I have often passed by the city of Patiala, but could not stay there overnight due to other work commitments.
Just off the main highway is the Bahadurgarh fort, which is now a military training centre and is open to visitors only on Sunday.
I did manage to go to their famous Dukh niwahar sahib gurudwara, so called due to the blessings of Guru yeah Bahadur who sat under a tree here and cured the villagers of a mysterious illness. As I sprinkled the magical water on my head, I prayed to ward off all troubles of whoever entered the Holy premises.
On a earlier visit to their famous Kali temple, I was lucky to see a secret chamber in the temple complex that contained ancient unfinished images of God’s and Goddesses. But as I stood mesmerized in front of the peneratrating eyes of the idol of Kali Mata, I requested for Prasad, and was happily shocked when the priest took out a red dupatta which was around the idol and actually gave it to me. I will always cherish this token of blessing and protection from Devi Mata to me and our family!
Patiala is famous for s lot of local stuff, like jhootis, phulkari embroidered textiles, and a style of loose comfortable clothing called patiala salwars. I had also heard of the patiala peg, which is supposed to be a larger measure of liquor, approximately of the height between the index and little finger, served by the big sized, big hearted, Punjabi men.
And then I had time to eat the fresh local speciality, called Chole kulcha, which is commonly sold in handvarts across Patiala.
Satisfied at whatever I could see when passing by this city and hoping to have more time on my next visit to see the Qila Mubarak of Patiala. Till then I keep smiling when I think about Patiala.
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