Kapal Mochan

Kapal Mochan Sarovar and Gau-Bacha Temple

Kapal Mochan is an ancient place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs, 17 km north-east of Jagadhari town, on the Bilaspur road in Ambala district.[1] It is also called Gopal Mochan and Somsar Mochan. As per Legend, Brāhmanahatya i.e. killing of Brahmin is considered as a major sin, but one who kills a Brahmin and bath here, his Brāhmanahatya sins will be washed.

The place finds mention in the Puranas and the Mahabharata,[2] and was visited by Mahadeva, Sri Rama and Pandavas. Also Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh visited this place to share Sikh doctrines.[3] There is historical Mahadev Temple, Gau Bacha Temple and Gurdwara with ancient Pool. Every year, nearly five lakh pilgrims visit the place during the annual, "Kapal Mochan Mela" during November.[4][5]

History

Mahadev Visit

Mahadev Temple

Mahadev also visited this place after killing Brahma Ji.

Sri Rama Visit

In Treyta era Lord Rama came here in his Pushpak Viman after killing Ravana, The Brahmin. From that day this pond is called Surya Kund[6]

Guru Nanak Visit

Gurdwara Kapal Mochan, commemorates visit of Nanak and Gobind Singh

Guru Nanak Dev stopped here during one of his udasis in 1584 and have spoke to a large gathering disputing the ritual of Sootak (the concept that a newborn baby is born impure). According to Nanak, Sootak is there on Mind when it is entangles in vices. Adi Granth states: ਮਨ ਕਾ ਸੂਤਕੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਹਵਾ ਸੂਤਕੁ ਕੂੜੁ ॥ ਅਖੀ ਸੂਤਕੁ ਵੇਖਣਾ ਪਰ ਤ੍ਰਿਅ ਪਰ ਧਨ ਰੂਪੁ ॥ ਕੰਨੀ ਸੂਤਕੁ ਕੰਨਿ ਪੈ ਲਾਇਤਬਾਰੀ ਖਾਹਿ ॥.[7] A Gurdwara is located with temple which commemorates his visit.

Guru Gobind Singh visit

Guru Gobind Singh visited Kapal Mochan after Battle of Bhangani in 1688 and gave robes of honor (turbans) to soldiers who fought this victorious war against Hill Rulers. He also had discourse with priests of temple on Durga. He gave Hukamnama to temple priests which is still preserved by them. Also, Guru Gobind Singh and his soldiers get temple, rid of those people, who pollute the pond water, by doing toilets on short distances from ponds.[8] In Dasam Granth, Khalsa Mahima(the praise of Khalsa) and Charitar 71 describe a few events happened during Gobind Singh's stay at Kapal Mochan.

References

  1. ↑ yamunanagar.nic.in: About Kapal Mochan Temple
  2. ↑ "Five lakh pilgrims arrive to take part in Kapal Mochan fair". Indian Express. November 9, 2011. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  3. ↑ The Sikh Encyclopedia: Kapal Mochan
  4. ↑ "Lakhs throng Kapal Mochan Mela". The Hindu. November 10, 2011. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  5. ↑ "Tight security for holy dip during Kapal Mochan Mela". Zee News. November 16, 2013. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  6. ↑ yamunanagar.nic.in: History of Kapal Mochan
  7. ↑ Page 472, Adi Granth, Nanak
  8. ↑ Charitar 71, Charitar of Kapal Mochan, Charitropakhyan, Dasam Granth, Guru Gobind Singh

Coordinates: 30°19′32″N 77°19′3″E / 30.32556°N 77.31750°E