Jhanda Sahib

Jhanda Sahib Ji, a famous religious site of Sikhs, is situated 5 km away from Dehradun ISBT. The history of Jhanda Sahib Ji spans 350 years, established by Baba Ram Rai Ji, the eldest son of the 7th Guru of Sikhs 'Guru Har Rai' in the mid 17th century. The architectural design of Darbar Sahib is splendid, largely influenced by the Islamic Architecture. Baba Ram Rai ji arrived in Dehradun in 1675, and since then, in his honour, his followers started organizing a fair on the fifth day of Panchami (fall on the fifth day of Holi).

It is believed that Guru Ram Rai ji possessed supernatural power from childhood, granting him immense knowledge in his early life. After acknowledging his power, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb bestowed him with the title of Maharaj (a Hindu Pir). Living a renunciate life since childhood, when Maharaj ji reached Dehradun, his horse foot got stuck in the ground, prompting him to camp at the site. For camp, he shot arrows in all directions and instructed their followers to camp the places wherever the arrows landed. Legend has it that, area came to be known as ‘Dera-dun’ after his camp, later changed to Dehradun.

Maharaj ji was very fond of birds, especially eagles. Perhaps this could be the reason why an eagle is often seen circling the flag after the flag hoisting ceremony.