Nine days. Nine days Guru Tegh Bahadur spent confined within the walls near this very spot, now known as Guru Ka Taal. Guru Ka Taal began not as a place of worship, but as a reservoir. Built in 1610 under Jahangir’s rule, it was a vital source of water for Agra, its intricate stone carvings a testament to Mughal artistry. Imagine the scene: the year is 1675. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb demands religious conversion. Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, stands defiant. He chooses this tranquil reservoir, this taal, as the place of his voluntary arrest, a powerful act of resistance. He could have evaded capture, but he chose sacrifice. A poor shepherd, Hasan Ali, was offered a reward for information on the Guru’s whereabouts. Guru Tegh Bahadur, knowing of the reward, willingly surrendered to allow Hasan Ali to benefit. This act of selflessness underscores the Guru’s unwavering commitment to his principles. Decades later, in the 1970s, Sant Baba Sadhu Singhji “Mauni” spearheaded the transformation of this historic reservoir into the Guru Ka Taal Gurudwara we see today. The red sandstone structure, reminiscent of the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, stands as a symbol of resilience and faith. Of the original twelve towers that graced the reservoir, eight remain, silent witnesses to the passage of time. Within the Gurudwara, the Bhora Sahib marks the exact location of the Guru’s nine-day confinement. Here, devotees bow their heads, touching the ground in reverence, connecting with the Guru’s unwavering spirit. The langar, the community kitchen, offers nourishment around the clock, a testament to the Sikh tradition of selfless service. Guru Ka Taal is more than just a gurudwara; it is a living testament to the courage of Guru Tegh Bahadur, a place where history and spirituality intertwine.
Central Methodist Church
A century and a third ago. A church rose in Agra. This is the story of the Central Methodist Church.