Soda baba g history

Sodal Temple is an ancient Temple Located In Jalandt is in believed that, once a woman went to the river to wash her clothes carrying her baby along. Despite being told to move back several times, the boy went ahead to play in the river. Thus his mother lost temper and yelled at the boy - ‘Have you come here to die? Go and drown yourself in the pound’. Boy asked his mother three times to repeat her words, which she did. It is believed that, then the boy jumped into the pond and never came back.

Some other people believe that, the boy turned into snake and penetrated himself in to the earth. Since then, Baba Sodal is being worshiped as their god. It is the temple of lord Sodal, where a small baby boy (Sodal) is worshipped as god. It is believed that, Baba Sodal belongs to the Chadha clan family of Khatri caste in Jalandhar city. An idol of Lord Sodal is placed here and it is in belief that, the wishes are fulfilled here especially of children. During Anand Chaturdasi, in September several devotees visit this place.

Baba Sodal Fair is held in the memory of Baba Sodal, (a small child who is respected as a baby- God) on his death anniversary. This fair is held for one day, during the early hours of the morning at the Samadhi of Baba Sodal, Jalandhar. This mela is carried out in the mid of September every year. It is a well-known religious fair, which is attended by the numerous pilgrims especially women. There is a tank called Baba Sodal-Da-Sarowar, where pilgrims sprinkle a few drops of water on their body and some take sacred bath in it. Baba Sodal Mela is the most popular event and is the only official local holiday in Jalandhar. This fair is very famous in Jalandhar and almost in all other regions of North India.

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Another legend says that when the cities of Punjab were cursed, Baba Sodal took the form of a holy snake and informed all about his farewell from the mortal world. He asked the people of Chadha and Anand families to accept his re-embodiment and offer him Mathi or Topa. He declared only the members of Chadha clan could consume topa. Every year, on Amawasya (no-moon night) before the Sodal Mela, the head of Chadha Clan visits the pond to extract mud 14 times for their sons.

Religious importance and Celebration

Mud is extracted with a belief that if this is done Baba Ji will appear on the day of Trydashi (13th of local month). Kasar is made and is also offered 14 times slowly. On Chaturdarshi (14th day), the Chadha clan eats only fried food. On the night before the fair, the whole Chadha clan sows 'Khetri’ in the name of Baba Sodal, as a traditional so that the clan remains happy and prosperous.

The followers of Sikhism consider this day, a very auspicious one. The fair takes place on the Samadhi of the Baba, where his painted portrait is placed decorated with rosaries and flowers. Nearby is Baba Sodal ka Sarovar, a holy tank. People take a dip in the holy waters of the Sarovar and present offerings on the Samadhi.

The day is special for the females too as they seek the blessings from Baba for their children and their families. Prasad is also offered at the Samadhi.

Time: Bhadon month (Between Mid-August and Mid- September)

Venue: Jalandhar