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[[Image:Bababakalasahib.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Main Building Of Gurudwara Sahib]]
[[Image:Gurdwara_Baba_Bakala_Sahib.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The main Darbar Sahib at Baba Bakala, with the 9-storey Bhora Sahib and Manji Sahib in front of it, both in the background.]]
'''Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib'''; ({{lang-pa|ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਬਾਬਾ ਬਕਾਲ਼ਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ}}) is a prominent [[Sikh]] [[Gurdwara]] in [[Baba Bakala]],  
'''Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib'''; ({{lang-pa|ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਬਾਬਾ ਬਕਾਲ਼ਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ}}) is a prominent [[Sikh]] [[Gurdwara]] in [[Baba Bakala]],  
[[Punjab]], [[India]] and it is known for its association with the 9th Sikh Guru, [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]], [[Mata Ganga]] and [[Baba Makhan Shah Labana|Baba Makhan Shah Lubana]].
[[Punjab]], [[India]] and it is known for its association with the 9th Sikh Guru, [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]], [[Mata Ganga]] and [[Baba Makhan Shah Labana|Baba Makhan Shah Lubana]].
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==History==
==History==
[[Image:Baba_Bakala_Darbar_Sahib.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Interior of the main Darbar Sahib at Baba Bakala]]
[[Image:Baba_Bakala_Lodging.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Lodging facilities available to pilgrims]]
[[Image:GTB_Bhora_Sahib.jpg|thumb|right|220px|The cellar (Bhora) where Guru Tegh Bahadur meditated in solitude]]
The town of Baba Bakala was originally known as Bakkan-Wala (meaning 'Town of the Deer' in Persian) however over time this was shortened to Bakala. The town was originally a mound, where deer were found grazing.


In 1664, before passing away in Delhi, the Guru at the time, Guru Har Krishan uttered "Baba Bakale" which the Sikhs at the time interpreted as meaning that the Guru's successor was to be found at the town of Bakala, close to Amritsar. The Sikhs now had to find the true Guru in Bakala. In Bakala, there were many men who claimed to be the Guru's successor. This was the first time a Guru had not selected his successor in person. This created some anxiety in the [[Sikhs]].
In 1664, before passing away in Delhi, the Guru at the time, Guru Har Krishan uttered "Baba Bakale" (hence the modern name of the town: Baba Bakala) which the Sikhs at the time interpreted as meaning that the Guru's successor was to be found at the town of Bakala, close to Amritsar. The Sikhs now had to find the true Guru in Bakala.  


===Makhan Shah Labana===
The Guru was then found by a trader from [[Jhelum]] named [[Makhan Shah Labana|Makhan Shah Lubana]]. As a trader, he was on a ship carrying his goods while it became caught up in a furious storm. As he was in danger, he began to pray to God and [[Guru Nanak]] for safety. He then vowed that he would donate 500 dinars to the Guru. Unaware of the news that [[Guru Har Krishan]] had passed away, Lubana reached Delhi to fulfill his vow. He was then told by the Sikhs that were present there that the Guru proclaimed his successor to be in the town of Bakala.  
[[Makhan Shah|Makhan Shah Labana]] a trader from Jhelum district was aboard a ship carrying a load of his goods when it was  caught up in a furious storm. Being tossed about by gaint waves that washed over the ship 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.  


His boat was saved by the grace of Baba Bakala, for whom he was searching. He recognized that he was the true Guru, because he had saved the ship with solely the small finger of his hand. He felt that his life and goods were saved by the grace of the Guru, and as he had promised the Guru five hundred dinars the first thing he set out to do was fulfill his vow. But on reaching Bakala he found that there were now many Babas, each imposter posing as the true Guru. He decided to offer only two Dinars to every one claiming to be [[Guru Harkrishan]]'s true successor. The true Guru would himself demand the exact amount he had vowed to give while any of the impostors would be satisfied with the two golden mohurs. Thereby, their own ignorance  would expose their lack of spiritual insight and character.
Eager to carry out his promise as soon as possible, Makhan Shah then reached Bakala but was shocked to see many people pretending to be the true Guru. He then came up with a plan to donate 2 dinars to each of the self-proclaimed Gurus, as he knew that the true Guru would demand the full amount that he had promised. None of the imposters demanded the full amount and so Makhan Shah was unable to find the Guru. He then asked around and he heard of a solitarian in the area, who was called [[Guru Tegh Bahadur|Tegh Bahadur]], and was the son of [[Guru Hargobind]].  


