nearest international airport is Indira Gandhi International airport at Delhi which is 460km away from Mandi. Delhi is connected to most of the cities of the country by air. Taxi and bus services are also available from Delhi to reach Mandi.

By Rail

Mandi does not have a railway station. It is not possible to directly travel by train and reach Mandi. Nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar railway station which is situated 50km away from Mandi. It is connected well to Chandigarh by railway services. Taxis are available from Joginder Nagar railway station to reach Mandi.

By Road

Mandi has an excellent transport facility by road. Taxis and buses are available frequently from all major towns and cities. Further journey by road is very comfortable because of its well constructed roads and highways. Buses run by both private and government operators connect Mandi to major towns like Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala, Chandigarh and Palampur and are easily available. Every hour local buses are available.

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