When Guru Nanak 'stopped the fury of Sutlej'

The historical Gurdwara Gau Ghat (Patshahi Pehli) is situated in the interior part of the city on Gau Shala Road, near Division Number 3.

Not many residents here are aware of the great importance of this gurdwara, which is under the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

As per belief, in 1515 AD, the first Guru of Sikhs, Guru Nanak Dev, visited this place when it was a deserted land, situated on the banks of Sutlej river.

On reaching here, Guru Nanak started practising and preaching “Ik Onkar” and “Nirankar”. At that time, Nawab Jalal Khan Lodhi of Ludhiana came to pay obeisance to Guru Nanak with his courtiers. When Lodhi met Guru Nanak Dev, he submitted to him that the Sutlej was proving to be a bane for people because of its fast flow and was creating havoc.

Lodhi requested Guru Nanak to help him and the masses from the speedy flow of the Sutlej.

At this point, Guru Nanak Dev asked Lodhi to keep doing justice with his people and serve for them in the best possible manner and not to bother about the Sutlej as it would be taken care of.

Guru Nanak Dev assured the Nawab that Sutlej would flow far at a distance of seven “Koh” (Koh is an ancient unit of distance, roughly equivalent to 2.4 km) and from here, it would flow as “Buddha”, meaning old, and at a slower speed.

Guru Nanak Dev also said that with time, this place would be recognised worldwide (Ludhiana).

It is believed that since then, Sutlej "dariya" was named as “Buddha Dariya". The head granthi of the gurdwara Sohan Singh said since history was attached with this gurdwara, it was being managed by the SGPC. He also said that a main hall stood tall in the gurdwara and the sarovar here had a great importance. All Gurpurabs were celebrated here with much religious fervour and devotees came here from far-off places to pray and seek blessings of the almighty.

Tejinder Singh, a resident of Model Town, said though the gurdwara was in the interior parts of the city and reaching here was not easy due to heavy rush in the congested markets, he made sure to visit it twice a week. “I get peace and sit here for a few minutes. It gives a lot of satisfaction,” said the devotee.