26th December - A Solemn Remembrance: Gurudwara Jyoti Saroop and the Saga of Unparalleled Sacrifice at Fatehgarh Sahib
26th December - A Solemn Remembrance: Gurudwara Jyoti Saroop and the Saga of Unparalleled Sacrifice at Fatehgarh Sahib
Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji: Fatehgarh Sahib's Revered Shrine, Gurudwara Jyoti Saroop, Embodies a Saga of Unmatched Sacrifice and Solemnity.
Gurudwara Jyoti Saroop, complete darshan-video
Echoes of Valour: Revisiting the Sacred Saga at Fatehgarh Sahib
As the soft hues of today’s evening sky embosom the sacred land of Fatehgarh Sahib, our hearts and souls are inevitably drawn back to the revered precincts of Gurudwara Jyoti Saroop. Here, amidst the serenity and deep reverence of this spiritual sanctuary, the moving tale of Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the youngest sons of Dashmesh Pita, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, reverberates with a timeless intensity.
On the morrow, as the Nation observes “Veer Bal Diwas-2023” and the sangat throngs in the thousands for the "Shaheedi Jor Mela" in the saffron-hued city, we stand in profound remembrance. We recall the young Sahibzadas whose supreme sacrifice is a powerful narrative of extraordinary bravery, unwavering devotion, and a resilient spirit in the face of tyranny. Their enduring legacy, forever inscribed in history and in the hearts of Sikhs everywhere, continues to inspire and guide us. It's a clarion call to embody the virtues they embodied so heroically. As we come together in contemplation and tribute, let's deeply imbue their spirit in our lives, honouring the true ethos of Sikhism and the timeless values it upholds.
On this solemn eve, I am compelled to re-share, unaltered, the words I wrote after my pilgrimage to Fatehgarh Sahib in July this year…..
===================
My visit, my emotions: With a profound sense of "bairag" stirring within me, an indescribable yearning propelled my footsteps towards Fatehgarh Sahib's revered Gurudwara Jyoti Saroop. Though I had visited this sacred shrine on numerous occasions, this time was different—a deep longing to immerse myself in its solemnity beckoned me forth. As I finally set foot within its hallowed grounds, the atmosphere enveloped me in a tranquil embrace, igniting a profound journey of introspection and enlightenment.
Stepping Inside the Gurdwara: Stepping inside the sacred premises of the historical Gurudwara Jyoti Saroop, at Fatehgarh Sahib and you will find yourself immersed in a realm of devotion, history, and profound spirituality. As I embarked on this transformative pilgrimage, I was captivated by the stories of martyrdom, resilience, and the eternal flame of faith that flickered within the hearts of the younger Sahibzadas, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh.
A Sacrifice Unparalleled in History: History unfolds within the walls of this hallowed gurdwara, where the pages of time reveal a tale of relentless oppression and unwavering courage. It was here, in the city of Sirhind, that the nefarious Wazir Khan, the Governor of Sirhind, during the reign of the the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, perpetrated an atrocity that would forever etch the names of the Sahibzadas into the annals of Sikh history, nay, the history of the world.
Rejected all lures to embrace Islam: In the tumultuous era of Mughal rule, the two younger Sahibzadas, sons of the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji, were imprisoned by Wazir Khan, while they were barely 9 and 7 years old respectively. Despite facing unimaginable suffering, these pious young warriors resolutely refused to renounce their Sikh faith and embrace Islam. With hearts steadfast and minds unwavering, they chose to adhere to the eternal riches of Sikhism, rather than succumb to the allure of material wealth or abandon their deeply held beliefs.
Nawab of Malerkotla: The cruel demands of Wazir Khan fell upon deaf ears, as these young souls refused to abandon their Sikh identity. Their sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder that the true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in the purity of one's convictions. The sands of time have witnessed the protests of the noble Nawab of Malerkotla, who vehemently opposed this act of brutality. In the face of injustice, his voice resonated as a beacon of compassion and solidarity, standing as a testament to the unity that can be forged across religious divides.
Diwan Todar Mal’s Devotion: As the shadows of tyranny grew darker, Diwan Todar Mal emerged as a true devotee, purchasing the land (every square inch of the area being valued by one gold coin (‘asharfi’) where the Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri attained martyrdom and were eventually cremated. His act of benevolence transformed this sacred ground into a sanctified site, sanctifying the eternal flame of sacrifice that burns within our hearts.
