Gurdwara Majnu ka Tilla: Difference between revisions

From SikhiWiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
No edit summary
No edit summary
 
(15 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[Image:Mkt.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Gurudwara Majnu Ka tila]]
[[Image:Mkt.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Gurudwara Majnu Ka tila]]


'''Gurdwara Majnu-ka-Tilla''' is situated on the right bank of river [[Yamuna]], opposite Timarpur Colony beyond Khyber Pass in [[Delhi]], [[India]]. Every year on [[Baisakhi]] Day, the birthday of the [[Khalsa]] is celebrated by the [[Sikh]]s of [[Delhi]] with great enthusiasm. A [[langar]] (free kitchen) is arranged on the occasion when thousands of people join irrespective of [[caste]], creed and status.
'''Gurdwara Majnu-ka-Tilla''' is situated on the right bank of river [[Yamuna]], opposite Timarpur Colony beyond the Khyber Pass section of [[Delhi]], [[India]]. The birthday of the [[Khalsa]] is celebrated here  with much festivity on [[Baisakhi]] day. On this day, which holds a special place in the hearts of all Sikhs, the city swells with pilgrims from the surrounding areas. With many people of different creeds, [[caste]]s, and status join the Sikhs of Delhi. During the festivities a special [[langar]] (a free kitchen or meal) of enormous size is arranged.


During the reign of [[Sultan Sikander Shah Lodhi]], a [[Muslim]] hermit lived here. It is said that his fasting made him very thin. Also that he yearned for the glimpse of God and was always lost in his thoughts that the people started calling him "Majnu", the Persian lover whose name became symbolic of intense love in mysticism in the Sufi literature. He used to carry people across the river, in his boat, free of charge.
==History==


When [[Guru Nanak]] visited this place, he blessed the [[Muslim]] hermit, who attained enlightenment and became a devout disciple of the great Guru. His hermitage on the bank of the Yamuna on a hillock, came to be known as Majnu-ka-Tilla (the hilllock of Majnu).
The historic name of area, literally means ''the hillock of Majnu'', after the ''tilla'' or mound where during the reign of [[Sikandar Lodhi]] (r. 1489–1517) on Delhi Sultanate, a local Iranian [[Sufi]] mystic, Abdulla nicknamed Majnu (crazy), met [[Sikh Guru]], [[Guru Nanak]] on July 20, 1505. Majnu ferried people across the Yamuna river for free as a service to God, his devotion resulted in the Nanak staying here till end July. In later history Sikh military leader [[Baghel Singh]] built the Majnu ka Tila [[Gurudwara]] to commemorate the stay in 1783, and the sixth Sikh guru, [[Guru Har Gobind]] also stayed here. Today it is one of oldest extant Sikh shrines in Delhi and the surrounding estate of donated by early 19th-century Sikh emperor, [[Ranjit Singh]].


Many people were attracted by the divine personality of Majnu. Infact, radiant spirit and dedicated love for the Guru, made this shrine as an outstanding missionary centre for centuries to follow. 'Many Sufi saints of Delhi went to meet Guruji when he was camping atop this hillock and held spiritual discussions with him. Most prominent among those who came to pay homage and were deeply influenced by [[Guru Nanak Dev]] was the Sajjada Nashin of the Mosoleum of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia. This hillock was also blessed by the visit of the sixth [[Sri Guru Hargobind]].
==The Muslim Hermit==


He was a dynamic personality who instilled revoluntionary spirit into the Sikhs to make them saviours of dharma and righteousness. He emboldened his followers morally, mentally, and physically to defeat evil designs of the Mughal rulers to annihilate rich cultural heritage of the country. It was as a religious head,who in the history of the world with two swords of [[Miri and Piri]]) spiritual and temporal, a combination of Bhakii and Shakti, created warrior saints, to fight against tyranny and oppression. It is worth mentioning here that the ideology given by [[Guru Hargobind]], shattered the designs of the rulers and changed the course of our history from slavery to self respect and dignity. It was again in pursuance of his policy of militarising the Sikhs, that [[Guru Hargobind]] laid the foundation of the '[[Akal Takht]]' just opposite [[Harmandir Sahib]]. It is from Akal Takht that all the [[hukamnama]]s, i.e. religious decrees are issued to Sikhs. These decrees are binding on all members of Sikh community. It served as a unifying force and a rallying centre for the Sikhs during the turbulent times.
It is said that a [[Muslim]] hermit had camped here on a small hill at the edge of the Yamuna during the rule of [[Sultan Sikander Shah Lodhi]]. Fasting, the Sufi mendicant had become very thin. Lost in his thoughts he sat in meditation day after day, yearning for a glimpse of God. He was so oblivious to the world around him that people started referring to him as "Majnu" (crazy), the nickname that the Persians had given to a young man whose never ending love of a girl (Lali) became symbolic of the intense mysticical love for God of Sufi literature. The Yamuna's Majnu, when not lost in meditation, would use his small boat to ferry people across the Yamuna for free.
 
