Machhiwara

Last updated

Machhiwara
city
India Punjab location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Machhiwara
Location in Punjab, India
Coordinates: 30°55′N76°12′E / 30.91°N 76.2°E / 30.91; 76.2
CountryFlag of India.svg  India
State Punjab
District Ludhiana
Elevation
262 m (860 ft)
Population
 (2001)
 • Total
18,363
Languages
 • Official Punjabi
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
141115
Telephone code01628
Vehicle registration PB-10

Machhiwara is one of the developing cities in the Ludhiana district of the Indian state of Punjab. Machhiwara is famous for Gurudwara Sri Charan Kanwal Sahib associated with Guru Gobind Singh ji and named after the Guru's feet that are compared to the lotus flower. And It is also famous for Religious Hindu Sri Shivala Bramchari Temple associated with the Pandavas of Dvapara Yuga (time of Lord Krishna) .

Contents

The Ghorewaha were given the title of Mian by Emperor Jehangir. During Emperor Akbar's time, the Ghorewaha Raja was Rana Udho II, The Raja of Machiwara, Rana Udho actively assisted Emperor Akbar in his fight for the Delhi Throne, he captured the rebellious Bairam Khan and subsequently the Raja was allowed to retain the Jagir of Rahon worth 750 villages. The division of the Ghorewaha country took place after Rana Udho's death when all the Branches were Hindu, including that of the famed Rai Rup Chand. The principal Jagirs were taken, Rahon by the Tikka and Jadla by Bhoj Singh, who returned from Jaipur.

History

Machhiwara name came from machhi (fish) + wara (ground). Satluj River runs 13 km away from Machhiwara. During the time of Guru Gobind Singh, the area was a jungle (not to be confused with the historical Lakhi Jungle in the Firozpur division). [1]

Battle of Machhiwara (15 May 1555) between Humayun and Afghans

When Humayun was struggling to regain his power on India, Humayun captured Lahore in February 1555. Another detachment of his forces captured Dipalpur. Next, the Mughal army occupied Jalandhar and their advanced division proceeded towards Sirhind. Sikandar Shah Suri sent a force of 30,000 horses with Naseeb Khan and Tatar Khan, but they were defeated by the Mughal Army in a Battle at Machhiwara.

Guru Gobind Singh and Machhiwara

When Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's army attacked the fortress of Chamkaur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh successfully resisted their onslaught and fled into the forests of Machhiwara. The Mughal forces got wind of his whereabouts. Guru Gobind Singh was saved by two of his Muslim Pashtun devotees who disguised him as their Muslim prophet.

The place where Guru Gobind Singh rested is where the Gurudwara stands today. There are four gurudwaras (Sikh temples) in Machhiwara. When Guru Gobind Singh was in Machhiwara, he wrote "Mitar pyare nu haal murida da kehna" (Say hello to my dear friend) in the forest of Machhiwara. [2] [3] The Guru composed this work while leaning against a tree in the wilds of Machhiwara after having been wandering for days with only the soft leaves of the Akk plant (Calotropis gigantea) as sustenance, sleeping directly on the lumpy forest ground, suffering from foot blisters, wearing torn attire, and sustaining cuts from the thorny vegetation of the jungle. [3] This composition forms the sixth stanza of the Shabad Hazare chapter of the Dasam Granth. [3]

"Carry to the Beloved the message of His humble servant

Soft beds are to him like a disease, if thou are not with him

Living in the halls and mansions is like living among serpents, if thou art away

Wine cups hurt him like the sword and things of comfort kill,

as does the butcher's knife, if thou art not with him

In the companionship of the friend, turf is superior to soft beds,

accursed really are the places if thou art away."

— Guru Gobind Singh, Shabad Hazare, Dasam Granth, translation from 'History of Sikh Gurus Retold: 1606-1708 C.E' (2007), pages 833–834, by Surjit Singh Gandhi

Later-on, the Guru would be reunited with and accompanied by Dharam Singh, Man Singh, and Daya Singh in the Machhiwara jungle. [3] After this, the local masand of Machhiwara, named Gulaba, took the Guru and his retinue into his residence for hiding from the pursuing Mughal forces. [3] Shortly thereafter, Gulaba would die of heart failure so two Pathan followers of the Guru, named Nabi Khan and Gani Khan, whose residence was situated near Machhiwara, then assisted the Guru. [3]

Post-independence

The Machhiwara jungle that existed during Guru Gobind Singh's time, which was cut-down in the subsequent centuries, is planned to be revived by the SGPC through the planting of samplings on gurdwara land the organization owns within the locality to revive the lost forest. [4] Machhiwara is a famous destination for Sikh pilgrims. On 13 April every year there is a festival of Vaisakhi. Another Sikh religious festival of Sabha is held on 21–23 December every year.

