# Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji, Amritsar – sacred Shaheedganj commemorating the 1764 martyrdom of the Damdami Taksal Jathedar. Free entry, open daily. # Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji. Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji is a historically revered Sikh shrine located in Amritsar, Punjab, India, commemorating the supreme sacrifice of Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji, the second Jathedar (head) of the Damdami Taksal and a stalwart defender of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Situated in the Atta Mandi area of Amritsar near the sacred Golden Temple complex, the gurdwara stands as a Shaheedganj — a memorial marking the cremation site of fallen Sikh warriors — and serves as a powerful symbol of Sikh valor, faith, and devotion to the Panth. Amritsar, the spiritual heart of Sikhism, is home to some of the holiest Sikh shrines in the world, including Sri Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) and Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji fits squarely within this sacred geography, commemorating the events of December 1, 1764, when Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji led thirty Sikh warriors in a heroic last stand against the invading Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali. Rather than flee or surrender, these thirty Singhs chose martyrdom in defense of the Guru's holiest shrine, a sacrifice that has etched their names permanently in Sikh history. The gurdwara draws pilgrims and devotees from across Punjab and the wider Sikh diaspora, especially on December 1 each year, when the anniversary of the Shaheedi (martyrdom) is observed with great solemnity and devotion. The spiritual atmosphere is complemented by the continuous recitation of Gurbani (sacred hymns), kirtan (devotional music), and the distribution of langar (community kitchen meals) — hallmarks of every Sikh place of worship. As a community gurdwara, it also functions as a center for social service, religious education, and congregation for the local Sikh community. Visitors experience the deeply egalitarian ethos of Sikhism: all are welcome regardless of caste, creed, or background. The gurdwara is managed under the oversight of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body responsible for managing historical Sikh shrines in Punjab, ensuring that this sacred memorial continues to be maintained and accessible to all. Its proximity to the Golden Temple complex makes it a natural destination for pilgrims visiting Amritsar, adding a profound historical dimension to their spiritual journey. ## Significance Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji holds profound religious and cultural significance in the Sikh tradition. It stands as one of the most important Shaheedganj (martyrs' memorial) shrines in Sikhism, commemorating the ultimate sacrifice of Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji and his thirty companions who laid down their lives to protect Sri Harmandir Sahib — the holiest site in Sikhism — from desecration at the hands of Ahmad Shah Abdali's Afghan forces in 1764. Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji's life embodies the core Sikh ideal of seva (selfless service) combined with shaheedi (martyrdom in the cause of righteousness). As the second Jathedar of Damdami Taksal and Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib simultaneously, his sacrifice carries immense institutional weight in Sikhism. His Shaheedi is revered as an act of Dharam Yudh — a righteous battle — that preserved the sanctity of the Sikh Panth's most sacred heritage. The gurdwara is particularly significant as it commemorates not just one individual but an entire jatha (unit) of thirty warriors, making it a collective memorial to the spirit of the Khalsa. Each year on December 1, large numbers of devotees and Sikhs gather to mark the Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom anniversary) through kirtans, ardas, and religious discourses, keeping the memory of this supreme sacrifice alive across generations. For the Sikh community, visiting this gurdwara represents an act of gratitude and spiritual renewal — honoring the warriors who ensured that Gurbani could continue to be sung uninterrupted at Harmandir Sahib. The site is considered especially sacred because it adjoins the Golden Temple complex, placing it at the very epicenter of Sikh spirituality. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ![Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji Shaheed](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20baba%20Gurbax%20singh%20shahid.JPG&w=600) ### Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji Shaheed India 7 m away Open 24 hours daily, as is standard for ... Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji Shaheed, also known as Gurdwara Sri Shaheed Ganj Baba Gurbaksh Singh, is a historically revered Sikh shrine located within the sacred Harmandir Sahib complex in Amritsar, Punjab, India — one of the holiest cities in the Sikh faith. Situated to the rear of the magnificent Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the temporal seat of Sikh authority, this gurdwara stands as a permanent and powerful memorial to the extraordinary courage of Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji and the thirty Sikh warriors who laid down their lives defending the sanctity of the Golden Temple on 1 December 1764. The gurdwara occupies the very ground where the mortal remains of Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji and his fallen companions were cremated together following their supreme sacrifice against the vastly superior Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali. Such sites of mass martyrdom cremation within the Sikh tradition are known as Shaheed Ganj — literally 'the treasury of martyrs' — and they hold a place of deep reverence in Sikh religious consciousness. The presence of this shrine within the holiest Sikh complex in the world amplifies its spiritual gravity immeasurably. Every year on 1 December, the Sikh panth (community) gathers at this gurdwara to observe the Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom anniversary) of Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji with kirtan (devotional music), katha (religious discourse), and ardas (communal prayer). The gurdwara draws pilgrims and visitors throughout the year — devout Sikhs seeking to pay homage to the martyrs, students of Sikh history, and spiritual seekers who find in this place a profound connection to the values of courage, selfless service, and unwavering devotion that define the Khalsa tradition. The gurdwara is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex governing body of all Sikh shrines in India, which ensures that the highest standards of religious practice, maintenance, and hospitality are upheld. Visitors are welcomed free of charge and offered langar (community meals) as part of the timeless Sikh tradition of equality and seva (selfless service). Given its location within the Harmandir Sahib complex, the gurdwara is accessible to all visitors to the Golden Temple, making it a natural stop on any pilgrimage or spiritual tour of Amritsar. Its proximity to other historic shrines such as Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Baba Deep Singh Ji, and the main Darbar Sahib creates a compelling circuit of memory and devotion for those who wish to immerse themselves in the living history of the Sikh faith. For the Sikh community worldwide, this gurdwara is not merely a heritage monument but a living testimony to the spirit of the Khalsa — fearless in the face of tyranny, steadfast in the defence of the Divine Name. Historical ![Sri Akal Takht Sahib](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Akal%20takhat%20amritsar.jpg&w=600) ### Sri Akal Takht Sahib India 19 m away Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. The entire... Sri Akal Takht Sahib, meaning 'Throne of the Timeless One,' stands as the most revered seat of temporal and spiritual authority in the Sikh faith. Situated within the sacred Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) complex in Amritsar, Punjab, India, it is the foremost among the five Takhts — the five seats of power that together govern Sikh religious and temporal life. The name derives from the Punjabi words 'Akal' (The Timeless One, a name for God) and 'Takht' (throne, from Persian), collectively signifying a throne that belongs not to any mortal sovereign but to the eternal divine. The Akal Takht was established by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, in 1606 CE, in direct response to the martyrdom of his father, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, at the hands of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Where Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) symbolises the spiritual dimension of the Sikh way of life, Akal Takht embodies the temporal — the principle that righteous governance, justice, and the welfare of the community are inseparable from one's devotion to the Divine. This dual mandate is expressed through the Sikh doctrine of Miri-Piri, represented by the two swords that Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji wore upon his accession. Today, Sri Akal Takht Sahib serves as the supreme deliberative and judicial body of the Khalsa Panth — the initiated Sikh community. The institution issues Hukamnamas (binding edicts or orders) that carry authority over Sikhs worldwide, addressing matters of doctrine, discipline, and community conduct. Individuals or organisations found in violation of Sikh religious principles may be summoned before the Akal Takht, where the presiding Jathedar — the highest spokesperson of the Sikh faith — may impose religious censure or tankhah (penance). No individual, regardless of status or position, is considered above the authority of this institution. The complex is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year and remains one of the most important religious sites in South Asia. It is connected to the Harmandir Sahib via a marble causeway across the sacred sarovar (pool of nectar), and together the two structures form the spiritual heart of Sikhism. Entry to the complex is free of charge, as it has always been open to people of all faiths, backgrounds, and walks of life, in keeping with the Sikh principles of sarbat da bhala (welfare of all) and unconditional welcome. The Akal Takht complex also houses a museum displaying historic weapons, armour, and artefacts associated with Sikh history and the Sikh Gurus. Visitors