In Rampur village near Doraha, a reru tree at Gurdwara Reru Sahib stands as a living monument to Sikh history, where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh master, once rested under its shade in December 1704. The Guru, en route to Machhiwara after the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib, halted beneath the tree and blessed the villagers, a legacy of abundance that residents say endures to this day.
Historical Context of the Guru's Visit
According to local tradition, Guru Gobind Singh, disguised as Ucch Da Peer, left the jungles of Machhiwara accompanied by Dya Singh, Dharam Singh, Maan Singh, Gani Khan, and Nabi Khan. After crossing Katana Sahib, the group arrived at Rampur, where the Guru sought rest under the reru tree. A villager named Bhaaramal, a nephew of a local jagtiya who collected revenue for Emperor Aurangzeb, approached the Guru and offered him milk. When the Guru asked his name, Bhaaramal replied, “Bhaara.” The Guru then uttered a blessing: “Since you are Bhaara (abundant), you will be blessed Bhaara (in abundance) only.” This promise of prosperity has been cherished by the Mangat lineage ever since.
Living Proof of the Blessing
Chahatpreet Singh Mangat, a resident of the village, affirms that the Guru’s blessing of abundance remains evident. “Locals see their flourishing homes and thriving fields as a living proof of the Guru’s bakshish,” he said. He added that no one in the village has to beg, as the sangat (community) is prosperous. The Mangat family and other villagers continue to honor this heritage, with many attributing their agricultural success and communal harmony to the Guru’s words.
Spiritual Growth Under Baba Attar Singh
Around 1907, Baba Attar Singh arrived at Reru Sahib, adding to its spiritual significance. Known for his humility and selfless service, he spent years spreading the Guru’s message and refused all worldly titles. A local tale recounts that the Maharaja of Patiala once sought Baba Attar Singh’s blessings, but the Baba directed him to the Guru Granth Sahib, stating that the true Guru resides in the sacred shabad (hymn). This event reinforced the gurdwara’s focus on scriptural devotion rather than human veneration.
Community Efforts and SGPC Management
From 1915 onward, Baba Bhagwan Singh carried forward the mantle of service, inspiring the community to contribute to the gurdwara’s structural development. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) assumed management of Gurdwara Reru Sahib in 1976. Today, the gurdwara hosts annual events: from July 16 to July 18, the village commemorates Baba Bhagwan Singh’s devotion, and from January 20 to January 22, they observe the death anniversary of Baba Attar Singh. Preparations are underway for the centenary of Baba Attar Singh’s death next year.
Devotees' Ongoing Participation
Navneet Singh Mangat, another village resident, highlighted the community’s active role. “Whenever building works or upgrading of the gurdwara is needed, devotees gather in huge numbers. We love to celebrate any and every grand occasion, be it a marriage ceremony or even a bhog, in presence of the Guru,” he said. This collective devotion ensures that the reru tree and the gurdwara remain vibrant centers of Sikh faith and history.
