Gurudwara Shahid Ganj (Muktsar) Faridkot

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Gurudwara Shahid Ganj is located in Muktsar a flourishing town and a sub-divisional headquarter of Faridkot. It is an important pilgrimage centre. Originally the Gurdwara was called 'Khidrana Ki Dhab'. The present name is derived from the Chali Muktas (Forty Redeemed) who sacrificed their lives here, fighting against the Mughals. The troops of Wazir Khan Nawab of Sirhind, came in pursuit of the Guru, fought with the Sikhs and were routed.

This was the last military engagement in which the Guru was envolved. It took place on December 29, 1705. The Guru personally cremated the martyrs. When Guru Gobind Singh along with devotees was collecting the dead warriors for cremation, he saw one of them named Mahan Singh, whom bleeding to death was still clinging to life. On seeing the Guru, he made an effort to rise. The Guru at once took him in his embrace, and sat down beside him. Mahan Singh tearful and exhausted, requested the great Master to destroy the Bedahwa, the letter, disclaiming his being a Sikh of Guru Gobind Singh, submitted by the fourty Sikhs of Majha who had asked permission to leave Anandpur, even as their Guru and fellow Sikhs were still holding out against the armies of the hill-chiefs and their Mughal supporters. The Guru also restored the broken link. The merciful Guru took their document and tore it up. That is how the Great Guru showed infinite mercy towards his followers. The four Gurdwaras located at Muktsar are Shahid Ganj Sahib, Tibbi Sahib, Tambu Sahib and Darbar Sahib.

Gurdwara Shahid Ganj Sahib also called Angitha Sahib, later constructed here, commemorates the place where the last rites of the Forty Muktas, or the Liberated ones, were performed. Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself performed the last rites of the forty sikhs who laid down their lives in the battle at Muktsar and named the place as Shahid Ganj.

Gurdwara Shahid Ganj is picturesquely set, beside a water tank. its interior walls are covered with paintings of the Sikh Gurus and scenes from their lives.

This shrine is the meeting place of millions of devotees, who gather here on the first day of the month Magha (12th and 13th of January) according to the Indian Calendar. Called the Magh Mela it is celebrated with great enthusiasm here.

Magha covers parts of (January-February) in the western calendar.