are expected to maintain decorum, cover their heads, remove footwear, and abstain from tobacco and alcohol within the entire Darbar Sahib complex. The langar (community kitchen) attached to the Golden Temple complex — one of the world's largest community kitchens — serves free meals to all visitors around the clock, regardless of religion, caste, or nationality. Historical ### Darshani Deohari Amritsar, India 72 m away Open daily; typically accessible from ea... Gurdwara Darshani Deohari, also commonly known as Gurdwara Sri Darshani Deori, is a historic Sikh shrine nestled in the heart of Amritsar, Punjab, India. Situated in the bustling Bazaar Mai Sevan near its confluence with Guru Ka Bazar in the old city, this venerable gurdwara holds deep spiritual, historical, and cultural significance for the Sikh community and for all those who revere the sacred geography of Amritsar. The name "Darshani Deohari" translates to "Gateway of the Glimpse" — a deeply evocative title that speaks to the structure's original purpose as a sacred threshold from which pilgrims could catch their first blessed darshan (glimpse) of the holy Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple, as they journeyed along the ancient path connecting Guru Ka Mahal and Darbar Sahib. Located at coordinates 31.6203774°N, 74.8758493°E in the ancient quarters of Amritsar, the gurdwara occupies a spiritually charged location steeped in the city's earliest history as a Sikh pilgrimage center. Amritsar, meaning "Pool of the Nectar of Immortality," was founded by Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, and developed significantly under Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru, who oversaw the completion of Harmandir Sahib and guided the transformation of the city into one of the holiest sites in Sikhism. Gurdwara Darshani Deohari is believed to have been established during the time of Guru Arjan Dev Ji in the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century, during Amritsar's formative period as a Sikh holy city. The structure served as a meaningful waypoint on the sacred route that pilgrims traversed on their way to the Golden Temple. Over the centuries, it was converted into a small gurdwara, preserving the site's sanctity and ensuring it would remain a place of active worship for generations of Sikhs. As with all gurdwaras, Darshani Deohari is open to people of all faiths, backgrounds, and walks of life without distinction. Visitors are welcomed to participate in daily prayers and kirtan (devotional hymn-singing), partake in langar (the free community meal offered at every gurdwara), and experience the serene spirituality that characterizes Sikh places of worship. The gurdwara embodies the core Sikh principles of seva (selfless service), simran (meditation on the divine name), and sangat (holy congregation). Today, the gurdwara stands as both a living place of worship and a heritage structure of considerable antiquity. Heritage conservationists, historians, and Sikh community members have raised concerns about its state of preservation, calling for collaborative efforts by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Punjab Tourism Department, and state government authorities to restore and protect this historically significant site. Despite the challenges facing its built fabric, the spiritual presence of Gurdwara Darshani Deohari continues to draw devotees and visitors who seek blessings at this ancient gateway to Amritsar's sacred landscape. Community ### Ber Baba Buddha Sahib Ji India 134 m away Open daily from approximately 5:00 AM to... Gurdwara Ber Baba Buddha Sahib Ji is a historically revered Sikh shrine located near village Jhabal Kalan (also referred to as Thatta) on the Chabal–Amritsar road in the Amritsar district of Punjab, India. Situated at approximately 31.620826°N, 74.87659°E, the gurdwara is dedicated to Baba Budha Ji (1506–1631), one of the most venerable personalities in the entire history of the Sikh faith. The name 'Ber' (also spelled Bir or Beer) refers to a wooded grove or reserved forest historically set apart for cattle grazing; this particular bir is believed to have been granted to Guru Arjan Dev Ji by Chaudhari Langah of Patti, who offered a portion of his private lands as an act of devotion. Baba Budha Ji spent many years in this serene forest setting engaged in contemplative worship, spiritual practice, and humble service, and it was within this very grove that some of the most cherished events of early Sikh history unfolded. The gurdwara is especially celebrated for a unique prasad tradition observed nowhere else among the great Sikh shrines: visitors are offered missi roti — a rustic flatbread made with gram flour — and raw onion. This tradition commemorates the legendary occasion when Mata Ganga Ji, the consort of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, sought the blessings of Baba Budha Ji for an illustrious son. Forsaking palace comfort, she approached the revered elder on foot and in humility, offering him simple fare. Baba Budha Ji, deeply moved by her sincerity, blessed her, and she subsequently gave birth to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru. Located approximately 15 to 20 kilometres from Sri Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) in Amritsar, the gurdwara draws thousands