Gurdwara Sri Tuti Gandhi Sahib, located in Muktsar city, holds a profound place in Sikh history. Its story begins during a challenging time when 40 Sikhs, disillusioned and weary, abandoned Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Anandpur Sahib. They declared, “You are not our Guru, and we are not your Sikhs,” and returned to their homes. However, their families and communities shunned them, urging them to return to Guru Sahib and seek forgiveness.
Inspired by the courageous Mai Bhago Ji, these 40 Sikhs, under her leadership, set out to find Guru Gobind Singh Ji. They eventually reached the site where Gurdwara Tuti Gandhi Sahib now stands. Around the same time, the Mughal army, which was pursuing Guru Sahib, also arrived at this location. A fierce battle ensued between the Sikhs and the Mughal forces. During the conflict, Guru Gobind Singh Ji observed the battle from a small hill, supporting his Sikhs by firing arrows.
In this battle, 38 of the 40 Sikhs were martyred, leaving only two survivors. Guru Sahib approached the mortally wounded Bhai Maha Singh Ji and asked him for his final wish. Bhai Maha Singh Ji requested Guru Sahib to tear the letter of disavowal they had written in Anandpur Sahib, declaring they were no longer his Sikhs. Guru Sahib immediately tore the letter, forgiving them and reinstating their bond.
These 40 Sikhs, now known as the Chali Mukte (40 Liberated Ones), are remembered daily in Sikh prayers worldwide. The name “Tuti Gandhi Sahib” originates from the torn (tuti) letter (gandi) that symbolized the renewed connection between Guru Sahib and his Sikhs. This sacred site stands as a testament to their sacrifice, redemption, and the unbreakable bond between the Guru and his devotees.
