Lakhi Jungle is one such place in Bathinda that holds important role in the establishment of modern Bathinda and has been blessed by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
About Lakhi Jungle
Lakhi Jungle in Bathinda is a sacred place for the Sikhs. The place is located about 15 km away from Bathinda on the Bathinda-Muktsar Road. The place has a very old Gurudwara named Gurudwara Lakhi Jungle Sahib. At this sacred shrine of Sikhs, the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji had recited holy paths of Japji Sahib. He recited the paths 1 lakh times and therefore the place has derived its name “Lakhi Jungle”. The sarovar or water tank present in this Gurudwara is blessed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.The holy water of the sarovar of Gurudwara Lakhi Sahib is also called Amrit and it is believed that anyone who takes a dip in the sarovar and recites Japuji Sahib on a full-moon day will get cured of all types of diseases.
History of Lakhi Jungle
Bathinda has been ruled by many rulers. Some of them belonged to India while others came and invaded from outside India. The city was in existence at the time of Harappan Civilization. Bathinda post Christ-birth was established by the Bhatti Rulers who had given the place the name after their surname. Then the region was attacked by foreign invaders like Mahmud of Ghazni, Muhammad Ghorie etc. The place was under the rule of Prithvi Raj Chauhan, the famous Hindu Ruler. In the later years, the place came under the rule of Sidhu Brars. Chaudhury Phul Brar, a descendent of the Brar Family started the community kitchen in the Lakhi Jungle Area. The community kitchen or Langar used to serve people in this area.Guru Hargobind Ji, the 6th Guru of Sikhs had visited this place during he was coming back from Delhi to Lahore. The tree where Chandu Shah, the person responsible for the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Singh Ji, was tied is still present here. The tree is called Kilha Sahib Tree. Lakhi Jungle Gurudwara was visited by Guru Har Raj Jee, the 7th Guru of Sikhs. Lakhi Jungle Area was also blessed with the footsteps of 10th Sikh Guru who came here in 1762. A twig was planted here by Guru Gobind Singh Ki which grew up into a tree called Falahi Sahib.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji & Lakhi Jungle
In order to make more and more people know about Sikhism, the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh traveled throughout India. He started his tour from Dina Village after his “Zafar Nama” got drafted. The letter was addressed to then Emperor Aurangzeb. During his tour, Guru Gobind Singh Ji started raising funds, support and arms and he also inspired thousands of people to join him. After his two sons got martyred in the Battle of Chamkaur, Guru Gobind Singh took oath to bring an end to the Mughal Rule in India.Guru Gobind Singh was continuing his search for a well-protected place so that he could protect Sikhs and at the same time could fight Mughals. He was guided by Chaudri Khana who led Guru Gobind Singh Ji towards west so that he could rach Dhab Khirdana through Lakhi Jungle. Dhab Khirdana was a water reservoir in the deep forest. Many followers followed Guru Gobind Singh Ji and he was overwhelmed with their support. The Sikhs were counseled by Guruji so that their spirits remain high. He also expressed his praise and appreciate his followers’ keen devotion by composed a verse while traveling through Lakhi Jungle.