Explained: The Kali Bein and its significance for Sikhs

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: The Kali Bein and its significance for Sikhs” published in Indian Express on 22nd July 2022.

What is the News?

Punjab Chief Minister has been admitted to Delhi’s Apollo Hospital days after he had drunk a glass of water directly from the Kali Bein.

What is Kali Bein?

Kali Bein is a holy rivulet (a small stream) in Sultanpur Lodhi, Punjab.

The rivulet starts from Hoshiarpur, runs across four districts and meets the confluence of the rivers Beas and Sutlej in Kapurthala. 

Along its banks are around 80 villages and half a dozen small and big towns. Wastewater from there as well as industrial waste used to flow into the rivulet via a drain turning its waters black, hence the name Kali Bein(black rivulet).

What is the significance of Kali Bein to the Sikh religion?

The Kali Bein is of great significance to Sikh religion and history because the first Guru, Nanak Dev, is said to have gotten enlightenment here. 

When Guru Nanak Dev was staying at Sultanpur Lodhi with his sister Bebe Nanki, he would bath in the Kali Bein. He is said to have disappeared into the waters one day, before emerging on the third day. The first thing he recited was the “Mool Mantra” of the Sikh religion.