Pun: ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਮੁਕਤਸਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ śrī muktsar sāhib
‘Sacred Pool of Liberation’ – City/District, Punjab
From Skt: mukta, ‘liberated, freed’ and sar(a), ‘lake, pool’.
This derivation refers to the site where 40 Sikh warriors, known as the Chali Mukte (‘Forty Liberated Ones’), attained martyrdom and spiritual liberation.
Sri Muktsar Sahib is one of the most sacred places in Sikh history, associated with the Battle of Muktsar (1705), fought between Guru Gobind Singh’s forces and the Mughal army.
This battle took place after the siege of Anandpur Sahib, when Guru Gobind Singh was pursued by Mughal forces. The Chali Mukte, former deserters who had been forgiven by the Guru after repenting, fought bravely and sacrificed their lives, leading to the Mughal defeat. The site where they fell is now known as Mukti Sarovar (‘Pool of Liberation’), giving the town its name.
The city was originally called Khidrana after a local water reservoir. Following the battle, it was renamed Muktsar to honor the martyrs. Later, the title Sri was added to reflect its spiritual significance, and Sahib, an honorific in Sikh tradition.
Muktsar is home to the Gurudwara Sri Tuti Gandi Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh is said to have torn up the letter of desertion written by the Chali Mukte, symbolizing their redemption. Other key gurudwaras include Gurudwara Tibbi Sahib and Gurudwara Rakabsar Sahib.
Every year, the Maghi Mela is held in Muktsar, commemorating the sacrifice of the Chali Mukte. The festival attracts thousands of Sikh pilgrims who take a holy dip in Mukti Sarovar.
For related place names see Indian Place names and Punjab place names.
