Gurudwara Nagiana Sahib: Difference between revisions

The main Gurdwara gate

Gurdwara Nagiana Sahib is situated in in village Udoke, near Batala (about 35km from Amritsar). Sant Baba Chuggat Singh Ji was the first sewadar and built the main building.

This is a special place of worship for Nagis' and their ancestors - in Punjabi we say "saday jatharian dee thaan" (our ancestors place). In Punjabi and all cultures around the world it's very common for every clan to have their 'ancestors village or place of worship'. Initially only Nagis' used to visit the Gurdwara. There is also a Nagiana Fund which has been set-up to support a number of initiatives at Nagiana Sahib - from langar sewa each year on September 8th (known as Nagi day), to supporting the weddings of under privileged girls.

This is also a place tied to the history of Sri Guru Nanak Dev JI. Click here to learn more about the Gurdwara history and social services now being offered.

History

The Gurdwara’s main building was built by Sant Baba Chuggat Singh Ji, who was the first sewadar.

Most of us must have read or heard about the story of the 'Sheshnag' cobra that shaded young Nanak while he was sleeping in sun (Nanak and the Cobra for full story).

History has lead us to believe that the same Cobra that bestowed shade, followed Guru Nanak Dev Ji everywhere he went on his Udasians (travels or pilgrimages of Guru Nanak to spread God's name). During his travels, Guru Nanak Dev Ji stopped at the village Udoke and stayed in village Udoke for 9 months and 26 days, on his way to his in-laws who lived in the city of Batala. The devotee cobra was still following him - by now the cobra had reached a ripe age and was fairly old. Guru Nanak Dev Ji requested him not to follow him anymore; in lieu he should rest and dwell in Nagiana for good. Guru Nanak Dev Ji showered his blessings upon the place that whoever would visit the shrine with the true faith, their wishes shall be fulfilled.

Some people perceive Nagiana Sahib as place of worshiping snakes - this is not the case. It's a Gurdwara and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji takes precedence above all.

Inside the Gurdwara there's a parkash (presence) of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, in a separate room the sculptures of cobras are displayed on a podium. Miniature cobras made out of metal can be obtained from an outlet at the Gurdwara to bestow offerings in the name of Nag Ji.

Services Offered

The Gurdwara trust also run a number of charitable services.

Social Responsibilities

The trust handles social welfare responsibilities - which include, taking care of weddings for girls whom come from poor families, at no cost, in addition to supporting the village and villagers with their basic needs.

Educational Institute

Apart from the Gurdwara, the trust is running the educational institute / higher secondary school which is adjacent to Gurdwara. The gurdwara committee is not only offering the religious study to the students, but also offering the modern education to the students so that they can compete in any of the level of modern metro life.

Charitable Hospital

The trust is also running the charitable hospital for the poor and needy people of village from 2009 to till date. The gurdwara trustees are also planning to make this dispensary, A full fledged hospital with all the ultra-modern facilities. The gurdwara trustees are also thinking to offer many of the treatment free of cost.

Administration

The administration of the Gurdwara, is taken care by Baba Chuggat Singh Prabandhak Committee, a non-profit institution. Name of the Trust: Baba Chuggat Singh Prabandhak Committee.

External Links