Batala

Batala (31° 49'N, 75° 12'E), an old town in Gurdaspur district of the Punjab, is sacred to Guru Nanak, who was married here, according to local tradition, on Bhadon sudf 7, 1544 Bk / 22 August 1487, (but some scholars have noted 8 July 1487 (Harh 24, 1544 as the auspicious day) to Sulakkhani, the daughter of Mul Chand, of the village of Pakkhoke, on the River Ravi, but a resident at Batala as the caretaker of the lands and property owned by an affluent landlord, Ajitta Randhava.

Two historical shrines in Batala commemorate the event. A third one is dedicated to Guru Hargobind's eldest son, Baba Gurditta, who was also married at Batala.

Batala's Gurdwaras

• Gurdwara Dehra Sahib also known as Viah Asthan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, marks the house where Bhai Mul Chand lived and where the nuptials were performed.

• Gurudwara Kandh Sahib derives its name from kachchi kandh (mud wall). Guru Nanak is said to have sat near this wall waiting for his formal reception.

• Gurudwara Satkartarian marks the site where the wedding party of Baba Gurditta is believed to have halted.

References

• 1. Thakar Singh, Giani, Sri Gurduare Darshan. Amritsar, 1923
• 2. Tara Singh, Sn Gur Tirath Sangrahi. Amritsar, n.d.
• 3. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sn Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1926-37
• 4. Vir Singh, Bhai, ed., PuratanJanam Sakhi. Amritsar, 1982