The voluntary organisation, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, based in Birmingham, UK, has agreed to develop Sheetal Kund near the Rajgir Gurdwara in India into a tourist spot.
On the request of Nitish Kumar, the chief minister, GNNSJ took on the initiative. The foundation stone was intended to be laid by Nitish in December last year but the programme was deferred.
Chairman of GNNSJ Bhai Shahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh mentioned that the blueprint for the development of Sheetal Kund Gurdwara is already drawn up.
"The Jattha will bear whatever funds are required. Sheetal Kund gurdwara is the first project taken up by the Jattha after Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib in Patna City," said Mohinder.
Sheetal Kund is associated with Guru Nanak, and is believed that Guru Nanak visited the Kund at Rajgir in Nalanda district with two disciples about 450 years ago.
"Mardana, a Muslim, suddenly felt thirsty. After taking permission from Sri Guru Nanak Dev, he went to a nearby kund (waterhole) which was hot. Unable to quench his thirst, he returned and requested the Guru to help him. After repeated requests, the Guru visited the waterfall. When Guru Nanak Dev's feet touched the water, it cooled down, earning its name Sheetal Kund," said Trilok Singh Nishad, chairman of Shree Sanatani Sikh Sabha.
