Gurdwara Sri Chola Sahib, Dera Baba Nanak — Local services in Punjab

History of Gurudwara Sri Chola Sahib Dera Baba Nanak Gurdwara Sri Chola Sahib Dera Baba Nanak History (Holy Robe of SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI)

Sri Chola Sahib of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji Maharaj

Before the birth there was a great terror, injust and excesses in this world. There was no body to hear the voice of poor and lady. The people became anti religious and there was no distinction between truth and lie then land called for sole.

Hearing the voice of land, for the welfare of mankind he (Nanak) was sent to the world for the welfare of Kaljugi People. And for the welfare of Kaljugi people he took four long Travels (Udasies). Bhai Gurdas Ji has written.

”Kaljug Babe Tarea Satnam Da par Mantar Sunaia Kal Taran Guru Nanak Aiea” Guru Nanak Dev had undertaken Four Long Travels to ameliorate the world. During his third travel Guru Nanak Ji went Arbrain Countries. Lajward was the ruler of Arabia. He was very cruel toward Hindus. In order to reform him Guru Nanak Dev Ji got the verses of Quran imprinted in Urdu and Persian languages alongwith some figure work of Arithmetic of Nature in short hand on his Robe and went to the Capital of Arabia. Gradually the news reached the king that a Hindu Faquir (Holyman) has arrived in the capital wearing a Robe imprinted with verses of Quran and Arithmatic of Nature. The King ordered his Minister to take off that Robe from Guru Ji body. The Minister obeying the orders of the king, went to Guru Ji and requested him to take off the old Robe and wear a new one.

”Babe Bheikh Banaiya, Udasi Ki Reet Challai Chariya Sodan Dharat Lokai” Guru Ji told him that he did not wear that Robe of his own and will not take it off, If the Minister wants he can take if off himself. The Minister made many efforts to take off the Robe but wasnot successful. At one stage the Robe became the part of Guru Ji’s Skin and thus the Minister felt low and narrated the King about all this. The king was furious and blamed about the possession of Evil-spirits by Guru Ji.

The king orded the Minister to torture Guru Ji. The minister tried many means to torture Guru Ji including Burning with fire, Hang Him from the gallows, Imprison Him in the cage, Threw Him down the mountain, Buried Hime alive and Drowned Him in the river but could not harm Guru Ji. Seeing all these miracles the King accepted defeat and surrendered himself at the feet of Guru Ji

After completing four travels Guru Ji reached Kartarpur town in Punjab (India). He took off His Hermit Robe and wore worldly clothes. He started living a simple life and tilled his land for a long period of 17 years : 7 months and 9 days. Then Guru Nank Dev Ji bestowed Guruship to Guru Angad Dev Ji (Second Master Sikhs) alongwith six symbols of Udasi Dress including his Holy Robe. Guru Angad Dev Ji passed on the Guruship alongwith these symbols to Guru Amar Dass Ji (third master of Sikhs). Similarly these symbols were passed on to Guru Ram Dass Ji (Fourth Master) and Guru Arjun Dev Ji (Fifth Master).

During the construction of Holy Tank of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab (India) one Bhai Tota Ram resident of Bakhara (Town in Uzbekistan) served with great devotion. (Inspite of injured foot he continued to give his sevices. One of the disciples informed Guru Arjan Dev Ji about incidence. Guru Ji called Tota Ram and said ”I am very happy with your dedicated services, you can ask for a favour” Bhai Tota Ram replied ”With your grace I have all worldly possessions like Children, Property and Wealth etc., but my place is devoid of Gursikhi, kindly bestow me with it” Guru Ji was very happy with him and since the Holy Granth (Guru Granth Sahib) was not prepared at that time and after giving a great deep thought, the Holy Robe was passed on to Bhai Tota Ram. The remaining five symbols were given to the Sodhi Clan. Out of these Selhi/Topi is not at Kiratpur Sahib (Town of Sodhi Clan) Whereas Rosary, The Holy Book and Wooden footwear are at Guru Har Sahai a town of Distt. Ferozpur in Punjab (India). Bhai Tota Ram went back to his native place Bokhara...

Dera Baba Nanak, one of the most sacred places of the Sikhs, is situated on the banks of river Ravi.Three famous Gurudwaras at Dera Baba Nanak are Sri Darbar Sahib[2], Sri Chola Sahib[3] and Tahli Sahib (Gurudwara of BaBa Sri Chand ji) eldest son of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. Guru Nanak,the first Sikh Guru settled and mingled with the Almighty[neutrality is disputed] near the village Pakhoke Mehmaran, opposite to the present town and named it Kartarpur - a town which lies over the border in Pakistan.The Bedis (Khatris),descendants of Guru Nanak built a new town and named it Dera Baba Nanak after their ancestor.

The town has a number of Gurdwaras. Pilgrims[2] come to this holy town in large numbers. Dera Baba Nanak was made the headquarters of the newly created Tehsil of Dera Baba Nanak. Dera Baba Nanak is a historical town and has many lanes and houses that have been preserved since the time of Guru Nanak. Also from this town, pilgrims can see across the border into Pakistan and see the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib...

Positive: ✅

🏰 Historical significance Gurdwara Sri Chola Sahib holds historical importance as it is associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji attracting devotees and tourists interested in Sikh history

🙏 Spiritual ambiance The gurdwara provides a serene and tranquil environment for meditation and prayer offering solace to visitors seeking spiritual connection

🍲 Community service Like many other gurdwaras Sri Chola Sahib likely offers langar community kitchen services providing free meals to all visitors which fosters a sense of community and equality

Negative: ❌

🏗️ Limited amenities Being a historical site the gurdwara may lack modern amenities and facilities which could inconvenience some visitors

♿ Accessibility challenges Depending on its location and infrastructure the gurdwara might face accessibility challenges for people with disabilities including those...