Panjokhra Sahib Gurudwara
The Gurdwara is dedicated to the memory of the eighth Guru Sri Harkrishan Sahib Ji. He visited this place on his way to Delhi. It is situated on the Ambala-Naraingarh Road. The Guru during his journey from Kiratpur to Panjokhra traveled through Ropar, Banur, Raipura, and Ambala.
Along the way, he gave the universal message of Guru Nanak, to disciples, who came to call on him. As he neared Panjokhra, a disciple spoke with humility, “Respected Sangats who are coming from Peshawar, Kabul, and Kashmir for Darshan, kindly stay at Panjokhra for a few days so that they may have the chance to see their beloved spiritual preceptor.” The Guru agreed to extend his stay in this village.
According to historical records, Guru Harkrishan on reaching village Panlokhra made a boundary of sand and said that anyone who wanted to see him, should stand there, make his supplication and he would have his desire fulfilled. A shrine has been built at the site. *There are many shrines in and around Kurukshetra connected with Gurus. The place has been visited by Guru Nanak, Guru Amar Das, and Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji.
History of Panjokhra Sahib Gurudwara
Gurdwara Sri Panjokhra Sahib marks the site where Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji stopped on his way to Delhi. During his journey from Kiratpur to Panjokhra, Guru Harkrishan traveled through Ropar, Banur, Raipura, and Ambala. Along the way, he gave the universal message of Guru Nanak, to Sikhs, who came to call on him.
As he neared Panjokhra, a Sikh spoke with humility, 'Respected Sangats are arriving from Peshawar, Kabul, and Kashmir for your darshan. Please can you stay at Panjokhra for a few days so they can see you?' Guru Harkrishan agreed to extend his stay in this village.
There was a pandit by the name of Krishan Lal or Lal Chand who lived here. Lal Chand was proud of his brahman caste as well as his knowledge. Lal Chand came to see Guru Harkrishan and sarcastically remarked that the boy who bore the name of Krishna could not even read Krishna's Bhagwad Gita.
He asked, 'It is said that you sit on the Gurgaddi of Guru Nanak, but what do you know of the religious scripture?' By chance, Chhaju Ram, an illiterate dark-skinned village water carrier, happened to pass by at that moment. Guru Harkrishan asked a man named Dargah Mal to ask Chhaju Ram to join them.
As Chhaju Ram arrived, Guru Harkrishan asked him to bathe in the nearby pond. Once done, Guru Harkrishan asked him if he would explain the gist of the Bhagavad Gita to the pandit. Saying so, Guru Harkrishan placed his stick over the head of the water carrier.
Chhaju Ram astonished everyone by giving a convincing commentary on the Hindu scripture. Such was the erudition of Chhaju that Lal Chand bent his head in shame, his pride was overcome and he asked for the Guru's forgiveness.
Guru Harkrishan resumed his journey after three days at Panjokhara. Both Lal Chand and Chhaju Ram became the Sikhs of the great Guru and traveled with him up to Kurukshetra. It is said that Pandit Lal Chand entered the fold of Khalsa, during Guru Gobind Singh's time and took the name, Lal Singh. He met with a hero's death fighting in the Battle of Chamkaur, in December 1705.
A small memorial raised in honor of Guru Harkrishan was developed into a Gurdwara during the era of the Sikh Empire. More recently, a vast complex has been developed including the double-storey sanctum entered through a spacious hall, Guru ka Langar with a vast dining hall, and enclosed sarovar and ancillary buildings for staff and Sikhs.
Besides largely attended Sunday morning congregations, an annual fair is held on Magh Sudi 7 to 9 (January - February) commemorating the dates of the Guru Harkrishan's stay at Panjokhra.
