In 1740, Zakaria Khan, the Mughal Subedar of Lahore, sent Massa Rangar to suppress the Sikhs. Rangar seized control of Sri Harmandir Sahib and began defiling the sacred space—hosting vulgar dances, consuming alcohol and tobacco, and tarnishing the sanctity of the Guru’s abode. Witnessing this sacrilege, two fearless Sikh warriors, Bhai Sukha Singh Malwai and Bhai Mehtab Singh Virpuri, took decisive action. They beheaded Massa Rangar, liberating Darbar Sahib from his tyranny.
As the Mughal army pursued them, instead of fleeing in fear, the two warriors defiantly circled the ground with their horses’ hooves. These marks were not signs of retreat but a bold declaration—Sikhs never back down; they stand ready to fight for their faith. The circles etched into the Parikrama honor their bravery, symbolizing the unyielding spirit of the Sikhs in defending their beliefs.
These enduring circles are more than just marks—they are a testament to the brutality of Mughal oppression and the unwavering resistance of the Sikhs. They remind us that Sri Harmandir Sahib is not merely a place of worship but a living chronicle of Sikh martyrdom, sacrifice, and unshakable devotion to their faith.
