Gurdwara Sri Guptsar Sahib is a Sikh place of worship in Chhattiana village in Sri Muktsar Sahib district in the state of Punjab. The word “Guptsar” means “hidden pond”, and the Gurdwara is named after the pond that is nearby. According to Sikh history, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji stayed outside this village after the Battle of Muktsar (Khidrane Di Dhab) in 1705 and the Gurdwara was built in his memory.
As the hired soldiers of the Sikh army had not been paid for some time and wanted to leave, they demanded their pay. Guru Gobind Singh asked the men to wait. But the soldiers wanted immediate payment.
In the meantime, a Sikh arrived and presented his charitable earnings in the form of gold coins to Guru Gobind Singh. The Sikh gave his daswandh (1/10 or 10% of his income) as all true Sikhs are obliged to give.
Guru Gobind Singh distributed the gold coins as payment to the soldiers. The soldiers were very happy to receive their pay, but one of them, Bhai Dan Singh of the Brar clan, refused to accept anything. When Guru Gobind Singh asked him what he wanted, he asked to receive Amrit and become a Sikh. Guru Gobind Singh was pleased and said, “You have saved the honour of faith for Malwa as Bhai Mahan Singh saved it for Majha”. Bhai Dan was given Amrit so that he could join the Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh buried the remaining gold coins. When Guru Ji left, the greedy villagers tried to find them but could not.
The Gurdwara complex includes a main prayer hall, a langar hall (community kitchen) and accommodation facilities for pilgrims. The main prayer hall has a beautiful interior with intricate designs and artwork depicting Sikh history and mythology. The Gurdwara is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, which is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of many Sikh shrines across India.
The Gurdwara Sri Guptsar Sahib is an important pilgrimage site for Sikhs who travel from different parts of India and the world to pay their respects and ask for blessings. The Gurdwara is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage and history of the Sikh community and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Guru Gobind Singh and his followers for their faith.
