Often referred to as Guruji Chattarpur Wale, Shukrana Guruji, or Dugri Wale Guruji, Nirmal Singhji Maharaj is believed by his devotees to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. With a large following across India and even internationally, his teachings and divine aura continue to inspire thousands, including prominent Bollywood celebrities and political figures. Bhumi Pednekar and several other celebrities took to their Instagram to share his birthday celebration at their homes.
Born on July 7, 1952, in Dugri village near Ludhiana, Punjab, Guruji exhibited signs of deep spirituality from a very young age. By the age of eight, it is said that he had already achieved a state of self-control and detachment from worldly desires-something rare and remarkable.
Guruji completed his early education at Dugri Primary School and later attended Government High School. He went on to pursue higher studies at a college in Malerkotla, earning double master’s degrees in English and Economics. Despite his academic achievements, his heart was always drawn towards the path of spiritual enlightenment. He often said that he studied only to fulfill his father’s wishes.
The wanderer turned spiritual master
In 1975, Guruji left his home in search of spiritual truth. He briefly worked with the Punjab School Education Board as a clerical assistant starting in 1983. During this time, he lived a life of simplicity-spending his time in intense meditation and serving those around him. He would often stay with devotees for a few days, help them in mysterious yet divine ways, and disappear without notice, leaving behind a trail of awe and faith.
Word of his miraculous presence began to spread rapidly across Punjab and neighboring states. Initially skeptical, even his own father began to recognise that Guruji was not an ordinary man but someone with divine powers.
Establishing the Chattarpur shiv mandir
As his following grew, Guruji eventually settled in Jalandhar, but he also spent time in Chandigarh, Panchkula, Delhi, and Mumbai. During the 1990s, he built the now-renowned Shiv Mandir in Bhatti Mines, Chattarpur (Delhi). This temple, known lovingly by devotees as the Bada Mandir, became the center of his spiritual activities.
The temple is now home to Guruji’s Samadhi, following his Maha Samadhi in May 2007. Devotees believe that the tea (chai prasad) and langar (blessed food) served during satsangs carry divine blessings and often bring healing, peace, and fulfillment of wishes.
Guruji’s teachings attracted people from all strata of society. From common people to elite industrialists and film stars, his influence was widespread. Celebrities like Hema Malini, Jacqueline Fernandez, and members of the Kapoor family (including the late Rishi Kapoor) have visited and hosted Guruji’s satsangs at their homes.
Political leaders, such as Amrik Singh, were also deeply devoted to him. Even after his Maha Samadhi, these devotees continue to promote his teachings and share their experiences of divine grace.
