Guru Gaddi 1008 Sadguru Baba Kanshi Giri Ji’s Transformative Odyssey from Bangang to Banpuri
Dr Nitan Sharma, Dr Kartika Bakshi
In the divine tapestry of North-West India’s spiritual heritage, the Guru Gaddi (Holy Seats) tradition shines as a beacon of sacred wisdom, where enlightened masters (Satgurus) manifest as living embodiments of the Supreme. These Gaddis, sanctified by the grace of saints and sustained through the unbroken Guru-Shishya Parampara, serve as divine reservoirs of Shakti (spiritual power), Gyana (wisdom), and Prem (love). Among these sacred thrones, the Guru Gaddi of 1008 Satguru Baba Kanshi Giri Ji, originally rooted in the spiritual landscape of Bangang (Munjwal village, near Khujratta, Tehsil Kotli, Mirpur-now in POJK), stands as a profound testament to resilience, unwavering faith, and cultural continuity. In the wake of Partition’s upheaval, this sanctified lineage embarked on a soul-stirring journey-transcending the pain of displacement to find renewed purpose and power through its re-establishment in Banpuri, Sunderbani (District Rajouri, J&K). There, it rose not merely as a place of worship, but as a sanctuary of remembrance, healing, and empowerment.
The Legacy of Spiritual Continuity
Before Partition, the sacred seat was devotedly nurtured by nine successive Gurus, each upholding the lineage with devotion and spiritual integrity. The tenth successor, Guru Gosain Mela Ram Ji-who received the spiritual initiation from His Holiness Gosain Hiranand Ji (the ninth Guru)-keenly recognized the pressing need to revive the Guru-Shishya Parampara. At a time when Partition had cast countless lives into disarray, this sacred tradition emerged as a lifeline-offering not only moral guidance and spiritual anchoring but also psychological solace and a renewed sense of belonging for disciples navigating fear, loss, and uncertainty.
Much like Lord Rama guiding His devotees through exile, Guru Gosain Mela Ram Ji embarked on a divine pilgrimage across refugee camps and challenging mountainous terrains. His very presence becoming a sanctuary of hope. Wherever He walked, the sacred flame of faith was rekindled-disciples once scattered like stars in the night sky were united under His divine canopy. His interactions with Acharya Vinoba Bhave during the latter’s Bhoodan Movement tour further reinforced his vision of service and community empowerment.
A defining moment came in 1967, when Guru Ji inaugurated the first annual congregation at Banpuri Ashram on 30th Chaitra (Samvat Year)-the birth anniversary of Satguru Baba Kanshi Giri Ji and a date traditionally observed in Bangang. This gathering became a cornerstone for devotees from J&K, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, UP, and Haryana-fostering unity and reviving cultural identity. The sacred chants, once echoing in the hills of Bangang, now resounded in Banpuri-proving that while kingdoms may fall, Dharma is eternal.
From Sacred Tradition to Social Transformation
In 1989, the baton of the sacred mission to uphold the Guru-Shishya Parampara was passed to His Holiness Guru Gosain Brij Bhushan Ji, who seamlessly wove together ancient wisdom with modern compassion, a legacy that continues to flourish today. Rooted in the Bhakti tradition, he emphasized that true service (Seva) is not confined to devotion within the Sanctum Sanctorum but can be equally sacred when extended to the broader community. Under his divine leadership, the Guru Gaddi blossomed into a vibrant Seva Mandir-a sanctuary of selfless action and collective upliftment. The initiatives started in 1989 have not only endured but continue to grow, adapting to the changing needs of society. Health check-up camps, still held regularly, were reimagined as yajnas for healing; blood donation drives remain sacred offerings of life; and marriage sponsorships for daughters are honored as modern-day Kanyadaan, a divine duty. To nurture the minds of youth, library facilities continue to guide them on the path of both Dharma and Karma. The Guru Gaddi also extends its compassionate embrace to the final rites of the departed, upholding the dharma of hospitality and dignity in farewell. Beyond these foundational efforts, the institution has expanded its outreach to include numerous ongoing initiatives-such as awareness camps focusing on welfare schemes for women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities (PwDs). Furthermore, it remains a platform for awareness and transformation, regularly hosting sermons (Kathas on religious scriptures), expert lectures, interactive sessions, and open discussions on pressing social issues like substance abuse, gender injustice, and environmental degradation. Through these efforts, the Guru Gaddi continues to transform faith into purposeful action, uplifting individuals and communities alike.
The Guru Gaddi has evolved into a powerful sanctuary of cultural preservation and a vibrant center of knowledge, where both scholars and seekers rediscover the rich and often forgotten folklore, dialects, and traditions of the disciples-particularly focusing on the enduring resilience of the POJK-displaced community. It stands as a testament to the strength and continuity of heritage, offering a space where these ancient traditions are not only preserved but revitalized for future generations. The ashram has grown into a sprawling sanctuary with meditation halls, dormitories, and guest houses-welcoming pilgrims not just as visitors, but as long-lost family members returning home. Each journey here is a pilgrimage not only to seek blessings but also to reconnect with the sacred path once treads by their ancestors, reaffirming their spiritual roots.
The Guru Gaddi has thus become a living bridge between the past and the present, standing as a sacred midpoint for those embarking on yatras to the revered Mangla Mata and Veer Bhadreshwar Temples in Rajouri district, as well as the Shri Buddha Amarnath and Ram Kund Temples in Poonch district. In doing so, it fosters a dual purpose: deepening spiritual connections while promoting religious tourism. Through this, it plays a vital role in both preserving the community’s spiritual legacy and introducing the rich cultural heritage of the region to the world.
A Beacon of Resilience and Empowerment
Today, the Guru Gaddi of 1008 Satguru Baba Kanshi Giri Ji stands as both a spiritual sanctuary and a living testament to the transformative journey from displacement to empowerment. It serves as a bridge between the past and the present, honoring the struggles of Partition while nurturing a future where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony. It stands as living proof that no displacement can erase Dharma, and no exile can extinguish faith. This sacred space embodies a story where loss became renewal, exile transformed into homecoming, and despair surrendered to divine hope.
(The authors are working at the interdisciplinary intersections of Religion, Morality, Ethics, and Law and associated with University of Jammu)
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