Gurudwara Jhar Sahib
In 1704, after bravely fighting against the tyrants and the martyrdom of his two sons and thirty-five devoted Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, at the request of the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), left the fort of Chamkaur Sahib. After leaving Chamkaur, Guru Sahib Ji arrived in Chuharpur village and spent the night resting under a Jhar (bush). This is why the Gurudwara is known as Gurudwara Jhar Sahib.
There was a sadhu (saint) living nearby, whose heart deeply longed to have the darshan of Guru Sahib Ji. Sensing his devotion, Guru Sahib Ji granted him darshan, fulfilled his wish and blessed him, making his birth successful. Even today, millions of people from this illusory world continue to visit this sacred place, making their lives successful by revering the land touched by Guru Ji’s holy feet. At Gurdwara Sri Jhar Sahib, a huge festival is held on Sangrand (the first day of each month in the Sikh calendar).
After resting at this place, Guru Ji reached the forests of Machhiwara, where Gurdwara Sri Charan Kanwal Sahib is now adorned.
This place is historically significant not only for its rich history but also due to an event involving Maharaja Ranjit Singh, which adds another layer of importance to its legacy. The well at the Gurudwara was dug during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign. Mata Gauhar Kaur Maan, a resident of the village of Jhar Sahib, used to serve water to the devotees who came to this Gurudwara. However, some ill-intentioned Muslims from the neighboring village of Bahlolpur would frequently break the water pots to disrupt her service. Fed up with this, Mata Ji walked on foot to Lahore to seek justice from Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Upon hearing her story, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji ordered that a well be dug at that location. Shortly after, the well was closed by the same individuals who had caused trouble. Mata Ji once again made the long journey to Lahore and recounted the entire story to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In response, he sent Singhs from his army with Mata Ji. These Singhs reopened the well and forbade any further interference, warning the perpetrators that if this behavior continued, they would be held accountable for their actions. From that day onward, Mata Ji was able to continue her service uninterrupted.
To reach Gurudwara Chubara 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 Chubara Sahib. 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 railway station to Machiwara Sahib is Ludhiana Railway Station (station code: LDH). You can take a train to Ludhiana Railway Station if there is a convenient connection from your starting location. Once you arrive at Ludhiana Railway Station, you will need to take a bus to Machiwara Sahib. Buses to Machiwara can be boarded from the Ludhiana Bus Stand or Samrala Chowk in Ludhiana.
3. By Bus: You can check for bus services that connect your starting location to Machhiwara. Various state and private bus operators provide services to the area. Once you arrive at the Machhiwara bus stand, Gurdwara Chaubara Sahib is just 950 meters away. You can hire a local taxi, auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw to reach the Gurdwara or you can also go on foot. The gurudwara is usually a well-known landmark and locals should be able to provide directions.
4. By Air: The nearest airport is Ludhiana Domestic Airport (IATA: LUH) in Ludhiana, which is approximately 26 kilometers away from Machhiwara Sahib. After arriving at the airport, you can hire a taxi or use a ridesharing service to reach Machhiwara Sahib. The journey by road from there to Machhiwara Sahib takes around 40-45 minutes.
Before traveling, it’s a good idea to check for transportation options and schedules based on your starting location and the current conditions. Additionally, once you arrive in Machhiwara Sahib, you can ask for directions to Gurudwara Chubara Sahib from locals or the staff at nearby businesses, as it is a significant religious site in the area and is likely to be well-known.