Geography

Machhiwara is at 30°55′N76°12′E / 30.91°N 76.2°E / 30.91; 76.2 . [5] It has an average elevation of 262  metres (859  feet).

Machhiwara is 38 km northeast of Ludhiana city and 69 km west of the capital city of Chandigarh. It lies only 9 km from Samrala, which is on the Ludhiana Chandigarh highway.

Demographics

As of 2011 India census, [6] Machhiwara had a population of 24,916. Males constitute 13,102 of the population and females 11,814. The major Jat clan in the town is Dhaliwal, Rathore and Waraich. Machhiwara has male literacy is around 77.54% while female 70.56%

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guru Gobind Singh</span> Tenth Sikh guru from 1675 to 1708

Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth and last human Sikh Guru. He was a warrior, poet, and philosopher. In 1675, at the age of nine he was formally installed as the leader of the Sikhs after his father Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed by Emperor Aurangzeb. His father was the ninth Sikh Guru. His four biological sons died during his lifetime – two in battle and two executed by the Mughal governor Wazir Khan.

The following outline is provides an overview of Sikhism, or Sikhi.

<i>Dasam Granth</i> Secondary scripture of Sikhism

The Dasam Granth is a collection of various poetic compositions attributed to Guru Gobind Singh. The text enjoyed an equal status with the Adi Granth, or Guru Granth Sahib, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and were installed side by side on the same platform. The Dasam Granth lost favor during the colonial period when reformist Singh Sabha Movement scholars couldn't contextualize the reworkings of Puranic stories or the vast collection of 'Tales of Deceit' Sri Charitropakhyan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zafarnama (letter)</span> Verse letter from Guru Gobind Singh Sahib to Aurangzeb Mughal Emperor in India

The Zafarnāma was a spiritual victory letter sent by Guru Gobind Singh in 1705 to the Mughal Emperor of India, Aurangzeb, after the Battle of Chamkaur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rehras</span> Daily evening prayer in Sikhism

Rehras Sahib, commonly known as So dar Rehras, is the daily evening prayer of the Sikhs and is part of Nitnem. It includes hymns from Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Dasam Granth Ji.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nihang</span> Armed Sikh warrior order originating in the Indian subcontinent

The Nihang or Akali, also known as Dal Khalsa, is an armed Sikh warrior order originating in the Indian subcontinent. Nihangs are believed to have originated either from Fateh Singh and the attire he wore or from the "Akal Sena" started by Guru Hargobind. Early Sikh military history was dominated by the Nihang, known for their victories where they were heavily outnumbered. Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield, the Nihang once formed the irregular guerrilla squads of the armed forces of the Sikh Empire, the Sikh Khalsa Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sikh scriptures</span> Holy books of the Sikh religion

The principal Sikh scripture is the Adi Granth, more commonly called the Guru Granth Sahib. The second most important scripture of the Sikhs is the Dasam Granth. Both of these consist of text which was written or authorised by the Sikh Gurus.

Rahon is a town and a municipal council in the district Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar of the Indian state of Punjab. Rahon is in Doaba region of Punjab. Doaba also known as Bist Doab, is the region of Punjab, India that lies between the Beas River and the Sutlej River. A famous battle was fought here between Sikhs and Mughals i.e Battle of Rahon (1710).

The Battle of Bhangani was fought between Guru Gobind Singh's army and Bhim Chand (Kahlur) of Bilaspur on 18 September 1686 or 1688, at Bhangani near Paonta Sahib. An alliance of Rajput Rajas of the Shivalik Hills participated in the engagement on behalf of Bhim Chand of Bilaspur State's side, including the states of Garhwal and Kangra. It was the first battle Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, fought at the age of 19.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Nadaun</span> 1691 battle of the Mughal–Sikh Wars

The Battle of Nadaun, alternatively known as the Hussaini Yudh, was fought at Nadaun, between Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur (Kahlur) and the Mughals under Alif Khan. Bhim Chand was supported by Guru Gobind Singh and the Mughals were supported by other hill chieftains, notably Kirpal Chand from Kangra and Dayal Chand from Bijharwal. Bhim Chand and some hill chieftains, after conclusion of Battle of Bhangani had refused to pay tribute to the Mughal emperor which led to the battle at Nadaun. The battle resulted in the victory of Bilaspur State and Sikh alliance.

