Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai, Amritsar @Holidify

Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai, Amritsar Overview

Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai is located inside the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. The historic shrine was built in honour of Baba Atal Rai, son of Guru Har Gobind Singh. The 9 storey octagonal tower represents a year in Atal Rai’s life as he passed away at the young age of 9. Originally, a samadhi of Baba Atal Rai the building slowly began transformed into a Gurudwara. It is the tallest tower in Amritsar alongside the Kaulsar Sarovar. This architectural marvel is one of the most visited attractions in Punjab, with millions of pilgrims coming from all around the world. The tower houses many miniature paintings of the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. The last storey of the tower offers visitors a birds-eye view of the bustling town of Amritsar. Not just a symbol of glory and artistic richness, but it also stands as a reminder of the divine power of Baba Atal Rai.

The age-old belief among the Sangat and devotees is that having a dip in the holy water of Kaulsar Sarovar brings mysterious wide-spread showers in Amritsar. 'Baba Atal Pakiyan Pakaiyan Ghal' is an old saying which means that Baba Atal Rai has sent us already cooked food. The langar at the Gurudwara serves the visitors 24 hours a day and is said to be the only continuous langar in Amritsar. This has been possible only through the volunteering service of Gursikhs.

History of Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai

Atal Rai’s playmate, Mohan on an unfortunate night was bitten by a cobra. Baba Atal Rai who went to Mohan’s house with hopes of playing ball and stick found the family wailing about the sudden tragedy. Baba Atal is said to have walked up to his friend and said "Why do you sleep so soundly, dear friend? It is not time to sleep and remember, you owe us the forfeit", as he touched Mohan with the stick he brought to play. As he had raised Mohan from the dead the story spread around the city. Guru Hargobind wasn’t pleased as he told that one shouldn't intervene with the will of God. Atal Rai took the warning seriously and after cleaning himself in the Sarovar, he recited the Japji on the banks of Kaulsar. He laid down with the same stick under his head and passed away mysteriously.