The Indian Army is the land-based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed forces. Its primary mission is to ensure national security and internal unity. The army has been involved in four wars with neighbouring Pakistan and one with China. It has seen many brave soldiers and legends sacrificing their lives for the protection of their motherland.
One such legend was Baba Harbhajan
Singh, also known as “Hero of Nathula” a revered military saint in India. He
was a soldier in the Indian Army who died near the Nathula Pass in eastern
Sikkim, India in 1968, just when he was 22 years old. It is said that he met with his death as he drowned in a
fast-flowing stream while on a mule column escort in Sikkim. The strong current
of the stream resulted in an unsuccessful search for his body. But it is said
that his body was found in a most bizarre fashion as one of his fellow soldiers
had Baba Harbhajan Singh in his dream where Baba told him the exact location
where his body could be found and also told his friend that his body should be
cremated right where it will be found. And to the utter surprise of all his
body was found at the exact location pinpointed by the fellow sepoy. This
ignited the belief in the minds of villagers and other people about the soul of
the late army man. Hence began the ‘mystery of Baba Harbhajan Singh’.
His body was cremated at the same
spot where it was discovered. Over time, the legend of Baba Harbhajan Singh has
grown over the years and he is widely regarded as a powerful and benevolent
spirit and a protector and a spiritual guide for soldiers posted in the region
during difficult times by warning them of the impending danger and helping them
to escape harm.
Today, even decades after the death
of Baba Harbhajan Singh, it is believed that the soldiers of the Indian army still felt his monumental presence. Army units that are posted in the area
where Baba Harbhajan Singh’s body was found and where the mandir stands, seek
Baba’s blessing every time they go out on a treacherous fleet. It is also
strongly believed that Baba will always warn their army men of any expected attacks from foreign countries prior to occurrence. In honour of Baba’s service
and strong spiritual presence post his death in the Indian army, he was
promoted to Honorary Captain.
Baba Harbhajan Singh’s impact has
been so strongly felt that even the Chinese on the other side of the border
leave a vacant seat as a sign of respect to Baba at flag meetings between the
two contingents.
It is believed that the shrine of
Baba Harbhajan Singh can even bring a cure to ailing people, here in Sikkim faith
in Baba is stronger than anything else and it has even helped the Indian army
and its people overcome multiple obstacles.
And till today, almost 53 years
later the mystery behind Baba Harbhajan Singh’s presence still remains
unresolved only to be overpowered by an ample amount of faith.
Pics & Inputs courtesy: Google,tripoto Wikipedia
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