Nada Sahib Gurudwara
Perched upon the Shivalik Hills, Nada Sahib is a Sikh Gurudwara frequented by followers of Sikhism as well as by other travelers. It is situated on the banks of the Ghaggar River and is believed to be a place where Guru Gobind Singh halted while he was traveling after the Battle of Bhangani in 1688 from Paonta Sahib to Anandpur Sahib.
It is a sure-shot way to restore mental peace and soothe the tired soul if you happen to be in Panchkula. Pay your respects, recite the 'hukumnama' of the day, and don't miss the Langar. The worshipper count rises on the full moon day (Pooranmashi) of every month.
This place gets its name from the story of a good Samaritan named Nadu Shah of the neighboring village who served food and milk to Guru Gobind and his followers after their victorious battle with the Mughals. However, it remained unnoticed until Bhai Motha Singh discovered it and built a shrine to commemorate the visit of the Guru.
History of Nada Sahib Gurudwara
After the victory of the Bhangani war against the kings of Baaidharr, Guru Gobind Ji went to Paonta Sahib from Bhangani. Between Paonta Sahib and Anandpur Sahib, he also visited Toka Sahib, Rani Da Raipur, Nahan, and Manak Tabra, and then finally came the land of Nada Sahib in 1687.
His followers accompanied him along with soldiers and some horse riders. Guru Ji ordered his fellow men to stop at this place and rest. The place was a wild forest at that time, and Guru Ji stayed in a camp near the Ghaggar River on top of a mountain. A few families of the Lubana cast too were staying at the place.
Guru Gobind Ji along with his entire army was welcomed whole-heartedly at the place by Bhai Nadu Shah. Everybody wanted to meet the warrior who had defeated the kings of Baaidharr. Bhai Nadu Shah took care of everybody with zeal. Guru Gobind Ji became pleased with his service and asked about his occupation.
On learning that Nadu Shah was a small and poor farmer who was his follower Guru Gobind Ji blessed him and declared the name of the place after Nadu Shah. This is how the place came to be known as Nada Sahib. Therefore, it is believed that the wishes of every devotee who visits the shrine are fulfilled.
Gurudwara Nada Sahib is famous all across the world. It is managed as well as preserved by the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee. A large number of devotees pay a visit to the shrine on Sunday as well as on Pooranmashi which is the full moon day.
Nothing much is known about Motha Singh except that the shrine was under the Dharmarth Board of Patiala and the East Punjab States Union in 1948. It was taken over by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee after the merger of the state with Punjab in 1956. Since then, the original building has been replaced by a double-storeyed domed structure with a large rectangular hall adjacent to it. Several other new buildings stand separated from the complex comprising the Guru Ka Langar and rooms for pilgrims.
Architecture of Nada Sahib Gurudwara
Nada Sahib was administered by the Dharmarth Board of East Punjab States Union and Patiala in the year 1948 but was later taken over by the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee in 1956. The entire structure of the shrine has been transformed over the years, and presently it has a two-storied dome structure.
There is a large rectangular hall inside where all the meetings are held along with a courtyard made up of bricks. There are rooms dedicated to the pilgrims too in addition to a complex where Guru ka Langar is organized. There is a museum also in the Gurudwara, which consists of facts and residuals from Sikh history.
A holy flag, which is placed on one side of the courtyard next to the old shrine and flies 105 feet high, directs the Gurudwara. On full moon nights and other auspicious occasions, religious gatherings, community meals, and prayer sessions are organized in Nada Sahib.
