Gurdwara Pipli Sahib, Amritsar

Gurdwara Pipli Sahib Built in memory of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Sahib, Gurdwara Pipli Sahib is situated in Putlighar area, about 1.5 km west of Amritsar railway station. The name Gurdwara Pipli Sahib was derived from a big Pipal tree, which once stood here. The Gurdwara, constructed in the early part of 20th century was reconstructed during the 1930's and it is linked by a 150 metre road to the main Sher Shah Suri Marg near Putlighar. The main festival of this Gurudwar is held on the occasion of Basant Panchmi (January-February) Gurdwara Sri Pipli Sahib Amritsar is known for the visits of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji and Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Sri Guru Ram Das Sahib Ji visited here and built a well for thirsty travellers. The well was built under a Pipal (Banyan) tree, hence the name of the Gurdwara, on the busy Lahore to Amritsar route. The Pipal tree still exists at the Gurdwara. When Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji became Guru, his elder brother Prithi Chand was jealous. Prithi Chand tried to take control and would keep the Sangats donations for himself. As a result, the Guru's langar suffered. After Guru Ram Das re-joined with God, Bhai Gurdas returned from Agra. Bhai Gurdas received onions and a 'poor mans' gram chapati made from chick peas. Bhai Gurdas asked what was going on and was told by Bibi Bhani (Guru Ram Das's wife and Guru Arjan's mother) about the wickedness of Prithi Chand. Bhai Gurdas and Baba Budha arrived at the site Gurdwara Sri Pipli Sahib Amritsar to discuss what to do. At the same time a Sangat from Kabul and Khandhar arrived at this location to rest before meeting with Guru Arjan. The Sangat was eager to meet the new Guru. On the last day of their journey the Sangat was determined to reach the holy presence of the new Guru but could not make it and had to camp few miles away from Sri Harmandir Sahib. The Sangat included the young and the old. Tired and hungry, they now yearned for a blessed vision of the holy Guru next morning. Guru Arjan who was at Sri Harmandir Sahib asked Mata Ganga, to prepare plenty of food with her own hands. Guru Arjan along with Mata Ganga then carried the food and provided water to the weary Sangat. One old man, who was exhausted, was massaging his legs. Guru Arjan personally massaged the old man's legs, cleaned the Sangats shoes and provided sewa throughout the night. Mata Ganga handed out the food and used a hand fan to keep the Sangat cool. The Sangat were unware of who these kind Sewadars was until they arrived at Sri Harmandir Sahib the following day. The Sangat were surprised and shocked to see that it was Guru Sahib that had been personally tending to them with his wife. Bhai Gurdas and Baba Budha took the donations of the Sangat and gave them directly to Guru Arjan.