http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarn_Taran_Sahib

Tarn Taran Sahib

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2011)

Tarn Taran Sahib
city
Gurdwara Tarn Taran Sahib
Tarn Taran Sahib Location in Punjab, India
Coordinates: 31.4491°N 74.9205°ECoordinates: 31.4491°N 74.9205°E
Country	India
State	Punjab
District	Tarn Taran
Government
• President of municipal corporation	S. Bhupinder Singh Khera
Area
• Total	6 km² (2 sq mi)
Elevation	226.5 m (743.1 ft)
Population (2011)^[1]
• Total	66,847
• Density	464/km² (1,200/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	Punjabi
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	143401
Telephone code	+91 (0) 1852
Vehicle registration	PB46-
Sex ratio	764^[2] ♂/♀
Website	www.tarntarancity.com

Tarn Taran Sahib (Punjabi: ਤਰਨ ਤਾਰਨ ਸਾਹਿਬ, Hindi: तरन तारन साहिब) is a city in the state of Punjab, in northern India. It is the district headquarters and hosts the municipal council of Tarn Taran district.

History[edit]

Tarn Taran Sahib was founded by the Fifth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563–1606). He laid the foundation ofSri Tarn Taran Sahib Temple. Tarn Taran Sahib was part of the Bhangi Sikh Dynasty ruled by a powerful Sikh family of the Dhillon Clan from 1716 to 1810.

In 1947, the year of the Partition of India and the Partition of Punjab, Tarn Taran was the only tehsil (district) in Punjab, along with Shiekhupura, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Hoshiapur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Lyallpur, and Patiala, with a majority Sikh population. The city was a center of the Sikh insurgency during the 1980s and early 1990s. Tarn Taran Sahib was suggested as the capital of Khalistan, the proposed Sikh independent nation. The main occupation in this area is agriculture and agroindustry, with very few other industries.

Tarn Taran district was formed in 2006. The declaration to this effect was made by Captain Amarinder Singh, Ex-Chief Minister of Punjab, during the celebrations marking the martyrdom day of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. With this, it became the 19th district of Punjab.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh's and Kanvar Nau Nihal Singh's contributions[edit]

Maharaja Nau Nihal Singh of the Sikh Empire.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the steps on the two sides of the sarovar, formerly left unfinished by Budh Singh and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, completed and its circumambulatory passage paved. The darbar sahib was also reconstructed. Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his grandson, Kanvar Nau Nihal Singh, donated large quantities of gold to have the exterior plated with the metal, but the work made little progress in the troubled times that followed Ranjit Singh's death. It was in the last quarter of the nineteenth century that part of the exterior was covered with goldleaf by Sant Sham Singh, of Amritsar. Only one of the four towers planned by Kanvar Nau Nihal Singh for the four corners of the tank was erected during this time. Under Maharaja Ranjit Singh's orders, the town of Tarn Taran was enclosed by a wall. A few other shrines, such as the Mahji Sahib, the Akal Bunga and the Guru ka Khuh, were developed and several bungas added.

Tarn Taran and the British Raj[edit]

After the annexation of the Punjab to the British dominions, the management of the shrines at Tarn Taran, along with those at Amritsar, was entrusted to a sarbarah, or manager, appointed by the deputy commissioner of Amritsar. The role of the manager was, however, confined to general supervision, the priests being autonomous in the conduct of religious affairs. They divided the offerings among themselves and gradually appropriated most of the lands endowed to the Darbar Sahib during Sikh rule. They neglected their religious duties and cared little for the sanctity of the holy shrines and the sarovar. The traditional monthly congregation on every amavasya day, the last day of the dark half of the month, was reduced to a small carnival. Reforms introduced by the Singh Sabha, Tarn Taran, established in 1885, were disapproved and resisted by the clergy. Efforts of the Khalsa Diwan Majha and the Central Majha Khalsa Diwan to cleanse the administration met with only partial successl

Gurdwara Reform Movement[edit]

Main article: Akali movement

As the Gurdwara reform movement got under way, the control of the sacred shrines passed to a representative body of the Sikhs, the Shiromam Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, on 27 January 1921. A leper asylum established by Guru Arjan Dev (it was thought that minerals in the water were helpful in treating Leprosy), but completely ignored by the clergy after the abrogation of Sikh sovereignty, was taken over in 1858 by Christian missionaries. ^[3]

Indo-Pak war 1965[edit]

Main article: Indo-Pakistani War of 1965

Khemkaran sector[edit]

The tank battles of 1965 form part of military history as the most intense armored battles between the end of World War II and the 1991 Gulf War. Close to a thousand tanks, on both sides, took part in the pitched battles and offensives. At the start of the war, Indian strength was limited to one armored division and one independent armored brigade, along with six armored regiments supporting infantry divisions. Pakistan had two armored divisions, with the then very modern M-48 Patton tanks. India had an equivalent tank in the Centurion, but their strength was limited to only four armored.

