‘Beri’ tree etched in history
About 30 km from Ludhiana, Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi 6th and 10th, Katana Sahib, is an important leaf in Sikh history, evident by its worldwide fame, and the number of devotees who visit the religious site with much faith and devotion.
Guru Hargobind Sahib visited the place in 1670 BC, carrying seven guns, and accompanied by 1,100 horse riders and one Chandu Kaidi — the person who had got Guru Arjan Ji martyred.
He also carried a “chola” with 52 strings — through which 52 inmates were freed from Gwalior Fort.
The guru spent one night at Damdama Sahib, and tied his horse to a tree, now known as Beri Sahib. Also, Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh guru, visited the area in 1761 BC. He was accompanied by Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Maan Singh, Bhai Nabi Khan and Bhai Ghani Khan.
The guru is believed to have rested under Beri Sahib, the same tree.
He distributed “degh” (prasad) to devotees here, leading the gurdwara to be named Gurdwara Deghsar Sahib. Devotees believe that if they pay obeisance at the gurdwara with devotion in their heart, every wish is fulfilled. After wishes are fulfilled, devotees offer “degh” as prasad here.
In 1854, after a survey, the British decided to dig the area to give way to Sirhind Canal. It is believed that when one Smith, a British Engineer, tried to get Beri Sahib cut, he lost his vision.
Wherever the tree was hit, blood oozed out of it, it is believed. The engineer got very perturbed by the ordeal. As the lore goes, he apologised and offered Rs 51 “degh”, after which he got his eyesight back.
This site was not disturbed, and another route was identified for the canal. Gurdwara manager Narinderjit Singh said, to this day, devotees pay obeisance at Beri Sahib with lot of hope. Every Sangrant (the first day of each month in the Nanakshahi calendar) and Sunday, a huge number of devotees throng the gurdwara to offer prayers, he added.
Lakhwinder Singh, a resident of Ludhiana, said he and his family visited the gurdwara every other week.
“The place has a peaceful atmosphere, and we sit here for a good amount of time,” Singh added.
Punjab