Jor Mela is organized every year
at Goindwal Sahib, located in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. It has become the
important center for the Sikh religion in the 16th century during
the Guruship of Guru Amar Das Ji. He stayed there in Goindwal for 33 years
where he established a new centre for preaching Sikhism. A stepwell (Baoli)
surfaced with 84 steps was constructed here.
It is believed that by reciting Japji Sahib at each of the 84
steps after taking a bath in the Baoli provides Moksha, liberation from 84,00,000 cycles of life of this world and
unity with God. Goindwal is called as axis of Sikhism, being the first center
of Sikhism.
Today the Gurdwara Goindwal and
Baoli are visited as a prime Sikh pilgrimage and the massive langar kitchen
provides food to a large number of visitors each day.
Guru Angad Dev ji asked his
faithful devotee, Bhai Amar Das ji to administer the project of building
Goindwal. He selected Bhai Amar Das ji as the most faithful of his Sikhs and
appointed him to be his successor. Guru Amar Das ji shifted from Khadur to
Goindwal with his family after his appointment as Guru in 1552 at the age of
73.
The famous constructed Baoli become
the attraction for many residing in India and abroad. Jor Mela has an immense
religious significance. People hail down from different places and backgrounds
to take the holy dip every year. It is observed purely in spiritual spirits.
Every year, the district
administration makes special programs and arrangements for devotees visiting
the mela. Setting up parking areas, medical facilities and security services
etc. constitute the prime target. The religious jathas come down from different
corners of Punjab to present devotional songs and give the accounts of Sikh
history.
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