ROHTAK (28º-56'N, 76º-34'E), district town in Haryāṇā, claims two historical shrines, both dedicated to Gurū Tegh Bahādur.

        GURDWĀRĀ BAṅGLĀ SĀHIB is on the north-western outskirts of the city. Gurū Tegh Bahādur stayed at this site, near a pond. A small shrine was later raised on the spot. The shrine was under Udāsī priests until 1924, when a local committee of Sikhs took possession of it with official intervention and assistance. The Udāsīs had permitted the construction, on the Gurdwārā land, of some Hindu shrines which still exist within its compound. Since the influx of Sikh immigrants from Pakistan in 1947, the Gurdwārā has undergone considerable extensions. A large hall with a verandah on three sides was added during the 1950's. The Gurdwārā is administered by a local committee, under the auspices of the Shiromaṇī Gurdwārā Parbandhak Committee.

        GURDWĀRĀ MĀĪ SĀHIB. While staying at the site now occupied by Gurdwārā Baṅglā Sāhib, Gurū Tegh Bahādur visited at her request the home of a devoted old lady; who lovingly cooked a meal for him. The house thus sanctified by the Gurū's visit continued to be acknowledged as a holy place and in time became Gurdwārā Sāhib, i.e. Gurdwārā dedicated to the devout lady. It comprises a single room with a small compound in front, and is served by a granthī appointed by the local Gurdwārā committee.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

  1. Narotam, Tārā Siṅgh, Srī Guru Tīrath Saṅgrahi. Kankhal, 1975
  2. Giān Siṅgh, Giānī, Twārīkh Gurdūariāṅ. Amritsar, n.d.

Major Gurmukh Siṅgh (Retd.)