It is not an easy way to travel all the way to the hills of Uttarakhand especially when people are above 50 in number. Quite tedious to say if we travel in a van or two, because either the trip will be a cringe or will not be satisfactory. So out searching for a big transport we settled for a bus to take us to the holy world of Gurdwara Shri Nanakmatta Sahib and Reetha Sahib.
We enquired with several bus operators with help of family, friends and the internet. Searching both on and off the internet we finally found a bus rental service in Amritsar, Rajguru bus services. Honestly saying our experience with Rajguru started on a good note, right from the moment we enquired about their tours, pricing and etc. Falling for their service instantly we booked Rajguru. We were glad that we got the transport available within a short time. As it was the foremost point of our trip. Now other small things were to be taken care like clothes, footwear and other necessary items.
Ready with all the above, finally the day came where all of our 55 individuals excitedly waited to board the bus. Looking at the huge bus approaching us, we felt good that our trip will be a pleasant one. And thinking about our destiny we hopped on, saying the name of the almighty. Fitting our luggage with assistance from conductor everybody settled inside and the bus started its journey just 20 minutes post its arrival, the exact time to which we already were instructed. Singing hymns, chattering and eating we knew we had a long road trip from Amritsar i.e. more than 700kms to reach Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib and another 200kms to cover to get to Reetha Sahib.
The bus played its part good due to its nice and comfortable seating. The interiors were amazing giving a positive vibe. The air condition and fans inside were used till we reached Uttarakhand hills, after that we didn’t feel the need to switch it on. Also we had plenty of rest in between our journey due courtesy the bus curtain which was not just simple clothing but quality stuff made that gave us shade and protection from the heat outside. The bus had breaks during the journey several times and each time we stopped the driver and conductor helped us with buying snacks and other items.
Talking about the origins of our destination Nanakmatta Sahib, Nanakmatta is a village (located in District Uddham Singh Nagar) that became sanctified upon the arrival of Guru Nanak, who is the first Guru of the Sikhs. He came here around the 16th century during his Udasis that meant to spread the message of love, peace and truth.
After more than 700kms of travel we arrived at the region of Nankmatta. Paddy fields surrounded the region. Shops were selling goods and not too far away we saw the gates of Gurdwara Nankmatta. Our bus stopped and we prepared ourselves to enter Nanakmatta Gurdwara that welcomed us with Gurbani. The place is beautiful with courtyards having their own passages. The main door of Gurdwara Nanak Matta Sahib is made up of gold with beautiful artwork displayed showing the scene of Guru Nanak Dev under a tree. The inner sanctum had the holy book of Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib placed within a golden canopy. Our experience inside this ambiance, hearing pleasant tones of Gurbani made us felt like we were in an outside world. Just behind the canopy there was a glass covered rectangular hole known as Bhora Sahib.
Other areas within the Gurdwara included Dhooni Sahib, where the story goes that once it was raining here and all fires outside got doused. But the fire that warmed Guru Nanak Dev kept burning and it still was lit till the next morning.
Also here is a dense Peepal tree standing tall at the main entrance with thick branches. The tree has its story that it once was lifeless and had dried down but upon the presence of Guru Nanak it bloomed to life. Another story revolving around the tree is when Guru Nanak Dev was meditating here and other people (Siddhas) wanted to disturb his meditation. They used their powers to pull the tree from the ground to make it fly. But Guru Nanak Dev extended his hand and got hold of the roots and pulled it back to prevent the tree to fly. Even now you could see uproots of the Peepal tree above the ground which were held by Guru Nanak Dev.
Behind the Gurdwara, a Sarovar (pond) filled with colorful fishes appears as a beautiful sight to view. Watching the fish swim gave us a calm feel and as moments passed by it was time to leave which we did not wanted to do. One more structure besides Gurdwara Nanak Matta Sahib present is another Gurdwara that is dedicated to Baba Al Mast Sahib.
Before exiting out, we sipped some hot tea and had food at the langar (kitchen), where anybody can volunteer to serve. Leaving Nanakmatta Sahib with warmth and peace inside we stopped for another bus break not far away from Nanakmatta and took couple of hours to make full rest of ourselves to be ready for our next destination, Reetha Sahib.
Gurdwara Shri Reetha Sahib located on Reetha Sahib Village, district Champawat carries the legend that here is where Guru Nanak Dev encountered the Nath yogis. Guru Nanak Dev’s fellow traveler Bhai Mardana who was hungry at the time was not given food to eat by yogis. There present was a tree with fruit Reetha grown which was bitter to eat. When Guru Nanak Dev asked Bhai Mardana to eat that bitter fruit it turned out to be sweet. The tree standing tall in the premise of Reetha Gurdwara still gives sweet fruit to eat that is given as Prasad which we relished remembering the moment when it actually happened.
Coming back on the road some foxes and a snake appeared with many monkeys. The roads here are good and so our bus went smoothly without any difficulties. We were curious why so many people from all over come here. What we can say it that the significance and magnificent settings of both these destinations is what makes a journey a combination of spiritual and human realm fascinating.
Special thanks to Rajguru Bus Services without whom our trip wouldn’t have been a captivating and safe one.