97 Tanks captured at Assal Uttar[edit]

The Indian Army managed to capture 97 Pakistani tanks as a result of the botched assault by the 1st Armoured Division of the Pakistan Army at the Battle of Assal Uttar on 10 September 1965. Six Pakistani armoured regiments took part in the battle, namely the 19 lancers (Patton), 12 cavalry (Chafee), 24 cavalry (Patton), 4 cavalry (Patton), 5 horse (Patton) and 6 lancers (Patton). The Indian forces in the field that day consisted of three armoured regiments with inferior tanks, the Deccan Horse (Shermans), 3 Cavalry (Centurion) and the 8 Cavalry (AMX-13). The battle was so fierce and intense that at the end of the war, the Fourth Indian Division a.k.a. "The Fighting Fourth" had captured about 97 tanks in destroyed/damaged or intact condition. This included 72 Patton tanks and 25 Chafees and Shermans. A total of 32 of the 97 tanks, including 28 Pattons, were in running condition. The Indian forces lost 32 tanks. Fifteen of them were captured by the Pakistan Army, mostly Sherman tanks.

Patton Nagar[edit]

Near the Bhikhiwind village in the Khemkaran area, a strip of land was called Patton Nagar for a short while in 1965. It was here that more than 60 tanks of the Pakistani army were displayed at the end of the September India-Pakistan conflict. The Pakistan Army tanks were captured at the Battle of Asal Uttar by India's 4th Mountain Division, and it became a memorial to the Pakistani tanks being bogged down in the marshes during the 1965 War. The tanks were displayed for some time after which they were shipped to various cantonments or army establishments for display as war trophies.

Demographics[edit]

As of 2001 Indian census,^[4] Tarn Taran Sahib had a population of 55,787. Males constituted 51% of the population, and females 49%. Tarn Taran has an average literacy rate of 70%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 60%, and female literacy is 40%. In Tarn Taran Sahib, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age and 15% is elderly. 3% of its residents have settled abroad. Sikhs form 89.1% of the total population of the district with Hindus being 9.8% and Christians 1.1% of the total population. It should be noted that Taran taran district has the highest sikh percentage among all the districts of Punjab followed by Amritsar at 87%.^[5]

Culture[edit]

Hub of Sikh culture[edit]

The city has many historical gurdwaras which include: Darbar Sahib Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Gurdwara Guru Ka Khuh (Gurdwara of the Guru's Well), Gurdwara Bibi Bhani Da Khuh, Gurdwara Takkar Sahib, Gurdwara Lakeer Sahib, Gurudwara Baba Garja Singh Baba Bota Singh, Gurdwara Jhulna Mahal, and Lalpur(Tapeana Sahib).

The main religious hub at Tarn Taran Sahib is Sri Darbar Sahib Tarn Taran, built by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib Tarn Taran has the largest sarovar (holy tank) in the world.

Gurdwara Darbar Sahib (Tarn Taran) - This gurdwara is an elegant, three-storeyed structure at the southeastern corner of the sarovar. Approached through a double-storeyed arched gateway, it stands in the middle of a marble-floored platform. The upper portion of the edifice is covered with glittering gold-plated sheets. The lotus dome, damaged in an earthquake (4 April 1905) and subsequently reconstructed, has an ornamental gold pinnacle with an umbrella-shaped gold finial. Exquisitely executed stucco work in intricate designs, inset with reflecting glass pieces, decorate the interior walls and the ceiling. The Guru Granth Sahib is seated on a platform under an elongated dome covered with goldplated metal sheets. This throne was an offering from Kanvar Nau Nihal Singh. A relay recital of Kirtan goes on from early morning until late in the evening.

Har Ki Pauri - A flight of marbled steps behind the Darbar Sahib descending into the sacred pool, marks the spot where, according to tradition, Guru Arjan made the first cut as the digging started in 1590. Pilgrims go down these steps to take Charanamrit or palmsful of holy water to sip.

The Sarovar - One of the largest of the Sikh holy tanks (ponds), it is an approximate rectangle in shape. Its northern and southern sides are 289 and 283 metres (948 and 928 ft), respectively, and eastern and western sides 230 and 233 metres (755 and 764 ft), respectively. The sarovar was originally fed by rain water that flowed in from the surrounding lands. In 1833, Maharaja Raghubir Singh of Jmd had a water channel dug, connecting the tank with the Lower Kasur Branch of the Upper Ban Doab Canal at Rasulpur watermills, 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) to the southeast. The channel was cemented and covered in 1927/28 by Sant Gurmukh Singh and Sant Sadhu Singh. They also supervised karseva, i.e. complete desilting of the tank through voluntary service, in 1931. The operation was repeated in 1970 under Sant Jivan Singh. Most of the bungas around the sarovar have now been demolished and a verandah constructed instead along the periphery. The name Tarn Taran, since appropriated by the town itself, originally belonged to the sarovar, so called by Guru Arjan. Literally it means, "the boat that takes one across (the ocean of existence)". (Tarana in Sanskrit is a raft or a boat). According to Sikh tradition, the water of the old pond was found to possess medicinal properties, especially efficacious for curing leprosy. For this reason the sarovar was known as Dukh Nivaran, the eradicator of affliction. AKAL BUNGA, a four storeyed building near the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flagpole), was constructed in 1841 by Kanvar Nau Nihal Singh. Maharaja Sher Singh provided the finishing touches. The Guru Granth Sahib, "after a procession around the sarovar amid" chanting of hymns in the late evening, is, brought here for the night's rest. Manji Sahib, a small domed shrine in the eastern part of the circumambulatory pavement, marks the spot from where Guru Arjan supervised the excavation of the sarovar. A divan hall, a vast pavilion of reinforced concrete, has now been raised close to it.

