Gurdwara Mehdiana Sahib, also called the 'School of Sikh History'[1] is a Sikhgurdwara located in the village of Mehdiana, just outside Mallha, near Jagraon in Ludhiana district, India.[2]
The gurdwara is known for its uniquely coloured architecture and monuments depicting important events in Sikh history.[1] Additionally, the Dhaab (natural water reservoir), greenery, birds and trees made Mehdiana Sahib popular with pilgrims.[2] Today parts of the Gurdwara have become dilapidated due to a lack of funds resulting from its isolated location and private ownership status.[1]
Guru Gobind Singh reached Mehdiana after gathering support from across the Malwa region passing through the villages of Raikot, Lamme Jattpure & Manuke before finally reaching Mehdiana.[3] The nearest habitation at the time was almost 3 miles (4.8 km) away so Guru Gobind Singh and his followers rested by cleaned their teeth using tree twigs (Daatan) and bathed in the water (Daab).[3] While Guru Gobind Singh was meditating Bhai Daya Singh asked what they should do next. Guru Gobind Singh's reply encouraged his followers to have faith in God's will as they had done no wrong.
"Bhai Daya Singh I have returned the Debt and have become victorious. Singh and Tiger are kings of the same jungle. Singhs should keep faith in the Almighty."
"Sangat is bigger than Guru. [Sangat] Sent father to Delhi on Kashmiri Pandits plea. [Then] On Sangat's request [I] left Anandpur Sahib, [I] left Chamkaur Garhi on Sangat's request, [And] now you are asking me on Sangat's behalf."[4]
For this reason pilgrims claim that Mehdiana Sahib has Guru Gobind Singh's blessing and that visiting will mean their prayers will not go unanswered.[3]
Gurdwara Attraction
Before the late 1960s the Mehdiana complex looked like a forest with dense trees and bushes growing all around the place of worship. The gurdwara was not developed and maintained properly and there was no habitation within a distance of two to three miles (5 km). Later Jathedar Jora Singh Lakha took the responsibility for its development and made Mehdiana Sahib a popular destination for pilgrims. In 1972, when Lakha started the work, only a few acres were attached to the gurdwara but slowly the gurdwara complex covered 25 acres (100,000 m2). The art pieces statue constructed in the Gurudwara was made by the Great sculpture artist " Tara Singh Ji " Which are the center of attraction of the Gurudwara Sahib ji
In the vicinity of this gurdwara are the sculptures and statues of Sikh warriors who not only laid their lives for the sake of the religion but also endured torture at the hands of the Mughals. These statues depict soldiers, women and children being cut to pieces. Some sculptures show Bhai Kanhaiya, one of the soldiers of Guru Gobind Singh, serving water not only to the wounded soldiers in their own army but also to wounded enemy soldiers. Through these sculptures Lakha not only aimed to depict history but also to educate people that religion was more important than their lives. He felt it was better to sacrifice one's life than to accept injustice and cruelty and lose one's self-respect.
He has tried to show that the Sikh religion was born from the sacrifices of our ancestors and that religion should not be taken for granted. The importance of preserving one's self-respect and the triumph of good over evil have been beautifully depicted in the sculptures and paintings.
Gurdwara Complex
Sculpture of Mian Mir and his followers at Mehdiana Sahib
The gurdwara is a fine specimen of Sikh architecture. Crores of rupees have been spent on its construction. Exquisite meenakari work can be seen here. On the door of the eighth floor of the building is engraved a picture of Bhai Gurdas who is dictating the bagtan di bani to the fifth guru. On the walls of the gurdwara are engraved images of Guru Gobind Singh's deeds along with his hymns and on the main door is shown Bhai Daya Singh Hura holding the horse of the Guru. Inside the main building of gurdwara a beautifully decorated Guru Granth Sahib is kept.
The gurdwara complex has its own Dasmesh Public School.[6]
Photo gallery
Sculpture of the execution of Bhai Dayala by being boiled alive at Mehdiana Sahib
![Sculpture of the collection of 5 rupee rewards for delivering Sikh heads to village elders after the invasion of Nader Shah at Mehdiana Sahib[7]](File:Mehdiana_8.jpg)
