Gurudwara Sahib Patshahi Nouvin Sekha Barnala

It has been recorded by Sikh historian Giani that in 1775, the place was set up after the locals being tormented by Rungarh Muslims, appealed to Baba Ala Singh for help and he was successful in driving out the cattle hustlers and claiming the region for himself.

Another report says that Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi nouvin was the place at which Shri Guru Tegbahadur Sahib Ji rested on the banks of the lake when on his Malwa Tour. He bathed in it and blessed the water body, saying that anyone who bathes here would have his/her wishes granted, which is why the sarovar is immensely popular with devotees till date. The local head of the area comprising 22 villages, Chaudary Tirloka Jawanda, was a very proud man and a follower of Madho Das Sadhu. AS the Guru sat with his disciples in sangat or congregation, Tirloka rode past on his horse and the locals spoke to the Guru about their leader's nature. The Guru also uttered some words. Later, a lady from Chaudary Tirloka Jawanda's family, eager to meet Guru Tegbahadur arrived at the spot after he had moved on, and decided to follow him till the next village, Kattu. There, she served the Guru and his Sangat with milk, requesting him to bless their family and not curse them. The Guru advised them to move to another village.

The Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi nouvin is in the village of Sekha and is a marvellous piece of architecture, standing out with its white pristine walls, a reflection of the purity of the Sikh religion itself. It is the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, which is venerated as a Guru and apart from being a religious site, the Gurdwara is a place for learning not only the Gurmukhi script but also the charitable activities which are part and parcel of the generous, universal Sikh philosophy and religion. Recitation of the ancient ardas, dating back to the 18th century and recounting the pain and suffering of the community and the past glories, helps to put in perspective for Sikhs, their own existence today, making them grateful for the blessings of God. A Gurdwara then is a symbol of the honest, secular, charitable thinking of the Sikh philosophy which is why has its doors thrown open to people from all walks of life. The term Gurdwara, loosely translated means 'doorway to the Guru'.

Here, the langar or free kitchen helps to spread the ethics of sharing, equality and oneness of all humanity. The Shabadh Kirtan, singing of the Gurbani or the Guru's word is carried out with such devotion that one can immediately feel the peace and tranquillity that descends over the place.

Photo Gallery