Hazrat Ali’s Sword in Sikh Gurudwara

Hazrat Ali’s Sword in Sikh Gurudwara

 

Takht Keshgarh Saheb- Probably only place in India with Hazrat Ali's Sword 

 

By Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

Gurudwara Shri Keshgarh Sahib is better known as a repository of Sikh heritage. located in the center  Anandpur Sahib, Punjab(, India) it is also known as "Takht Shri Keshgarh Sahib" and is one of five highest Sikh institutions. The city  was established by Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1665 but it flourished during his son Guru Gobind Singh’s 25 year stay there. While Guru Tegh Bahadur had christened the city as Nanak Chakki, his son gave it the name of Anandpur- the city of Bliss.

Takht Keshgarh- The only place in India with Sword of Imam Ali.

Its foundation stone was laid on March 30,1689 and it was here  the Khalsa was born with the first initiation of Khande Di Pahul at a religious congregation called by Guru Gobind Singh on  Baisakhi day in 1699.

Since then, Shri Keshgarh Sahib has been one of the Takhts (Seats) of Authority of  Sikhs. It is also famous as repository of rare holy relics, including the Khanda ( Double edged sword) used by Guru to  prepare Amrit for his Panj Piyares after revelation of Khalsa. Apparently, there is no reason for any Imami to visit Keshgarh sahib with any religious purpose but it surely deserves a visit, for this Sikh repository of weapon s and ‘Hukumnamas’ of Guru Gobind Singh also has “Saif”-the sword of First Imam Hazrat Ali popularly known as Shere Khuda( Lion of God).The sword was reportedly  presented to Guru Gobind Singh by Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah-I.    

History reveals that after the death of Aurangzeb,  a war of succession broke out among his sons. His third son, Mohammad Azam declared himself the Emperor. Upon coming to know about it, his second son Muazzam left Peshawar to claim the throne. He also sought Guru’s help through his follower Bhai Nand Lal who had earlier served in Muazzam’s court. Bhai Lal delivered the message and letter written by Muazzam to Guru at Bhagur in Rajasthan. As Muazzam had promised to pursue a policy of religious tolerance in the letter, Guru sent his followers under the command of Dharma Singh to help Muazzam who defeated Azam Shah's forces at Jajau to ascend the throne as Bahadur Shah. He invited Guru Gobind Singh for a meeting at Agra on 23 July 1707. The emperor received him with honour and bestowed upon him title of Hind Ka Pir (the Saint of India).It is generally believed that he presented Saif to Guru during this meeting because thereafter they did not meet each other. It is a well known fact that Mughal Emperors had inherited holy relics linked with Panjatan from their ancestor Amir Taimur who is credited with introducing tazias in India. It is also a well established fact that Guru Nanak always spoke high about the position of prophet Muhammad and his son-in-law and spiritual successor Hazrat Ali. Guru Gobind Singh also respected the followers of Panjatan and his love for peer Buddhu Shah symbolizes his leaning towards Ahle-Bait. It is quite natural that Bahadur Shah who had ascended the throne of Hindustan would have gladly presented him Saif knowing his unbound affection for prophet’s progeny as Guru Nanak’s true successor.

Punjab is known as land of Sufis who claim their lineage to Imam Ali only and has been responsible for promotion of preservation of Muharram rituals. Sikhs revere these Sufis as their Gurus did so during their lifetime and went on to include sayings of Baba Farid in Guru Granth Sahib. Gurudwara Keshgarh is an example of Sikh tolerance as Sikh caretakers pay equal attention to the upkeep of the holy sword while looking after other holy relics of their faith. There are people who question the authenticity of the sword belonging to Hazrat Ali. They are the ones who are not aware of Mughal history and also don’t know that it was Bahadur shah who had added name of Imam Ali in Friday prayers and he was opposed tooth and nail by anti Ahle-Bait forces.( References available on request)