Dastar to kangha, gurdwara preserves sacred artefacts

Gurdwara Bakhshish Parkash, one of three gurdwaras associated with Baba Dhanna Singh Kaviraj in Naushehra Pannuan village, holds special significance in the hearts of the devout.

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These gurdwaras were established during the time of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, by Baba Dhanna Singh Ji, Kaviraj. Baba Dhanna Singh was a poet (kavi) in the Darbar of Guru Gobind Singh and was renowned for his exceptional poetry, primarily created for wartime, reflecting warrior traditions and emotions. Additionally, he served by taking care of the horses for the 10th Guru.

The Gurdwara Bakhshish Parkash has preserved five handwritten Hukamnamas addressed to Baba Dhanna Singh. Two of these Hukamnamas were written by Guru Teg Bahadur and Mata Sahib Kaur, with their signatures marked on them. In the Hukamnama by Mata Sahib Kaur, instructions were given for the sangat to contribute Rs 11 for Langar. The three Hukamnamas written by Guru Gobind Singh, (one in Sammat 1758), encouraged the sangat to engage in social welfare works for the community.

In addition to the Hukamnamas, the Gurdwara also holds a Dastar and a wooden Kangha belonging to Guru Gobind Singh. The Gurdwara sees devotees from distant areas visiting round the clock to seek blessings and pay respects.

The neighbouring Gurdwara, ‘Khare Da Khalsa,’ has made special arrangements to train Sikh youth in the correct recitation of Gurbani, preparing them as Pathi Singhs, Kirtanias, Ragis, Dhadis, and preachers (katha wachek) to spread the teachings of Sikhism globally, while also promoting the adoption of Sikh traditions.

Baba Manjit Singh Mahant of Gurdwara Bakhshish Parkash shared that the Gurdwara has provisions to accommodate hundreds of devotees at a time, and with the cooperation of the sangat, the construction work continues without interruption.