The Tower - The only completed column of the four planned by Kanvar Nau Nihal Singh, for the beautification of the sarovar at Tarn Taran, stands at the northeastern corner. The three-storeyed tower, 34 metres (112 ft) high, was erected during the Kanvar's lifetime. The dome on top of it was added later.

Gurdwara Lakeer Sahib is situated at the place where a line on the ground was marked by Baba Deep Singh Ji, before entering into war against the Mughal Empirein 1757. Gurudwara Bibi Bhani da Khuh, situated near Sri Darbar Sahib Tarn Taran, is named after Bibi Bhani Ji. She was the daughter of Guru Amar Das, the wife of Guru Ram Das, and the mother of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. This religio-historic khuh (well) was dug by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, in memory of his mother, at the place where she used to serve food, water, and medicine to the needy and visiting pilgrims. Locals preserved the place with the help of Dera Kar Sewa Tarn Taran, and constructed a gurdwara.

Gurdwara Guru Ka Khuh is also situated in Tarn Taran City. This well belonged to Guru Arjan Dev Ji, and a historic gurdwara has been built at this place.

Other gurdwaras in the District of Tarn Taran are at Goindwal Sahib, namely Gurdwara Baoli Sahib, at Khadoor Sahib, at Baba Buddha Sahib (Bir Sāhib) and those at Amritsar. Goindwal Sahib Goindwal Sahib, situated along the River Beas, is 23 km (14 mi) from Tarn Taran Sahib. It is an important center of Sikhism, as Guru Arjan Dev ji was born there.

Economy[edit]

Industry[edit]

Tarn Taran has many smaller-scale to large-scale industries:

Rana Sugar Distilliries (Village Lokha)
Cooperative sugar mill (Village Sheron)
World Famous Fish Market (Village Harike)
Asia Largest Poltary Farm (VillageGagobuha)
Ambition Poltary Farm (VillageRure Asal)
Tarn Taran Grain Market (one of the India's Biggest Grain markets)
Tarn Taran district have about 58 Rice Shellers
Goindwal Sahib Power Plant an under construction 540 MW (2x270 MW) power plant by GVK Industries.
Spinning Mills Goindwal Sahib
Thread Mills Goindwal Sahib

The central government has plans for setting up a special economic zone (SEZ) at Sri Goindwal Sahib.

Infrastructure[edit]

Air[edit]

The nearest airport is at Amritsar. At a distance of 30 kilometres (19 mi), Amritsar's international airport has more than 26 domestic and international flights during the week with daily connections to Delhi, Chandigarh and Jammu.

Rail[edit]

Indian Railways.

Tarn Taran is well-connected with nearby cities and villages with the rail network.

Tarn Taran station is on the way on the Amritsar-to-Khemkaran line.

A new project of rail from Tran Taran to Goindwal Sahib is under construction, and from Patti to Ferozpur is also under construction.

Road[edit]

Tarn Taran is connected by roads to many other locations:

Tarn Taran is located on the historic Royal Highway (Sher Shah Suri Marg) of the Mugal Empire from Delhi to Lahore. NH-15 (National Highway No. 15) also passes through Tarn Taran. It has a fast bus service to Amritsar, with a daily route of about 450 buses daily.

AC coach buses of many transports have routes of Tarn Taran, including PUNBUS, PRTC, RAJ, and NEW DEEP.

Daily bus services run to and from New Delhi, Chandigarh, Patiala, Bikaner, Bathinda, Ferozpur, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar.

There is weekly bus service to Ponta Sahib.

Schools[edit]

1 Maharaja Ranjit Singh Public School 2 Guru Harkrishan Public School 3 St. Franics Convent School 4 Mamta Niketan Convent School 5 St. Jhomas Convent School 6 Guru Arjun Dev Khalsa School 7 Punjab Children Academy 8 Cupid's School 9 Mata Ganga Girls School 10 SD Public School 11 Sant Singh Sukha Singh Public School 12 SSS Public School 13 Arya Girls School 14 Govt. Sen Sec School 15 Police DAV Public School 16 Guru Nanak Dev Academy 17.Majha public sr.sec.school.

