Kotla Nihang Khan

Kotla Nihang Khan, about two and a half kilometres south of Ropar (30"58'N, 76°31'E), owes its prominence to Gurdwara Bhatta Sahib.

The village is named after its once local chief, Nihang Khan, a god fearing Afghan contemporary of Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Gobind Singh first visited Kotia Nihang Khan while on his way back from Paonta to Anandpur. The site of the present Gurdwara Bhattha Sahib used to be a Bhatha (a brick kiln) which was used to slake lime for mortar and whitewashing of walls. The kiln which was in use at the time belonged to the local chief. It is said that the kiln was still smouldering hot when the Guru arrived here on Magghar w/r/iAmavas, 1745 Bk/12 November 1688 and, inadvertantly or otherwise, rode right onto the kiln's covering.

There is a fascinating story about this incident, as soon as the hooves of the Guru's horse touched the kiln, it cooled. Seeing this, Nihang Khan fell at the Guru's feet and became forever his devoted follower. He escorted him to his haveli and put him up for the night with due reverence and attention. The Guru again passed through Kotia Nihang Khan while returning from viewing the solar eclipse in 1702/1703. The third visit was on 6 December 1705 when Guru Gobind Singh, after crossing the Sarsa, on being forced to abandon Anandpur cut across straight towards Kotia Nihang Khan, after detaching 100 of his warriors under Bhai Bachchittar Singh to cover his flank. He safely reached Kotia where, relaxing in Nihang Khan's house, he waited for Bachchittar Singh.

The latter engaged their pursuers, unfortunately most of them perished in the action. Bhat Bachchiittar Singh was seriously wounded and was taken, near death, to Nihang Khan's house by Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Bhai Madan Singh. Guru Gobind Singh asked Nihang Khan to look after Bachittar Singh, after which he proceeded with the remaining forty or so Sikhs towards Chamkaur.

Rumors spread as quickly in those days as they do today so hearing that Nihang Khan was sheltering some Sikhs, the Mughal troops searched his house while the mortally wounded Bachittar Singh lay in a small room attended by Nihang Khan's daughter. Living up to his name, Nihang Khan maintained his cool and succeeded in keeping the search party from entering the room by telling them that his daughter was nursing her very sick husband. Thus the danger was averted, but the life of Bhat Bachittar Singh could not be saved. He succumbed to his injuries and breathed his last on 8 December 1705. Nihang Khan had the cremation performed secretly the following night.

Guru Gobind Singh had, before his departure, bestowed upon Nihang Khan; a sword, a dagger and a shield. These priceless relics were preserved and passed through generations in the family, but no shrine was raised to the Guru's visit in that most fateful night of peril - until Gurdwara Bhattha Sahib was constructed by Sam Baba Jivan Singh (1833-1938) of Buddha Bhora on the site of the former kiln. The construction was commenced in 1910 and completed in 1923. When the Pathan family left India, following thee partition of 1947, they presented the sword and the dagger at the Gurdwara, but the shield was taken by the family who next occupied their house.

The sword, which has a beautiful golden hilt and sheath, carries the inscription in Perisan letters: : "Shahinshah Shah Mir Muhammad Mamur."

Gurdwara Complex

The Gurdwara's buildings which are on a 3 acre walled campus include several halls and suncs of rooms. The central three storeyed domed shrine, marking the spot where the Guru's horse had stood on the smouldering/cool kiln, is usually kept closed. The Guru Granth Sahib is seated in two of the halls.

Serai for Pilgrims

There are two blocks of rooms — Guru Nanak Nivas and Dashmesh Nivas, respectively, for pilgrims.

Administration

The Gurdwara is administered by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee through a local committee.

Services

Besides the daily morning and evening services, special gatherings take place on Sunday mornings and on the first of every Bikrami month. An annual fair is held from 16-18 December. The Guru ka Langar is open around the clock.

Inside the village, the Nihangs have established a small shrine in memory of Bhai Bhachittar Singh.