Introduction
Chamkaur Sahib is a town located in the Ropar(Now Roopnagar) district of Punjab. It is famous for the first and second Battle of Chamkaur fought between Sikhs and the Mughals. There are 6 Historic Sikh Gurdwaras in Chamkaur Sahib. Apart from these gurudwaras, Punjab Government has recently inaugurated a museum on Sikhism known by the name of “Dastaan-e-Shahadat Theme Park” which I will cover in this article.
“DASTAAN-E-SHAHADAT THEME PARK” along with the neighbouring GURUDWARAS OF CHAMKAUR SAHIB will make your holy journey to this city complete and you would gain a lot of information about Sikh religion.
To make things easily understandable and navigable, I have designed this article in FAQ format.
Table of Contents
Where Chamkaur Sahib located?
Chamkaur Sahib is located at a distance of 50 KM from the capital city of Punjab i.e. Chandigarh. It is a town in the Ropar (Roopnagar) District of Punjab.
How to reach Chamkaur Sahib?
Chamkaur Sahib is well connected with rail and road networks. You can reach here by following ways:
By Road: It is at a distance of only 50 KM from the famous city “Chandigarh” and one can easily reach here by bus/taxi/cab or private vehicle. It is well connected with roads and easily approachable.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Ropar Railway station which is just at a distance of 14 KM from chamkaur sahib. Major trains pass through Ropar railway station and it is connected to the major cities of India. Use the IXIGO app to easily book train tickets online.
By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport which is at a distance of 50 KM and one can reach here by booking a taxi/cab/bus from the airport. You may use makemytrip.com to book air tickets.
Which is the best time to visit Chamkaur Sahib?
You can visit Chamkaur Sahib at any time of the year but the best time is in the winter season. During the winter season (From 20 December to 28 December every year), an annual religious congregation is being organized in memory of the martyrdom of the sons of Guru Gobind Singh which starts from Anandpur Sahib and ends at Sirhind, Fatehgarh Sahib.
On these days, people across the world visit this holy place to pay their homage to the Martyrs.
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 gurudwaras you must visit in Chamkaur Sahib?
There are 6 historical gurudwaras in Chamkaur sahib and one important gurudwara in Morinda (Which is just at a distance of 12 KM from Chamkaur Sahib). I was not able to visit all 7 gurudwaras but I make a visit to 4 main gurudwaras. Even though I have given brief information about other gurudwaras for your reference.
- Gurudwara Qatalgarh Sahib
- Gurudwara Garhi Sahib
- GurudwaraTaari Sahib
- Gurudwara Damdama Sahib
- Gurudwara Ranjit Garh Sahib
- Gurudwara Saheed Burj Sahib-Bhai Jiwan Singh
- Gurudwara Kotwali Sahib, Morinda
Gurudwara Qatalgarh Sahib
This is the main gurudwara which is situated next to the Gurudwara Garhi Sahib.
This Gurdwara was constructed by Sardar Hardial Singh of Bela in 1831 but that building was replaced in 1960 by a new complex built under the supervision of Sant Piara Singh of Jhar Sahib and later of Sant Bishan Singh of Amritsar.
It is the place where two Sahibzady (Two elder sons of Guru Gobind Singh)
Baba Ajit Singh &
Baba Jujhar Singh,
3 Panj Pyare
(Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh & Bhai Sahib Singh)
out of 5 beloved of Guru Gobind singh and 40 Singhs (40 Muktas) got their martyrdom while fighting against Mughals in 1705.
This is the place where Guru Gobind Singh fought against 10 lakh soldiers of Mughals with only 40 Sikhs.
This battle is famous by the name of “Battle of Chamkaur”. Here Guru Gobind Singh practically implemented the meaning of “Swa Lakh see eek larao tabe gobind singh naam kahao” (By fighting 1 singh with 1.25 Lac enemies, my name may be called Gobind Singh).
The building of Gurudwara is beautifully built and there is a Baoli (Well) within the premises of the Gurudwara building. Guru Ka Langar is served 24-hours.
Gurudwara Garhi Sahib
This Gurudwara is situated at the backside of themain Gurudwara Qatalgarh Sahib and can be easily accessed on foot from Qatalgarh Sahib.
Guru Gobind Singh and the 40 Sikhs took shelter here after evacuating Anandpur Sahib. This gurudwara marks the site of the fortress-like double story house, with a high compound wall around it and only one entrance from the north, which was used by Guru Gobind SIngh as a temporary citadel in the unequal battle of Chamkaur on 7th December 1705.
While occupying the house during the night of 6-7 December, Guru ji ordered 8 Sikhs each to guard four sides. While another two, Maan Singh and Kotha Singh was posted at the entrance.
Guru Gobind Singh with his sons Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh took position on the first floor of the house in the center. Mughal now surrounded the `Garhi”. The battle raged throughout the day.
Sikhs started coming out in small groups to fight with the enemy and got their martyrdom after killing many soldiers of the Mughal army. Two such successive sallies were led by the Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzaada Jujhar Singh, 18 and 14 years old respectively, who like the other Sikhs fell fighting heroically.
