In the quiet village of Handiyaya, 4km from Barnala, lies a sacred pond that witnessed one of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s most profound miracles—a testament to how the Guru’s presence transforms even the most forsaken places into centers of healing.
A Stop on the Guru’s Journey (1665 AD)
During his travels across Punjab, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji rested near a pond in Handiyaya—a site shunned by villagers because:
- It was used to discard bones of dead animals by marginalized communities.
- Considered “unclean,” no one dared to touch its waters.
Yet, the Ninth Guru chose to stay here, embodying the Sikh principle: “No place, no person is impure.”
The Miracle That Changed Everything
When a villager suffering from high fever approached Guru Ji, he received an unexpected instruction:
- “Bathe in this pond, and you shall be healed.”
Though skeptical, the man obeyed—and emerged completely cured.
Word spread rapidly: - Villagers flocked to the pond, their ailments vanishing in its waters.
- The very site once associated with death became a source of life and hope.
From Forgotten Pond to Sacred Gurdwara
Centuries later, Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala honored this holy ground:
- Built Gurdwara Sahib Handiyaya and a sarovar (sacred pool) at the miracle site.
- Donated 90 acres of land to sustain the Gurdwara’s seva.
- Ensured the Guru’s message of equality endured: “Where others saw impurity, the Guru saw divinity.”
Why Handiyaya Matters Today
- Breaking Barriers: Guru Ji’s choice to rest near the pond challenged caste prejudices—proving no place is unholy where God’s name is remembered.
- Healing Beyond Medicine: The pond’s waters symbolize that faith can purify what society rejects.
- Royal Devotion: The Patiala royals’ patronage shows how Guru’s legacy transcends time and status.
Visitor’s Experience:
- Sarovar Snan: Take a dip in the historic pond (still believed to carry blessings).
- Reflect: The Gurdwara’s quiet surroundings echo Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s lesson: “True purity lies in compassion, not rituals.”
“The pond that once held bones now holds prayers—
where Guru turned outcaste ground into sacred space.”
📍 Location: Handiyaya village, Barnala-Mansa Rd, Sangrur
🕊️ Best Time to Visit: Morning hours for serene ambience
📜 Legacy: A living reminder that Guru’s grace transforms the broken into blessed.
Dhan Guru Tegh Bahadur! 🙏
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