Baru Sahib – from acorn to oak

History

About 60 km from Solan in Himachal Pradesh lay the village of Baru, spread across 400 acres and owned by Thakur Joginder Singh. The area was lush and forested, with several springs. A walnut tree near one such spring served as a resting spot for sadhus who would visit for meditation, often welcomed and fed by Thakur Joginder Singh.

One day, a holy man came to meditate under the walnut tree and, after deep meditation, was offered food by Thakur Joginder Singh. The holy man, however, prophesied, “Joginder Singh, you will not stay here for long. This is Guru Nanak’s land. Since the time of ‘satyuga,’ saints and sages have meditated here. Guru Gobind Singh Ji also visited and blessed this place. A time will come when Guru Nanak’s followers will gather here, meditate on the Divine Name, recite Gurbani, and spread the Divine Message across the world.”

Taking the holy man’s words as a curse, Thakur Joginder Singh angrily withdrew the food. However, his anger subsided, and when he returned, the holy man had vanished.

Meanwhile, Sant Teja Singh, inspired by the vision of the sacred site, sought to acquire it. Thakur Joginder Singh, having fallen out with his village, decided to sell his estate. Upon learning this, Sant Teja Singh informed Bhai Iqbal Singh, who traveled on foot to Baru. Upon arrival, Bhai Iqbal Singh found that Baru perfectly matched the vision described by Sant Teja Singh.

Without negotiating the price or visiting the site himself, Sant Teja Singh purchased the 400 acres of Baru in 1956.

In 1959, at the age of 82, Sant Teja Singh, accompanied by about 20 devotees, arrived at Baru Sahib. They set up a camp, built a mud hut, and conducted the first Akhand Path (nonstop reading of Guru Granth Sahib). Sant Teja Singh performed a heartfelt Ardas and reassured his disciples about the lack of facilities at Baru Sahib, saying, “Just as a tiny banyan seed grows into a vast tree, this place will evolve into a great center of spiritual and high-quality scientific education. In time, all those who cherish Guru Nanak and have dedicated themselves to spiritual enrichment will be drawn here.”

Thus began the journey of Baru Sahib, envisioned as a place of spiritual and educational significance.