Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab India

Many of the millions of pilgrims that visit the Harimandir Sahib every year do not realise that one of Amritsar’s finest architectural marvels and one of the Sikh religions most poignant places of worship is just a short walk from the famous Harimandir Sahib

Built some two centuries ago, the Baba Atal Gurdwara is a touching commemoration of the young life of Baba Atal Rai, the son of Guru Hargobind. Its nine storeys echo his nine years of life before his death in 1628.

Baba Atal Rai was born in Samvat 1676 at Amritsar to SHRI GURU HARGOBIND SAHIB JI, From early age he was intelligent, lively and a deeply religious boy. He was called 'Baba' because he carried a wise head over his young shoulders. He used to play with his age-mates and tell them many wise things. Whatever he said, even in jest, had some deep humane meaning. All his playmates loved and obeyed him. shri GURU HARGOBIND SAHIB JI was specially fond of him. He used to take him in his lap, cuddle him and say, “God has given you much power. Don’t make a show of it. If you have to use it, use it with caution and wisdom. Don’t waste it away on little things”

Baba Atal’s body was cremated at the spot where he had renounced it. GURU HARGOBIND SAHIB JI said, “Atal has, by God’s Will, given up his body in his ninth year. A nine storied Memorial shall be built here, so that it can be seen from afar.” Later, the tower was built between 1778 and 1784. At the spot now stands a beautiful nine storied GURUDWARA SAHIB known as Baba Atal Sahib. To express their reverence to his bountiful nature, people call out to the open hearted prince of truth: “O Baba Atal, Pakkian Pakaian ghal.”