By nightfall, Guru Gobind Singh was left with only five Sikhs in the fortress. These five Sikhs urged him to escape so that he could rally his supporters again and continue the struggle against oppression.
Guru ji agreed, he gave his own attire to Sangat Singh who resembled him in features and physical stature.
Under the cover of darkness, GURU JI made good his way through the encircling host slackened by the fatigue of the day’s battle. Daya Singh, Dharam Singh and Man Singh also escaped leaving behind only two Sikhs, Sangat Singh and Sant Singh.
The next day when Mughal forces entered the Garhi, they were surprised to find only two occupants, who died rather than giving in.
Gurudwara Taari Sahib
This gurudwara is at a distance of approximately 1 KM from Gurudwara Qatalgarh Sahib.
When Guru Gobind Singh decided to leave the Garhi at Chamkaur, three Sikhs, Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh and Bhai Maan Singh, came out with him. They each proceeded in a different direction, agreeing to meet later at a common spot guided by the position of certain stars.
Since Guru Sahib did not wish to leave unannounced, Guru Gobind Singh, upon reaching the mound where Gurdwara Taari Sahib (Taari literally means a clap) now stands, blew his horn and clapped his hands three times saying “Peer-e-hind rwad” (the Saint of India is leaving).
Gurudwara Damdama Sahib
On 6th Poh Samat 1761, in the night, Guru Gobind Singh left the fort of Shri Anandpur Sahib and crossed the River Sirsa and reached Ropar through Burj Majra. On 7 Poh Samat 1761, He reached this place.
Guru ji send his 5 Singhs to Rai Jagat singh, who was the owner of the Garhi, to ask him for shelter for some time. Singhs went to Jagat singh and conveyed the message of Guruji and also said that Guruji is in the orchid which is situated outside the town.
On listening to this Rai Jagat got scared from the Mughal forces. He just ignored them and said that he is unable to give his offerings and is not worth taking care of Guruji.
After listening to Jagat Singh’s answer Sikhs returned to Guru Sahib and told whole conversation. Then Guru ji sent one Sikh with 50 coins again to that place. Singh requested Jagat Singh’s younger brother Roop chand to give his place. Roop Chand took 50 coins and gave his half share in that Garhi.
Guru Sahib with his 2 sons and 40 Singhs moved to that Garhi. But Rai Jagat informed the Mughal army in Ropar which were searching for GURU SAHIB. The troops reached the Ghari and surrounded the area. By seeing this GURU SAHIB prepared his Singhs for the war which is Called The Battle of Chamkaur.
Gurudwara Ranjit Garh Sahib
Guru Gobind Singh came here while coming back from Kurukshetra.
Said Beg and Alif Beg Khan were going towards Lahore. Sikhs fought there the first battle of Chamkaur Sahib with Mughals.
Guruji was staying at Kehloor’s Raja Ajmer Chand’s house. He betrayed Guru Sahib and asked Mughals to arrest him in return for money.
Sikhs fought bravely with them. When Said Beg came in front of Guruji, he was got impressed and surrendered himself to Guru Sahib. Alif Beg got angry at Said begs act and attacked Guruji, but eventually, he got killed in battle.
Gurudwara Saheed Burj Sahib-Bhai Jiwan Singh
This Gurudwara is situated next to Gurdwara Garhi Sahib and represents the site of the gate of the fortress used by Guru Gobind Singh as the bulwark of his defence in the unequal battle of 7 December 1705.
The gate was guarded by Bhai Madan Singh and Bhai Kotha Singh, although the Gurdwara came to be named after Bhai Jivan Singh.
Gurudwara Kotwali Sahib, Morinda
This Gurudwara is situated at a distance of 12 KM from Gurudwara Qatalgarh Sahib and is in Morinda town.
When mother Gujjar Kaur ji, two young sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Baba Fateh Singh & Baba Zorawar Singh got separated from other family members at Sarsa river.
Along with Gangu cook, they stayed at Gangu’s residence for the night in Saheri village. In night Gangu had stolen the pouch full of gold coin. In the morning when mother Ji asked Gangu about the pouch, Gangu started shouting about theft, but mata ji asked him to keep quiet we are not asking for the coins you can keep them. Gangu got angry that he has given them shelter and he is being proven as a thief. Later Gangu made them leave the house and reported to Morinda Kotwal about MATA JI, AND SAHIBZAADA SAHIBS.
They were arrested by the Morinda police at GURDWARA SRI RATH SAHIB situated on the main road in the Saheri Village. From saheri they were brought here in Morinda and kept in jail for the night.
The next day they were taken to Sirhind. This place was the official Jail of Morinda.
Dastaan-e-Shahadat Theme Park
“Dastaan-e-Shahadat theme park” is situated in Chamkaur Sahib on Neelon-Ropar Canal Road which is also known by the name of “Guru Gobind Singh Marg”.
