Gurdwara Sri Tulamba Sahib Ji
About Gurdwara Sri Tulamba Sahib Ji
Gurdwara Tulamba Sahib ji is blessed with the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Those days this area was more known with the name of nearby town Tulamba (about 20 km from the Gurdwara site) whereas Makhdumpur Pakoran was then just a Caravan Sarai and might have few huts and nothing more than that. However it is still called Gurdwara Tulamba Sahib whereas Makhdumpur Pakhoran itself is now developed a big town around. People also name it Gurdwara Makhdumpur Pakhoran. This is the place where he met Shaikh Sajjan Thug at this Haveli (Guest House) of Sajjan Thug in Makhdumpur Pakhoran.
It is time of First Udassi when Guru Nanak Dev Ji turned to eastward and then proceeded to Delhi and from there to Hardiwar (according to Mehraban). According to the Purattan Janamsakhi, before turning to east he went to Tulamba Afterwards he went to Multan, Pak Pattan and then to Panipat and Delhi. As per the Janamsakhi, at that he was wearing traditional jacket (cotton made off sleeve), turban same as Muslim Saints and forehead painted as Hindu devotee that was a symbol of coherence between Hindus and Muslims.
Commonly pronounced Tulumbha, an ancient site now also known as Makhdumpur, was actually located on the old GT Road (the Lahore-Multan highway in Multan district of Pakistan – now it is in district Khanewal), was where Guru Nanak met Shaikh Sajjan, who, according to the Janam Sakhi tradition, was a thug (looter) used to steal the belongings of travellers stayed in his Dera (Inn/ Guest House) and even killed and buried in his courtyard. Sajjan maintained a mosque as well as a temple for use by Muslim and Hindu travellers and seemed to welcome anyone for a night`s lodging and meal.
Once Guru Nanak travelling through southwest Punjab arrived at this place and accepted Sajjan Thag hospitality and fell into the trap laid out by Sajjan Thug. The Guru realized soon after entering into his place where he welcomed him with his customary courtesy, but all cunning thoughts soon vanished from his heart and bowed at the Guru`s feet and turned into a disciple, giving away all the goods sinfully gathered after listening the following Shabd sang by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Rabaab played by Bhai Mardana.
Oujal Kaihaa Chilakanaa Ghottim Kaalarree Mas
Bronze is bright and shiny, but when it is rubbed, its blackness appears.
Dhhothiaa Jooth N Outharai Jae So Dhhovaa
Washing it, its impurity is not removed, even if it is washed a hundred times.
Sajan Saeee Naal Mai Chaladhiaa Naal Chalannih
They alone are my friends, who travel along with me;
Jithhai Laekhaa Mangeeai Thithhai Kharrae Dhisann
And in that place, where the accounts are called for, they appear standing with me.
“Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Guru Nanak, Raag Suhi, Ang 729”
