In Sikhism, the tradition of Guru Ka Langar is known worldwide. People from every caste, religion, and background sit together in a single row and share a meal without discrimination. However, there is a historic gurdwara in Punjab where langar is prepared daily, yet certain devotees are not allowed to eat it.
This unique tradition has been followed for centuries at Gurdwara Dhan Dhan Baba Siddh Sarsai Ji, located in the village of Chambal near Tarn Taran Sahib.
History Connected with Guru Arjan Dev Ji
The tradition of this sacred place dates back to the time of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. During the excavation work of the holy sarovar at Tarn Taran Sahib, Baba Siddh Sarsai Ji used to come every day after eating food at home and would serve day and night selflessly.
One day, a man suffering from leprosy came to Guru Arjan Dev Ji seeking relief from his illness. Guru Sahib asked the congregation, “Is there anyone here who performs daily prayers with complete selflessness and comes here after eating at home?”
When no one stepped forward despite repeated requests, Guru Sahib himself called Baba Siddh Sarsai Ji by name.
Selfless Service and the Miracle
Seeing Baba Ji’s devotion and selfless service, Guru Arjan Dev Ji instructed him to touch the sick man with the edge of his cloth (palla). Baba Ji humbly replied, “True King, I have no power of my own. However, if you place your hand on my head and bless me, a miracle may happen.”
On Guru Sahib’s repeated command, Baba Ji touched the leprosy patient with his palla, and the man was completely cured.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was pleased and blessed Baba Siddh Sarsai Ji, saying that in the future, anyone from his lineage who applied the sacred rakh (holy ash/blessing) to a patient would help cure skin diseases, provided the patient followed a special code of conduct.
Why Some Devotees Cannot Eat Langar Here
The sacred rakh is given for 40 days. Even today, people suffering from skin diseases are not allowed to eat langar at this gurdwara. However, the relatives accompanying them are permitted to eat langar.
Devotees are advised to keep the rakh received from the gurdwara in a clean and religious place at home.
Rules Followed by Patients
Those seeking blessings for relief from skin diseases are expected to follow certain strict rules:
- Bring 1.25 kg of jaggery (gud) as an offering.
- Participate in the Ardas with full humility.
- Perform daily Nitnem at home.
- Avoid meat and alcohol for 40 days.
A Symbol of Faith and Blessings
The sacred place in the village of Chambal continues to be a symbol of Guru Sahib’s blessings and devotees’ unwavering faith. People from different places visit this gurdwara seeking relief from skin ailments, and many believe they experience Guru Maharaj’s grace and healing here.
For the local Sikh community, this centuries-old tradition is not seen as a denial of langar, but as a special spiritual discipline linked to the blessing given by Guru Arjan Dev Ji to Baba Siddh Sarsai Ji.
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