Gurdwara Majnu ka Tilla: Difference between revisions
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[[ | '''Gurdwara Majnu-ka-Tilla''' is situated on the right bank of river [[Yamuna]], opposite Timarpur Colony beyond Khyber Pass in [[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. | ||
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. As he sat in meditation, lost in his thoughts he yearned 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 intense mysticical love 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 Visit== | |||
One day [[Guru Nanak]] walking by the river came upon Magnu and gave the emaciated hermit his blessings. Attaining the enlightenment he had so long sought, he became a devout disciple of the great Guru. | One day [[Guru Nanak]] walking by the river came upon Magnu and gave the emaciated hermit his blessings. Attaining the enlightenment he had so long sought, he became a devout disciple of the great Guru. 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. 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 of the Mosoleum of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia who left deeply influenced. | ||
It is said that after Guru Nanak Dev blessed Majnu, he became so pleased with Majnu's dedication that he tol his new devotee that his name "will be immortalized". So in sacred memory of this Muslim Saint the shrine was named Gurdwara Majnu-Ka-Tilla (the hilllock of Majnu). | |||
==Guru Hargobind's Visit== | |||
Years later [[Sri Guru Hargobind]] visited this hilltop 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 revoluntionary 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 trying to annihilate the rich cultural heritage of India. 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. | Years later [[Sri Guru Hargobind]] visited this hilltop 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 revoluntionary 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 trying to annihilate the rich cultural heritage of India. 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. | ||
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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 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. | ==Guru Har Rai's Stay== | ||
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. | |||
==The Site Today== | |||
According to records it wa sthe General 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. | |||
This Majestic Gurdwara is situated on the right bank of the River Yamuna on the Grand Trunk Road (National Highway-1), opposite Timarpur, Delhi. | 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. | ||
<gallery> | <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> | ||
Revision as of 19:32, 16 November 2007
Gurdwara Majnu-ka-Tilla is situated on the right bank of river Yamuna, opposite Timarpur Colony beyond Khyber Pass in 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.
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. As he sat in meditation, lost in his thoughts he yearned 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 intense mysticical love 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 Visit
One day Guru Nanak walking by the river came upon Magnu and gave the emaciated hermit his blessings. Attaining the enlightenment he had so long sought, he became a devout disciple of the great Guru. 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. 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 of the Mosoleum of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia who left deeply influenced.
It is said that after Guru Nanak Dev blessed Majnu, he became so pleased with Majnu's dedication that he tol his new devotee that his name "will be immortalized". So in sacred memory of this Muslim Saint the shrine was named Gurdwara Majnu-Ka-Tilla (the hilllock of Majnu).
Guru Hargobind's Visit
Years later Sri Guru Hargobind visited this hilltop 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 revoluntionary 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 trying to annihilate the rich cultural heritage of India. 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 hukamnamas, 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.
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.
Guru Har Rai's Stay
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.
The Site Today
According to records it wa sthe General 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.
Close up of Guru Granth Sahib's prakash at Gurdwara
Sri Guru Granth Sahib's prakash at Gurdwara
The well located outside the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila
This well is very similar to the one at Gurdwara Nanak Piao.
These gallery pictures are with thanks to: Sifar. Click on the photo to enlarge.
