Gurdwara Toka Sahib: Difference between revisions

Gurdwara Toka Sahib

Gurudwara Toka Sahib is a wonderful gurdwara which has been established in honour of Guru Gobind Singh, who stayed here for a few days in 1688. This Gurdwara Sahib is situated in the peaceful area of village Tota in Sirmaur district of Himanchal Pardesh, at the border of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. The natural surroundings of Gurdwara and due to less population the area is very peaceful.

History

• According to Gurushabad Ratanakar Mahan Kosh and Twarikh Guru Khalsa, however, Guru Gobind Singh stayed here on his way back from Paonta Sahib to Anandpur Sahib in 1688.

• According to a slab (inscribed in 1968), Guru Gobind Singh came here with 2200 horsemen on 4 Baisakh 1742 Bk/ 1 April 1685 to help Raja Medini Prakash of Nahan.

Some Gujjars of nearby village stole the horses of Guru Gobind Singh ji and took them to another village and tied them over there. When the villagers (where the horses tied) knew that the horses belong to Guru jee and Gujjars had stole them, they untied the horses and took them back to Guru jee. Guru jee gave them blessings that "Ithey Laha rahegaa". know the village is called Laha and cursed the gujjars that "Ithey Tota rahegaa". then those villages are called tota. Toka word is derived from tota.

Guru Gobind Rai Ji (old name of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, also Guru Gobind Das) won the battle of Bhangani in 1688. When he, along with many Sikhs was returning to the city of Sri Anandpur Sahib Ji, he reached near a small village of Toka.

The majority of residents of village Toka were ‘Rangharhs’. They were thieves. They got a chance and entered the camp of Guru Gobind Rai Ji’s army. They managed to take two camels with them.

When the Sikh soldiers did not find two camels, they informed Guru Gobind Rai Ji. Guru Ji called ‘Rangharhs’ of the village and enquired about camels. ‘Rangharhs’ said they did not take any camel. They said, “Other thieves must have stolen your camels. We have not seen your camels”.

They then went back to their village.

There was/is another village, named ‘Laaha’ at some distance. Majority of its residents were poor people. Guru Ji called them to his camp and asked to go to Rangharhs’ village as beggars.

A resident of village ‘Laaha’ went to village ‘Toka’ as if he was a beggar. He found both of camels of Guru Ji there in the village. He came back to Guru Ji and informed that camels were tied there in the village of ‘Toka’.

Now, Guru Ji called ‘Rangharhs’ of village ‘Toka’ again. ‘Rangharhs’ were now frightened because their crime was highlighted and proved. They apologized to Guru Ji.

Guru Ji said, “The residents of village ‘Laaha’ will always get ‘Laaha’ (profit) and residents of ‘Toka’ will face ‘Tota’ (loss)”.

Historical Significance Related

Darbar Sahib:

Toka Sahib a Distant View

Sometimes ago the Gurdwara Sahib was having a modest flat Roofed room with an all round verandah. There was a hut of a Nihang which took care of the shrine. Now there is a big hall as Toka Sahib. A Management trust was framed which now controls the ceremonies & working of Gurdwaras. There is a huge congregation on days related to Guru Gobind Singh & other Gurus too. The sangat visit here from all corners full of trucks, Tractors, Vans and other vehicles round the Year. To reach the shrine one has to cross the Roon River. The Darbar Sahib has been constructed on the foothill.

Bhora Sahib:
There is a sacred bhora Sahib where Guru Gobind Singh ji stayed for few days.

Mango Tree:

mangoe Tree planted by Guru Himself

There is a old sacred Mango tree present behind the Darbar sahib complex. Acc to early sources, It was said after eating Mango when Guru jee had thrown away the seed, that seed became mango plant and now there is a Big Mango tree with branches laid down over ground. But know it is said that it was planted by guru himself

Black Berry Tree:
When Guru jee stayed over here he used to tie the horses with Small hooks of Blackberry tree. Still there are two huge Blackberry trees over there of that times.

Kangha Sahib Aka Tap Asthaan Guru Gobind Singh:

Nishaan Sahib of Kangha Sahib on Small Hill

This is an another Gurdwara which is a few meters away and located above small hill and under the boundry of Gurudwara Toka Shaib. It is said that Guru Gobind Singh jee after bathing in river Roon combed his hair. This is also he Tap Asthaan of Guru Gobind Singh. There is a Bridal path to go there,but one can go only on foot. Distance is just of 100 to 150 meters. Another Gurdwara is built where Guru Ji used to meditate in a solitary and peaceful place near the main Gurdwara Sahib.

Neem Tree:
The Sacred Neem tree is present there which is of Gurus time, it is said while brushing with neem twig guru when throw the twig away in soil. The twig became a Neem tree.

Old Well:
There is an old well here which, according to an inscription, was dug in 1823 "in memory of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Nawab Fateh Singh Ahluwalia."

Old Bamboos:
Guru Gobind Singh Jee after combing hair dugged the hair which remained with Kanga. From that hair Bamboos grow up there.

Now there is a Sarovar Sahib, a big Langar hall, a Gobar Gas Plant and road (from Ferozpur over River Roon) made under the tenure of Captain Fateh Singh. The village of ‘Toka’ still exists. Because the Gurdwara is built on village Toka’s land, it is named as ‘Gurdwara Toka Sahib’. The ‘Guru Ka Langar’ (community kitchen) is available.

Location

The Gurdwara is located in Sirmur District of Himachal Pradesh, but the nearest village Tota, about one kilometre to the southeast, is in Ambala District of Haryana. From Mianpur you have to cross the river called Roon to reach there. It is approximately 20 Km's from Naraingarh.

Two Sikh soldiers who were wounded in the battle of Bhangani, died here. A small building of a Gurdwara is built as their memorial on the bank of ‘Sarovar’ (pond).

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