Gurdwara Khara Sahib at Bhaike Mattu
Not much promotion of the heritage has been done because the media mostly run after the hardcore rating winning news. The soft side of Pakistan is so far being neglected and all our generation knows about Pakistan is the instability of economy and critical situations in politics.
Pakistan is a hub of heritage, if explored. Somehow, the heritage remained unnoticed and hidden in Pakistan and could not gain much importance. This is the reason that our new generation is unaware of the jewels we have in Pakistan. Another reason is that the government or the national media also neglected the heritage. Not much promotion of the heritage has been done because the media mostly run after the hardcore rating winning news. The soft side of Pakistan is so far being neglected and all our generation knows about Pakistan is the instability of economy and critical situations in politics.
Let me clear in my writing that what we see Pakistan on our TV is not actually what it is. This is a beautiful land that holds many remains and jewels of the past and present. Each province and its cities are enriched with heritage. Starting from Peshawar and going down to Sindh, we have world class monuments depicting the history and glory of the past. Yes, a point to ponder on is the dilapidated and neglected conditions of the monuments. Here I am writing about a Gurdwara that needs restoration and protection.
Let me tell a little about what a Gurdawara is to my readers. A Gurdwara (door to the Guru) is the place of worship for Sikhs. However, people from all faiths, and those who do not profess any faith, are welcomed in the Sikh Gurdwara just like they visit the Darbaars of the Muslim Sufi Saints. Pakistan has a number of Gurdwaras but not all are functional. A typical structure of Gurdwara has a Darbar Sahib where the current and everlasting Guru of the Sikhs, the Holy Scripture Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a Takhat (an elevated throne) in a prominent central position. The Raagis (who sing Ragas) recite, sing and explain the verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, in the presence of the holy congregation. All Gurdwaras have a Langar hall, where people can eat free vegetarian food. A Gurdwara may also have a library, nursery, and classroom where the Sikh preaching and studies are carried out.
Though we see many Gurdwaras in Lahore, but let us come to another city today which is Gujranwala, a city of Pakistan is also known as the “City of Wrestlers” (Palwana da shehr in Punjabi). Gujranwala is an industrial city and one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Due to extensive road and rail links, the city’s manufacturing and agricultural sectors have flourished. Gujranwala is located on the Grand Trunk Road (connecting it with Peshawar, Lahore and Islamabad). Gujranwala is known for its production of sugarcane, melons and grains for export. It exports one of the world’s finest varieties of rice. The city has commercial and industrial centers for manufacturing ceramics, fans, electrical switch gears, engineering tools, earth moving machinery, steel, cutlery, crockery, iron safes, metal tools, utensils, textiles, woolen sweaters, sanitary fittings and leather. It has produced some of the best known wrestlers and bodybuilders on the subcontinent. With all these features it is also a historic city and houses several monuments and Gurdwaras are among them.
A village by the name Bhaike Mattu is located about two kilometers south-east of the Police Station Noshehra Virkan of Tehsil Gujranwala, Pakistan. The Gurdawara of Khara Sahib is located just before the entrance to the Village.
Historic references quote that the Sixth Patshah Guru Hargobind Ji (also known as Saccha Badshah – meaning The True Emperor) lived there for some time. He was eleven years old when he became Guru on 30 May 1606, after the execution of his father, Guru Arjan, by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. He is remembered for initiating a military tradition within Sikhism for protecting the freedom of religion. Guru Hargobind excelled in matters of state, and his Darbar (court) was noted for its splendour. The arming and training of some of his devoted followers began, the Guru came to possess seven hundred horses, and his Risaldari (army) grew to three hundred horsemen and sixty gunners in the due course of time. Additionally, five hundred men from the Majha area of the Punjab were recruited as infantry. Guru Hargobind built a fortress at Amritsar called Lohgarh “Fortress of iron”. He had his own flag and war-drum which was beaten twice a day. He had the longest tenure as Guru, lasting 37 years, 9 months and 3 days.
Historic accounts also narrate an incident that When Sixth Patshah Guru Hargobind Ji was staying there a man came and sat close to Patshah after prostrating before him. His moustaches had turned yellow due to smoking. Guru Dev Ji asked his name. “Hargobind is my name”, he replied. Sat Guru Dev Ji said, “You carry this name yet you commit offense of smoking”. He quitted smoking, sought forgiveness for the past deeds and became a disciple o’ Guru Dev Ji.
The building of the Gurdwara is very attractive, floors are built in black and white tiles and walls are decorated with paintings of flowers. The ceiling too is decorated in floral designs. Many plaques bearing the names of the people who helped in its repair and maintenance are also seen. Carved inscriptions are also seen on the ceilings and walls of the Gurdwara. The place is also embellished with the fresco works.
Historic references quote that a festival used to be held on the 7th of Saawan at this place. Currently, the Gurdwara’s building is being damaged and misused as animals are fed directly outside it. Buffalos it is not well kept, although the main building is intact still some parts of it are neglected. This in my opinion can be one of the main tourist spots and if opened it can promote religious tourism.
