The historical shrine at Baba Bakala is associated with an important event in Sikh history. Guru Harkrishan, before his death at Delhi in1664, uttered the words 'Baba Bakala', meaning that, his successor was to be found at the Bakala village in Amritsar. There were was confusion and anxiety among the Sikhs as this was the first time a Guru had not selected his successor in person.

Legend has it that Makhan Shah, the trader, with his ship of goods, once got caught up in a furious storm. He prayed to God and Guru Nanak for safety. He vowed that if he landed safely, he would donate five hundred dinars to the Guru. As his ship steered safely of that storm, he was out to fulfill his vow. After reaching Baba Bakala, he found several fakers, each posing as Guru. He decided to offer only two dinars to every one of them, the true Guru would himself demand the exact amount he had vowed to give.

Then he heard of Tegh Bahadur, the son of Guru Hargobind. Makhan Shah went to see this man and placed two dinars before Tegh Bahadur. The man at once asked why he was being offered only two dinars, after pledging five hundred. Being the true Guru, he demanded the exact amount. Thus, the real Guru was discovered by Makhan Shah.

Features of Baba Bakala in Punjab

• Since this historic event Bakala has become a place of pilgrimage.
• A beautiful Gurdwara stands at the spot where Guruji used to meditate in an underground cell.
• People throng in millions on every amavas (moonless night) night and on the day of Raksha Bandhan.
• An annual fair is held on Raksha Bandhan day when many people throng this holy place from all over the country.

Season of Baba Bakala in Punjab

August is the month when Baba Bakala is celebrated.

How To Reach Punjab

Reaching the land of Baba Bakala is not difficult at all.

By Air Chandigarh and Amritsar are the two major airports, connected to other cities in India by regular flights. Indian airlines do have regular flights from Chandigarh to Delhi, Lucknow, Leh, and Amritsar.

By Rail Punjab is well connected with other parts of the country by rail. Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Pathankot and Jalandhar are the major railway hubs in Punjab.

By Road State Highways connect major cities to the state capital. NH 1 or the Grand Trunk Road connects the state with most of the north as well as east India.

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