==Guru Nanak's Blessings==
 
One day [[Guru Nanak]], walking by the river, came upon Majnu and gave the emaciated hermit his blessings. Attaining the enlightenment he had so long sought, Majnu became a devout disciple of the great Guru. While Guru Nanak was camping atop this hillock many Sufi saints of Delhi came to meet with Guruji  and held spiritual discussions with him. The most prominent among those who came to pay homage to the Guru was the sajjada nashin (spiritual leader) of the shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia who left his talk with Guru Nanak deeply influenced. Many people were attracted to the site by Majnu's divine personality. Infact, his radiant spirit and dedicated love for his Guru, made this shrine into an outstanding missionary centre for centuries to follow.
 
It is said that after Guru Nanak Dev had blessed Majnu, he became so pleased with Majnu's dedication that  he told his new devotee, "your name will be immortalized". So in sacred memory of this once  Muslim Saint the shrine was named Gurdwara Majnu-Ka-Tilla (the hillock of Majnu).
 
==Guru Hargobind's Visit==
 
Years later, after the torture and death of his father, when [[Guru Hargobind]] was 'invited' to Delhi by [[Emperor Jahangir]], he stayed at Gurdwara Majnu-Ka-Tilla. During his stay he became friends with the Emperor. Later he joined the Emperor's shikars (hunts) and even saved Jahangir from a tiger's attack. When an influential friend of the gravely ill Emperor had the Court Astrologers to suggest to the Emperor to ask his new friend to go to [[Gwalior]] Fort to pray for his recovery, Guru Hargobind gladly agreed. When he was released and asked to return to Delhi, Guru ji refused to leave the fort insisting that 52 Hindu prisoners also be set free. Today the event is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas. Leaving Delhi, on his way back to the [[Punjab]], Guru ji again  visited the hilltop, Majnu-Ka-Tilla, where his fifth predeccesor had stopped to bless Majnu the 'crazy' Sufi who had yearned for, the seemingly unattainable, love of the Kartar (God).
 
Guru Hargobind's dynamic personality filled the Sikhs with a revolutionary spirit turning them into  saviours of dharma and righteousness. He emboldened his followers morally, mentally, and physically to fight the evil designs of the Mughal rulers who were seeking to annihilate the rich cultural heritage of India. With his two swords of '[[Miri and Piri]]' (spiritual and temporal power), a combination of Bhakii and Shakti, Guru Hargobind created warrior saints, to fight against tyranny and oppression. [[Guru Hargobind]]'s ideology shattered the designs of the ferengi (foreign) rulers and helped to change the course of India's history from slavery to self respect and dignity. Having militarised the Sikhs [[Guru Hargobind]] laid the foundation of the [[Akal Takht]] just opposite the [[Harmandir Sahib]]. It is from the Akal Takht that all the [[hukamnama]]s, (religious decrees) are issued to the Sikhs. These decrees are binding on all members of the Sikh community. The Akal Takht has served as a unifying force and a rallying centre for Sikhs during their history's turbulent times.


[[Image:mktila.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Majnu Ka tilla]]
[[Image:mktila.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Majnu Ka tilla]]
When [[Guru Hargobind]] was invited by [[Emperor Jahangir]], he came and stayed at Gurdwara Majnu-Ka-Tilla. The suspicious Emperor got him deported to [[Gwalior]] and imprisoned him there. Later he was released. Guru ji insisted that all other prisoners also be set free. On his way back to [[Punjab]], Guru ji again stayed at Majnu-Ka-Tilla.


When [[Guru Har Rai]] the seventh Guru sent his son [[Ram Rai]] to explain the tenets of [[Sikhism]] to [[Emperor Aurangzeb]], he also stayed at Majnu-Ka-Tilla. Thus the [[Gurdwara]] here acquired historic importance. It is said that when [[Guru Nanak Dev]] blessed Majnu with supreme enlightenment and was pleased with his dedication, he said that his name "will be immortalized". So in sacred memory of this Muslim Saint the shrine was named as Gurdwara Majnu-Ka-Tilla. There is a well in the compound of this holy shrine. It is said that Ram Rai showed his miracles to Aurangzeb near this well. It is also said that 'General Baghel Singh' who conquered Delhi in 1783 and held it under his sway for a few months, also encamped at Majnu-­Ka-Tilla. According to records it was General Baghel Singh who raised a small structure at this sacred place to perpetuate the memory of the [[Sikh Gurus]]. The tiny, old marble Gurdwara which exists even today,.was constructed by [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh]] who also endowed it with a jagir. The income from this jagir was spent on the maintenance of this historical shrine. In 1950 a big Gurdwara building was constructed by the [[sangat]] of [[Delhi]].
==Ram Rai distorts Bani==
 
When [[Guru Har Rai]] the seventh Guru sent his son [[Ram Rai]] to explain the tenets of [[Sikhism]] to [[Emperor Aurangzeb]], he also stayed at Majnu-Ka-Tilla.


