||Black and White Digital News ||

||Tejveer Singh April 19,2025 ||

Kashmir :Nestled in the scenic valley of Rafiabad in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the historic Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib in Shalkote village stands as a powerful symbol of Sikh faith, history, and resilience. Enveloped by small mountain peaks, gurgling streams, and lush forests, the site is not only a spiritual sanctuary but also a monument to the tireless missionary spirit of Sikh saints who brought light and purpose to countless lives in this serene yet turbulent region.

Shalkote, situated 25 kilometers from the district headquarters Baramulla, is one of the 17 villages in the area that hosts a sizeable Sikh population. These villages, deeply rooted in tradition, reflect a unique cultural fabric enriched by the teachings of the Gurus and the devoted efforts of revered Sikh missionaries.

The Legacy of Sant Bhai Rocha Singh Ji:

The heart of Shalkote is the Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib, where Sant Bhai Rocha Singh (1688–1803 CE), a deeply venerated spiritual leader, meditated and spread the message of Sikhism. Born in Kosian, Hazara, Sant Rocha Singh was a blessed disciple who received the sacred Khande di Pahul (Amrit) directly from Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. Entrusted with the mission to propagate Sikhism in the Kashmir region, he established his base in Shalkote on a forested mound, where the foundation of the Gurdwara was laid by Bhai Mela Singh.

During the era of Sikh rule, the importance of the Gurdwara was recognized, and it was granted jagirs (land grants) comprising the villages of Shalkote, Balhama, and Braman. This gesture was not only a recognition of the Gurdwara’s spiritual role but also a step to sustain the socio-religious activities initiated by Sant Rocha Singh and his followers.

A Saint and a Warrior:

Sant Rocha Singh was a rare combination of spiritual devotion and martial valor. He maintained a retinue of 300 to 400 armed Sikhs, actively protecting the community during times of unrest. His life was marked by remarkable and miraculous incidents — as preserved in oral histories and folklore — such as a lion and a cow serving him with unwavering obedience, a phenomenon witnessed by local Muslim Gujjar tribes, who held him in deep reverence.

Spiritual Lineage and Expansion of Sikhism:

The roots of Sikhism in the region are intertwined with the contributions of earlier saints like Sant Pheru Singh (born in 1636) and Sant Punjab Singh, both of whom were part of the revered spiritual lineage leading to Sant Rocha Singh. Sant Pheru Singh, also an initiate of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, tirelessly spread the message of the Guru across Jammu, Pothohar, Rawalpindi, and other northern areas, laying a strong foundation for Sikh thought and community life. His successor, Sant Punjab Singh, expanded the reach further, establishing religious centers in Chattar Kalas and Muzaffarabad, and is noted for the conversion of many Kashmiri Pandits to the Sikh faith.

Sant Rocha Singh succeeded Sant Punjab Singh and further strengthened Sikh institutions in Kashmir. He later made Rawalkote his headquarters until his death in 1803, leaving behind a legacy that continues to guide generations.

Modern Revival and Infrastructure:

In 1998, under the leadership of Baba Harbans Singh Ji of Kar Sewa Delhi, Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib underwent major renovations. The once-humble shrine was transformed into a magnificent complex with a domed pinnacle, marble-floored divan hall, langar (community kitchen), and pilgrim accommodations — a reflection of continued devotion and reverence for Sant Rocha Singh’s mission.

The Gurdwara today is more than just a religious site; it is a living heritage, echoing with the hymns of the Gurus and resonating with stories of selfless service, courage, and unwavering faith. It attracts pilgrims, historians, and seekers of spiritual truth, all of whom find solace in its peaceful ambiance and historical depth.

Sikhism’s Resilience in Kashmir:

The enduring presence of Sikhism in the Kashmir Valley, especially in regions like Rafiabad, is attributed to the tireless efforts of saints and missionaries who laid down their lives and dedicated their spiritual energy to keeping the flame of the Guru’s teachings alive. Religious centers or ‘Deras’, such as Santpura Nangali Sahib (Poonch), Danna Sahib (Muzaffarabad), Guffa Sahib, and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s legacy sites, played a crucial role in ensuring that Sikhism remained rooted, even as political and social upheavals tested the community’s strength.

Today, Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib stands as a spiritual lighthouse, reminding the world of the sacrifices and spiritual journeys of saints like Sant Rocha Singh and the enduring grace of the Guru’s message — a message of oneness, equality, justice, and divine love that continues to flourish in the valleys of Kashmir.

By preserving the sanctity of such place and remembering the lives of saints like Sant Rocha Singh, the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir not only honors its past but also builds a strong, spiritually resilient future.