Bhai Jodh Rai Dhaliwal, son of Shah Umar and grandson of Mittha Mehar, was the chief of the area of Dina-Kangar (Ludhiana). He joined Sikh faith at the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib. He had an army of 500 horsemen. Bhai Jodh Rai participated in the battle of Mehraj (December 1634). He fought bravely and killed Kamar Beg, a senior general of the Mogul army and several other soldiers. Bhai Jodh Rai was also wounded in the battle. After the battle Guru Hargobind Sahib visited him and stayed at his residence at Dina-Kangar for three days. When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib reached Dina-Kangarh from Chamkaur, on December 21, 1705, Bhai Jodh Rai’s grandsons Rai Shamir, Rai Lakhmir and Takht Mall served Guru Sahib with dedication. Gurdwara Lohgarh has been built in the memory of the visit of Guru Sahib. Also See: Rai Shamir.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)