Nestled in the serene landscapes of Uttarakhand, Gurudwara Reetha Sahib also known as Reetha Meetha Sahib stands as a significant spiritual site for the Sikh community. Located near the small village of Dyuri in the Champawat district, about 72 kilometers from the town of Champawat, the Gurudwara is renowned for its religious importance and its unique miracle. This sacred place attracts pilgrims from all over the world, who witness the sweet reetha (soapnut) trees and experience the divine atmosphere of the location where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, once visited.

The Significance of Gurudwara Reetha Sahib

The Gurudwara holds a special place in the hearts of Sikhs due to Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s historical visit to this region. Accompanied by Bhai Mardana, his loyal companion, Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Dyuri and interacted with the Gorakhpanthi Jogis who were meditating under the local reetha trees. The story associated with the Guru’s visit is considered miraculous and has been passed down through generations, further enhancing the spiritual and religious aura of the place.

The Miracle of the Sweet Reetha

The reetha or soapnut trees are known for producing bitter fruits. However, according to Sikh tradition, when Guru Nanak Dev Ji sat under a reetha tree, he plucked a fruit and asked Bhai Mardana to eat it. To everyone’s surprise, the reetha was sweet, unlike the usual bitter taste of soapnuts. This event astonished the Jogis, who later realized that the presence of Guru Nanak Dev Ji had blessed the trees. From that moment onwards, the trees that grew on the side where Guru Nanak Dev Ji had sat started producing sweet reethas. This miracle still holds true today, and pilgrims visiting the Gurudwara are given this sweet reetha as Prashad (religious offering).

The site came to be known as Meetha Reetha Sahib due to this miraculous event, and even today, devotees believe that the sweet reetha symbolizes the divine blessings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The soapnuts from the Gurudwara are distributed to visitors as a holy souvenir, which they consider to be a sacred blessing.

The History and Construction of Gurudwara Reetha Sahib

Although the site has been venerated for centuries, the formal construction of the Gurudwara did not take place until around 1960. The shrine was built at the confluence of the Lodhiya and Ratiya Rivers, a tranquil location that complements the spiritual significance of the place. Despite its relatively recent construction, the Gurudwara has quickly become one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Sikhs, especially those residing in North India.

The presence of the sacred trees, the historical significance, and the divine atmosphere have made Gurudwara Reetha Sahib a place of devotion and reflection. The structure of the Gurudwara is simple yet elegant, embodying the essence of Sikh values such as humility, devotion, and equality.

The Role of Bhai Mardana and the Jogis

Bhai Mardana played a pivotal role during the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Reetha Sahib. A Muslim by birth and a lifelong follower of Guru Nanak, Bhai Mardana accompanied the Guru on many of his journeys, playing the rabab (a stringed musical instrument) as the Guru sang hymns. The close bond between Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana represents the universal spirit of Sikhism, which transcends religion and emphasizes the brotherhood of humanity.

During their visit to Reetha Sahib, Guru Nanak Dev Ji encountered the Gorakhpanthi Jogis, who practiced asceticism and meditated under the Reetha trees. The Jogis were astonished by the transformation of the bitter reetha into sweet ones and soon recognized the divine nature of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This event served as a testament to the power of faith and the oneness of God, principles that are central to Sikhism.

The Sacred Fair on Baisakhi Purnima

One of the most important events held at Gurudwara Reetha Sahib is the Sikh fair that takes place annually during Baisakhi Purnima. Baisakhi, which typically falls in mid-April, marks the harvest season and holds great significance in Sikhism as the day when the Khalsa Panth was founded by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. On this auspicious day, thousands of devotees gather at Reetha Sahib to celebrate and seek blessings.

The fair is a vibrant and joyous occasion filled with prayers, hymns, and kirtan (devotional singing). The atmosphere becomes electrifying as pilgrims come from far and wide to partake in the sacred celebrations. The sweet reetha is distributed to everyone as Prashad, further enhancing the spiritual experience for the devotees.

In addition to the Sikh fair, Devnath Temple, located beside the Gurudwara, is another religious site that devotees visit during Baisakhi Purnima. The presence of both Sikh and Hindu places of worship in close proximity highlights the spirit of harmony and mutual respect that exists in the region.

Reetha Sahib’s Importance in Sikh Pilgrimage

Among the various Sikh pilgrimage sites, Reetha Sahib holds a unique position due to its association with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life. The historical events that occurred here and the continued presence of the sweet reetha trees make it a place of divine grace. Sikh devotees, especially those from Uttarakhand and nearby states, consider visiting Reetha Sahib an essential part of their spiritual journey.

In addition to its religious importance, the peaceful and serene surroundings of Reetha Sahib make it an ideal location for meditation and reflection. The Gurudwara’s remote location, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, provides a tranquil atmosphere for devotees to connect with the divine.

How to Reach Gurudwara Reetha Sahib

Gurudwara Reetha Sahib is located in a relatively remote area, but it is accessible by road, train, and air. Here are the various ways to reach the Gurudwara:

• By Road: The Gurudwara is well-connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand. One can take a bus to Tanakpur, which is a major town near Champawat, and from there, hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach Champawat. From Champawat, Dyuri village, where the Gurudwara is situated, is approximately 72 kilometers away.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station, located about 160 kilometers from Champawat. From Kathgodam, taxis and buses are available to take you to Champawat and further on to Dyuri village.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), which is approximately 220 kilometers from Champawat. After landing at Pantnagar, travelers can hire taxis or use local transportation to reach the Gurudwara.

The journey to Gurudwara Reetha Sahib, although long, is worth the effort due to the breathtaking natural beauty of the region and the spiritual significance of the destination.