Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib- A Marvel Of Sikh Architecture

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November

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Major Airports :

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ), Amritsar

Nearest Railway Station :

Amritsar Central Railway Station (ASR)

Historical relevance

Located south of Sri Harimandir Sahib and near pilgrim accommodations, Gurdwara Baba Attal Sahib stands tall with nine floors, making it the tallest building in Amritsar. This sacred site was constructed in memory of Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee's son, Baba Attal Rai Jee.

What God wills man cannot undo

According to the story, Baba Attal Rai Jee was known for his incredible powers. At the age of nine, he performed a miracle by bringing his friend Mohan, who was the son of a widow, back to life after he suddenly died. However, Baba's father, Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee, was not pleased with this act as it went against Sikh doctrine. As a result, his father rebuked him realizing that he had broken nature's law, Baba Attal Rai Jee promised to sacrifice his own life. He went into a meditative trance and soon passed away.

After his death, Baba Attal Rai Jee's body was cremated and a tower was built in his memory to honor his short but remarkable life. Originally, it was a samadhi, but it was transformed into a Gurdwara in the last quarter of the 18th century. Today, it is a nine-story tower that was built to commemorate the nine years of Atal Rai’s short life. The gurdwara is famous for its langar, which is freely distributed to all visitors. As a result, many pilgrims and needy individuals come to take part in it. This popularity has led to a local saying related to Baba Atal in the Amritsari vernacular.

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Timings

Opening time - 07:30 AM

Closing time - 07:30 PM

Murals and architecture

The Gurudwara is a unique structure with a double octagonal shape and a double staircase. The building has four doors on the ground floor, with the main entrance facing east. Inside the octagonal elevation, you'll find the Guru Granth Sahib, which is beautifully enshrined in a brass canopy. The doors of the building are crafted with silver and brass and have elegantly embossed designs. The walls of the first floor are decorated with murals, although many of them have been obliterated beyond recognition. Currently, only 42 panels of the original paintings survive. You'll also find a vast collection of paintings that depict the life of Guru Nanak, illustrating various stages of the battle of Muketsar. The paintings also depict members of the entire lineage of Baba Buddha Ji, including Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das, who were two sons of Guru Nanak. The deorhi or first entrance to the shrine also showcases damaged murals, illustrating the life of Baba Atal and Guru Nanak.

Beyond one can visit the Jallianwala Bagh, Sri Harmindar Sahib, Gobindgarh fort, Akal Takt Sahib, also indulge in local food and shopping.