Gurdwara Sher Shikar, Muchukund

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Gurdwara Machkund

Gurdwara Sher Shikar, (Gurdwara of the Tiger Hunt) is situated in Machkund, in Dhaulpur, Rajasthan. This Gurdwara is related to the sixth Guru, Shri Guru Hargobind's visit and his part in the fabled hunt.

History

While traveling towards Gwalior, with Emperor Jahangir Guru Hargobind arrived at Machkund on 4th march, 1612 and stayed in Bhamtipura village. The head of that area informed Jahangir of a deadly lion stalking the local villagers and asked the Emperor to save them from the lion.

LionKIllhargobindsinghmachkund.jpg

It is said that Jahangir had quickly thought to use the lion hunt as an opportunity to bring about Guru Hargobind's death. History records, however, a very different result for the fabled hunt.

While the Emperor's hunting party was in the forest searching for the lion, the lion suddenly charged in the direction of Jahangir. Jahangir and his soldiers fired their guns and arrows missing the great beast. Fearlessly the madened lion continued his charge toward the Emperor. Seeing this, the terrified Jahangir screamed out for help. It is said that at this point, Guru Hargobind jumped from his horse and stood between Jahangir and the lion and speaking to the lion said,

"Ae kale yaman pehlan toon war kar lae kidre tere man di iccha baaki na reh jaye"

The lion attacked Guru Hargobind with his full force. Guru ji raised his shield in front of the lion and with his sword slashed the lion across its back killing him with the one motion.

Jahangir now realised that the Guru was not only powerful spirituality but also physically. Jahangir quickly retreated from the scene bidding a hasty "thanks" to the Guru.

However, after reaching Gwalior, Guru Hargobind was jailed with the 52 Rajas whom the Guru would famously free from Jahagir's imprisonment. After this incident Machkund became more popular.

After That

Gurdwara Sher Shikar Pic 2

For awhile, after this incident, Udasi sadhus did gurbani kirtan and a free kitchen at this place. Later the Udasi sadhus abandoned the site and it was rarely visited. The Maharani of Dhaul pur who was a daughter of Patiala ka Maharaja found the sacred place and Guru Granth Sahib prakash was done here.

Sant baba Thakur Singh who was at hazur sahib, while returning to the Punjab heard of Guru Hargobind deeds at the site and paid a visit there. He found an old thara sahib. A small sword and Kundals were unearthed here at a depth of nearly 5 meters. After that the site gained in popularity.

Location

Machkund, Dhaulpur, Rajasthan
On Agra Gwalior Road
Railway station is 2.5 km from this place

References

Ӫ From a book named Sher Shikar Machkund, written by Rajinder Singh Soofi, Amritsar