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Gurudwara Katana Sahib
Gurudwara Degsar Sahib, known as Gurudwara Katana Sahib, exists in village Katana situated along with Sirhind Canal on the Doraha Nillon road closer to Grand Trunk Road. The tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh had stayed here for a night here when he was proceeding to Alamgir with Muslim brothers Ghani Khan and Nabi Khan around 1705AD in the disguised appearance of a Sufi saint.
During colonial rule, the British Government which was proposing to construct an irrigational canal across this Gurudwara site recognized the sanctity of the location and changed their plan not to disturb this shrine for that purpose.
Gurudwara Katana Sahib is said to have been visited by Guru Hargobindji during his Malwa tour in 1631-34, the Guruji at that time had carried 7 Guns and accompanied by some Horsemen. Guruji had taken rest for one night tying his horse with the Ber tree nearby.
When Guru Gobind Singhji came here from Machiwara, he had had his first meal here after Machiwara and offered ‘deg’ with his own hands, hence this place is referred to as Degsar. The term ‘Deg’ is derived from Persian language, implying offer of benevolence or munificence, while literally it means a kettle to distribute food. This Gurudwara is having a well-planned structure and located along a canal giving a panoramic view. Among the festivals, the Sangrand and Prakash Utsav celebrated in honor of the tenth Guru are noteworthy.
History
The History of Gurudwara Katana Sahib is concerned with the history of the visits of 6th and 10thGurujis of Sikhism, and the British Engineer Smith’s experience while undertaking a canal project are events connected with this Gurudwara bearing significant importance.
The sixth Guru of Sikhism, Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib had visited this place on 20th Phagun 1675. At that time, Guruji brought with him 7 cannons and 1100 horse riders. The Prisoner Chandu Qaidi who was connected with Shri Guru Arjan Devji's martyrdom, also accompanied him. The Holy Guruji wearing a gown with 52 flower buds freed 52 prisoners from the Gwalior fort. These prisoners were held by the Mughal emperor. He also took rest here for a night, tying his horse in a nearby "Ber" tree. This spot is now known as Damdama sahib.
The tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, with the appearance of "uchh da pir", came to Katana on 11 Poh 1761 Bikrami, accompanied by Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharamsingh and Bhai Maan Singh. The entourage included Bhai Ghani khan and Bhai Nabi khan, the two Muslim brothers who helped Guruji and his companions safely complete their travel. Guruji got his bed made under the "ber sahib" and took rest. It is at this place he had his food and distributed the "deg" with his holy hands to others, naming this place as "Degsar sahib". Because of this, whoever offers deg with a wish, it is believed that such person’s desire would be fulfilled By Guru Sahib’s grace.
In the year 1854, the British Government conducted a survey for constructing a canal in Sirhind River, with an intention of rerouting the river affecting the place the Gurudwara is situated now. But, miraculously the British Engineer, Mr. Smith, who was overseeing the digging work lost his eyesight while attempting to cut the "Beri Sahib". Also, blood oozed out wherever the "beri sahib" was cut. Thereupon, the engineer regretted for his act and offered ‘deg’ of Rs 51 after which he got his sight back. Afterwards, the project was so modified that the river would go circuitously, leaving this spot untouched by the canal.
How to Reach
The Gurudwara Katana Sahib is in the North east of Ludhiana in 25 km distance, and one can reach this place by 5 km road travel from Doraha, both these places having good road connections with Katana Sahib. Punjab State Road Transport Corporation runs buses to this place from Ludhiana.
Ludhiana has a prominent railway station well connected with Delhi and most of other important railway Stations.
Ludhiana airport is located in a small town of Ludhiana, Sahnewal which is at a distance of 5 kilometers southeast of Ludhiana on the GT Road. Plenty of taxis are available at the Airport to reach Doraha.
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