Guru Gaddi of the Descendants of Guru Ram Dass Ji
Welcome to Pothimala, a monument that echoes its glorified past. The foundation stone of Pothimala was laid by Guru Jiwan Mal [7th In Direct Descent from Guru Ram Das 4th Sikh Guru] in the year 1745 A.D. The Building derives its name from the fact that Guru Nanak's personal POTHI & MALA along with the PADAM and SALIGRAM are kept in this building. This Building has always remained the Official residence of the Eldest son, as the Rule of Primogeniture, prevails in this Family and the Eldest son inherits the Relics along with the building & the entire property of the Estate of Guruharsahai. The eldest son is the GADDI NASHIN of Pothimala and holds the Title of "GURU".
Today, the Pothimala Building houses the PADAM SAHIB, the SALIGRAM, and parts of the Bead [Mala] that belonged to Guru Nanak Dev Ji., the 1st Sikh Guru. The rosary [POTHI] that belonged to Guru Nanak Dev Ji was stolen when Guru Jaswant Singh was the Gaddi Nashin. The holy relics of Guru Nanak have descended in the family since generations and the eldest male heir of the family, the Gaddi Nashin, is the custodian of the relics. The present Guru and Gaddi Nashin of Pothi Mala is the 17th Direct Descendant of Guru Ram Das Ji, named Guru Yuvraj Singh Sodhi.
Location:
The Pothimala Building is situated in village Guruharsahai, Distt. Firozpur, Punjab, India. Guruharsahai, is about 270 Kms. from Chandigarh and is approachable by Road & Railways.
Location of Pothimala in the Map of Punjab:
THE UNTOLD HISTORIC JOURNEY
FROM THE GENESIS OF THE SURYAVANSHI SODHIS TO THE PRESENT LINEAGE OF GURU RAM DASS JI
This website is dedicated to our father, Guru Haresh Singh Sodhi [19 April 1946- 24 February 2012], a humble effort to take forward what my father instituted.
Almost twenty years ago my father took upon the strenuous exercise of putting together online, the glorious history of the Sodhis [titled as the Gurus] of Pothi Mala in Guru Har Sahai. The village 'Guru Har Sahai 'owes its name to Guru Jiwan Mal [the 7th direct descendant of Guru Ram Dass Ji] who named the region 'Lakhi Jungle' after his son 'Har Sahai', thus known to be Guru Har Sahai, with the title 'Guru' prefixed to the name.
Almost twenty years ago my father took upon the strenuous exercise of putting together online, the glorious history of the Sodhis [titled as the Gurus] of Pothi Mala in Guru Har Sahai. The village 'Guru Har Sahai 'owes its name to Guru Jiwan Mal [the 7th direct descendant of Guru Ram Dass Ji] who named the region 'Lakhi Jungle' after his son 'Har Sahai', thus known to be Guru Har Sahai, with the title 'Guru' prefixed to the name.
The Guru Har Sahai Estate that once was, now marks the descent of a blue blood era. The high-powered family bestowed with the title 'The Chiefs of Punjab' had a land holding of over 50,000 acres after a deduction of 25 percent, much after the British took over the area. The land size dwindled to a modest number over the generations, however, the family continues to retain the religious affluence and reverence by the 'Pothi Mala' followers far and wide.
The 500 years old Pothi Mala, building, the cornerstone of Guru Har Sahai, has remained the rightful seat of the Gaddi Nashin [eldest male heir] with Guru Yuvraj Singh Sodhi, the 17th direct descendant of Guru Ram Dass, as the present Guru Ansh. In addition to the building being plush with vibrant wall murals and delightful architectural artistry, that now crave urgent restoration, it's a haven to the rather unexplored holy relics of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the 1st Sikh Guru,
The epithet 'Pothi Mala' denotes Pothi- the sacred scripture handwritten by Guru Nanak Dev Ji; and Mala- the rosary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Relics of Guru Nanak Dev Ji that descended in this Family are the Original Pothi , thel Mala; the Topi [Cap] of Guru Nanak; the Padam [Priceless Jewel with the image of Guru Nanak and his right foot thumb print visible]; the Saligram which has 16 circles around it and originally belonged to Guru Nanak] amongst other holy relics.
The original Pothi had been stolen during the lifetime of Guru Jaswant Singh Sodhi [the 14th direct descendant of Guru Ram Dass Ji]. Some notable literates of the Sikh religion also hint at rumors of the Pothi having been stolen away to the US or a part of a European private collection now.
Along with the remaining holy relics and the crumbling heritage building, stands tall the followers' undaunted faith in the mystical powers of the Guru Gaddi at the Pothi Mala in Guru Har Sahai.
19.04.1946- 24.02.2012
MURALS &
ARCHITECTURE
The Murals at Pothimala depicts the themes of Lord Krishna, Gita, Ramayan, Guru Nanaks and Folk tales.
The presence of the portraits of the Sikh gurus, from Guru Hargobind to Guru
Gobind Singh, in murals of the Sodhi fort at Guru Harsahai (kilah sahib) built
during this period is evidence that the family at this time publicly recognized
the authority of the later Sikh gurus, whom their ancestors regarded as rivals
during the seventeenth century.
A large collection of Ancient Paintings and also India's one of the oldest
paintings can be seen at Pothimala..
HOLY
RELICS
The Pothi, Mala, Saligram & Padam Sahib
The Relics of Guru Nanak Dev Ji the 1st Sikh Guru that have descended in this Family for generations and are put out for display for "Darshan" to the pilgrims on the annual "Mela" of Pothimala, which is held on the new Sammat day every year when worshipers from all over India and as far as from Kabul & Kandhar come to visit the shrine and give their offerings to the Guru.The Original Pothi ( Book) of Guru Nanak
Guru Ram Das Ji's Ancestory
Guru Jaswant Singh Sodhi
Baba Khem Singh Bedi
Pothimala Mela
Guru Haresh Singh Sodhi