Colleges[edit]

1 Guru Arjun Dev Khalsa College 2 Sewa Devi College 3 Mata Ganga College for women 4 Majha College for women 5 Kalian Homeopathic College 6 Mai Bhago Institute of Nursing 7 Shiv Shankar Institute of Engg and Tech (Patti) 8 Shaheed Bhagat Singh Pharmacy (Patti) 9 Shaheed Bhagat Singh Polytechnic College 10 Shaheed Bhagat Singh B.Ed College 11 International School of Nursing 12.Goutam college Tarn Taran

Health[edit]

The city has adequate health care system The city has one Civil (public) hospital besides six private hospitals. Tarn Taran has a largest 350 Bedded fully computerized Charitable Hospital viz. Guru Nanak Dev Super-speciality Hospital, run under 'Baba Jiwan Singh Baba Dalip Singh Educational Trust'(regd.). Baba Jagtar Singh Kar Sewa Wale is the Chairman. The Hospital has got all core medical facilities with state of art Radiology and Pathology Departments.^[6]

Government and politics[edit]

Tarn Taran Sahib is situated near the Amritsar district. It sends one elected representative to the Lok Sabha (the Indian parliament), one member to the State Legislative Assembly and two members to Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC) at Amritsar. It is the headquarters of Tarn Taran district. It is a municipal council with 19 wards. The district borders Doaba, Malwa Belt and Pakistan.

Cities, towns and counties[edit]

Notable Cities in Tarn Taran[edit]

Notable villages[edit]

Twin towns and sister cities[edit]

Tarn Taran is twinned with;

Kartarpur, India^[7]

Attractions[edit]

Bir Baba Budha Sahib ji[edit]

Gurdwara Beed Baba Budda Sahib is situated on Chaabal - Amritsar road near village Jhabal Kalan in district Amritsar Punjab India. Baba Buddha ji spent much of his life here. Guru Arjan Dev also visited this place at some stage. Also known as Gurudwara Bir Baba Buddha, this is situated in the revenue limits of the village of Thatta, 20 km south of Amritsar. The shrine honours and commemorates Baba Buddha (1506–1631), the venerable Sikh of the time of Guru Nanak who lived long enough to anoint five succeeding Gurus. He spent many years looking after the "bir", literally a reserved forest used for cattle grazing, said to have been offered to Guru Arjan by Chaudhari Langah of Patti out of his private lands. According to Gurbilas Chhevin Patshahi, it was here on 21 Assu 1651 Bk/20 September 1594, that Mata Ganga the wife of Guru Arjan, received blessings for an illustrious son (the future Guru Har Gobind, Nanak VI) from Baba Buddha. History When Mata Ganga, the wife of the fifth Sikh Guru desired the blessings of a son from her husband, Guru Arjan Dev, suggested that she pay a visit to Baba Buddha ji to ask for the gift. Mata ji got delecious food prepared by her attendees and visited Baba Ji at this venue with great pomp. But Baba ji refused to accept the food. Later Mata ji herself prepared a simple and basic meal of "missi roti and pyaag" (basic Indian bread and onion) and visited Baba ji. BABA BHUDA JI blessed Mata ji by telling her that her son would be a great warrior and he will crush the tyrants head as he simultaneously crushed the onion with a clinched fist. Consequently, Mata ji and Guru Arjan were blessed with just one son who later became the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind. Description of shrine

This gurudwara is popularly known as simply Bir Sahib, is situated about 2 km northwest of Thatta. The present complex was raised by Baba Kharak Singh, a follower of Sant Gurmukh Singh Sevavale. The sanctum, where the Guru Granth Sahib is seated on a canopied seat of white marble, is a metre high square platform at the far end of a rectangular hall constructed in 1951. The 70 metre square Sarovar is to the north of this hall. A spacious divan hall was added in 1975. Guru ka Langar with a large dining hall and a two storeyed residential block for pilgrims are in a separate compound. Besides, there is a Khalsa higher secondary school (established 1963) as well as a Khalsa College (established 1969), both named after Baba Buddha. The Gurdwara is managed by a local committee under the auspices of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Besides the daily prayers and the celebration of important anniversaries on the Sikh calendar, largelyattended divans take place on the first of each Bikrami month. The biggest function of the year is a religious fair held on 21st of Assu, corresponding with 6 Octob

Goindwal Sahib[edit]

Main article: Goindval

The Goindwal Baoli Sahib

The town of Goindwal holds immense significance in reference to the Sikh religious pilgrimage sites. The town lies south east of Amritsar and only thirty Kilometers away from the city. The Goindwal town boasts of some of the important Gurudwaras and among them the Goindwal Sahib is one of the greatest. The Goindwal Sahib Gurudwara in Punjab is the pride of the state and it is a major pilgrimage and tourists attraction. Guru Sri Amar Das constructed a Baoli or a well with eighty four steps. It is said someone who takes a bath in the well and recites the Japuji sahib would be freed from 84 lakhs of lives. The Goindwal Baoli Sahib is believed to be the first center of Sikhism. The Goindwal Sahib is a popular pilgrimage destination for both the Sikhs and the Hindus. The entrance of place is well decorated with murals describing significant scenes of the Sikh history. The massive langar or the community kitchen provides food to the large number of visitors every day.

