In a rare and momentous event that unfolded on the 22nd of November in the year 1664, the revered Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji embarked on a maiden visit to the sacred precincts of Sri Harmandar Sahib Ji. This marked a significant occasion, as no Guru had graced the holy grounds since Guru Hargobind Ji’s departure in 1636 for Kiratpur.
However, this pilgrimage was not without its challenges. The custody and management of the spiritual sanctuary had fallen into the hands of the Minas, a faction in opposition to the Gurus. The Minas, descendants of Prithi Chand, were members of a heretical sect founded by him. Their dominance over the revered site led to a clash with the revered Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
As Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji approached the Gurdwara, the doors were callously shut by the Minas, forbidding him from entering the sacred premises. Undeterred by this opposition, Guru Ji and his entourage established a makeshift camp a few meters away from the Gurdwara, situated to the north of Sri Akal Takht.
This historic campsite later witnessed the construction of a Gurdwara known as Thara Sahib, a lasting tribute commemorating the Guru’s steadfast sojourn in the face of adversity. The Minas’ resistance did not break the spirit of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and his disciples, notably Makhan Shah, eventually gained access to Sri Harmandar Sahib Ji.
On the night of Guru Ji’s prayers, under the radiant glow of the full moon, the sanctity of the moment transcended the challenges posed by the Minas. The timeless verses of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji echoed in the sacred air, reminding all those present of the eternal truth:
“O Nanak! Sing the glorious Praise of the Lord And give up all other entanglements.”
These verses encapsulate the profound spiritual essence of the visit, emphasizing the eternal connection between the divine and the devotee. The tale of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sojourn at Sri Harmandar Sahib Ji serves as a testament to the resilience of the Sikh spirit in the face of opposition and adversity.
In the words of Guruji:
“Such beauty lies hidden, In the ocean of tales, Waiting to be told.”
Indeed, this hidden beauty has now been unveiled, revealing a chapter of history that exemplifies unwavering faith and devotion, resonating through the ages and inspiring generations to come.