===Finding Guru Tegh Bahadur===
Upon placing 2 dinars before this man, the man replied "God bless you, my man, however 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". Lubana thus discovered the true Guru and told him that he would reveal his identity to the World, however the [[Guru Tegh Bahadur|Guru]] discouraged Lubana to do so as he was hoping to meditate in solitude for longer by saying that his face would be blackened (implying that he will be dishonoured). Makhan Shah took this as a challenge, so he threw ash on his face and climbed the rooftop, announcing that he had found the true Guru by shouting "Guru Ladho Rae" ("The Guru has been found" in Lubanki). Up until they were found, [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] meditated in solitude for 26 years, 9 months and 13 days, however they were not a recluse and they still attended to family affairs and he also visited the [[Guru Har Krishan|8th Guru]] in [[Delhi]] whilst he was there.
[[Image:Img08.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Inner View Of Gurudwara Sahib]]
As expected, none of the imposters could recognize him. But he was left with a problem; if none of these men were the Guru then where is the rightful Guru? Then he heard of a solitarian in the area. His name was Tegh Bahadur and he was the son of Guru Hargobind. Well, Makhan Shah went to see this man, and when he placed two dinars before 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 by Makhan Shah. In amazement Makhan Shah proclaimed that he would inform everyone upon discovering the True Guru. [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] Ji was hoping to continue to meditate in solitude and told Makhan Shah not to tell anyone. The Guru tried to discourage him by saying his face would be blackened if he did so (this is a statement meaning you will be dishonored). Makhan Shah took this as a challenge instead of a curse and put ash on his face and climbed to the rooftop to announce to all that he had found the Guru. From the rooftop he shouted for all in the village of Bakala, "Guru Ladho Rae" ("Found the Guru" in Lubanki the language of the Labanas.)
==Modern times==
Since this historic event Baba Bakala has become a place of pilgrimage for Sikhs from all around the world. A beautiful Gurdwara now stands at the very spot where Guru Ji used to meditate in his underground cell (Bhora Sahib). The Gurdwara has many beautiful paintings pertaining to Sikh history. People gather in thousands on every amavas night. Also, an Annual Fair called Rakhar Punya is held on Raksha Bandhan when many people gather at this holy place from all over the country.
 
Since this historic event Bakala has become a place of pilgrimage. A beautiful Gurdwara now stands at the very spot where Guru Ji used to meditate in his underground cell. This small village where Guru Ji revealed himself subsequently, came to be called '''Baba ­Bakala'''. The Gurdwara has many beautiful paintings pertaining to 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]].


==Historical Places in Gurdwara Sahib==
==Historical Places in Gurdwara Sahib==
===Gurdwara Manji Sahib===
===Gurdwara Manji Sahib===
After finding guru Tegh bahadur the congregation set up the deewan. While preaching on deewan the Shia masand, who comes on footsteps of dhir mall, fired on guru jee and the bullet just went upon the turban without effecting guru jee.
After finding [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]], the Sikh congregation set up the Deewan here. While preaching on Deewan the Shia Masand, fired at the Guru and the bullet scraped along the Guru's [[dastaar]] without causing any harm.


===Gurdwara Bhora Sahib===
===Gurdwara Bhora Sahib===
26years 9 months 3 days guru tegh bahadur meditated here. From here guru tegh bahadur jee saved the ship of baba makhan shah labana. Makhan shah gave hauka of Guru Ladho rae here. there is 9 floor building upon bhora sahib.
This is the 9-storey building built above the cellar where [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] meditated in solitude for 26 years, 9 months and 13 days and also where [[Baba Makhan Shah Labana|Baba Makhan Shah Lubaba]] stood and announced that he had found the true Guru.


===Gurdwara Darbar Sahib===
===Gurdwara Darbar Sahib===
Here baba buddha ji dae bans bhai guditta jee tilkad guru tegh bahadur.
This is the place where in August 1664 the Sikh Sangat arrived in Bakala and anointed Tegh Bahadur as the ninth guru of Sikhs. The Sangat was led by Diwan Durga Mal, and a "Tilak ceremony" was performed by [[Baba Gurditta]] on [[Guru Tegh Bahadur|Tegh Bahadur]], formally conferring Guruship onto him.


===Gurdwara Seesh Mahal===
===Gurdwara Seesh Mahal===
Here Mata Ganga Ji , wife of Guru Arjun Dev ji (mother of Guru Hargobind sahib ji and grand mother of Guru Teg Bahadur sahib ji) left for her heavenly abode.
Here Mata Ganga, consort of [[Guru Arjan|Guru Arjan Dev]], mother of [[Guru Hargobind]] and grandmother of [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] passed away.
[[Image:Hisbababla.jpg|500px|center]]
 
[[Image:Bhorabababakala.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Bhora Sahib]]
[[Image:Hisbababla.jpg|thumb|centre|500px|Board at Baba Bakala Sahib explaining the history behind the Gurdwara in Gurmukhi]]


==Also View==
==Also View==
* [[Baba Bakala]]
* [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]]
* [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]]
* [[Baba Makhan Shah Labana]]
* [[Baba Makhan Shah Labana]]
* [[Guru Har Krishan]]
* [[Mata Ganga]]
* [[Baba Gurditta]]
* [[Dhir Mal]]


{{Template:Sikh History}}
{{Template:Sikh History}}


[[category:Gurdwaras In Amritsar District]]
[[category:Gurdwaras In Amritsar District]]

Latest revision as of 18:18, 9 June 2017

The main Darbar Sahib at Baba Bakala, with the 9-storey Bhora Sahib and Manji Sahib in front of it, both in the background.

Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib; (Punjabi: ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਬਾਬਾ ਬਕਾਲ਼ਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ) is a prominent Sikh Gurdwara in Baba Bakala, Punjab, India and it is known for its association with the 9th Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, Mata Ganga and Baba Makhan Shah Lubana.

The main complex contains 4 Gurdwaras. The Gurdwara's Sarovar is located on the left hand-side of the bazaar leading up to the main Gurdwara complex. Opposite that there are also lodging facilities available for pilgrims.

Location

Baka Bakala Sahib is located in the town of Baba Bakala which is in the Amritsar district of Punjab, India. The Gurdwara is on Gurdaspur Road and is 42km away from Amritsar, 46km from Jalandhar and 193km from the state's capital of Chandigarh. It is instantly recognisable by the tall 9-storey Bhora Sahib beside the main Darbar Sahib.

History

Interior of the main Darbar Sahib at Baba Bakala
Lodging facilities available to pilgrims
The cellar (Bhora) where Guru Tegh Bahadur meditated in solitude

The town of Baba Bakala was originally known as Bakkan-Wala (meaning 'Town of the Deer' in Persian) however over time this was shortened to Bakala. The town was originally a mound, where deer were found grazing.

In 1664, before passing away in Delhi, the Guru at the time, Guru Har Krishan uttered "Baba Bakale" (hence the modern name of the town: Baba Bakala) which the Sikhs at the time interpreted as meaning that the Guru's successor was to be found at the town of Bakala, close to Amritsar. The Sikhs now had to find the true Guru in Bakala.

The Guru was then found by a trader from Jhelum named Makhan Shah Lubana. As a trader, he was on a ship carrying his goods while it became caught up in a furious storm. As he was in danger, he began to pray to God and Guru Nanak for safety. He then vowed that he would donate 500 dinars to the Guru. Unaware of the news that Guru Har Krishan had passed away, Lubana reached Delhi to fulfill his vow. He was then told by the Sikhs that were present there that the Guru proclaimed his successor to be in the town of Bakala.

Eager to carry out his promise as soon as possible, Makhan Shah then reached Bakala but was shocked to see many people pretending to be the true Guru. He then came up with a plan to donate 2 dinars to each of the self-proclaimed Gurus, as he knew that the true Guru would demand the full amount that he had promised. None of the imposters demanded the full amount and so Makhan Shah was unable to find the Guru. He then asked around and he heard of a solitarian in the area, who was called Tegh Bahadur, and was the son of Guru Hargobind.

Upon placing 2 dinars before this man, the man replied "God bless you, my man, however 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". Lubana thus discovered the true Guru and told him that he would reveal his identity to the World, however the Guru discouraged Lubana to do so as he was hoping to meditate in solitude for longer by saying that his face would be blackened (implying that he will be dishonoured). Makhan Shah took this as a challenge, so he threw ash on his face and climbed the rooftop, announcing that he had found the true Guru by shouting "Guru Ladho Rae" ("The Guru has been found" in Lubanki). Up until they were found, Guru Tegh Bahadur meditated in solitude for 26 years, 9 months and 13 days, however they were not a recluse and they still attended to family affairs and he also visited the 8th Guru in Delhi whilst he was there.

Modern times

Since this historic event Baba Bakala has become a place of pilgrimage for Sikhs from all around the world. A beautiful Gurdwara now stands at the very spot where Guru Ji used to meditate in his underground cell (Bhora Sahib). The Gurdwara has many beautiful paintings pertaining to Sikh history. People gather in thousands on every amavas night. Also, an Annual Fair called Rakhar Punya is held on Raksha Bandhan when many people gather at this holy place from all over the country.

Historical Places in Gurdwara Sahib

Gurdwara Manji Sahib

After finding Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Sikh congregation set up the Deewan here. While preaching on Deewan the Shia Masand, fired at the Guru and the bullet scraped along the Guru's dastaar without causing any harm.

Gurdwara Bhora Sahib

This is the 9-storey building built above the cellar where Guru Tegh Bahadur meditated in solitude for 26 years, 9 months and 13 days and also where Baba Makhan Shah Lubaba stood and announced that he had found the true Guru.

Gurdwara Darbar Sahib

This is the place where in August 1664 the Sikh Sangat arrived in Bakala and anointed Tegh Bahadur as the ninth guru of Sikhs. The Sangat was led by Diwan Durga Mal, and a "Tilak ceremony" was performed by Baba Gurditta on Tegh Bahadur, formally conferring Guruship onto him.

Gurdwara Seesh Mahal

Here Mata Ganga, consort of Guru Arjan Dev, mother of Guru Hargobind and grandmother of Guru Tegh Bahadur passed away.

Board at Baba Bakala Sahib explaining the history behind the Gurdwara in Gurmukhi

Also View

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