In the historic village of Basarke Gillan, a unique and deeply meaningful event from the life of Guru Amar Das is remembered through Gurdwara Sanh Sahib.
This place attracts hundreds of devotees every day. During the time of Guru Amar Das, there was a small mud room in the fields of the village. It was built by villagers as a shelter from rain and heat. This simple place later became part of an important moment in Sikh history.
According to the lore, when Bibi Amro took Guru Amar Das to Khadoor Sahib, he stayed there and served Guru Angad Dev with great dedication for 12 years. Every day, he would bring water from the Beas for the Guru's bath. Pleased with his selfless service, Guru Angad Dev blessed him with Guruship.
However, this decision was strongly opposed by Guru Angad Dev's sons - Datu and Dasu. To avoid conflict, Guru Amar Das quietly left Goindwal and returned to Basarke. Here, he chose to sit in the small room in the fields and began deep meditation.
He wrote a message outside the door: "Whoever opens this door is not my Sikh".
Also read: Amritsar's Basarke Gillan, the cradle of a guiding light - Guru Amar Das
Meanwhile, at Goindwal Sahib, Sikh devotees grew worried when the Guru could not be found. They requested Baba Buddha to lead a search for him. Baba Buddha calmly asked for the Guru's horse, and followed it, trusting that it would lead him to Guru Amar Das.
The horse stopped at Basarke, right outside that small room. When the Sikhs saw the message on the door, they felt helpless.
They did not want to disobey the Guru, but they also longed to see him. Understanding their pain, Baba Buddha found a wise solution. Instead of opening the door, he made a small 'sanh' (opening) in a wall.
Through this opening, he performed the 'darshan' (an opportunity to see a holy person or the image of a deity) of Guru Amar Das, and allowed the sangat to do the same.
This event gave the gurdwara its name, Gurdwara Sanh Sahib. It stands as a symbol of wisdom, obedience, and love for the Guru.
It is believed that Guru Amar Das was pleased with this act. He blessed that anyone who passes through the 'sanh' with faith would be freed from the cycle of birth and death.
Even today, devotees from far and wide visit this sacred place. They pass through the narrow opening with deep devotion, remembering the lesson that true devotion lies in both obedience and understanding.
Amritsar's Basarke Gillan village: Where history is rich, civic infra poor