The Battle of Anandpur was fought at Anandpur, between the armies of the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh and the Mughal forces aided by the Nawab of Bahawalpur state, Rajas of the Sivalik Hills.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Second siege of Anandpur</span> Battle in north-east India

The second siege of Anandpur, also known as the second battle of Anandpur (1704), was a siege at Anandpur, between Sikhs and the Mughal governors, dispatched by Aurangzeb, Wazir Khan, Dilwaar Kahn and Zaberdast Khan, and aided by the vassal Rajas of the Sivalik Hills which lasted from May 1704 to 19 December 1704.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hikaaitaan</span> Chapter in Sri Dasam Granth

Hikaaitaan or Hikāyatān is a title given to the semi-legendary set of 11 tales, composed in the Gurmukhi/Persian vernacular, whose authorship is traditionally attributed to Guru Gobind Singh. It is the last composition of the second scripture of Sikhs, Dasam Granth, and some believe it to be appended to Zafarnamah—the letter to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shabad Hazare</span> Sikh composition from the Dasam Granth

Shabad Hazare, also known as Sabad Patshahi 10, under the title Shabad, are ten religious hymns composed by Guru Gobind Singh that are present in Dasam Granth. These hymns have comments on ritualistic practices in Sanyas, Jogis and Bairagis, and also against any form of idolatry, human or deity worship.

Lohgarh is a historic town in Bilaspur tehsil of Yamunanagar district of Haryana in India. It was the capital of First Sikh State under Baba Banda Singh Bahadur from 1710 to 1716.

The first siege of Anandpur was a thirty-five-day-long siege at Anandpur led by the Rajas of the Sivalik Hills and the Gujar and Ranghar tribesmen against the armies of the Sikh under Guru Gobind Singh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rama in Sikhism</span> Depiction of Rama in Sikhism

Rama, known as Ram Avatar or Raja Ram, is considered an important figure in Sikhism, due to his inclusion as one among the 24 incarnations of Vishnu in the Chaubis Avtar, a composition in the Dasam Granth traditionally and historically attributed to Guru Gobind Singh. The discussion of Rama and Krishna is the most extensive in this section of the secondary Sikh scripture. The composition is martial, stating that the avatar of Vishnu appears in the world to restore good and defeat evil, but asserts that these avatars are not God, but agents of the God. God is beyond birth and death. The famous Savaiya and Dohra from the Rehras Sahib, read daily by devout Sikhs, comes from Ram Avatar Bani. However, it is not to be confused with Sikhs believing or worshipping Raja Ram or Krishan. It is clear from Guru Gobind Singh's verses in Chaupai Sahib, a part of Sikh Nitnem, or daily prayer.

<i>Fatehnama</i> Letter written by Guru Gobind Singh

Fatehnama, also known as Namah-i-Guru Gobind Singh or the Jangnamah is a Persian composition attributed to Guru Gobind Singh. It was contained within the Dasam Granth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Machhiwara (jungle)</span> Historical jungle in Punjab, India

Machhiwara, also spelled Macchivara, was a historical jungle located in the Punjab region near the bank of the Sutlej river near the present-day Ludhiana district in Punjab, India. The Machhiwara jungle should not be confused with the Lakhi Jungle that existed near Bathinda.

<i>Mittar Pyare nu</i> Sikh hymn from the Dasam Granth

Mittar Pyare Nu is a Shabad attributed to Guru Gobind Singh in Machhiwara after the Battle of Chamkaur.

References

  1. ↑ "Baldev Singh greets people on 'Gurupurab'". Kashmir News Service. KNS. 20 January 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  2. ↑ Tankha, Madhur (11 August 2017). "The soothing balm of music". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Gandhi, Surjit Singh (2007). History of Sikh Gurus Retold: 1606-1708 C.E. Vol. 2. Atlantic Publishers & Dist. pp. 833–834. ISBN   9788126908585.
  4. ↑ "SGPC to revive Machhiwara forest". The Indian Express. 11 September 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  5. ↑ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Machhiwara
  6. ↑ "Census of India 2011: Data from the 2011 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.