Rare relics of Guru Gobind Singh exhibited at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

In a remarkable tribute to Guru Gobind Singh on his birthday, an exhibition titled ‘Sahib-e-Kamaal’ has been organised at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, offering visitors a rare and intimate glimpse into the spiritual legacy of the revered Guru. The week-long exhibition is a collaboration between the National Institute of Punjab Studies, Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. It highlights some of the most precious relics associated with Guru Gobind Singh, many of which have been preserved by families directly blessed by the Guru himself.The exhibition, which began with an Ardas (prayer) on Monday, features a collection of about 26 slides that chart the journey of Guru Gobind Singh from Patna to Nanded. The opening slide bears the title of the exhibition and sets the tone for the visual journey that follows, with the first translite showcasing a rare miniature painting of Guru Gobind Singh, currently housed in the Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata.

Among the many highlights of the exhibition are the rare relics of Guru Gobind Singh, preserved by the families of Bhais Rama and Tiloka. Featured in the exhibition are a Hukumnama (order) from the Guru, a personal Gutka (prayer book), a small Kirpan, and other items that were part of the Guru's personal belongings. The remarkable artifact on display is a Hukamnama dated August 2, 1696, which Guru Gobind Singh issued to the Sangat (congregation) of Bhai Rupa, designating his house as the Guru’s own.

Another significant aspect of the exhibition is the display of relics from the childhood of Guru Gobind Singh, including arrows and other weapons that the young Guru used while playing mock battles with his companions in the vicinity of Takhat Sri Harimandir Sahib in Patna.

The exhibition includes a prayer book, small weapons, and daggers with jade handles that were passed down through the generations. Perhaps one of the most striking relics is a shield made of rhino skin, believed to have been used by Guru Gobind Singh during the famous battle of Chamkaur.

“Baba Phul, an ancestor of the families of Bhais Rama and Tiloka, was blessed by Guru Hargobind, the Sixth Guru,” explained Mohinder Singh, Director of Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan. “As a result of the blessings from both the sixth and tenth Gurus, these families, known as the Phulkian families, came to rule the princely states of Patiala, Nabha, and Jind.”

In a parallel event, a similar exhibition was inaugurated in Sonepat by Haryana's Chief Minister at a state-level function.