Muktsar

Situated at a distance of 45 kms from Faridkot, Muktsar is famous for its Sikh shrines.Muktsar also has a number of Gurudwaras such as Tutti Gandi Sahib, Tibbi Sahib, Tambu Sahib etc. which- commemorate incidents from the life of Guru Gobind Singh ji. Gurudawara janamsthan Guru Angad Dev ji and Gurudawara Chhateana Sahib also situated in Muktsar district.

History
Muktsar City, the district headquarter of Muktsar district is a historical city. It is intimately connected with Sikh religion . Guru Gobind Singh Ji, fought his last battle against Mughals in 1705 A.D. at Muktsar. During fighting, 40 disciples of Guru Ji know as ‘40 Muktas’ ( 40 liberated ones ) sacrificed their lives. These 40 Sikhs were those who insisted that Guru Ji should leave the Anandpur Sahib fort, when it was besieged by Mughal army. Guru Ji had than asked these followers to leave him if they so desired but they should give him in written that he is not their guru and they are not his Sikh i.e. followers. When these Sikhs returned to their homes in Majha territory of Punjab, they were not welcomed by family members as they had left the Guru at time of trouble. They were overcome by shame and not in a position to face Guru Gobind Singh Ji again. On learning that Guru Ji was in region of present Muktsar the 40 Sikhs lead by Bhai Mahan Singh and accompanied by Mai Bhago, an illustrious lady in Sikh history, left their homes to help him. At that time Mughal army was searching for Guru ji. A pitched battle was fought near a pond called Khidrane di Dhab. The 40 sikhs fought valiantly for guru ji and achieved martyrdom. The outcome was in favour of Sikhs. Mughal forces failed in capturing or harming Guru Sahib and fled from battle field. After the battle was over, Guru Ji visited the battle field. One of the 40 Sikhs, Sardar Mahan Singh was about to die, Guru Ji took his head in his arms and asked what did he want? Sardar Mahan Singh requested Guru Ji to tear the paper (Bedawa), they had given to him at Anandpur Sahib ‘you are not our guru and we are not your followers’. On this Guru Ji tore the bedawa . These 40 Sikhs were henceforth called 40 Muktas. The city that grew at the site of the battle was called Muktsar after them. Mela Maghi, a famous fair of Punjab, is celebrated at Muktsar on next day after Lohri every year as a tribute to those 40 Muktsar. Special Holidays with very attractive and discounted packages and hotel bookings.

Arts
Gurdass Mann the living legend of Punjabi music belongs to Gidderbaha. TV actor and director Mangal Dhillon is a product of Govt College, Muktsar. Gugu Gill the Punjabi actor is resident of Mani Khera village. Mehar Mittal, Hakem Singh and Ashok Masti famous Punjabi artist also belong to this district.

Shaminder Singh the hero of "Dukhbhajan Tera Naam" also a great writer and known singer in Indian film Industry also belong to this district.

Literature
Specialties of the Region
The Muktsari jutti is famous throughout the world. The shops making and selling these pieces of art are located around the Gurudwara Sahib in the heart of Muktsar city.

Gidderbaha manufactures naswaar which is supplied throughout India. .

Fairs And Festivals
A mammoth gathering takes place every year on occasion of Maghi Mela celebrated after next day of Lohri in January when a fair is organized to commemorate the velour of 40 Muktas. These Muktas sacrificed their lives at Battle of Khidrana fought between Mughal army and 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Pilgrims take bath in the sacred tank on the occasion.Tour India with Indian Travel Agent. The whole town wears a festive look at the time of Mela.

A big cattle fair is held at village Lambi Dhab on the occasion of Maghi Mela. The good breed horses, for which Muktsar is famous throughout Punjab, are showcased at the fair.

Places to Visit in Muktsar
Muktsar and surrounding areas of Muktsar city is intimately connected with Sikh history. Tuti Gandi Gurudwara Sahib, Tibbi Sahib, Gurudawra Rakab sar, Gurudwara Taran Taran Sahib are worth a visit to get a peep into the glorious era of Sikh tradition. The birthplace of Second Guru, Guru Angad Dev ji is at Sarai Naga 15kms from Muktsar on Muktsar- Kotkapura highway.

There is a beautiful old mosque called Angooran Wali maseet situated near Railway Station at Muktsar. One historical Gurdwara Guptsar Sahib is situated at village Chhatteana in Gidderbaha tehsilat about 24 Kms from Muktsar. Some historical Gurdwara at Rupana, Gurusar, Faqarsar & Bhundar are situated in Muktsar district.

Gurudwara Tambu Sahib
Near the southeastern corner of the sarovar, marks the spot where the muktds took position behind trees and shrubs which they camouflaged to look like tents {tambu, in Punjabi). Visit India with Indian Travel agent.The present building, which replaced the old one built at the initiative of Maharaja Mohinder Singh of Patiala (185276), was constructed through kdrsevd during the 1980's. It comprises a high ceillinged domed hall, with a gallery at midheight and the sanctum in the centre.

Gurudwara Shahidganj Sahib
Also called Arigitha (lit. pyre) Sahib, about 50 metres west of the sarovar, marking the spot where the bodies of the martyrs were cremated by Guru Gobind Singh, was first built in 1870 by Raja Wazir Singh of Faridkot (1828 - 72). The new building, a rectangular domed hall, was reconstructed through kdrsevd during the 1980's.

Sri Darbar Sahib
The principal shrine at Muktsar, is on the western bank of the sarovar and was the earliest to be established by the first few Sikh families who had settled here around 1743. Additions to the building were carried out by Bhai Desu Singh and Bhai Lal Singh, chiefs of Kaithal, and later by Sardar Hari Singh Nalva (1791 = 1837), one of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's army generals. During the 1930's Sant Gurmukh Singh Karsevavale and Sant Sadhu Singh renovated the building. They marblepanelled its walls, added decorative domes on top and paved the floor in and around it with marble. This edifice was, however, pulled down by his followers for reconstruction during the 1980's. A high tower and flagpost close to the Darbar Sahib were raised by Maharaja Hira Singh of Nabha (1843 - 1911) during the 1880's. An old van tree believed to have existed since before the battle of Muktsar still stands between the Divan Asthan and the Nishan Sahib.

Gurudwara Tibbi Sahib
Marking the sandy mound from where Guru Gobind Singh had showered arrows on the enemy during the. battle, was first established as a modest structure during the eighteenth century, and reconstructed in 1843 by Sodhi Man Singh of ManSinghvala. The present building, which came up during the 1950's under the supervision of Baba Baghel Singh, a follower of Sant Gurmukh Singh, is a square hall with the sanctum in the centre. Above the sanctum is a square pavilion topped by a lotus dome and decorative marble kiosks at corners. The entire wall surface including the dome is lined with white marble. The floor in and around the hall is also marbletopped.

Gurudwara Rakabsar Sahib
200 metre east of Gurdwara TibbI Sahib, was also constructed by Baba Baghel Singh during the 1950's. According to local tradition, as Guru Gobind Singh came down from the tibbi and was going to mount his horse, the stirrup {rakdb, in Punjabi) snapped. Hence the name of the shrine.

The control of Sri Darbar Sahib and other shrines in Muktsar, initially in the hands of hereditary mahants or priests, passed to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in February 1923. The major annual celebration is on the Maghi day (midJanuary) when vast numbers of devotees throng the premises from all over for ablutions in the holy pool and to attend religious divans.Indian travel agent gives special discounted hotel from budget hotels to Deluxe hotels in India.