Guru Nanak’s teaching was addressed to all men irrespective of caste, race or religion. He attacked empty rituals and ceremonies but never any religious faith. He condemned those Pundits and Mullahs who abused their faith for personal power and pelf. He called upon Hindus to become better Hindus and Muslims to become better Muslims.
The names of Bhai Sher Singh, Bhai Sardul Singh and Bhai Sukha Singh Grewals of Alamgir were also among the martyrs at Chamkaur Sahib... All of them were put on pyre in the battleground together at Chamkaur Sahib. Gurdwara Katalgarh Sahib commemorates their memory. The villagers of Alamgir, however, have made Smadhs of these martyrs in Alamgir also.
In this painting, Mata Gujri ji and the Chote Sahibzade are saying their Antim Ardas, their final prayer, in the cold tower where they were imprisoned by the Mughal police, before execution.
This story was told as a way to invite our youth, ourselves, and anyone who has a heart to receive it, to join the Sahibzade as children of Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Sahib as well as grandchildren of Mata Gujri ji and Guru Teg Bahadur.
Chhotte Sahibzade of [ sons of Guru Gobind Singh] attained martyrdom on 26 December 1705 at a very young age of 9 & 5 only. This is known as Saka Sirhind.
In my creative exploration I have found that each scene is individually so potent with emotion and meaning that every painting must stand alone in style, colour and form so that it can convey its' own singular message.
The shrine itself, centrally placed amidst a huge marble courtyard, marks the site where Guru Nanak was cremated. Adjacent to it is a smaller canopy with a platform covered in an embroidered chadar (sheet), just as one would find in dargahs of Muslim pirs (saints).
The rulers acting as animals oppressing the people and spreading destruction and death... at that time one holy soul touched the heart of humanity.
I knew that the larger Hoosier community and leaders that encouraged and created this environment for us to mainstream and pioneer our commitments, our talents and culture are an important reason as to where we are as a City, State, and Hoosier family, and together we are moving forward to get where we feel at home and proudly serve our Nation.
Ladakh thus has Sikh Gurdwaras, monuments and places connected with Guru Nanak’s visit to the area and brave Sikhs who have created history.