Gurudwara Shaheed Ganj Sahib, Kaniunting,Perak

Baba Jawala Singh Ji was born in the Village of Santpur Chubki, P.O. Singh Bhagwantpur, Tehsil and District Ropar in Punjab around 1895. His father's name was Bir Singh. Baba Ji served in the Indian Army for about five years. He started to keep the company of holy men and Sadhus. Baba Jawala Singh did sewa in the Gurdwara Sahib Bundrakh in District Ropar for 16 years from around 1916 to 1932. At this time, he obtained his knowledge from Bhagat Choor Singh. Baba Ji came to Malaya around 1933 and on arrival established this Gurdwara Sahib on a former tin mining land. The present land area of this Gurdwara Sahib is approximately three acres. This Gurdwara Sahib land originally belonged to the Mining Company who donated the property to Baba Jawala Singh Ji. Since then, the land has been allocated to the Gurdwara Sahib by the Perak State Government. Baba Ji had originally named this place as Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Sahib. However, it is now popularly referred to as Gurdwara Sahib Kamunting. The original Gurdwara Sahib building was a small attap structure. In 1933 this was a remote area with no other buildings around. At a distance one could see the mountains of the main range. It was a very serene place for one to meditate and recite prayers. In 1954 this Gurdwara Sahib building was repaired and renovated with the roof being changed to zinc. This Gurdwara Sahib was rebuilt in 1960. It is now a single storey brick building. In November 1956, Baba Jawala Singh Ji performed the official ceremony of digging the Sarovar (pool of water) with a small Darbar Sahib in the compound of the Gurdwara Sahib. Gradually, other structures were built such as the Memorial, Darshani Deori, Thara Sahib, Granthis' quarters and five rooms for the use of the Sikh Sangat and visitors. Many Sikhs and non-Sikhs come to this Gurdwara Sahib to hold Sehaj Path and Akhand Path prayers. The Maghi festival is celebrated on a large scale in this Gurdwara Sahib. Baba Jawala Singh Ji passed away in Kamunting on 2"d September 1977 at the age of 82 years. Since then, his son, Baba Nasib Singh Ji and his family have been taking care of this Gurdwara Sahib. Courtesy: Sikh Gurudwaras in Malaysia&Singapore Saran Singh Sidhu AMN,PNM,FRNS