According to the historians, Emperor Akbar once visited the Guru and took lunch in the Langar. The combine view of the Baoli, the temple and the entire surrounding creates an exceptional ambiance. One must visit the Goindwal Baoli Sahib as soon as he can to gain this rich experience.

Goindwal (also spelled Goindval) is the site of a township and well constructed in the 16th century by Guru Amar Das. It is located on the banks of the River Beas. Originally a ferry landing which connected a popular East-West crossroads of the time. Goindwal became a Sikh center and the first Sikh pilgrimage site. Goindwal has more than a dozen spiritual points of interest and continues to be a popular destination of devotees who visit the important Sikh shrines of the Tarn Taran District in Punjab, India. Founding of the Village Goindwal

A trader by name of Goinda hoped to establish a post at the ferry landing to take advantage of the traffic of the crossroads. He encountered a great many difficulties launching his venture. Fearing demonic interference, he asked Guru Angad Dev’s blessing on his project. Amar Das, a devoted disciple of Guru Angad, carried water every day from the ferry landing to the nearby village of Khadur where Guru Angad, and his followers resided. Guru Angad asked his faithful follower, Amar Das, to oversee the project. The guru gave Amar Das a staff with instructions that it should be used for the removal of any obstacles. Amar Das successfully helped to lay the foundation of a village became which came to be known as Goindwal after the trader, Goinda.

The Gurus and Goindwal

Goinda had a special place built in Goindwal to honor Guru Angad Dev. The Guru requested Amar Das to make Goindwal his home. Amar Das slept in Goindwal nights. During the day he resumed his duties and carried water to Khadur for Guru Angad’s morning bath. Along the way Amar Das recited "Japji", the Sikh's morning prayer. He stayed in Khadur to hear the hymn of "Asa Di Var", a composition of Guru Angad, interspersed with hymns of Nanak. He then returned to Goindwal to fetch more water for the guru’s communal kitchen and carried it back to Khadur. Guru Angad Dev selected Amar Das as the most faithful of his Sikhs and appointed him to be his successor. When Amar Das became guru, he moved permanently to Goindwal with his family and followers.

Goindwal Baoli, the Well of Goindwal Guru Amar Das had a baoli, or covered well, constructed in Goindwal to serve the needs of Sikhs and other visitors. The well spans about 25 feet or 8 meters. An arched access opens to a domed entrance decorated with frescoes depicting the life of Guru Amar Das. A divided underground staircase with 84 covered steps descends beneath the earth to its sacred waters. One side of the staircase is for the use of women and the other for men. Each step is thought to represent 100,000 life forms of a possible 8.4 million existences. Many devotees visiting Baoli Sahib recite the hymn of "Japji" on each step. They descend to bathe, perform ablution, and return to the next step, performing 84 recitations in hopes of being liberated from transmigration

Khadur Sahib[edit]

