Gurudwara Kapal Mochan – Distt. Yamuna Nagar
Kapal Mochan is also known as Gopal Mochan. It is about 17 km north-east of Jagadhari town,on the Bilaspur-Ranjitpura road in Ambala disrict. It is an ancient place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs. Its importance is evident from the fact that its name appears at numerous places in Mahabharata and Puranas.
Kapal Mochan has been described as famous in all the three mythological worlds. It is the destroyer of all sins. The Devotees get rid of sins by taking a dip in the sacred tank.
Kapal Mochan is a natural hollow, near the bank of Sarswati river, dammed up,to form aKund or pool. This place was also visited by Guru Gobind Singh after the battle of Bhangani in 1679 A.D. ,on his way to Paonta Sahib. He stayed and worshipped here for 52 days. His soldiers cleaned their weapons and tested them to meet future challenges. Here the great Guru distributed awards and Saropas to brave soldiers who distinguished themselves in the battle of Bhangani. He also exhorted his followers to maintain the sanctity of the sacred place. He gave a copper plate having his signature as memento to the Chief priest of Kapal Mochan. A Gurudwara stands near this tank in his memory.
This holy place was also visited by Dropati and five Pandavas, as the tradition goes. They bathed here to get salvation. The five brothers also cleaned their weapons in the holy tank.
It is connected by road with Ambala, Karnal and Delhi. Nearest railway station is Yamunanagar, at a distance of 20 km.
Gurudwara Kapal Mochan is situated in the Village Bilaspur (Kapal Mochan) in Yamunagar Distt. Its 17 KM from Jagadhari Town. Guru Nanak Dev ji reached this place from Haridwar via Saharanpur in the year 1584 Bikrami on Katakk's full moon while blessing the people. During Guru Sahib's journey, a merchant offered food to all the saints. When everyone sat in queues, a child took birth at the merchant's house listening to which the saints stopped eating food due to Sootak (a period of 13 to 40 days after childbirth). Guru Nanak Dev Ji then said:
Salok Mahalla 1 ||
Je Kar Sootak Manniye Sab Te Sootak Hoye | Gohe Te Lakdi Andar Keeda Hoye ||
Jaite Daane Ann Ke Jeeya Baajh Naa Koye | Pehla Paani Jeev Hai Jit Hariya Sab Koye ||
Sootak Kiyo Kar Rakhiye Sootak Paveh Rasoye | Nanak Sootak Ev Na Uttarye Gyaan Uttarye Dhoye || 1 ||
Listening to this shabad, the Saints & the Pandits fell into Guru Ji's feet & became Guru Ji's Sikhs. In the year 1746, Guru Gobind Singh ji , after winning the battle of Bhangani, came to this place & took rest for 52 days. The people who used to show disrespect to the Sarovars, Guru Sahib got their turbans taken off, tore them & offered robe of honor (Siropas) to the Singhs. At this place, Guru Gobind Singh ji gave a Hukamnama to the Pandits which is placed with the Pandits till date. The Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji on Katakk's full moon is celebrated with great joy & enthusiasm. The followers come from far off places to visit the place & get their wish fullfilled by taking a dip in holy water of the Sarovar.
Location
Gurdwara Kapal Mochan Sahib is located in Village Kapal Mochan, seventeen kms from Jagadhri on the Bilaspur Road.