A soldier in Nathula border is still doing his duty even after his death some three decades back – or that’s what the soldiers posted at Nathula Pass believe.
Near the panoramic view of Nathula, the shrine of Baba Harbhajan Singh called Baba Mandir is situated. It is believed that Baba Harbhajan has been guarding the boundary of India and China about 60 km from Gangtok for three decades now.
And wait – according to the soldiers there, he does it alone. All alone!
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Punjab Harbhajan Singh, born in Kapurthala, was a Sepoy in the 23rd Punjab Battalion. It all started when Sepoy Harbhajan Singh was escorting a mule column from his battalion headquarters. On his way to his destination, he fell into a stream of water and was carried two kilometers downstream. As the first casualty of the 23rd Punjab Regiment of the war, a manhunt was launched to find him.
No one could find the mortal remains of Sepoy Harbhajan Singh for the following days of his missing and the search was later called off due to bad weather. But one day, Harbhajan Singh appeared in the dream of one of his colleagues. In the dream, he informed his colleague that he was no longer alive and told him the exact spot where his body would be found. According to the fellow mate, Harbhajan desired to have a samadhi made after him.
The body of Sepoy Harbhajan Singh was found coincidentally at the same spot where Harbhajan Singh had informed his fellow soldier. Following this, they decided to construct a Samadhi in his memory.
Over the years, Baba Harbhajan’s shrine has obtained huge devote. Baba is believed to forecast accident in the valley even before it happens through the dreams of fellow soldiers.
Baba Mandir consists of a prayer room where his large portrait is situated; his personal room where belongings of Harbhajan Singh is maintained; and an office cum store room containing water bottles, unused slippers, toothbrushes and other items offered to Baba by devotees. The items offered in the Mandir are believed to turn holy that can cure every ailment.
A special ceremony is organized by the army soldiers at the Baba Mandir on every 4th of October, the day he died, to honour the role of Baba Harbhajan Singh apart from every Monday and Tuesday when regular pujas and meals are offered.
And – and …
The soldiers at Nathula border are on the high alert from September 15 to November 15 every year, the period when Baba goes on an annual leave. Any pending leaves for other soldiers are cancelled and Harbhajan’s personal belongings are sent to his home in Kapurthala every year through a train.
Such is the faith of soldiers in Baba that during flag meetings between India and China at Nathula, a chair is set aside to honour Harbhajan Singh. Sepoy Harbhajan Singh is today honoured with the rank of Honorary Captain in the Indian Army whose paychecks and pensions are received by his family every month till date.
