Ganga Sagar - Sacred Relic of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

A BRAVE NOBLE STEP BY RAI KALHA

Kendriya Ajaib Ghar - Central Museum Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar
Painting of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji bestowing Ganga Sagar, Sri Sahib (sword) and a Rehal to Rai Kalha of Raikot in 1705. The painting was inaugurated by Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Singh Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh and Head Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Granthi Singh Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh on 24th July, 2017.

Full view of the painting inaugurated in the Central Museum Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar on 24th July, 2017

The Story of Ganga Sagar

Rai Azizullah Khan at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar during the Kar Seva - March 2004.

350th Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Special Postage Stamp

Malaysia issued a special postage stamp, having the photo of Guru Sahib's Relic Ganga Sagar and Rai Azizullah Khan, to commemorate the 350th Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 5th January, 2017. Rai Azizullah Khan attended the celebrations at Sentul Gurdwara Sahib Kuala Lumpur from 5th to 8th January, 2017.

Ganga Sagar and Rai Azizullah Khan being welcomed at Sentul Gurdwara Sahib Kuala Lumpur on 5th January, 2017.

During his first visit in April 1999, Rai Azizullah Khan being presented a gold medal at Talwandi Rai, Tehsil Raikot, where Gurdwara Ganga Sagar was under construction. Talwandi Rai was founded by Rai Kalha I in 1478.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1995

Jagdev Singh Talwandi presenting Siropa to Rai Azizullah Khan

Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi presenting Siropa and Sri Sahib to Rai Azizullah Khan in Gurdwara Tahliana Sahib, Raikot on 28th December, 2004. Raikot was founded by Rai Ahmed in 1648.

Haveli of Rais, Raikot, Raikot Survey Pustak, 1971, Bhasha Vibhag Punjab

Raikot Survey Pustak, 1971, Bhasha Vibhag Punjab (Language Department Punjab)

In 1705 Guru Gobind Singh Ji went towards Machiwara after leaving The Fort of Anandpur Sahib. His two minor sons Baba Zorawar Singh Ji (9 years) and Baba Fateh Singh Ji (7 years) and his mother Mata Gujri Ji, got separated from him while crossing Sirsa nadi (river) during a dark cold night of December. Guru Sahib lost his two elder sons Baba Ajit Singh Ji (19 years) and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji (15 years) who attained martyrdom in the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib. In Machiwara, Ghani Khan and Nabi Khan, two Muslim horse dealers helped Guru Sahib by declaring him "Uchh Da Peer", a very famous Muslim saint from South Punjab, providing him with essential items and carrying him with great honour and respect on a palanquin, assisted by a few Sikhs and Muslims so that Guru Sahib leaves the area respectfully.

In those days of severe hardship, some Rajas refused even to offer help to Guru Sahib due to fear of death as Aurangzeb was after the life of Guru Sahib and his family. When Guru Sahib reached Raikot state, the Muslim Rajput Chief, Rai Kalha welcomed him and felt honored in offering his services to Guru Sahib as his guest for as long as he wanted to stay. Guru Ji spent a few days with Rai Kalha.

Guru Sahib on reaching Raikot asked Noora Mahi, who was grazing buffaloes in the fields, to serve him milk in Ganga Sagar which was a part of his personal belongings. Noora Mahi said that his buffaloes did not give milk. Guru Sahib told him to utter the name of God and start milking a buffalo. To the surprise and amazement of Noora Mahi, the buffalo gave milk and he collected it in the Ganga Sagar.

On Guru Sahib's desire Rai Kalha sent his trustworthy servant Noora Mahi to Sirhind, who brought the most tragic news of the martyrdom of Guru Sahib's mother, Mata Gujri Ji and his two minor sons, who were bricked alive.

Before leaving Raikot, in recognition and in appreciation of the services and hospitality extended by Rai Kalha, a Muslim Chief who risked his and his family's lives, Guru Gobind Singh ji presented Ganga Sagar, a sword and a Rehal (small wooden stand to read a religious book) to Rai Kalha as his personal gifts.

Till 1947 the Ganga Sagar was displayed by Khan Bahadur Rai Inayat Khan (Honorary Magistrate, Sub-Registrar Jagraon Tehsil, 1935) for darshan by sangat who used to walk bare-footed from Gurdwara Tahlianaa Sahib in Raikot, District Ludhiana to his haveli in Raikot.

The present custodian of Ganga Sagar is Rai Azizullah Khan (the 9th generation descendant of Rai Kalha III), grandson of Khan Bahadur Rai Inayat Khan and the heir of the Rai family who have kept this sacred gift of Guru Gobind Singh Ji with great respect and care for more than 300 years.

