Dera Baba Jassa Singh annual congregation from Sept 28-30
Jaswant Singh Puri / royalpatiala.in/ Patiala
Dera Baba Jassa Singh, a holy place located on Sular Road in Patiala, was established in 1964 and its management was handed over to the committee. Dera Baba Jassa Singh is in the cherished memory of four great souls, great saintly figures – Baba Hardit Singh, Baba Jassa Singh, Baba Nand Singh and Baba Gurmukh Singh Ji. People assemble here in huge number not only from the world-wide nations but also from Dhanaula, Nabha, Sangrur and Akoi Sahib to express their humble tribute. Under the aegis of the Dera Management Committee a congregation is held in September every year. This year this congregation will be celebrated with gusto on 28th, 29th and 30th September.
The real name of Baba Jassa Singh Ji was Bibi Jas Kaur who was born in Dhanaula of Barnala district. Her meditation and serving the holy saints right from the beginning was not liked by the family of in-laws. Consequently, she was abandoned by the in-laws family. Seeing this sensitive and odd situation of Bibi Jas Kaur, her father dedicated her to the devotional services of Baba Hardit Singh at Tapiana Sahib. Baba Ji accepted her devotion after austere tests and adored her with male garments and named her Jassa Singh.
Baba Hardit Singh was brought up in Dhanaula village of Barnala district whose family was an ardent worshipper of Udasi Saints. The family was much grieved at the loss of their children. The members of the family prayed to the Udasi holy saints that they would offer their child at their altar if the family is bestowed with a child. Baba Hardit Singh eventually served the Dera with full faith making it his life mission. He served the Gurudwara Akoi Sahib for twelve years and rendering his services became known to the surrounding areas and consequently the Dhanaula residents requested him to go back to his village. Baba Hardit Singh Ji consented to the request of the people and spent his time in meditation in the outskirts of the village for twenty years where the Gurudwara Tapiana Sahib is set up with all its glory. It is a holy place where Baba Jassa Singh Ji and Baba Nand Singh Ji had rendered their services at the behest of Baba Hardit Singh Ji.
Baba Nand Singh Ji who was the nephew of Baba Hardit Singh was born to mother Ram Ratto and father Deva Singh at Lohakhere village.
The grace and grandeur of Baba Hardit Singh Ji had spread in the whole region. Maharaja Hira Singh of Nabha felt influenced by him and pleaded him to grace the land of Nabha. The entreaty of Maharja Hira Singh was accepted and Baba Hardit Singh along with Baba Jassa Singh and Baba Nand Singh stayed at his place to impart it grace. This place is now tastefully accomplished and known as Gurudwara Tibbi Sahib.
Maharaja Rajinder Singh of Patiala also entreated the gracious saint to visit Patiala and shower his blessings. Babi Ji observed Maharaja’s deep faith and accepted his request and the so called Dera Baba Jassa Singh was their abode of rest.
