The legend of Gurdwara Thehri Sahib

Thehri (Punjab), Feb 15(ANI): Gurdwara Thehri Sahib on the Malout-Bhatinda road is a place blessed by the visit of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh while on his way to Damdama Sahib, after winning the battle of Muktsar.

The guru along with his Sikh warriors made a stopover at village Thehri, where a yogi, Hukum Nath also stayed with his followers. Through meditation, he had acquired some mystical powers.

When Guru Gobind Singh arrived, the yogi tried to impress him with his mystical powers, but none of his powers worked in the presence of the Guru.

It is believed that in order to test the Sikhs, the Guru lowered his arrow to salute the grave of the Muslim saint, Qasim Bhatti. His followers immediately asked the Guru to pay a fine of Rs 25 for the unlawful act, which he willingly accepted as punishment.

"By this, Guruji wanted to teach his Sikh followers, discipline that he taught them at the time of their baptism. Guruji was satisfied that they are true to their faith. The Guru said, in future the Sikhs would be the protectors of the Sikh faith and 'maryada'. They would prosper and grow from strength to strength following his teachings," said Bhai Kuldeep Singh, priest at Gurudwara Thehri Sahib.

According to legend, the Guru halted near a group of three 'Jand' trees and rested his arms and belt on them.

The trees, which are almost 300 years old, stand as a testimony to the Guru's visit inside the gurudwara complex.

The devotees, who come to visit the gurudwara, pay their obesiance to the trees.

"As this place was visited by the Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, people have great faith in it. They come from far-off and near to pay obeisance. Guru Sahib also blessed the place by saying who ever comes here with devotion gets his wishes fulfilled," said Manjit Singh, a devotee.

Managed by the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, the old structure of the Gurudwara was transformed into a marble covered building in July 2000. By Sharwan Chaudhary (ANI)