Sahnewal’s pride: Historic Gurdwara Reru Sahib

Gurdwara Reru Sahib, Sahnewal, thronged by sangat from far and near, is believed to have been sanctified by the blessed feet and divine words of the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Shri Guru Gobind Singh.

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It is said that the Guru, dressed as Ucch Da Peer, left the jungles of Machhiwara along with Bhai Dya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Maan Singh, Bhai Gani Khan and Bhai Nabi Khan, and after crossing Katana Sahib, Rampur, Kanech, Sahnewal and Damdama Sahib, reached the village of Nandpur in Sahnewal on the chilly night of December 27th and 28th , 1704 (13 and 14 Poh). He slept under a Reru tree for the night. The next morning, he got up and used a twig (Datun) of the Reru tree. In the meantime, as news of the Guru’s arrival spread through the village of Nandpur, the villagers gathered in great numbers to seek the blessings of the Guru and serve him and his sangat. As the villagers served the Guru with complete devotion, he was enamoured by their sense of service.

He uttered that he had experienced the same generous love as he used to receive at Anandpur Sahib. The villagers requested the Guru to bless them with a token of remembrance. So the Guru planted the same twig (Datun) in the ground and uttered that it would remain for years to come. That twig (Datun), which has turned into a huge tree today, is said to render solace to all those who are in pain and anguish. It is believed that all those who bow with devotion at this place find their wishes fulfilled. From here, Guru Ji went to Tibba Sahib, after which he reached Alamgir Sahib.

The gurdwara has been looked after by a local committee from the very beginning. However, it was in the year 2011 that the chief caretakers of Samprada Hazoor Sahib Gurudwara Langar Sahib – Dera Sant Baba Nidhan Singh, Baba Narinder Singh and Baba Balwinder Singh – along with Jathedar Major Singh, changed the outlook of the gurdwara altogether. The building was given a complete facelift. A total of 42 rooms have been erected for the sangat, apart from open parking on one acre (amounting to Rs 5.20 crore), and the addition of basement parking, a langar hall, meeting hall, seminar hall and more.

Special efforts have been made by Kaar Seva Jathedar and in-charge of the gurdwara, Baba Major Singh, to ensure the health and longevity of the holy Reru tree. “Devotees are encouraged to show respect for the trees by not placing offerings near the roots or touching the trees with oily hands. Expert advice is sought from PAU, which has been instrumental in rejuvenating the holy tree. The experts keep a check on insect infestations, drying branches and implement strategies like pruning, spraying and pathological studies from time to time,” said Baba Major Singh.

President of the Managing Committee, Baljit Singh, said that the parkash utsavs of of Gurus, along with Baisakhi and monthly Sangrand, are celebrated with complete fervour. “A congregation of more than 10,000 devotees throng the place to pay obeisance and partake in langar.

In the beginning, just the devotees of the town participated in the birth anniversary celebrations, but with the passage of time, as more and more people came to know about the historic importance of this gurdwara, sangat came to visit the place as a matter of routine. On such occasions, the gurdwara is visited by devotees from all over Punjab and even from other states,” shared the secretary of the gurdwara, Malkit Singh.