Ghulal village, located a short distance from the Ludhiana-Chandigarh highway near Samrala in Punjab, preserves a significant chapter of Sikh history intertwined with a strong tradition of education. The village is home to Gurdwara Shastar Bhet (Patshahi Dasvin), marking the site where Guru Gobind Singh is believed to have briefly halted in December 1704, bestowing a lasting blessing upon the community.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that local tradition holds that Guru Gobind Singh, disguised as ‘Uch da Pir’ to evade Mughal forces following the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib, arrived at Ghulal. He was accompanied by his companions Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Maan Singh, Bhai Ghani Khan, and Bhai Nabi Khan. Their arrival on 11 Poh (December 1704) is a pivotal event in the village’s historical narrative.
At that time, Ghulal was home to a devout Sikh named Bhai Jhanda ji, renowned for his exceptional skills in crafting weapons. His devotion to the Guru was profound, and he consistently sent his finest handmade arrows as offerings to Anandpur Sahib. Despite his unwavering faith, Bhai Jhanda ji yearned for an opportunity to meet the Guru in person.
The news of Guru Gobind Singh’s presence in his village filled Bhai Jhanda ji with immense joy. He immediately proceeded to meet the Guru, carrying a finely crafted bow, two kirpans, and twenty-two arrows that he had meticulously made himself. With deep emotion, he presented these offerings at the Guru’s feet. Guru Gobind Singh graciously accepted the heartfelt tribute of weapons, bestowing a special blessing upon the artisan and his family.
This historical encounter led to the site being recognized as Gurudwara Shaster Bhet. Although the Guru’s stay was brief, with his departure under the cover of darkness towards Lall Kalan and Sri Katana Sahib, those few hours imbued Ghulal with a sacred significance that endures to this day. The precise location where this historic meeting occurred has been meticulously preserved within the gurdwara complex, allowing devotees to feel a tangible connection to the past.
A senior member of the gurdwara management committee, Baba Jagroop Singh, shared that the villagers maintain a strong emotional bond with the sacred site. He emphasized the enduring spirit of complete surrender exemplified by Bhai Jhanda ji, stating that every villager strives to uphold this ethos in their daily lives. He further elaborated that every household in Ghulal contributes financially, as well as with milk and rations, for the upkeep of the langar, and the children derive immense joy from serving the thousands of pilgrims who visit the holy place from across the region.
However, the village’s narrative extends beyond its spiritual heritage. The elders of Ghulal embodied a spirit of collective sacrifice similar to Bhai Jhanda ji’s devotion, dedicating their resources for the common good. In the early 20th century, village elders, including Babu Hira Singh, Daya Singh, Giani Harchand Singh, and Bhai Ishar Singh, initiated efforts to promote education. They established the Khalsa High School, which operated entirely on donations collected during religious congregations. The institution was later transferred to the Punjab Education Department in 1988-89.
At Gurdwara Shastar Bhet, the concepts of ‘shastar’ (weaponry, symbolizing courage) and ‘shaastar’ (scripture, representing knowledge) coexist harmoniously. For Ghulal, the gurdwara and Khalsa High School are not viewed as separate entities but as integral parts of the village’s identity. The weapons crafted by Bhai Jhanda ji signify the essential courage required for the defense of righteousness. This courage, however, is meant to be guided by wisdom and understanding, reflecting the Guru’s philosophy that faith without action is incomplete, and action without insight is misguided.
The Chenab Times News Desk