This Majestic Gurdwara is situated on the right bank of the River Yamuna on the Grand Trunk Road (National Highway-1), opposite Timarpur, Delhi.
Thus the [[Gurdwara]] here acquired historic importance.
There is a well in the compound of this holy shrine. It is said that Ram Rai showed his miracles to Aurangzeb near this well.


<gallery>
==The Site Today==
 
It is also said that 'General Baghel Singh' who conquered Delhi in 1783 and held it under his sway for a few months, also encamped at Majnu-­Ka-Tilla. According to records i twas wassthe General Baghel Singh who raised a small structure at this sacred place to perpetuate the memory of the [[Sikh Gurus]].
 
The tiny, old marble Gurdwara which exists even today, was constructed by [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh]] who also endowed it with a jagir. The income from this jagir was spent on the maintenance of this historical shrine.
 
In 1950 a big Gurdwara building was constructed by the [[sangat]] of [[Delhi]]. This Majestic Gurdwara is situated on the right bank of the River Yamuna on the Grand Trunk Road (National Highway-1), opposite Timarpur, Delhi.
 
<hr>
<gallery>
Image:Gurdwara+008.jpg|<small>Close up of Guru Granth Sahib's prakash at Gurdwara</small>
Image:Gurdwara+008.jpg|<small>Close up of Guru Granth Sahib's prakash at Gurdwara</small>
Image:Gurdwara+009.jpg|<small>Sri Guru Granth Sahib's prakash at Gurdwara</small>
Image:Gurdwara+009.jpg|<small>Sri Guru Granth Sahib's prakash at Gurdwara</small>
Line 27: Line 51:
These gallery pictures are with thanks to: [http://workinprogress2.blogspot.com/ Sifar]. Click on the photo to enlarge.</small>
These gallery pictures are with thanks to: [http://workinprogress2.blogspot.com/ Sifar]. Click on the photo to enlarge.</small>


==Contact details==
'''Address:'''
: The Secretary, Management Committee,
: Gurdwara Majnu ka Tila,
:Magazine Road,
:Civil Lines,
:Delhi, Pin code 110054
*Phone Nos. : 91-11-23953218
==External Links==
* [http://dsgmc.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=145&Itemid=181 DSGMC information]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdgitZCNEUk Youtube video by Arunachal Singh]
* [http://www.arunlalsharma.com/Gurudwara_Majnu_Ka_Tila.html Delhi website of Arunlal Sharma]


[[category:Gurdwara]]
{{Delhi Gurdwaras}}
[[category:Gurdwaras in Delhi]]

Latest revision as of 23:11, 11 April 2015

Gurudwara Majnu Ka tila

Gurdwara Majnu-ka-Tilla is situated on the right bank of river Yamuna, opposite Timarpur Colony beyond the Khyber Pass section of Delhi, India. The birthday of the Khalsa is celebrated here with much festivity on Baisakhi day. On this day, which holds a special place in the hearts of all Sikhs, the city swells with pilgrims from the surrounding areas. With many people of different creeds, castes, and status join the Sikhs of Delhi. During the festivities a special langar (a free kitchen or meal) of enormous size is arranged.

History

The historic name of area, literally means the hillock of Majnu, after the tilla or mound where during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi (r. 1489–1517) on Delhi Sultanate, a local Iranian Sufi mystic, Abdulla nicknamed Majnu (crazy), met Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak on July 20, 1505. Majnu ferried people across the Yamuna river for free as a service to God, his devotion resulted in the Nanak staying here till end July. In later history Sikh military leader Baghel Singh built the Majnu ka Tila Gurudwara to commemorate the stay in 1783, and the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Har Gobind also stayed here. Today it is one of oldest extant Sikh shrines in Delhi and the surrounding estate of donated by early 19th-century Sikh emperor, Ranjit Singh.

The Muslim Hermit

It is said that a Muslim hermit had camped here on a small hill at the edge of the Yamuna during the rule of Sultan Sikander Shah Lodhi. Fasting, the Sufi mendicant had become very thin. Lost in his thoughts he sat in meditation day after day, yearning for a glimpse of God. He was so oblivious to the world around him that people started referring to him as "Majnu" (crazy), the nickname that the Persians had given to a young man whose never ending love of a girl (Lali) became symbolic of the intense mysticical love for God of Sufi literature. The Yamuna's Majnu, when not lost in meditation, would use his small boat to ferry people across the Yamuna for free.

