Gurudwara Chhota Ghallughara- Gurdaspur
In 1740, Massa Ranghar, a Mughal official and custodian of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, committed a grave act of desecration by turning the temple into a personal residence and engaging in immoral activities such as gambling and drinking. This deeply insulted the Sikh community and as a result, Sukha Singh and Mehtab Singh sought retribution. Consequently, they decapitated Massa Ranghar in an act of vengeance, restoring the sanctity of the temple. Following this, Sukha Singh’s popularity among the Khalsa soared, and he soon emerged as the leader of a separate jatha (group).
Later, in early 1746, Sukha Singh allied with Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, together they advanced into Eminabad in the Gujranwala district. There, they encountered Jaspat Rai, a local jagirdar and brother of Lakhpat Rai, the Diwan of Yahiya Khan, the Mughal governor of Lahore. A brief skirmish ensued, during which Jaspat Rai was killed. This event sparked intense retaliation from Lakhpat Rai, who was determined to avenge his brother’s death. As a result, Lakhpat Rai rounded up Sikhs in Lahore, had them beheaded at Shahid Ganj, and desecrated copies of the Guru Granth Sahib. Moreover, he plundered Harmandir Sahib, even filling its holy pool with sand, an act that symbolized further defilement.
In May 1746, the situation escalated when a massive force, commanded by Yahiya Khan and Lakhpat Rai, marched against the Khalsa. The Sikhs, though initially retreating north of Lahore, soon found their path blocked by the forces of the Hill States. Despite this, some Sikhs managed to fight their way through and escape into the mountains, while others attempted to cross the Bari Doab to reach other Sikh columns. However, the Sikhs were eventually surrounded in the swamps near Kahnuwan. Tragically, nearly 7,000 Sikhs were killed, and around 3,000 prisoners were taken to Lahore, where they were executed at Shahid Ganj. This heart-wrenching episode in Sikh history is known as the Chhota Ghallughara or Minor Holocaust, marking the immense suffering endured by the Sikh community during this dark chapter.
To reach Gurudwara Chhota Ghallughara Sahib, you can use different modes of transportation depending on your location and preferences. Here are several options:
1. By Car or Taxi: If you have access to a car or prefer a taxi, you can drive to Gurudwara Chhota Ghallughara. You can use a GPS navigation system or a maps app on your smartphone to guide you to the gurudwara. Simply input the gurudwara’s address into the navigation app for directions.
2. By Train: The nearest major railway station to Gurudwara Chhota Ghallughara is Gurdaspur Railway Station (station code: GSP). You can take a train to Gurdaspur Railway Station if there is a convenient connection from your starting location.
3. By Bus: Gurdaspur is well-connected by bus. After reaching Gurdaspur Bus Stand, hire a local taxi or auto to Kahnuwan.
4. By Air: The nearest airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport( (IATA: ATQ), Amritsar, which is approximately 80 kilometers away from Gurudwara Sahib. After arriving at the airport, you can hire a taxi or use a ridesharing service to reach Gurudwara Sahib.
Before traveling, it’s a good idea to check for transportation options and schedules based on your starting location and the current conditions.
Other Near Gurdwara's
- Gurudwara Shahib Bibi Sundri Ji - 5.2 Km
