O P Sharma
The Jammu and Kashmir State has important magnificent historical Sikh shrines in three regions of Jammu, the Kashmir valley and Ladakh. The book “Historical Sikh Shrines of Jammu and Kashmir” gives glimpses of Gurdwaras and alo in brief touchés upon the basic tenets of Sikh faith. These places of worship attract large number of faithfuls and are also emerging as spots of tourists interest. Jammu and Kashmir with numerous natural charms has been land of Rishis , Saints, Sufis and having numerous places of worship of different faiths which are held in high esteem by the people in true secular traditions.
Visits of Great Gurus
The J&K State has been visited by the Great Sikh Gurus, namely Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Hargobind Sahib and Guru Har Rai Sahib. The book takes one through the journey to the Sikh shrines that have been constructed to commemorate the visits of these Sikh Gurus. It also provides an insight into various Gurdwaras that have been built in the memory of other Sikhs saints who carried out the task of spreading the eternal spiritual message of the Sikhism in this State. It is worthwhile to mention that the author travelled to each such sacred places visited by the Sikh Gurus and has also attempted to present probable routes that may have been taken by the Gurus.
The book also gives an account of Banda Singh Bahadur, who was born in the Rajouri district and who has the distinction of laying the foundation of Sikh empire in 1710 . There is specific mention of Nangali Sahib, Poonch. The book aims, not only to focus on the historical Sikh shrines of Jammu and Kashmir but also to inspire people all
over the world to visit these holy shrines and get blessing of Gurus.
It is noteworthy that Kar Sewa of most of the magnificent Gurudwaras was undertaken by Baba Harbans Singh Ji and his followers. Due credit goes to the team of Sikh faithfuls and Baba Harbans Singh Ji Panth Rattan also. It is also significant to mention that one Hindu family Thakur hurmat Singh Chambyal of village Bakhta- Jasrota in Kathua district donated the land where Guru Nank Dev Ji had addressed public gathering under a shaddy tree where a Gurdwara has now been constructed.
Valuable Document
The rare photographs of prominent Gurudwaras by the author Commodore Dalbir Singh Sodhi and some decent paintings done by His daughter Ms Mehak Kaur Sodhi, a college student in Delhi deserve all appreciation. The author is the son of the soil and was born and brought up in Baramullah district. After schooling from St. Joseph’s school Baramulla he later completed BE (Eletrical) from National Institute of Technology, Srinagar. He is also alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technpology Delhi. He joined Indian Navy and rose to the present position having won Nao Sena Medal and other recognitions. His earlier work ” Kashmir and the Sikhs- An Insight” was also well received .
This publication is priced at a higher side but the cost of its production must have been heavy. The book “Historical Sikh Shrines of Jammu and Kashmir” certainly makes an absorbing and instructive reading not only for the Sikh community but for the people of all faiths.
It may be recalled that this book was released by the Union Minister,Dr Farooq Abdullah in Kashmir while the Chief Minister of Punjab Shri Parkash Singh Badal released it in Chandigarh some time back. Showering profue praise on the book Mr Badal has said that the efforts of Commodore Sodhi would extremely and useful and be would act as a bridge between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country. Dr Farooq Abdullah had also appreciated this work and remarked that the message of the great Gurus is very relevant in the present day context. Dr Abdulla also appreciated the paintings in the book as well as the painting of Jenab Sheikh Mohd Abdullah presented to him by the author’s daughter Mehak Kaur Sodhi.
Historical Sikh Shrines of Jammu and Kashmir is a significant contribution to the literature which showcases the spiritual heritage of Jammu and Kashmir State focusing on teachings of the Great Gurus and puts, spotlight on Sikh shrines. This book is a pride possession and must adorn all the public libraries and personal shelves.
(Starline Syndicate Service)
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