Gurdwara Shri Marhatal Sahib, Jabalpur
SHRI GURU NANAK DEV JI, spreading the message of unity, traveled from Katak to Amar Kantak and then arrived at this place. The journey took them through a dense and terrifying jungle. During this time, Bhai Mardana Ji began to feel homesick and asked GURU SAHIB for permission to return home. Although GURU SAHIB tried to convince him otherwise, Bhai Mardana Ji stubbornly decided to leave.
As Bhai Mardana Ji traveled about eleven kos (approximately 33 kilometers) away from GURU SAHIB, he found himself surrounded by a vast, desolate jungle. This jungle was home to the man-eating Bhil tribe, and within it lived a demon named Kauda. Bhai Mardana Ji was captured by Kauda and taken to his lair. Terrified by Kauda’s fearsome appearance, Bhai Mardana Ji prayed fervently to GURU SAHIB for help. Hearing his plea, GURU SAHIB instantly appeared at the location. With a compassionate gaze from GURU SAHIB, Kauda’s raging fire of evil was extinguished. Seeing GURU SAHIB, Kauda was overwhelmed with remorse for his sins and fell at GURU SAHIB’s feet.
Touched by GURU SAHIB’s feet, Kauda was transformed into a devout being. He sought forgiveness for all his wrongdoings from GURU SAHIB. GURU SAHIB imparted the knowledge of the divine Bani to Kauda, connecting him with the Almighty. Accompanied by Kauda, GURU SAHIB and Bhai Mardana Ji arrived at this sacred place. GURU SAHIB transformed Kauda into a true devotee and established this holy site. After staying here for a few days, GURU SAHIB proceeded to the land of Rohilkhand.