Introduction
Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib is related with 8th Sikh Guru Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib ji. Guru Ji Spent three days here during their journey from Kiratpur Sahib to Delhi. The building of Gurudwara is huge & is being visited by thousand of devotees each day.
I visited Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib many times but this time I am going to share important details about this holy Sikh Shrine with you. To make things easily understandable & navigable, I have designed this article in FAQ format.
Location of Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib
Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib is located in Panjokhra village on Ambala Dehradoon/Naraingarh Road at a distance of about 9 KM from Ambala City in Haryana.
History of Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib
This Holy Place ” Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib Patshahi 8th, is constructed 8th Sikh Guru Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji by virtue of their visit at this place during their journey from Kiratpur Sahib to Delhi on 7th to 9th day of Month Magh (i.e in February 1664).
During the stay for three days, he blessed the devotees with Gurmat preaching too.
On seeing a large number of followers with a young Guru ( approx eight years old only) at this place, a resident of this village named Pandit Lal Chand Ji asked the Siks, “who has come here in so royal style?”. Then Sikhs replied politely filled with full devotion for their Guru that “our eighth Guru Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji showering spiritual blessing” and Pandit Lal Chand sarcastically remarked “during Dwaper period Lord Sri Krishan appeared and he uttered complete Gita (Holy book of Hindus) & how this boy with enlarged name as Hari Krishan had become Guru? Wao!.”
On the next day, Pandit Lal Chand under the influence of his pride of learning and cast reached to Guruji with Holy book. The holy book Gita was written in “Sanskrit script” and he challenged “it will be only in my acceptance as Guru if you utter ‘Gita’ with discourse.”
Sri Guru Har Krishan Ji judged his inner intentions which were under the influence of the pride of his learning. Then Guru Ji simply smiled at the Brahman’s impudence and said that “your doubt shall still persist even if I perform as per your words. You come with any person of your choice, he will utter Gita’s Sloks and will explain their meanings too”.
On listening to these words he came in more proud and after a while, he came with a deaf and dumb person name “Chhajju” who was water carrier by profession, along with he belonged to dishonoured low cast (during those days it was a trend that the majority of persons from low casts were bereaved of any education).
As per local narratives, Guru Ji called Chhajju near to him and asked to have a holy dip in Gur – Sarovar (primarily it was in the shape of the small pond) and asked Sikhs to get him dressed with new clothes to show as honoured.
Now in front of Pandit Lal Chand and all others, the Guru Ji touched his head with a stick of his hand with blessings just by touching the Chhajju started uttering Gita’S sloks fluently along with discourse in spite of being deaf & dumb. Everyone along with Pandit Lal Chand were astonished by seeing such astonishing, erudition of Chhaiju.
Pandit Lal Chand Ji realized his doubtful and mistaken awareness of spiritual power of Guru Ji and just immediate he bowed his hand to Guru Ji and sought for the forgiveness. Later Pandit La Chand became the devoted follow of Guru Ji and he surrendered his rest of whole life as Sikh spending in preaching the Gurbani to sangat.
Important Days at Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib
On the third day at this place the Guru ji established a Nishan Sahib (Flag) in a small heap of sand and blessed with words that all the wishes of each of the visitors shall be fulfilled whosoever shall be visiting with love, full faith and obeisance/adoration and their donations shall reach to us. After stay and preaching for three days at Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib, Guru ji resumed his journey for Delhi.
On first Sunday of every month, the Baptisator (Amrit Sanchaar) is being conducted here.
At this place the annual Gurupurab of arrival days of Sri Guru Hari Krishan Sahib is being celebrated in shape of congregation fair during Magh Sudi 7 to 9 wich falls during january – February every vear.
Please do visit and pay tour obeisance at Bhora sahib ( Basement) too.
Guru Ka Langar (Free Kitchen) is being served to visitors. The building of Guru Ka Langar is huge.
How to reach Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib?
By Road: Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib is well connected with the road network and you can reach here by hiring a bus/taxi. Gurudwara is located just at a distance of 9 KM from main Ambala City of Haryana. Ambala city is located on the National Highway -44 & is well connected to major cities of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh & Chandigarh. Chandigarh is at a distance of only 60 KM from Ambala. You can take Auto-Rickshaw or Taxi or Bus from Ambala for Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib.
By Rail: The nearest Railway to Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib is “Ambala Cantt” which is approximately 10 KM away from Gurudwara. This journey will take only 20 minutes to reach here from Railway Station. Option of Taxi/bus is available is Railway Station. Use IXIGO app to easily book train tickets online.
By Air: The nearest Airport is “Chandigarh International Airport” which is at a distance of 60 KM from Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib. You can hire a taxi/cab/bus to reach here from the airport. You may use makemytrip.com to book air tickets.
What to wear in Gurudwaras?
There is no special dress code for visiting gurudwaras. But it is a religious place and devotees have feelings attached to these holy shrines.
So you are advised to wear simple, sober clothes which cover your maximum body (Avoid short skirts in case of females). Moreover, you have to cover your head with any piece of cloth or handkerchief. Without head covering, you will not be allowed inside the main gurudwara premises. If by chance, you do not have any piece of cloth with you, then you can take that from the main shrine entrance point.
One another thing, you have to put off your shoes and socks in the Jora Ghar (Shoe rack room) before entering the temple.
Which is the best time to visit Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib?
You can visit Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib at any time of the year. However, the weather is pleasant during the winter season (October to April). Hot months of May & June may be avoided.
Final Words about Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog about the Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib. If you have any other questions or concerns about visiting Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib, Ambala, please comment in the comment box. I will be glad to answer your queries.
Thank you for reading, I am always excited when one of my posts is able to provide useful information on a topic like this!
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