Brief Introduction
Dastaan-e-Shahadat theme Park (a saga of sacrifices) is built to pay tributes to the Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh, the elder Sahibzadas (sons) of Guru Gobind Singh and 40 martyrs.
This monument is dedicated to martyrs of “the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib” which was fought between Sikhs and the Mughals in 1704.
Purpose of Dastaan-e-Shahdat Park
The main purpose of the Dastaan-e-shadat theme park is to enable the visitors to get information about “Sikhism”. There are total 11 galleries which show the complete sequence of events and important happenings starting from Guru Nanak Dev (1st Sikh guru) to Guru Gobind Singh (10th Sikh Guru).
The whole history is presented in the form of short animated clips on 3-D screens which leave the viewers astonished.
Time required to see all galleries
It requires a minimum of 2 hours to watch the presentations in 11 galleries of Dastaan-e-shahdat theme park. The staff is deputed here which will guide the visitors about galleries.
The average duration of each clip is around 20 minutes.
No photography and videography is allowed inside these galleries.
Entry Ticket fee for Dastaan-e-Shahadat Park
I made a visit to this park just after 10 days of its opening and at that time no fee was charged from me.
It was free at that time.
One pass is given on which a maximum of 5 members can enter.
There is a slot of 40 people who can enter at a single time. Then after the break of 15 minutes, another batch of 40 people is allowed to enter.
Timings for Dastaan-e-Shahadat Park
Timings for Dastaan-e-shahadat theme park are from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
The museum remains closed on every Monday.
Other things to do at Dastaan-e-Shahadat Park
This park is beautifully built and is spacious lushed with green vegetation.
Apart from this, it has several statutes depicting the important personalities of Sikh history.
There is a bus which is stationed here to showcase the other tourist destinations of Punjab.
How was my experience?
I reached here at 12:20 pm after visiting main gurudwaras of Chamkaur Sahib. There was a long queue in front of the Entry Ticket Window and I have to wait for 30 minutes to get my turn.
After obtaining my pass, I entered into the museum. As only 40 visitors were allowed to enter into the main galleries, so I have to wait for half an hour again for my turn. In the meantime, I took a glimpse of other things of Park.
The park is beautifully designed and well maintained. The all structures inside this park are made up of red bricks.
The presentations which were shown in the galleries were animated and 3-D. A brief history of Sikh gurus with powerful background music is being shown to get acquainted with Sikh religion.
In the end, I would say that you must visit the Dastaan-e-Shahadat theme park with your children to know about the glorious history of Sikhism.
Final Words
I hope this information would be useful. If you have any query regarding Chamkaur Sahib visit then feel free to post a comment in the comment box. I will be glad to answer your query.
ਇਸ ਲੇਖ ਨੂੰ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੜ੍ਹਨ ਲਈ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਹੇਠਾਂ ਦਿੱਤੇ ਲਿੰਕ ‘ਤੇ ਕਲਿੱਕ ਕਰੋ।
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Kuch gallan jo othe nhi thik..
1.Ticket lain time koi Pani te Baithan da koi parbandh ni.Dhup te Garmi ch kharre rho bahr
2.one k bnde andr bhejo jineya nu pura dikha skde o..Last ch tn tsi vdios half hi dikhande o ya cutti jnde o vich hi..msa time kadd k koi aunda.ehda mtlb eh ni ki tsi half hi dikhao
3.Boht glt gal hai jo tsi Etihas nal ched chadd kiti hai..Shri guru Arjan Dev G ne nhi.Shri Guru Ram Das G ne Harmandir sahib da Neeh pathar Sai meyan meer ji to rakhwayi c..Guru ram das g di nagri vajjdi ae
4.Shri Guru Har Gobind G ne aap dharan kitiyan c Miri-Piri diyan talwaran..Na ki Baba Budha g ne bhentt kitiyan c..Baba budha g ne tan 2 talwaran rakhn da Reason(Kaaran)puchya c baba g kolo.
Mere hisab nal eh glt etihas dsna..chngi gl ni..jo sach hai oh dikhao.
Theam park is a good concept of Punjab Government.
History presentation is very good in this museum. I note that everything is good but some employees of this museum react like they’re totaly free from their job. They don’t sit properly in front of visitors, mostly used mobiles and they have no good sense to interact with guest. So kindly check this.
THERE IS NO CONTACT NO MENTIONED OF THE OFFICE OF DASTAAN E SHAHAD THEME PARK
hello, iam from pakistan and i am very happy to see all the monuments of chamkaur sahib. i want to know is there still “baba shahab udin shrine exists? actually i am reading a very famous autobiography of “Qudrat ullah shahab sahib” who once spent his childhood at chamkaur sahib with her grandmother serval years before partition.he stated that he had been a student of B.A.S.A.J.H KHALSA SCHOOL chamkaur sahib.but i couldnt find the shrine which he told about.if anyone have information regarding this please share.and one more thing he writes that there was an old ground named as “PANDUWANA” where some battle was fought beacuse even in his times people found old coins and bones when it rained.
hope someone have information about it too .thank you god bless you