In the heart of Bathinda district lies the humble village of Bhago, forever sanctified by two historic visits from Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. These journeys weren’t just stops along a path—they were divine interventions that reshaped lives and reinforced Sikh ideals of equality and redemption.
The First Visit: A Night Under the Khari Trees
During his travels from Ucho to Bathinda in 1705, Guru Ji halted at Bhago village, where:
- The landscape was dense with Khari trees (a local species).
- Guru Ji tied his horse to a tree that still stands today as a living relic.
- Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, Mata Sundar Kaur Ji, and devoted Singhs accompanied him.
This overnight stay imprinted Guru Ji’s spiritual energy onto the land, marking it as sacred.
The Second Visit: A Lesson in Equality and Forgiveness
Guru Ji’s return to Bhago village became a defining moment after an incident at Damdama Sahib:
- Bhai Dayala Das’s Mistake:
- A respected Sikh from Ucho Khurd village, Bhai Dayala Das had refused to serve Amrit to Rangreta Sikhs (a marginalized community), violating Guru Ji’s principle of “Manas ki jaat sabhe ekai pehchanbo” (Recognize all humanity as one).
- Guru Ji’s Righteous Anger:
- When Bhai Dayala Das sent Kada Prasad as an offering, Guru Gobind Singh Ji refused to accept it, declaring: “How can I bless one who denies equality to my Sikhs?”
- The Redemption:
- Bhai Dayala Das, realizing his error, begged for forgiveness.
- Guru Ji, embodying divine mercy, granted pardon but demanded action:
- The Prasad was distributed to the entire Sangat (including Rangreta Sikhs).
- Bhai Dayala Das took Amrit, shedding his caste identity to become Bhai Dayala Singh.
Why This History Matters
- Caste Has No Place in Sikhi: Guru Ji’s refusal to accept Prasad until equality was upheld screams this truth.
- Forgiveness is Earned Through Change: Bhai Dayala Singh’s transformation shows that amends matter more than apologies.
- Sacred Geography: The surviving Khari tree and Bhago’s soil whisper Guru Ji’s message: “Wherever my feet tread, love must reign.”
“Guru Gobind Singh Ji didn’t just visit villages—he visited hearts, uprooting prejudice and planting equality.”
Dhan Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Ji! 🙏
