Baba Harbhajan Singh-a dead soldier still on duty

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 protecting 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’.

They cremated his body 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.

A temple dedicated to him, the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, was built in his honour near the site of his death, and it has become a popular pilgrimage site for both soldiers and civilians.

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, they promoted him 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.

We believe 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

Originally published at https://www.envigblogs.com on March 18, 2023.