Image taken of Tina Fitzgerald at Goindwal Baoli Sahib in 2019
This post is taken from the book Heroes, Saints and Yogis: Tales of Self Discovery and the Path of Sikh Dharma, compiled by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa and Guruka Singh Khalsa.
Guru Amar Das decided to build a baoli, an open well with broad steps leading down to the water, to provide a “holy dip” to pilgrims visiting Goindwal en route to the towns of Hardwar, Varnasi, and Kasi.
After offering prayers, many devoted Sikhs dug deep enough to reach water, but a large rock blocked any further progress. Guru Amar Das could tell that in order to complete the work, they would have to blast the slab of rock out of the way and risk being drowned.
A young man, Manak Chand of Vairowal, volunteered to do the dangerous task. When the slab cracked, he couldn’t get out of the way fast enough, and the force of the water was so powerful, he was drowned. His wife wept inconsolably while his mother deeply mourned the loss of her son.
Out of pity and compassion, Guru Amar Das called out Manak’s name, and it is said that he came back to life.
After the remaining steps were completed, the Guru said that whoever recites Japji on each of the eighty-four steps would be freed from the cycle of birth and death. There are 8.4 million possible life form incarnations for all creatures.
In the book Heroes, Saints and Yogis: Tales of Self Discovery and the Path of Sikh Dharma, compiled by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa and Guruka Singh Khalsa:
What does it mean to live as a Sikh? How is this lifestyle relevant today? In this reader friendly collection of personal stories you will find “People Like You and Me” candidly sharing their experiences of self-discovery along the path of Sikh Dharma. This one-of-a-kind book includes fascinating tales of the unique lives of the ten men of higher consciousness who forged a path of everyday learning and personal excellence.
Visit our Marketplace if you are interested in purchasing this book.
Leave a Reply