Dehra Dun's Baba Ram Rai Gurudwara draws large number of devotees

Dehradun, April 1 (ANI): Baba Ram Rai Gurudwara, a popular pilgrimage centre for Sikhs and Hindus in Dehradun, is drawing a large number of devotees of all faiths.

Located in a picturesque location, the gurudwara was built by Baba Ram Rai, the eldest son of the 7th Sikh master, Guru Har Rai.

Legend has it that Baba Ram Rai was not made the Sikh Guru by his father and was forced to move away from Punjab and settle down in Dehradun valley. After reaching the city, Baba Ram Rai built a home for himself with the support of Fateh Shah, the ruler of Dehradun.

"Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb had once invited Guru Har Rai, the father of Baba Ram Rai at his court in Delhi. But Guru Har Rai could not go, but instead sent his son. At the court, Baba Ram Rai was asked several questions on various subjects to discredit Guru Har Rai and the Sikh faith. However, the Guru answered all questions wisely and also showed them some miracles," said R.L. Juyal, caretaker of Gurudwara Ram Rai.

"The overwhelmed Emperor appreciated Ram Rai and described him a 'Saint'. A message was sent to Fateh Shah of Dehradun to welcome the Guru. Emperor Aurangzeb gifted seven villages to Baba Ram Rai," Juyal added.

A large number of devotees converge at the Ram Rai Gurudwara during the annual fair, held on the 5th day after Holi. It is celebrated to commemorate the arrival of Baba Ram Rai in the city in 1699.

The fair promotes communal harmony and people from different religions and castes join in to hoist the flag. The devotees come from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and various other parts of the country.

"We pray here as we have great faith in this place. All our wishes are fulfilled. I came here when I was the minister in the year 2002. Now, I have come here after seven years and I am feeling blessed that I can raise a flag," said a devotee.

"Long after we leave this world, our children will continue to come here to raise the flag. Our next turn to raise the flag will come in 2079. For this purpose we have submitted the names of our children. Even if we die by that time our children will come here to raise the flag," said another devotee. By Ashish Goel(ANI)