Goindwal Sahib’s lasting impact on Sikhism

Goindwal Sahib, situated on the banks of the Beas, is referred to as the “axis of Sikhism” (Sikhi Da Dhura). The town was established in 1552 by the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das, on the orders of his predecessor, the second Sikh Guru, Guru Angad Dev.

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It is also the place where Bhai Jetha Ji (who later became the fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das) was honoured with the Tilak of Guruship by Baba Budha Ji, as Guru Amar Das appointed Guru Ram Das as his successor in 1574.

The town is the site of the death of Bhai Gurdas Ji, Guru Amar Das and Guru Ram Das. It was named after ‘Goinda,’ a businessman and follower of the Gurughar, whose family requested the establishment of the town from Guru Angad Dev. This place teaches the lesson of equality, as it was here that the tradition of ‘langar’ (community kitchen) began, with people sitting together in a common place.

When Guru Amar Das took the ‘Gurta Gaddi’ (Guruship) from Guru Angad Dev, he immediately constructed Baoli Sahib, a well for devotees to take baths. The ‘Baoli’ has 84 steps leading underground, and it is believed that anyone who takes a bath 84 times in the Baoli will be freed from the cycle of birth and death.

Historically, Akbar came here to for ‘darshan’ of Guru Amar Das and seek his blessings. Before meeting the Guru, Akbar sat in a ‘pangat’ to eat ‘langar’ with the common people. He offered all his financial support to Guru Amar Das, but the Guru advised the emperor to take actions to allow widows to remarry and abolish social evils like caste discrimination. At that time, widows were forced to commit ‘Sati’ (self-immolation with their deceased husbands). Acting on Guru Amar Das’s advice, the emperor abolished the practice of ‘Sati’. During his 22-and-a- half year of Guruship, Guru Amar Das made numerous decisions for the betterment of society, including sending 22 preachers to different regions across the country to spread the message of Sikhism. These regions corresponded to the 22 states that existed at the time. Guru Amar Das worked to eliminate the caste system and promoted social equality.

Places like Gurdwara Baoli Sahib, Gurdwara Khooh Sahib and Gurdwara Chubara Sahib are significant sites of devotion and are associated with Sikh history. Gurdwara Chubara Sahib was Guru Amar Das’s residence and Gurdwara Khooh Sahib was the ‘haveli’ (a place where animals were taken care of). Devotees from all over visit these holy places, especially during the annual ‘Mela Jagg,’ a large gathering where people come to take the sacred 84 baths at Baoli Sahib.

However, there are concerns among devotees regarding the deteriorating condition of the Baoli Sahib’s water due to the accumulation of town waste. The cleanliness of the area is a source of worry for both residents and visitors. Despite claims by the administration to curb drug use in the town, local resident report that the ‘Nimm Wali Ghati’ area continues to operate as a hub for drug trade. Despite repeated attempts to contact Manjinder Singh Lalpura, the local MLA, he has not responded.

Bhai Gurmukh Singh, who has been serving as the Head Granthi of Gurdwara Baoli Sahib since 2021, continues to work diligently to spread the teachings of the Sikh Gurus with great devotion.