Gurdwara Chamkaur Sahib where Guru Gobind Singh ji's two elder sons Baba Ajit Singh ji and Baba Jujhar Singh ji, as well as three of the Five Beloved Ones (Panj Piarey) attained martyrdom.

Ganga Sagar Model at Gurudwara Tahliana Sahib, Raikot, Dist. Ludhiana, Punjab, India.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1995

Ganga Sagar and Rai Azizullah Khan on their way to Raikot on 28th December, 2004

Rani Da Khooh at Raikot, Raikot Survey Pustak 1971

With Raikot Sangat in April 1999

At Raikot Haveli in April 2011

Rai Azizullah Khan 9th Generation from Rai Kalha Ji

Martyrdom of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh

When Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh were bricked alive, Sher Mohammad, the Nawab of Maler Kotla, protesting against the brutality pronounced in a raised voice, "Now the tyranny has been completely uprooted".

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh along with his wife Mrs. Gursharan Kaur ji touching Ganga Sagar with reverence.

Prime Minister House Delhi, 29th December 2004.

Des Pardes UK - 10 June 1994, Published the First News Article about Ganga Sagar and Rai Family after partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.

First darshan of Ganga Sagar for "Sadh Sangat" after 1947 was organized in July/August 1994 in UK.

Bellerose, N.Y., USA, 2009

Vancouver Nagar Kirtan 2010

Gurdwara Sahib Hong Kong

India Pakistan Pre-partition Photo of Ganga Sagar, Raikot Survey Pustak 1971
Translation: This is a photo of Ganga Sagar which Guru Gobind Singh ji gifted to Rai Kalha. It retains liquid despite holes in it. It is with Rai Inayat Khan.

Rai Azizullah Khan, Honoured with A Siropa and Sri Sahib (sword) by Jathedar Akal Takht, on 300th Vaisakhi at Anandpur Sahib. April 14, 1999

At Raikot Kachehri of Rai Family (which is now a girls school) in April 1999

Translation of Raikot Survey Pustak (Book), Bhasha Vibhaag Punjab

References Kalha Rai:

Mahan Kosh Encyclopedia of Sikh Literature. By Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha P. 311
Suraj Parkash 1843 By Bhai Santokh Singh
Malwa Itehas 1954 By Visakha Singh
Punjab Da Itihas : Guru Kaal : 1469 - 1708 By Dr. Sukhdial Singh
Raikot Survey Book 1971. By Bhasha Vibhag Punjab
Rajas of Punjab 1870. By Sir Lepel Henry Griffin
Chiefs of Punjab 1890, 1909, 1940 By Charles Francis Massy
Govt Dist. Gazette Ludhiana 1888, 1904, 1935
Encyclopedia of Sikhism. By Prof. Harbans Singh, Punjabi Uni., Patiala 1996, Vol-II, P.416
The Sikh Reference Book By Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer 1997, P.464, 196
Guru Kian Sakhian By Piara Singh Padam
Anand Sarovar By Bhagat Singh, Session Judge Retd. Vol.IV, P.110
Anand Chamatkar By Bhai Gurmukh Singh, Hazuri Raagi Vol.X, P.167
City of Faridkot Past and Present - 1976 By Fauja Singh and RC Rabra
Punjab Castes - 1883 By Sir Denzil Ibbetson (Rajput - Manj P.161)
Bachan Di Karamaat By Principal Gurnam Singh Binjal

History of "Jarh Putti Asthaan" (root plucking place) displayed at Gurudwara Tahliana Sahib, Raikot

Rai Kalha III

He was a Muslim Rajput Chief. In 1705, he had the honour of being the host of Guru Gobind Singh Ji at the risk of losing his own and his family's lives apart from the State and property he owned. Noora Mahi, the Rai's cattle-grazer, was deputed for the seva of the Guru.While in Raikot the Guru received the tragic news of the martyrdom of his two sons and his mother. The Guru presented a Sword, a Rehal and the Ganga Sagar to Rai Kalha III, as an expression of his gratitude.

" One of the Rais is said to have been put to death for refusing a daughter in marriage to Emperor Akbar." After this incident the Raikot state was confiscated, which was later restored by Emperor Shah Jahan, grandson of Emperor Akbar. " On the decline of Mughal Empire from the beginning of 18th century the Rai's became involved in disputes with the Governor of Sirhind; and Rai Kalha III who appears to have been a ruler of very great ability, extended his power upto Ludhiana, which passed into his hands a few years before the capture of Sirhind by the Sikhs in the manner described in Chapter 2. After that event he established independent power over whole of Jagraon and the greater part of Ludhiana Tehsils and also a large portion of the Ferozepur District. " - Gazetteer of the Ludhiana District, 1888-9, Page 112, Punjab Government

Jagraon town was founded by Rai Kamaluddin II, father of Rai Kalha III, in 1680.

