BABA BAKALA GURUDWARA, AMRITSAR The historical shrine at Baba Bakala is associated with an important event in Sikh history. Here Makhan Shah Lubana declared from house top that he had found the true Guru. It may be recalled that before his death at Delhi on March30, 1664 Guru Harkrishan mumbled feebly \’Baba Bakala\’, thereby meaning that his successor was to be found at Bakala village in Amritsar. On that day, the only Baba at Bakala was Baba Tegh Bahadur and none else. But many imposters tried to grab the Guru Gaddi by posing themselves as the real Guru.
Credit goes to Makhan Shah Lubana, a banjara trader from Jhelum district, for discovering the Guru. It is said that a ship carrying his goods1was caught up in a storm. His life and goods were in great danger. Helplessly, he knelt down and prayed to God and Guru Nanak for safety. He vowed that if by the grace of Guru he landed at the nearest port safely, he would donate five hundred dinars to the Guru for charitable purposes. As good luck would have it, his ship steered safely of the wild storm. He felt that his life and goods were saved by the grace of the Guru. The first thing he did was t6 fulfill his vow.
But on reaching Baba Bakala he found several imposters, each posing as Guru. He decided to offer only two Dinars to every one posing to be Guru Harkrishan\’s successor. The true Guru would himself demand the exact amount he had vowed to give. According to him it would not be possible for the false and imposters to define the exact purpose of his visit. Thereby their ignorance, lack of spiritual insight and character would be exposed. As expected ,none of the imposters could recognise him.
But when he placed two Dinars before Guru Tegh Bahadur, the great sage at once remarked “God bless you, my man, why only two Dinars after pledging five hundred? The Guru is never in need of any thing but a Sikh is expected to keep his pledge to the Guru.” Thus the issue was clinched and the real Guru was discovered. Since this historic event Bakala has become a place of pilgrimage. A beautiful Gurudwara stands at the spot where Guru Tegh Bahadur used to meditate in an underground cell.
This small village where Guru Tegh Bahadur revealed himself subsequently, came to be called BabaÂBakala. The Gurudwara has many beautiful paintings pertaining to the Sikh history. People gather in thousands on every amavas night. Besides an Annual Fair is held on rakshabandhan day when many people throng this holy place from all over the country. It is situated only 3 km away from Butari railway station and is well connected by roads to important towns of Punjab.
References :
1. www.allaboutsikhs.com
The Baba Bakala Gurudwara is a living chapter of Sikh history—a sacred space where divine revelation and steadfast faith converged in a humble town. Its legacy is notably intertwined with the recognition of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru. Amid a period of confusion following the untimely demise of Guru Har Krishan, many claimants emerged, each asserting a connection to the divine. However, through subtle yet profound spiritual signs, the Sikh community discerned the true spiritual guide in Bakala. It was here that the whispers of destiny, encapsulated in the revered phrase “Baba Bakala da,” unmistakably heralded the presence of Guru Tegh Bahadur—a revelation that affirmed his role and solidified the community’s trust in divine guidance.
The physical structure of the gurudwara—a blend of resilient architecture and an aura of tranquility—stands as a testament not only to the enduring spirit of Sikh heritage but also to the pivotal moment when Guru Tegh Bahadur’s divine nature was recognized. Visitors find themselves enveloped in an ambiance that merges the echoes of historical sacrifice with the promise of spiritual unity. The edifice, adorned with inscriptions and relics, invites both reflection and communal gatherings. Each stone and inscription narrates the saga of a humble seeker who, against the backdrop of turmoil, emerged as a beacon of righteousness and courage.
Beyond its architectural beauty, Baba Bakala Gurudwara serves as a vibrant center for learning and remembrance. It hosts commemorative events and educational programs that recount Guru Tegh Bahadur’s extraordinary journey—a journey marked by unwavering moral fortitude, the defense of religious freedom, and an enduring commitment to justice. His life and teachings continue to inspire Sikh communities worldwide, imbuing them with lessons of selflessness and resilience that remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
