New Delhi – In a significant step to preserve and honour a priceless Sikh heritage, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has formally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate a permanent and befitting home for the revered Jore Sahib—the sacred footwear of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji.
The Jore Sahib, consisting of one shoe belonging to Guru Gobind Singh Ji (right foot, measuring approximately 11 inches by 3.5 inches) and one shoe of Mata Sahib Kaur Ji (left foot, about 9 inches by 3 inches), has been carefully preserved by the Puri family for over three centuries. These relics were originally bestowed upon the family’s ancestors by the revered Guru and Mata Sahib Kaur themselves, a gesture considered a rare spiritual blessing.
A Legacy of Seva Spanning Three Centuries
Sharing the history of the relics, Puri explained that his forefathers were in direct service of the Tenth Sikh Guru, Dasam Pita Guru Gobind Singh Ji. According to family tradition, the Guru, pleased with their devoted service (seva), offered to grant a reward. The ancestor humbly requested permission to keep the sacred footwear so that the divine blessings of the Guru and Mata Ji would remain with their family and descendants for generations.
For more than 300 years, the Puri family has safeguarded the Jore Sahib, performing daily service and ensuring that the sanctity of the relics remains intact. The last custodian was Puri’s late cousin, Jasmeet Puri, who lived in Delhi’s Karol Bagh. In recognition of the relics’ spiritual significance, the street outside their residence was named Guru Gobind Singh Marg. Following Jasmeet Puri’s passing, his wife Manpreet Kaur wrote to Hardeep Puri, requesting him to find a permanent and more accessible resting place for the relics so that the Sikh community at large could pay their respects.
Cultural Authentication and Government Initiative
Before approaching the Prime Minister, Puri ensured that the relics were examined by experts from the Ministry of Culture. Scientific carbon testing and other evaluations confirmed the authenticity and historical importance of the footwear, further underscoring their immense religious and spiritual value.
Accompanied by a committee of eminent members of the Sikh sangat, Puri met with Prime Minister Modi to submit a detailed report and recommendations on the safekeeping and public display of the Jore Sahib. The proposal suggests enshrining the relics in a prominent gurdwara within the National Capital Region, where devotees from across India and abroad can have darshan (holy viewing) and offer prayers.
PM Modi’s Reverence for Sikh Heritage
While the final location is yet to be announced, Puri expressed confidence that Prime Minister Modi, who has consistently demonstrated deep respect for Sikh teachings and traditions, will ensure that the Jore Sahib is placed in a setting worthy of its spiritual legacy.
“The Puri family has been immensely blessed to perform seva of these holy relics for over three centuries,” Puri said. “It is now our responsibility to ensure that the blessings of Guru Sahib and Mata Ji reach the wider Sikh community and future generations in a secure and accessible environment.”
The government’s decision on the final resting place of the Jore Sahib is expected soon, marking a historic moment for the global Sikh community and all those who revere the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