Banda Bahadur— Sirhind razed to ground: The echoes of history reverberate even beyond the confines of Fatehgarh Sahib. In 1710, Banda Bahadur, a valiant warrior, razed the city of Sirhind to the ground, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of justice. It was here that the beheading of Wazir Khan, the perpetrator of unspeakable atrocities, signified the triumph of righteousness over tyranny.
Back to live kirtan: Emerging from my reverie, my heart feels the embrace of divine presence as I turn my attention to the revered Guru Granth Sahib at the core of Gurudwara Jyoti Saroop. The enchanting melodies of kirtan fill the halls, resonating with devotion and elevating the spirits of worshippers. Within these melodic verses, the true essence of Sikhism finds expression, forging a profound connection between the worshippers and the divine1. The Guru Granth Sahib, revered as the living embodiment of the Guru, rests at the heart of every gurdwara, its divine wisdom guiding devotees who flock to pay homage and seek spiritual enlightenment2.
Gurdwara Architecture: Amidst the profound spiritual significance and captivating historical narrative, the architectural marvel of Gurudwara Jyoti Saroop stands as a resplendent testament to the opulent Sikh heritage and revered traditions. The splendid design of the gurdwara seamlessly blends the elements of simplicity and elegance, exemplifying the essence of Sikh architecture. As pilgrims and visitors enter the expansive complex, they are greeted by an ethereal ambiance that invites them to seek solace and forge a sacred connection with the divine.
Gurdwara open to all: Amidst the tales of strife, a message of acceptance and religious tolerance emanates from the heart of Punjab. In this sacred land, people of all faiths coexist harmoniously, embracing the principles of love, compassion, and unity. The doors of Gurudwara Jyoti Saroop stand open to all, embracing every soul that seeks solace, regardless of their creed or background.
Gurdwara Thanda Burj nearby, with its profound historical and spiritual significance, stands as the solemn tower where the young Sahibzadas and their grandmother Mata Gujri were imprisoned before their ultimate sacrifice. It was here that Mata Gujri, upon hearing of her grandsons' martyrdom, embraced immortality to join the divine. Today, the gurdwara stands as a testament to their unwavering faith and indomitable spirits of the young martyrs and their stoic grandmother.
Fatehgarh Sahib Sabha in December: The significance of Gurudwara Jyoti Saroop reaches its pinnacle during the “Shaheedi Jor Mela” (or Sabha) held towards the end of December (generally 25, 26 and 27 December), commemorating the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. During this time, not the gurdwara but the entire town and the surrounding area comes alive with fervent devotion as countless pilgrims gather to honor the indomitable spirits and unmatched sacrifice of the Sahibzadas. The atmosphere is infused with a deep sense of reverence and unity as devotees from all walks of life come together to pay homage and seek blessings, and community “langars” are voluntarily organised all along the road leading to the town.
“Veer Bal Diwas”: Recognizing the immense valor and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, the nobel gesture by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the day of their martyrdom as "Veer Bal Diwas" throughout the country stands as a testament to their enduring legacy. This significant acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the unparalleled bravery and unwavering faith exhibited by the Sahibzadas, inspiring generations to uphold their ideals of courage and righteousness.
Parting Note: As I conclude my pilgrimage, my heart is filled with reverence and gratitude for the sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. Their unwavering faith and unyielding courage remind us all of the strength that lies within our spirits. Gurudwara Jyoti Saroop stands as a testament to the eternal flame of sacrifice that illuminates our path, guiding us towards a future where love and understanding triumph over darkness.
My prayer: May the spirit of acceptance and religious tolerance embodied in the Sikhism, in general, and especially etched this sacred land continue to inspire us, fostering a world where the harmonious coexistence of all faiths is cherished and celebrated.3
====================
Post-Script:
To embark on this soul-stirring journey4, one can approach Gurudwara Jyoti Saroop from Chandigarh or the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway. If traveling from Chandigarh, a scenic drive through the verdant landscapes of Punjab leads you directly to the Gurdwara. For those approaching from the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway, an exit near Sirhind opens the path to the sacred destination.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VMHA8iVbtfrUcHJn8?g_st=ic
Caveat: Google Maps may not always work best.
Representative videos of the kirtan that was actually being recited.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2066823246990567/?mibextid=cr9u03
(Highlight, right click and “go to”….and click. Otherwise, copy and use browser to view this 90-second video that I had the honour to record.)
Representative video of the kirtan that was being actually recited.
Those interested further details ay refer to the following link:
https://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhs/sahibzada_zorawar_singh_sahibzada_fateh_singh.html
I visited on July 7, 2023.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