Gurdwara Khadoor Sahib is situated in the Khadoor Sahib city in Taran Taaran Distt. The Eight Guru Sahibaans with their visits to this place made this land a Holy place. SHRI GURU NANAK DEV JI during his preaching tours, came 5 times to this place. GURU JI used to stay at BIBI BHARAI's house. During GURU JI's last tour when BIBI BHARAI requested GURU JI to stay for one more day, GURU JI replied that he would stay for many days & would take rest on this bed only where he was sitting. - SHRI GURU ANGAD DEV JI sat on the throne & came from Kartarpur, Pakistan to Khadoor Sahib on the orders of SHRI GURU NANAK DEV JI & stayed at BIBI BHARAI's house for 6 months & 6 days & devoted himself to Naam Simran. GURU JI took rest on the same bed regarding which GURU NANAK DEV JI told about. At last BABA BUDDA JI disclosed YOU. SHRI GURU ANGAD DEV JI spent whole of his time as a GURU, for around 13 years, here only by serving his followers with Naam Updesh and at last on March 29, 1552 A.D., GURU JI Left his heavenly abode at this place. - In the year 1541, SHRI GURU AMARDASS JI came to SHRI GURU ANGAD DEV JI & for around 12 years, with his devotional service, used to fetch a water filled Gaagar early morning from the Beas river Goindwal Sahib, which is around 9 km away, for GURU JI to take bath. HIS service was acknowledged & hence he got "Gurta Gaddi". - SHRI GURU RAMDASS JI while going from Goindwal Sahib to Guru Chakk (Amritsar), visited KHADOOR SAHIB as well. - SHRI GURU ARJUN DEV JI while going from Goindwal Sahib to Amritsar, visited KHADOOR SAHIB. - SHRI GURU HAR GOBIND JI after the marriage of his daughter, BIBI VEERO, went to Goindwal Sahib through KHADOOR SAHIB along with his family. Also some scholars of Sikh Panth, after the cremation of BHAI GURDASS JI, spent the afternoon at KHADOOR SAHIB while going to Amritsar. - SHRI GURU HAR RAI JI while going to Goindwal Sahib along with 2200 horse riders, visited KHADOOR SAHIB on the way. - SHRI GURU TEG BAHADUR JI after acquiring the GURGADDI, in relation to the upkeep of the various places related to the First GURU sahibaan, came to KHADOOR SAHIB. - Religious Scholar BABA BUDDA JI spent around 12 years here. Here only BABA JI applied Tilak to SHRI GURU AMARDASS JI when he took GURGADDI. - Great Philosopher BHAI GURDASS JI spent quite a long time here. - Here only SHRI GURU ANGAD DEV JI worked on improvement of Gurmukhi Lippi & wrote the first Punjabi book in remembrance of which GURUDWARA MALH AKHARA has been built. Here only GURU JI got information regarding BHAI PAIRA MOKHA JI from Bala Ji & got the biography written for GURU NANAK DEV JI. Bhai Bala Ji's grave is built near GURUDWARA TAPIANA SAHIB. Here only did GURU JI took care of the "Baani"(writings in Guru Granth the sacred book of the Sikhs) written by GURU NANAK DEV JI & also wrote his "Baani". GURUDWARA ANGEETHA SAHIB : It is a historical fact that SHRI GURU ANGAD DEV JI MAHARAJ lived at KHADUR SAHIB for a long period. He left for heavenly abode at KHADUR SAHIB after performing many great religious, social & cultural activities. The place where GURU'S last sacred rites were performed is given the name of ANGITHA SAHIB PAATSHAHI DOOJI. It is a historical fact that the Eight Gurus by their visit to KHADUR SAHIB, made this town of great historical importance. KILLA SAHIB : This place was house of a weaver which was purchased later on by Guru Sahib. According to the SAKHI, GURU AMARDASS JI brought water for sacred bath of SHRI GURU ANGAD DEV JI for twelve years from the river Beas at Goindwal Sahib. During this service of bringing water, GURU AMARDASS JI fell striking against the peg of the weaver. After hearing the noise of falling of SHRI GURU AMARDASS JI, the weaver said " Who's there?". The weaver's wife said " Who else might be there. He might be the homeless Amroo" & spoke some objectionable words against GURU ANGAD DEV JI. GURU JI could not tolerate these words & said casually " Mad, you may say whatever you like against me but donot say anything against my GURUJI. The weaver's wife actually became mad & with the sacred touch of feet of GURU SAHIB, the peg turned green & developed into a full grown "KAREER" tree. With time, the tree lost its life & till now its preserved in a frame for the devotees to pay tributes at this sacred place. GURU AMARDASS JI was crowned as GURU by BABA BUDDA JI. GURU ANGAD DEV JI gave twelve blessings and ordered ti install the sacred town GOINDWAL SAHIB as a place of service. KHOOH (WELL) OF BIBI AMRO JI: This well was got dug by BIBI AMRO JI, daughter of SHRI GURU ANGAD DEV JI, but the water of the well was saline. On the request of the followers of GURU JI, GURU SAHIB provided a log of wood which was thrown into the well & the water became worth drinking. This well is a historical monument. GURUDWARA THARAH SAHIB: After bringing water on foot with dedication from river Beas for the sacred bath of GURU JI & after doing other duties assigned by GURU ANGAD DEV JI, GURU AMARDASS JI, sitting on this holy place known as THARAH SAHIB, used to worship in spare time. SIKH AJAIB GHAR( Museum): Historical portraits, manuscripts, sacred orders of GURU'S, historical coins, documents concerning the development of Gurmukhi script & other available material related to GURU JI's life are kept in this museum. HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF KHADUR SAHIB

Khadur Sahib (Distt. Amritsar, Punjab) is symbolically attached with the name of Guru Angad Dev Ji. This place got sanctified by the visit of eight Sikh Masters (Sikh Gurus). This town is quite easy to approach - being only 38 km from Amritsar, 22 km from Jandiala Guru, 20 km from Tarn Taran, 22 km from Rayya and 9 km from Goindwal Sahib. The second Master spent 13 years of his Guruship at Khadoor Sahib, spreading the universal message of Guru Nanak Sahib. Khadur Sahib is the place which was sanctified by visits of eight Sikh Gurus. It is the place where Gurmukhi Lipi was introduced for the first time as medium of language after careful modification by Guru Angad Sahib. It is the place where first Gurmukhi Primer was prepared by the Guru. It is the place where first school was established by Guru Angad Sahib Ji. It is the place where first Gutka of Guru Nanak Sahib’s Bani was prepared. It is the place where first Mal Akhara for wrestling was established and it is the place where regular campaign against intoxicants and social evils was started by Guru Angad Sahib. Places of Pilgrimage at Khadur Sahib

