Historical Sikh Shrines Gurdwara Mata Ganga Ji

[KOOKAR]

Gurdwara Mata Ganga Ji is half a kilometre north of the Darbar Sahib complex and represents the smadh of Guru Hargobind Ji's mother.Mata Ganga Ji had desired before her death on 12th June 1628 that her body be not cremated but immersed in the river Beas.

Therefore, her hearse was taken from here in a procession and immersed according to her wishes. But later, it is said, a symbolic cremation also took place and a memorial smadh was built at this spot. The present building was raised in 1952 by Baba Bishan Singh Ji, Head of the Taruna Dal of Nihang Sikhs. The Dal continues to control it althpugh this Gurdwara is also affiliated to the SGPC. The Nihangs also occupy what is called Chaouni Sahib where Guru Hargobind Ji's soldiers camped during his stay here. They have also built a new Gurdwara Paatshahi Chhevin on the site which according to them, was the house of Bhai Mihara with whom Guru Hargobind and Mata Ganga Ji Stayed.