Historical Gurdwaras of Punjab - Famous Sikh
Deep in the Forest
Gurdwara Bath Sahib, Dist. Gurdaspur
The ascetic son of Guru Nanak and the founder of the Udasi order Baba Sri Chand lived here deep in the forest for the last part of his life. Baba Sri Chand was visited here by Guru Arjan who told Baba Sri Chand about the hostility of his elder brother towards him. Baba Sri Chand replied: "This will be his undoing and ruin both in this world and the next. Guru Hargobind also visited Baba Sri Chand here and when Baba Sri Chand complimented the Guru on his chivalry and piety, Guru Hargobind replied with great humility, "It is all the result of your blessing". Guru Hargobind also gave his son Baba Gurditta to Baba Sri Chand as the next leader of the Udasi order. Baba Sri Chand died and was cremated here in 1612 at the ripe old age of 118.
Birth of an Old Man
Gurdwara Janamasthan Baba Buddha, Dist. Amritsar
The eminent Sikh saint Baba Buddha was born here in 1506. Baba Buddha had the pleasure of serving under the first six Gurus. When he was a young boy herding cattle in the fields one day he met Guru Nanak who was visiting the village. The boy served the Guru milk and Guru Nanak exclaimed that though young in age, he was a Buddha (old man) in terms of his understanding and wisdom. Baba Buddha converted to the path of Sikhism and became an exemplary disciple of the Gurus. Baba Buddha was responsible for the guruship ceremony of the next five Gurus from Guru Angad to Guru Hargobind. Under Guru Arjan Dev, Baba Buddha was appointed the first custodian (granthi) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple in 1604. Baba Buddha was also responsible for the early education of Guru Hargobind as a child and helped to personally construct the Akal Takht. Baba Buddha passed away in 1631 and had his last rites personally performed by Guru Hargobind.
Blessing of a Guru
Gurdwara Bir Baba Buddha, Dist. Amritsar
Baba Buddha used to live here in the jungle outside Amritsar. Being without a child for many years Guru Arjans wife Ganga Devi became anxious. Guru Arjan told her; "If you wish a child, ask a pious Sikh like Baba Buddha, the aged seer and devout disciple of Guru Nanak for a blessing". Ganga Devi went to seek the blessings of Baba Buddha with a large entourage. She presented Baba Buddha with many delicacies to eat. Baba Buddha refused to provide any blessings. Upon hearing what happened, Guru Arjan told his wife to return this time on foot, with a simple meal prepared by herself. This time Baba Buddha was delighted and partook of the simple food. He prophesied; "A son will be born to you who will crush the enemies of Nanak's house, just as I have crushed this onion with my hand." That prophecy was to soon thereafter come true with the birth of Guru Hargobind in 1595.
Sanctuary for a Devotee
Gurdwara Kaulsar, Dist. Amritsar
This Gurdwara was built by Guru Hargobind in memory of Bibi Kaulan a Muslim girl who became a devout Sikh. She fled Lahore following the disapproval of her family and a death sentence passed by the Muslim clergy for being a follower of Sikhism. She spent the rest of her life in meditation here and was a good friend of the Gurus young son Atal Rai, whose Gurdwara is built next to Kaulsar.
Death of a Beloved Son
Gurdwara Baba Atal, Dist. Amritsar
The beloved son of Guru Hargobind, Baba Atal Rai left the earth and was cremated here. Atal Rai was a much beloved son of Guru Hargobind and was born in 1620. One day as young Atal Rai playmate was bitten by a snake and died. At seeing the boys family crying over his body, Atal Rai bought his friend back to life. When Guru Hargobind heard of the miracle he admonished his son saying that "How can anyone interfere with the ways of God?". Baba Atal Rai was so distressed at hearing his fathers reprimand that he withdrew to the side of Kaulsar pool and saying his prayers, lay down and gave up his life for the life that he had saved. The nine stories of the Gurdwara represent the nine years of Baba Atal's short life. Two great heroes from Sikh history Nawab Kapur Singh and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia were also cremated here.
Martyrdom of a Scholar
Gurdwara Shahid Baba Deep Singh, Dist. Amritsar
The great Sikh scholar and martyr Baba Deep Singh was mortally wounded here. In 1762 the Afghan invader Ahmed Shah Abdali ordered the Golden Temple blown up and the Sacred Tank filled in. Baba Deep Singh the greatest Sikh scholar of his time took up the sword on a mission to restore the sanctity of the Golden Temple. He along with five thousand faithful Sikhs fought against the Muslim forces of Jahan Khan. Although heavily outnumbered the Sikhs fought bravely. Baba Deep Singh was fatally wounded in the neck but had vowed to die in the precincts of the Golden Temple. Although mortally wounded Baba Deep Singh was able to continue fighting until he was able to make his way to the Sacred Pool of the Golden Temple where he finally expired.