Gurdwara Sri Tapiana Sahib :- This place is very sacred as First Master Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji sang holy hymns along with Bhai Bala Ji & Bhai Mardana Ji. Janam Sakhi of Sri Guru Nanak Dev was got written by Guru Angad Dev Ji through Bhai Paira Mokha. Memorial of Bhai Bala Ji :- This memorial is situated in circumbulation (parkarma) of Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib where Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji performed his last rites with his own hands. Gurdwara Tap Asthan Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji :- Here Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked Bhai Lehna (Name of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji by birth) to meditate. Gurdwara Mai Bharai Ji :- After attaining Guruship, Guru Angad Dev Ji remained interned in the house of Mai Bharai(Aunt of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji ). It was only Baba Buddha Ji who impressed upon Guru Ji to appear before Sangat( devotees). Gurdwara Mall Akhara Sahib :- It is at this place that Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji spent most of his time holding religious gatherings (Diwans) and giving discourse to Sikh Sangat. It is pertinent to mention that here Guru Ji made arrangements for teaching Gurmukhi script to children and organised wrestling bouts to make them physically strong. This place is particularly important as Guru Ji held religious discourses and conversation with 'Siddhas' and also developed Gurmukhi script. It was a wonderful place where two 'Langars' were run at the same -one 'langar' of Guru Shabad presided over by Guru Ji and the other 'langar' of food (Community kitchen) run by Mata Khiwi . Even Guru Granth Sahib bears testimony to this practice "Balwand Khiwi nek jan jis bahuti chhao patrali, Langar daulat vandiay ras amrit kheer ghiali"(SGGS page-967) (Balwand says that Khivi, the Guru's wife, is a noble woman, who gives soothing, leafy shade to all. She distributes the bounty of the Guru's Langar; the kheer - the rice pudding and ghee, is like sweet ambrosia.) Here practically demonstrated the principal of "Tan Man Thevai Haria" (body and mind blossom forth.) Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib(Angitha Sahib) :- This place is particularly important as Guru Amardas Ji fell down after hitting a stake while bringing a pitcher of water from Goindwal Sahib. This stake of tree 'Karir' became green again by the touch of Guru's feet. It can still be seen here. It is at this place that Guru Angad Dev Ji mingled with the supreme Being and Guru Amardas Ji himself got made his "Angitha". Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji proved himself worthy of being his successor by bringing a pitcher of water for Guru Angad Dev Ji and serving him for 12 years. Sri Guru Ram Das Ji & Guru Arjan Dev Ji also used to halt here while on their way to Amritsar. Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji after getting married his daughter Bibi Veero Ji at Jhabal, stayed here for some time along with his family. Sri Gur Har Rai Sahib along with his 2200 followers came from Kartarpur to Goindwal Sahib & Khadoor Sahib, he also rested here for a night. The ninth master Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Sahib Ji also came from Baba Bakala to pay a visit to this holy place. Gurdwara Thara Sahib Sri Guru Amar Das Ji :- After performing 'Sewa' Sri Guru Amardas Ji used to come here to meditate . Khoo Bibi Amro Ji :- This holy well was got dug by Guru Amardas Ji on the request of Bibi Amro Ji to fulfill the needs of pilgrims. Bibi Amro Ji was the daughter of Guru Angad Dev Ji. More Information about Khadur Sahib :- Bhai Jodh Ji, a great follower of Guru Nanak Dev Ji also belonged to this place. The three(Bhai Punjab Singh, Bhai Damodar Singh and Bhai Bhagwan Singh) martyrs of Chamkaur Sahib also belonged to Khadoor Sahib. Even two out of 40 'Muktey' of Muktsar Sahib also had their roots in Khadoor Sahib. Above all two out of five 'Panj Piyaras' sent with Baba Banda Singh Bahadur used to live at Khadoor Sahib(Mahankosh page-638). It has been decided globally to celebrate the 5th Centennial of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji at this place. To give concrete shape to these plans, various programs have been planned to be held at Khadoor Sahib. Multimedia Talking Museum :- Dr. Raghbir Singh Bains author of the Encyclopaedia of Sikhism from Canada is setting up a Multimedia Talking Museum which will be first of its kind in the world on latest technology. “Robot” and other devices like LCD Touch Screens are being imported from America. Sikh literature is being produced on multimedia technology so that youth are prepared to learn the latest technique and practice Sikhi in its true perspective. The museum will deal with Sikh religion, history, culture, heritage and over all social life. Two programmers (Residents of Khadur Sahib namely Satnam Singh and Ranjit Singh) are working over time to prepare software and multimedia programs. Building of Gates :- Five mega gates are being built around Khadoor Sahib in memory of the five committed Sikhs of the Guru. It is proposed to organize national and international tournaments to keep alive the tradition of “Mal Akhara” pioneered by Guru Angad Dev Ji so that Sikh youth stay away from the evils of Alcohol and Drugs. It is expected that millions of pilgrims from throughout the world will visit Khadoor Sahib to celebrate this once in life event. Running of educational Institutions :- Kaar Sewa Organisation (Voluntary Service Organisation) is already running Schools in different provinces and a Degree College at Khadoor Sahib. Every year, about 2500 students are provided education with modern facilities and latest technology at Khadur Sahib. Tree Plantation :- Hundreds and thousands of plants and trees have been planted on both sides of 100 kilometer roads around Khadur Sahib area to beautify the region, purify environment, and to make it pollution free. New Constructions :- A grand plan to link all the Gurdwaras with a wide road is being put into action for the convenience of pilgrims. A two way road is under construction from Sri Darbar Sahib complex and all old shops have been constructed afresh. Afforestation Project:- A very ambitious project to plant trees on all the roads leading to Khadur Sahib was initiated by Baba Sewa Singh Ji, These trees will not only beautify the area but will make it pollution free also. It is also planned to plant 500 acres of fruit bearing plants. Water tankers have been bought to water these plants. This effort of Baba Sewa Singh Ji to cleans and beautify the environment is perhaps unparalleled any where in the world. The public is requested to contribute as much as they can for this noble cause. Publication work :- A special program to provide the Sangat with all the aspects of life of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji has been worked out and illustrative books concerning this have been published.