Guru Nanak's Blessings

One day Guru Nanak, walking by the river, came upon Majnu and gave the emaciated hermit his blessings. Attaining the enlightenment he had so long sought, Majnu became a devout disciple of the great Guru. While Guru Nanak was camping atop this hillock many Sufi saints of Delhi came to meet with Guruji and held spiritual discussions with him. The most prominent among those who came to pay homage to the Guru was the sajjada nashin (spiritual leader) of the shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia who left his talk with Guru Nanak deeply influenced. Many people were attracted to the site by Majnu's divine personality. Infact, his radiant spirit and dedicated love for his Guru, made this shrine into an outstanding missionary centre for centuries to follow.

It is said that after Guru Nanak Dev had blessed Majnu, he became so pleased with Majnu's dedication that he told his new devotee, "your name will be immortalized". So in sacred memory of this once Muslim Saint the shrine was named Gurdwara Majnu-Ka-Tilla (the hillock of Majnu).

Guru Hargobind's Visit

Years later, after the torture and death of his father, when Guru Hargobind was 'invited' to Delhi by Emperor Jahangir, he stayed at Gurdwara Majnu-Ka-Tilla. During his stay he became friends with the Emperor. Later he joined the Emperor's shikars (hunts) and even saved Jahangir from a tiger's attack. When an influential friend of the gravely ill Emperor had the Court Astrologers to suggest to the Emperor to ask his new friend to go to Gwalior Fort to pray for his recovery, Guru Hargobind gladly agreed. When he was released and asked to return to Delhi, Guru ji refused to leave the fort insisting that 52 Hindu prisoners also be set free. Today the event is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas. Leaving Delhi, on his way back to the Punjab, Guru ji again visited the hilltop, Majnu-Ka-Tilla, where his fifth predeccesor had stopped to bless Majnu the 'crazy' Sufi who had yearned for, the seemingly unattainable, love of the Kartar (God).

Guru Hargobind's dynamic personality filled the Sikhs with a revolutionary spirit turning them into saviours of dharma and righteousness. He emboldened his followers morally, mentally, and physically to fight the evil designs of the Mughal rulers who were seeking to annihilate the rich cultural heritage of India. With his two swords of 'Miri and Piri' (spiritual and temporal power), a combination of Bhakii and Shakti, Guru Hargobind created warrior saints, to fight against tyranny and oppression. Guru Hargobind's ideology shattered the designs of the ferengi (foreign) rulers and helped to change the course of India's history from slavery to self respect and dignity. Having militarised the Sikhs Guru Hargobind laid the foundation of the Akal Takht just opposite the Harmandir Sahib. It is from the Akal Takht that all the hukamnamas, (religious decrees) are issued to the Sikhs. These decrees are binding on all members of the Sikh community. The Akal Takht has served as a unifying force and a rallying centre for Sikhs during their history's turbulent times.

Majnu Ka tilla

Ram Rai distorts Bani

When Guru Har Rai the seventh Guru sent his son Ram Rai to explain the tenets of Sikhism to Emperor Aurangzeb, he also stayed at Majnu-Ka-Tilla.

Thus the Gurdwara here acquired historic importance.

There is a well in the compound of this holy shrine. It is said that Ram Rai showed his miracles to Aurangzeb near this well.

The Site Today

It is also said that 'General Baghel Singh' who conquered Delhi in 1783 and held it under his sway for a few months, also encamped at Majnu-­Ka-Tilla. According to records i twas wassthe General Baghel Singh who raised a small structure at this sacred place to perpetuate the memory of the Sikh Gurus.

The tiny, old marble Gurdwara which exists even today, was constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who also endowed it with a jagir. The income from this jagir was spent on the maintenance of this historical shrine.

In 1950 a big Gurdwara building was constructed by the sangat of Delhi. This Majestic Gurdwara is situated on the right bank of the River Yamuna on the Grand Trunk Road (National Highway-1), opposite Timarpur, Delhi.


These gallery pictures are with thanks to: Sifar. Click on the photo to enlarge.

Contact details

Address:

The Secretary, Management Committee,
Gurdwara Majnu ka Tila,
Magazine Road,
Civil Lines,
Delhi, Pin code 110054
  • Phone Nos. : 91-11-23953218

External Links

Gurdwaras in Delhi

Gurdwara Bala Sahib   •   Gurdwara Bangla Sahib   •   Gurdwara Damdama Sahib (Delhi)   •   Gurdwara Majnu ka Tilla   •   Gurdwara Mata Sundri   •   Gurdwara Motibagh Sahib   •   Gurdwara Nanak Piao   •   Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib  •   Gurdwara Banda Singh Bahadur   •   Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib