Saturday, October 12, 2024

Preserving Sacred Roots: Bangladesh’s Gurdwara Tola Embarks on New Chapter

by Parminder Singh Sodhi

In a momentous event marked by spiritual reverence and historical significance, devotees led by Baba Sukha Singh, the esteemed head of the Kar Seva sect, Sarhali, gathered at Gurdwara Tola in Bangla Bazar, Dhaka. Here, amidst solemn prayers and heartfelt devotion, Baba Sukha Singh laid the foundation stone for the new Darbar Hall within the gurdwara premises.

Addressing the devout sangat assembled, Baba Sukha Singh invoked the memory of the ninth Sikh master, Guru Teg Bahadur, who graced this very shrine during his profound journey to the east. It was within these sacred walls that Guru Teg Bahadur received the blessed tidings of the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, and where he inscribed edicts in the name of the devout sangat of Patna. The resonance of history and spirituality intertwining at this revered site adds a profound depth to its significance.

The Kar Seva sect, Sarhali Sahib, assumed the sacred duty of serving Gurdwara Sahib in Dhaka in 2004, thus renewing a commitment to preserving the sanctity of Sikh heritage in the region. The journey of this gurdwara is intertwined with the tumultuous history of the subcontinent, as Sikh families were compelled to migrate from Dhaka during the partition of 1947, leaving behind a legacy that endured through the ages despite encroachments upon its lands.

The laying of the foundation stone for the Darbar Hall stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication to preserving the historical essence of this sacred space. Importantly, this endeavor does not seek to erase the past but rather to honor it, as the original historical building will be retained alongside the new construction. It is a harmonious blend of tradition and progress, ensuring that the legacy of Guru Teg Bahadur and the sacredness of Gurdwara Tola endure for generations to come.

As Baba Sukha Singh welcomed the devout sangat who had traveled to pay homage to the shrines of Bangladesh, he extended a heartfelt call to the global community of Guru Nanak Naam Lewa Sangat, urging them to contribute to the maintenance and preservation of this cherished historical site. In this collective endeavor, spanning continents and cultures, lies the essence of Sikh ethos – the spirit of seva (selfless service) and the commitment to uphold the values imparted by the Gurus.

The laying of the foundation stone for the new Darbar Hall at Gurdwara Tola, Bangla Bazar, symbolizes not just a physical structure but a spiritual beacon, guiding generations towards the eternal light of Sikh principles and the profound legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Parminder Singh Sodhi

You may also like

Khalsa Vox

Khalsa Vox is a new-age online digest that brings to you the latest in Punjab politics, history, culture, heritage and more.

Latest Stories

Khalsa Vox, All Right Reserved.