Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib
India·Baba Bakala·17th century·Pilgrimage
Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib is a significant Sikh pilgrimage site in Punjab, India, renowned for its association with Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru. It marks the location where Guru Tegh Bahadur meditated in solitude for over 26 years and was later discovered by Baba Makhan Shah Lubana, who proclaimed him the true Guru. The complex houses several important shrines, including where he meditated and where his Guruship was formally conferred.
Key Facts
- ›Associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru.
- ›The site where Guru Tegh Bahadur meditated in solitude for 26 years, 9 months, and 13 days.
- ›Baba Makhan Shah Lubana discovered Guru Tegh Bahadur here and proclaimed him the true Guru.
- ›The main complex contains four distinct Gurdwaras: Manji Sahib, Bhora Sahib, Darbar Sahib, and Seesh Mahal.
- ›Gurdwara Seesh Mahal is the site where Mata Ganga, mother of Guru Hargobind, passed away.
- ›The town's historical name was Bakkan-Wala, meaning 'Town of the Deer'.
Guru Tegh Bahadur, Guru Har Krishan, Guru Hargobind, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Arjan Dev
9-Storey Bhora Sahib, Sarovar, Frescoes
- Guru Har Krishan's prophecy of 'Baba Bakale'
- Discovery of Guru Tegh Bahadur by Baba Makhan Shah Lubana
- Anointing of Guru Tegh Bahadur as the Ninth Guru
- Attack on Guru Tegh Bahadur at Gurdwara Manji Sahib
Baba Makhan Shah Lubana, Mata Ganga
About Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib
Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib is a prominent Sikh Gurdwara located in Baba Bakala, Punjab, India, approximately 42 km from Amritsar. It holds profound historical and spiritual significance as the site associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru. The Gurdwara complex is a vital pilgrimage destination for Sikhs worldwide.
History and Significance
The historical narrative of Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib is deeply intertwined with the succession of the Sikh Gurus. In 1664, prior to his passing, Guru Har Krishan uttered the words 'Baba Bakale,' which Sikhs interpreted as a directive to find the Guru's successor in the town of Bakala. This led to a period of searching for the true Guru among many who falsely claimed the title.
The pivotal moment occurred with the arrival of Baba Makhan Shah Lubana, a devoted Sikh trader who had vowed to donate 500 dinars to the Guru. Upon reaching Bakala, he discovered Guru Tegh Bahadur, who had been meditating in solitude for an extended period. Guru Tegh Bahadur revealed himself and his divine lineage, and Baba Makhan Shah Lubana famously announced to the world, "Guru ladho re" ("The Guru has been found").
Guru Tegh Bahadur meditated in solitude at this location for 26 years, 9 months, and 13 days. The site where he meditated is preserved within the Gurdwara Bhora Sahib, a 9-storey structure.
Key Structures within the Complex
The Gurdwara complex is comprised of four main shrines:
- Gurdwara Darbar Sahib: This is the principal shrine where Guru Tegh Bahadur was formally anointed as the ninth Guru in August 1664 by Diwan Durga Mal, with Baba Gurditta performing the 'Tilak ceremony'.
- Gurdwara Bhora Sahib: This structure is built above the cellar where Guru Tegh Bahadur undertook his long period of solitary meditation. It also marks the spot where Baba Makhan Shah Lubana made his famous proclamation.
- Gurdwara Manji Sahib: This shrine commemorates an incident where a Shia Masand fired a bullet at Guru Tegh Bahadur while he was preaching, though the bullet grazed his turban without causing harm.
- Gurdwara Seesh Mahal: This is the location where Mata Ganga, consort of Guru Arjan Dev and mother of Guru Hargobind, passed away.
Art and Preservation
The Sikh shrines within the Baba Bakala complex historically featured many frescoes. However, a significant portion of this artwork is now in a dilapidated state, necessitating conservation efforts. Concerns have been raised by heritage-conscious members of the Sikh community regarding the replacement or covering of some frescoes with ceramic tiles during renovation projects, referred to as Kar Seva.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib located?
Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib is situated in the town of Baba Bakala, within the Amritsar district of Punjab, India. It is located on Gurdaspur Road, approximately 42 km from Amritsar.
What is the historical significance of Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib?
This Gurdwara is historically significant as the place where Guru Har Krishan uttered 'Baba Bakale,' indicating his successor was in Bakala. It is also where Guru Tegh Bahadur meditated in solitude for over 26 years and was discovered by Baba Makhan Shah Lubana, who then proclaimed him the ninth Guru.
Which Sikh Gurus are associated with Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib?
The primary Guru associated with Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib is Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru. Guru Har Krishan's prophecy led Sikhs to this location, and Guru Arjan Dev's consort, Mata Ganga, is also linked to the site as she passed away at Gurdwara Seesh Mahal.
What are the main buildings within the Gurdwara complex?
The main complex comprises four Gurdwaras: Gurdwara Manji Sahib, where a Shia Masand once fired at the Guru; Gurdwara Bhora Sahib, above the cellar of Guru Tegh Bahadur's meditation; Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, the site of the anointing ceremony; and Gurdwara Seesh Mahal, where Mata Ganga died.
Who was Baba Makhan Shah Lubana and what is his role here?
Baba Makhan Shah Lubana was a trader from Jhelum who vowed to donate 500 dinars to the Guru. Upon reaching Bakala, he discovered Guru Tegh Bahadur after many imposters had appeared, and he publicly proclaimed Guru Tegh Bahadur as the true ninth Guru.
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