Gurudwara Baba Bakala: Difference between revisions

BABA BAKALA GURUDWARA, AMRITSAR The historical shrine at Baba Bakala is associated with an important event in Sikh history.

Before his death at Delhi on March 30, 1664 Guru Harkrishan uttered these words 'Baba Bakala', thereby meaning that his successor was to be found at Bakala village in Amritsar. In Bakala there were many men who then 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.

Makhan Shah

Makhan Shah trader from Jhelum district was carrying a ship of his goods and got caught up in a furios 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 to 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.

Finding Guru Teg Bahadur

As expected ,none of the imposters could recognise him. But he was left with a problem; if none of these men were the Guru then were is the rightful Guru? Then he heard of a solitarian in the area. His name was Teg Bahedur and he was the son of Guru Hargobind. So Makhan Shah went to see theis 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 Teg Bahadur was still desiring 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 dishonord). Makhan Shah took this as a challenge instead of a curse and put ash on his face and climbed to the roof top to announce to all that he had found the Guru.

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 Baba­Bakala. 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.