Gurudwara Sri Guriaana Sahib Patshahi Nauvin, Valla

Valla, Village 7 km east of Amritsar (31°38`N, 74°53`E) along the Amritsar Sri Hargobindpur road, is sacred to Guru Tegh Bahadur, who visited here in November 1664. According to Bhai Santokh Singh, Sri Gur Pratap Sura/` Granth, the Guru had come on a visit to the Harimandar, Amritsar, but the masands or ministrants shut the doors against him. Guru Tegh Bahadur sat outside the Harimandar for some time and departed saying, "The masands of Amritsar are burning with die fire of ambition," and came to Valla where he sat under a pipal tree, outside die Village. The Village sangat led by a devout old lady, Mai Hariari, came to offer obeisance. At their request the Guru repaired to Mai Harian`s house inside the Village. The sangat of Amritsar on learning how the Guru had been treated by the masands felt distressed. A group of ladies came on its behalf to Valla to atone for what the masands had done. Guru Tegh Bahadur blessed them saying, "Maiari rabb Rajaian (Upon women may rest God`s favour)." There are two gurdwaras commemorating the Guru`s visit. Gurudwara Valla Sahib, on the western outskirts of the Village, marks the spot where Guru Tegh Bahadur had first alighted. When Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji visited Sri Harmandir Sahib after becoming Guru, the masands (caretakers) denied Guru Ji entry. Hari Ji Sodhi, Prithi Chand's grandson was the caretaker at that time and he had heard what happened with Dhir Mal at Baba Bakala. Guru Tegh Bahadur sat outside Sri Harmandir Sahib for some time and departed saying, 'The masands of Amritsar are burning with the fire of ambition.' Rather than take action, Guru Tegh Bahadur, humbly, left and arrived at the site of Gurdwara Sri Guriaana Sahib on the outskirts of Vallah. Gurdwara Sri Guriaana Sahib marks the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur dismounted his horse and sat under a Pipal tree. The Vallah village Sangat led by a devout old lady, Mai Haro, came to offer their respect. At the Sangats request, Guru Tegh Bahadur stayed at Mai Haro's house in the village. Back at Amritsar, when Bhai Makhan Shah heard what had happened he confronted the masands and chided and scolded them for their behaviour. Later, Bhai Makhan Shah joined Guru Tegh Bahadur at Vallah. Gurudwara Kotha Sahib, inside the Village, represents the house (kotha in Punjabi) of Mai Harian where Guru Tegh Bahadur had stayed. The present building, raised after 1905 to replace the old one badly damaged in an earthquake, comprises a hall with a square sanctum in the middle of it. There is a domed room above the sanctum. A small 8metre square Sarovar is to the left and residential accommodation to the right of the central building as one enters. Guru ka Langar is at the back. The Gurdwara is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee through a local committee. A largely attended fair is held on the full moon day of the month of Magh (January/February). Gurudwara Sri Kotha Sahib is situated in the Village Valla district Amritsar. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji came here. Guru Sahib had come on a visit to the Harimandar Sahib, Amritsar, but the masands shut the doors against him. Guru tegh Bahadur Sahib ji sat outside the Harimandir Sahib for some time and departed saying, "the masands of Amritsar are burning with die fire of ambition," and came to valla where he sat under a pipal tree, outside the Village. The Village sangat led by a Devout old lady, mai haro, came to offer obeisance. Guru Sahib stayed at the kacha house of mai haro ji for 17 days. And at the time of leaving blessed her "maiaan rabb Rajaian (upon women may rest god`s favour)." there are two Gurudwara Sahib commemorating Guru Sahib visit.