Sri Darbar Sahib is the principal shrine at Muktsar. This town commemorates the martyrdom of the Fourty Muktas, or the Liberated Ones. It is associated with the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. During the siege of Anand Pur Sahib, a group of Sikhs from the Majha contingent had decamped after declaring that they had no claim to being the Guru’s Sikhs. However, when they returned to their homes, they were condemned by everyone, including their womenfolk. Under the guidance of a courageous lady, Mai Bhago, they went in search of the Guru who had in the meanwhile left Anandpur Sahib. With Mughal forces in hot pursuit, Guru Gobind Singh Ji moved towards the Malwa region. He reached Khidrana Ki Dhab, which at that time was the only source of water in the area. While Guru Ji was resting here, the pursuing Mughal army came closer. At this time, the group of forty sikhs who were searching for the Guru to seek forgiveness, also reached there. Quickly taking stock of the situation, this group of Sikhs fought ferociously to the last man but not before forcing the host to retrieve. In the fierce battle, all of them died except two. Guru Ji also took part in the battle, shooting arrows at the enemy from a small hillock, or tibbi. After the Mughals retreated, Guru Sahib went to the battle field. He held each one of his Sikhs in his lap and blessed them. When he reached Bhai Mahan Singh, one of the two survivors, he asked him for any boon. Bhai Mahan Singh while dying responded by asking Guruji to forgive them and to tear the letter they had signed at AnandPur Sahib disowning him as their Guru. Guru Sahib immediately granted the request, took out the letter of renunciation and tore it, thus liberating the forty Sikhs. Mahan Singh breathed his last in the Guru’s lap. Mai Bhago, who lay seriously ill, recovered and served the Guru for many years. This event is remembered even in the Ardas performed by Sikhs every day. By tearing the letter, Guru Sahib retied the knot between himself and his Sikhs. This is referred to as Tuti Gandi, or the Broken Ties Retied. The birthdays of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Shahidi Purab of Guru Arjun Dev Ji are celebrated with great fervour here. Besides, the Magh Mela is organized on the 12th and 13th of January to commemorate the sacrifice of the Forty Muktas. Diwali and Baisakhi are also celebrated. Accomodation: Shri Kalgidhar Niwas with forty rooms is available here for the devotees to stay during their visit.