Sri Muktsar Sahib
Muktsar is a small city. It has a population of about 120,000 only.
For Sikhs it has great historical significance.
The 2nd Guru Sahib, Guru Angad Dev Ji was born here at Matte di Sarai.
In 1705, Sri Muktsar Sahib was the scene of a fierce battle.
The Moghuls and Dogra Hill Rajas were in hot pursuit of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Historical records state they were close to 10,000 in number.
Some Sikhs had gathered around the Guru. They were aware the Guru had lost all 4 Sahibzade, his mother, and many Sikhs at Chamkaur and Sirhind. As the Guru marched towards Damdama Sahib, many faithful Sikhs came forward to accompany their Guru.
The Guru sat on a hillock and instructed the Sikhs to gather around the dhab, a small lake, which was the only source of fresh water for about 15 miles.
As the Mughal troops and hill rajas came closer, the loud jaikaras of the Sikhs gave an impression there were several thousand Sikhs. There were only about a thousand Sikhs.
The battle took place at night. The attackers could not breach the Sikh cordon and were unable to reach any water supplies.
Added to their confusion was a group of 40 Sikhs who had travelled together with Mai Bhago. She had scolded the 40 who had written a bedawa to the Guru saying He was no longer their Guru. They felt remorseful and had arrived to join the Guru to ask forgiveness from Him. They attacked the troops from behind. All 40 were killed. As the Guru inspected the scene after the battle, he saw the leader of the 40 Sikhs, one Bhai Mahan Singh. He had a few breaths of life in him and pleaded with the Guru to tear their bedawa. The Ever Compassionate and Forgiving Guru tore the bedawa. These 40 are referred to as the chali mukte in our Ardas.
The Mughal soldiers and the hill rajas retreated, leaving their dead and wounded behind.
After the battle of Muktsar Guru Gobind Singh advanced to Damdama Sahib where he stayed till 1706.
Gurfateh
Manjeet Singh
January 7, 2025.