Educational Institutions managed by Baba Sewa Singh Ji Sri Guru Angad Dev College Khadur Sahib :- This college was started in 1969 on the occasion of 5th centenary celebration of birth of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It has now become a multi-faculty institution offering various coursed in humanities, science, computer science and many vocational ones to rural students of this area. Baba Gumukh Singh Baba Uttam Singh Senior Secondary School Khadur Sahib :-The aim of this public school was to provide modern education to children of the area. The children of the area now don’t have to go far off places and about 200 students are now studying in this school. Children are also regularly provided religious education to make them aware of their religious heritage. Sri Guru Angad Dev College of Education Khadur Sahib : More - www.guruangaddev.com

Mohanpur[edit]

Mohanpur is a city of the Tarn Taran district of Indian state of Punjab, located 40 km from Amritsar.

History

Mohanpur, Punjab can trace its beginning in the 17th century. Many historic things are related to this village.

Mohanpur, Punjab has a significant number of families with the "Sandhu" surname.

Location

Mohanpur, Punjab lies on the near Sarhali and Naushehra Pannuan. The nearest railway station to Mohanpur is Tarn Taran railway station at a distance of 15 km. Neighbouring villages include Sohawa, Brahmpur, Wringh, Bhathal.

Transport

The nearest station to Mohanpur, Punjab is Tarn Taran Railway Station. Numerous local stopping trains (MEMU & DMU operate travelling to Amritsar and Ludhiana. There are a number of regional expresses that also stop at the station occasionally. For further connections to longer distance services including to the union capital, Delhi, one can travel to Amritsar and change for longer distance services.

Regular private bus services operate between Tarn Taran and the various surrounding villages and towns, as well as the Tempo three-wheeler service. These operate from both the Brahmpur Road Bus Stop and Mohanpur Road Bus Stop. Services connect with some Interstate and State Bus Transport at Tarn Taran. Other Interstate and State buses can be caught from Amritsar Bus Stand For a personal service, a minivan taxi service can be hired from the Tarn Taran Bus Stand.

The nearest airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, located in Amritsar. The airport offers regional air travel as well as destinations in the Middle East, North America and Europe.

Harike Wetland[edit]

Main article: Harike Wetland

Harike Wetland, also known as "Hari-ke-Pattan", with the Harike Lake in the deeper part of it, is the largest wetland in Asia in the Tarn Taran district of the Punjab. The wetland and the lake were formed by constructing the head works across the Sutlej river, in 1953. The headworks is located downstream of the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers. The rich biodiversity of the wetland which plays a vital role in maintaining the precious hydrological balance in the catchment with its vast concentration of migratory fauna of waterfowls including a number of globally threatened species (stated to be next only to the Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur) has been responsible for the recognition accorded to this wetland in 1990, by the Ramsar Convention, as one of the Ramasar sites in India, for conservation, development and preservation of the ecosystem.

Bird sanctuary[edit]

The wetland was declared a bird sanctuary in 1982 and named as Harike Pattan Bird Sanctuary, with an extended area of 8,600 hectares (21,250 acres). Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) carried out research and a bird ringing programme during the period 1980–85. An Ornithological field laboratory was proposed to be established by BNHS. Some 200 species of birds visit the wetland during winter season, of which some of the well-known species (some are pictured in the gallery) are the: 1) Cotton Pygmy Goose (genus Nettapus), 2) Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula), 3) Yellow-crowned Woodpecker (Dendrocopos mahrattensis), 4) Yellow-eyed Pigeon or Pale-backed Pigeon, 5) Water Cock (Gallicrex cinerea), 6) Pallas's Gull or Great Black-headed Gull (Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus), 7) Brown-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus), 8) Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), 9) Yellow-footed Gull (Larus michahellis), 10) Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis), 11) White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus), 12) White-romped Vulture, 13) Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus), 14) Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus), 15) Hawk (subfamily Accipitrinae), 16) Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo), 17) Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus), 18) Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis), 19) Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus), 20) White-browed Fantail (Rhipidura aureola), 21) Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus), 22) Common Woodshrike (Tephrodornis pondicerianus), 23) White-tailed Stonechat (Saxicola leucurus), 24) White-crowned Penduline-tit (Remiz coronatus), 25) Rufous-vented Prinia (Prinia burnesii), 26) Striated Grassbird (Megalurus palustris), 27) Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti), 28) Sulphur-bellied Warbler (Phylloscopus griseolus) and 29) Diving duck (pochards).