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GURDITTA, BABA


Baba Gurditta (14.9.1608 – 15.3.1638), son of Guru Hargobind Sahib (and elder brother of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib) was born to Mata Damodari, at Darauli Bhai (district Faridkot). On April 17, 1624, he was married to Bibi Ananti (also known as Mata Natti and Bassi), daughter of Bhai Rama, at Batala. He gave birth to two sons: (Guru) Har Rai Sahib and Dhir Mall. Baba Gurditta spent his early period at Darauli, Amritsar and Kartarpur. In 1626, he founded the town of Keeratpur. He participated in the battles of Amritsar (April 13, 1634), Mehraj (December 1634) and Kartarpur (April 26-28, 1635). On May 1, 1635, he moved Keeratpur. On June 1, 1635, Baba Gurditta led a force of 100 Sikhs to repulse an attack by Mohammed Beg, the nephew of Nasir Ali Khan, the Mogul chief of Ropar. Sri Chand, the founder of the Udasi sect, before his death, had appointed Baba Gurditta as the in charge of the Udasi Deras. Baba Gurditta died at Keeratpur Sahib, at the age of 30.

Some hagiography-type stories have been spread about the cause of death of Baba Gurditta. None of these stories is true.

Baba Gurditta’s elder son Dhir Mall did not visit Keeratpur to join final prayers of his father, hence the ceremony of Dastarbandi (succession) was performed by (Guru) Har Rai Sahib.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)