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Bathinda
Bathinda District is situated in the Southern part of Punjab State in the heart of Malwa region. According to Khalifa Muhammad Hassan, author of History of Patiala, its ancient name was Bikramgarh. According to "Ainai-Barar Bans" Bathinda was built by Bhati Rao, son of Bal Band, who became ruler of Punjab in 336 Bikrami Sambat. Bathinda has an 1800 years old fort.
Introduction
Bathinda District is situated in the Southern part of Punjab State in the heart of Malwa region. According to Khalifa Muhammad Hassan, author of History of Patiala, its ancient name was Bikramgarh. According to raverty, Bathinda was known as Tabarhindh (Labb-ut-Twarikh). According to Ibn Batuta it was known as Batrind. The earliest mention of Tabarhindh occurs in the "Jami-Ul-Hakayat" written about 607 Hijri or 1211 AD. According to "Ainai-Barar Bans" Bathinda was built by Bhati Rao, son of Bal Band, who became ruler of Punjab in 336 Bikrami Sambat. He also founded Bhatner. It was also called Whatinda and Bitunda which finally become known as Bhatinda. But its name was changed to Bathinda on the authority of Survey of India to conform to the phonetical expression as locally pronounced. In recent times the town was conquered by Maharaja Ala Singh (near about 1754 AD) and since then it followed the history of erstwhile princely state of Patiala.
It is one of the largest cotton producing regions of India and an important industrial centre. The town is known for a huge thermal power plant and a fertilizer factory.
History
According to Khalifa Muhammad Hassan, author of History of Patiala, its ancient name was Bikramgarh. According to raverty, Bathinda was known as Tabarhindh (Labb-ut-Twarikh). According to Ibn Batuta it was known as Batrind. The earliest mention of Tabarhindh occurs in the "Jami-Ul-Hakayat" written about 607 Hijri or 1211 AD. According to "Ainai-Barar Bans" Bathinda was built by Bhati Rao, son of Bal Band, who became ruler of Punjab in 336 Bikrami Sambat. He also founded Bhatner. It was also called Whatinda and Bitunda which finally become known as Bhatinda. But its name was changed to Bathinda on the authority of Survey of India to conform to the phonetical expression as locally pronounced. In recent times the town was conquered by Maharaja Ala Singh (near about 1754 AD) and since then it followed the history of erstwhile princely state of Patiala.
Tourism
PLACES OF INTEREST
Bathinda Fort : the ancient fort shaped like a ship is said to be built by Bhatti Rao. It was captured by Maharaja Ala Singh t\of Patiala in 1754. A small gurudwara here commemorates the visit of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji.
Mausoleum of Pir Baba Haji Rattan : Pir Baba Haji Rattan is said to have visited Mecca, as an ambassador of Raja Bhoj. After returning back he settled down in Bathinda. His manusoleum or mazar is located between the Civil Hospital and the Grain Market. Large number of devotees, irrespective of their faiths and belief visit the mazar. The place was further sanctified with the visits of Guru Nanak Dev ji and Guru Gobind Singh ji.
AROUND BATHINDA
TALWANDI SABO (16 Kms)
It is famous for the sacred Damdama Sahib Gurdwara, also known as Guru-Ki-Kashi. Guru Gobind Singh ji is said to have rested here for 9 months, after his battles with Mughals at Anandpur Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib and Muktsar. During his stay, he re-compiled Adi Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the sikhs and called this place as ’Khalsa-Ka’Takht’. It is now the headquarters of the ’Nihang’ sect of teh sikhs. The Baisakhi festival is celebrated here with traditional gaiety and fervour Bhangra and Giddha dances are performed during this time. It is recognised as a National Fair.
MAISAR KHANA
This important Hindi pilgrim centre lies 25 Kms. from Bathinda and is famous for the temple of Bhagati Mata. The sacred site dating back to 17th centuty was a part of a village, then called as Khana. It is said that Kamala Bhagat, a resident of the village was a great devotee of Jwala Mukhi temple in Kangra and used to visit the shrine every month. Due to old age and deteriorating health condition. It became literally impossible for him to visit the Jwala Mukhi shirine. He prayed to the Goddess and requested her to give darshan. Bhagwati Mata, the deity of Jwala Mukhi was very pleased and appeared before him. She said that in future, he need not come to Jwala Mukhi, as workshipping at this spot will be sanctified as worship at her abode in Kangra. Since then the place became a famour pilgrim centre and the presiding deity was known as Maisar Khana wali Mata. A beautiful shrine with a dome rising to a height of 80 ft. was built here with the contribution from the devotees. The small pond near the shrine is considered to be very sacred. It is said that one is absolved of all his sins, by just touching the water of the pond. A Sanskrit School was established here for preservation and promotion of Sanskrit language, as well as the rich culture and traditions of India. The faculty comprises of excellent teachers. Boarding facility is also provided for outsiders.
A huge religious fair is held twice in a year. Large number of devotees from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and other neighbouring areas visit the temple during this time.
