In 1660s, Guru Tegh Bahadur travelled through Yamunanagar to set up spiritual centres

The commemoration of the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur has brought into focus the Yamunanagar region, which the Guru traversed between 1665 and 1670 to spread Sikh principles and establish spiritual centres.

In a series of events to mark the martyrdom anniversary, the state government held a programme at Kalesar—bordering Paonta Sahib and Lohgarh region—on November 18, where CM Nayab Singh Saini announced several projects in the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Key spiritual centres were established by Guru Tegh Bahadur at Jhiwarheri, Sudhal, Buria and Tajewala. A gurdwara was later built at Jhiwarheri and a peepal tree is believed to have originated during his visit. Manji Sahib Gurdwara was established at Buria to commemorate his arrival.

Joga Singh, a member of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and life member of the Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Paonta Sahib, said around 400 years ago, this belt was sparsely populated and heavily forested. It was home to tigers, hyenas, wolves, and leopards in the Shivalik foothills. “This setting underscores that his visits were motivated by a spiritual and humanitarian mission rather than population density,” he said.

The historic Gurdwara Kapal Mochan in the region is a testimony to Guru Nanak’s early journeys and influence. This mission—from Guru Nanak to Banda Singh Bahadur in the early 18th century—culminated at Lohgarh, which became the Sikh state capital.

Guru Tegh Bahadur also contributed to Sikh fortification efforts carried out by Bhai Lakhi Shah Banjara.

As part of the commemoration programmes, the government has initiated a major forest development project at Kalesar. On November 18, Saini announced the setting up of an agriculture college at Kishanpura village of Pratap Nagar block in the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He also inaugurated the Forest, Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Block named after Guru Tegh Bahadur at Kalesar and planted 350 saplings, along with students. He also inaugurated the safari trail in the national park and unveiled Guru Tegh Bahadur Gate.

“Besides these projects, the under-construction medical college, originally named after Guru Tegh Bahadur in Yamunanagar, reflects the state’s continued efforts to honour the humanitarian, universal, and enduring mission of Guru Tegh Bahadur,” said a social worker.