Chohla Sahib: Guru Arjun Dev’s home for two years

Chohla Sahib, a village located to the east of Sarhali along National Highway 54, holds a special place in Sikh history. It is sanctified by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjun Dev, and his son, Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru.

Guru Arjun Dev resided in this village for over two years and five months, accompanied by Mata Ganga Ji (his wife) and Guru Hargobind, who was aged two. Remarkably, the very house where the Guru stayed is still preserved in its original form, though it now stands in a dilapidated condition. Unlike many other religious sites that have been extensively renovated, this historic dwelling remains untouched, maintaining its authenticity.

Adjacent to this sacred site is Gurdwara Guru Ki Kothri, where Guru Arjun Dev meditated. This site was gifted to the Guru by an elderly woman named Sukho. The village was known as Bhaini before 1597. Guru Arjun Dev arrived here after facing harassment from his elder brother, Pirthi Chand.

Before his departure from the village, the elderly woman, Sukho, prepared choori and offered it to the Guru with devotion. Touched by her humility and love, Guru Arjun Dev recited a hymn: Seethal santh mahaa sukh paaeiaa santhasang rehiou oulhaa. Har dhhan sanchan har naam bhojan eihu Naanak keeno chohla, which translates to “I have found total peace and tranquility in the Society of the Saints; my honor has been preserved. To gather in the Lord’s wealth, and to taste the food of the Lord’s Name, Nanak has made this his feast.”

This moment marked a turning point and the village was henceforth named Chohla Sahib, inspired by the word chohla. The name was later officially recorded in the revenue records in Lahore. Guru Hargobind also visited the village after assuming Guruship.

In recognition of the village’s spiritual significance, Mughal Emperor Akbar and his son Jahangir granted it a jagir, which was later revoked by Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Abdali. However, during the Sikh Misl period (1750–1751), the jagir was returned to the village’s gurdwara. The land, totalling 400 acres, is being managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and remains registered in the name of Gurdwara Chohla Sahib.

Gurdwara Chohla Sahib was constructed around 1985 with the efforts of Baba Tara Singh, head of the Kar Sewa sect of Sarhali.

On the outskirts of Chohla Sahib lies Gurdwara Bhai Adali, commemorating a revered saint and contemporary of the fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das, and the fifth Guru, Guru Arjun Dev.

The village is not only significant in Sikh history but also reflects religious harmony. In the heart of Chohla Sahib stands a Shiv Mandir, where devotees gather in large numbers during festivals like Krishna Janmashtami and Maha Shivratri. The Dargah of Hazrat Mian Muliam Shah is another site of deep reverence, attracting people from all faiths. Nestled near the Beas, the village enjoys cool, soothing breezes during summer nights.

Amritsar