Translation: Nawab said to Kazi, "Have you heard these rebels' disrespectful answer? Don't consider them innocent. They need to be punished. They are rebel's sons."
Kazi answered, "They are innocent. According to Shara children can't be punished for father's crime."
Nawab again said, "But they themselves are rebel too. Look how they are standing with their heads held high."
Kazi said, "But they haven't done any crime."
Nawab Wazir Khan got very surprised by listening to Kazi's answer.

By Dharam Parchar Committee, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar

A model of Ganga Sagar inaugurated at Ganga Sagar Park, Gurudwara Tahliana Sahib Raikot, 2011.

The Significance of Ganga Sagar

" Rai Azizullah Khan has displayed the Ganga Sagar all over the world, including Australia where in Melbourne, thousands came to see and touch the Ganga Sagar. As the present head of the Rai family, Rai Azizullah Khan has stressed that the real significance of the Ganga Sagar is entirely in the fact that it has touched Guru Gobind Singh Ji's pavitar hands. He then went on to say that as far as he and his family are concerned, the significance of a gift from the Guru would have been exactly the same if the Guru had given them the gift of a pot of clay ("mitti") instead.
Rai Azizullah Khan has won the hearts of crowds through his humility, sincerity and respect for the Guru, the Ganga Sagar and the Sikh community. The Rai family, throughout the generations has shown fearless love and respect towards the Guru, even with the obvious risk of serious reprisals from the rulers of the day. In this sense, the Ganga Sagar is a symbol of love that transcends the artificial boundaries of religion, race or caste and this is the essence of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's life and teachings. " - Prof Bhajan Singh Grewal, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia

" A stand-out memory for Azizullah, which he relates with much fondness, is when he first set foot at Amritsar, in 2004. He recalls, "As soon as we began our journey in a carriage, for Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), a Sikh man ran up to me and gave me a small wrapped gift. I opened it and it was The Holy Koran," he says, with a tear in his eye. "That is what Ganga Sagar truly symbolises - the love and respect we give each other as humans, regardless of our religion or race. I truly hope that this love and respect can surpass all other artificial barriers, and build strong bridges between our two countries as well." " - Manpreet K. Singh (Melbourne, Australia), India Today, December 2008

- Raikot Survey Pustak (Book) 1971, Bhasha Vibhag Punjab, Page 67

Translation: It's really hard to find the eldest person in a town with population of 15,000 but still we were able to find an 85 years old man who is physically and mentally fit. His name is Uttam Chand Vohra. He was born on 12th June, 1885 in Raikot. He's the eighth descendant of Lala Duni Chand Vohra who was an "ahilkar" in times of Queen Bhagbhari. Sri Uttam Chand told about Raikot that it used to be a very popular and lively city before Independence of India. Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs all used to live like brothers together and respected each others' religion. Ganga Sagar, gifted by Guru Gobind Singh ji, was very dear to Rai Inayat Khan. Some devoted Sikhs from Rawalpindi region offered him to sell Ganga Sagar to them for an amount of Rs. 300,000 (Rs. 3 Lakh) but he politely refused by saying that in return for keeping Ganga Sagar with him, he gets to meet more than 50,000 devotees of Guru Gobind Singh ji every year. His soul gets satisfaction by this. The price of Rs. 300,000 is insignificant in comparison to "sangat darshan". Sri Uttam Chand told that at the time of creation of Pakistan, Rai Inayat Khan left with only Ganga Sagar. His family left after quite a while. This proves that irrespective of Raikot region's people's religion they had a deep respect for other's religions.

" It is a great honor for me to be the custodian of this sacred bakhshish (gift) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. I am proud of the valiant and noble deed of my elder, Rai Kalha ji, for his fearless love and respect shown for Guru Sahib. Rai Kalha ji, as a true Muslim, extended "seva" and hospitality to Guru Sahib against injustice and atrocity (cruelty) in the reign of Aurangzeb, when even some of Guru Sahib's staunch followers had expressed inability to do the same because of the fear of the Emperor. The Ganga Sagar was given as a personal gift by Guru Sahib to Rai Kalha ji in appreciation and gratitude. Today it stands as a symbol of love of humanity and respect for each other irrespective of caste, creed or religion. "
- Rai Azizullah Khan