RAIPUR RANI

RAIPUR RANI, a large village on the left bank of the River Tarigri, 42 km from Chandigarh (3()” 44`N, `76° 47`E), was formerly a small hill principality. At the time of the battle of Bhangani in 1688, it was ruled by the widow of Rao Fatch Singh. She was a follower of the Guru and had not joined the other hill chiefs in their battle against him. After the battle of Bhangani, Guru Gobind Singh left Paonia Sahib for Anandpur. As he was, on the way, encamped at Manak Tabra, across the Tarigri, the Rani went there to see him and to invite him for a meal in her own fortress.

The Guru accepted the invitation and was served with devotion and reverence. Upon the Rani`s prayer, he blessed her son`s line to continue with dignity, and made him the gift of a sword and shield. The town thereafter came to be known as Ram ka Raipur or Raipur Ram. A small shrine known as Gurdwara DasvTri Patshahi still exists inside the fortress commemorating Guru Gobind Singh`s visit as the Rani`s guest.It consists of a platform inside a small room under the intertwined pipal and. mm trees close to the main entrance to the old fortress, with a separate room for the Guru Granth Sahib. A lady especially employed by the Rao`s family looks after the shrine.

References :

1. Narotam, Tara Singh, Sri Guru Tirath Sangrahi. Kankhal, 1975
2. Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Gurduarian. Amritsar, n.d.
3. Kuir Singh, Gurbilas Patshahl 10, ed. Shamsher Singh Ashok. Patiala, 1968
4. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35
5. Thakar Singh, Giani, Gurduare Darshan.Amritsar, 1923