KAITHAL

KAITHAL (29°47`n, 76°23`E), district town of Haryana, is an old historic place. Bhai Desu Singh, a descendant of Bhai Bhagatu, a Siddhu jatt of Barar clan, occupied it in 1767 and made it the capital of the principality he had established. The state came under British protection in 1809 and lapsed to the British on the death of its third ruler, Bhai Udai Singh, who died on 15 March 1843 without an heir. It was in Kaithal that, under the patronage of the last ruler, Bhai Santokh Singh wrote his monumental Sri Gur Pratdp Suraj Granth, popularly known as Suraj Prakash.

There are two historic shrines in the town, both commemorating the visit of Guru Tegh Bahadur. GURDWARA NIMM SAHIB PATSHAHI NAUVIN is situated outside the old town to the west of it at a spot referred to in old accounts as Thandar Tirath. There used to be an old nimm (margossa) tree here under which Guru Tegh Bahadur had first sat and preached. He is believed to have cured patients by administering to them leaves from this tree.

The sanctum of the Gurdwara marks the site of the tree which existed till at least tlie third decade of the twentieth century when it was destroyed in a fire. The present building, in a walled compound, has a marblefloored assembly hall, with a sarovar close by. The Guru ka Larigar is in a separate doublestoreyed block. The Nishan Sahib in front of the main building is topped by a goldplated khandd. Inside the hall, the Guru Granth Sahib is seated on a canopied throne of pure white marble. The hall is rectangular in sliape with a verandah all around.

GURDWARA MANJI SAHIB is located inside the town. On this site lived a devout Sikh, Roda Badhi, who was a carpenter by profession. When he heard that Guru Tegh Bahadur was staying outside the town in the open, he went to make obeisance and to request him to shift to his humble dwelling. The Guru granted his wish and stayed with him for a few days. Roda Badhi`s house opened on an open space where the sangat daily assembled to hear the Guru`s word. Bhai Lal Singh, the son and successor of Bhai Desu Singh, had a small shrine constructed on the spot. This has now been replaced by a more imposing building.

References :

1. Gian Singh, Giani, Tuxmkh Cur/iu a rifni. Annk.sai, n (1. M.G.S.