BHAI RUPA

BHAI RUPA, village 18 km north of Rampura Phul (30° 16`N, 75° 14`E) in Bathinda district of the Punjab, celebrates the name of a prominent Sikh, Bhai Rupa(Rup Chand, 1614-1709), who laid the foundation of it in 1631 at the instance of Guru Hargobind. Next to Bhai Rupa`s house was built a gurdwara in Guru Hargobind`s honour. The present Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Chhevin, a two storeyed domed building, marks that site inside the village. Guru ka Langar is across a narrow lane. In the same direction is the pavilion raised recently to accommodate larger divans.

The Gurdwara, though affiliated to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, is managed by the descendants of Bhai Rupa. Close to the Gurdwara, in a private house belonging to one of the descendants of Bhai Rupa» is preserved an old rath or chariot. It is said to have been brought from Dera Ram Rai at Dehra Dun by Bhai Gian Chand, a grandson of Bhai Rupa. According to local tradition, it once belonged to Guru Arjan and was used by his successors, Guru Hargobind and Guru Har Rai.