of pilgrims annually from across Punjab, the rest of India, and the global Sikh diaspora. Many devout Sikhs include it as an essential stop on pilgrimage circuits through the Amritsar region. The shrine is particularly visited by couples seeking the blessing of children, inspired by the historic benediction conferred upon Mata Ganga Ji. As with all gurdwaras, Ber Baba Buddha Sahib Ji functions as far more than a house of worship. It serves as a community sanctuary where the core Sikh values of seva (selfless service), sangat (holy congregation), and pangat (eating together in equality) are practised daily. Free langar (community kitchen meals) are served to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or economic background. The gurdwara is believed to be managed under the stewardship of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex Sikh religious body headquartered in Amritsar, and is maintained with devotion by a dedicated team of sewadars (volunteers) and staff. Community ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji is inseparable from the turbulent 18th century, a period of great upheaval and heroism in Sikh history. Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji was born on April 10, 1688, in the village of Leel near Khemkaran in District Amritsar to Bhai Dasaunda Singh and Mata Lachmi Ji. At the tender age of eleven, during the historic Vaisakhi of 1699, he received Khande di Pahul (Sikh initiation) from Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself, becoming an Amritdhari (initiated) Sikh. Following the passing of his parents when he was fifteen, Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji devoted himself entirely to Sikh learning, receiving Gurmat Vidiya (Sikh religious education) from the revered scholar Bhai Mani Singh Ji and the great warrior-saint Baba Deep Singh Ji at Damdami Taksal. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji personally instructed Baba Gurbaksh Singh to remain at Anandpur Sahib and continue the work of Gurmat Parchar (preaching Sikh teachings) and managing the Gurdwaras after the Guru departed. This trust underscores the immense spiritual stature Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji had attained. Upon the martyrdom of Baba Deep Singh Ji in 1757, Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji was appointed as the second Jathedar of Damdami Taksal, assuming both religious and temporal leadership. He also served as the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, making him one of the most authoritative Sikh figures of his era. In this role, he produced Pothis and Gutke (anthologies of sacred scripture) and distributed them to areas where Gurbani was needed. The defining moment of his life came during Ahmad Shah Abdali's invasion of Amritsar. On December 1, 1764, with Afghan forces desecrating the sacred precinct of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji chose to stand and fight rather than retreat. With only thirty Sikh warriors at his side, he performed ardas (prayer) and led a fierce charge against the Afghan army. The Singhs fought with extraordinary bravery, and all thirty embraced martyrdom alongside their Jathedar. The bodies of the fallen warriors were cremated together behind Sri Akal Takhat Sahib with full Sikh rites, and a Shaheedganj was established at the cremation site in their memory. This memorial became what is today known as Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji, a permanent tribute to those who gave their lives defending the Guru's sacred abode. The Gurdwara Act of 1925 brought the shrine under the management of the SGPC. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed with full ceremonial reverence. Decorated with marble flooring, ornate canopy (palki), and devotional artwork, this is the spiritual heart of the gurdwara where continuous Gurbani path and kirtan take place throughout the day. ### Shaheedganj Memorial museum The historic cremation site of Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji and his thirty companion martyrs who fell on December 1, 1764. This is the foundational sacred space of the gurdwara, where the original Shaheedganj (martyrs' memorial) was established, and serves as a place of solemn remembrance and spiritual reflection. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A dedicated community kitchen and dining hall where free meals (langar) are prepared and served to all visitors throughout the day. Volunteers perform langar seva here as an act of worship, embodying the Sikh values of equality, community service, and humility. ### Nishan Sahib Poles entrance The tall flagpoles bearing the triangular Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag with the Khanda emblem) that mark the gurdwara's presence and guide devotees to the sacred site. These saffron or blue flags are a universal symbol of all Sikh gurdwaras. ### Juti Ghar (Shoe Storage) entrance A dedicated facility near the entrance where visitors leave their shoes before entering the gurdwara premises, as is the tradition at all Sikh shrines. The removal of shoes signifies respect and humility before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering is mandatory (scarves/rumals available at the entrance); shoes must be removed before entering; modest, respectful clothing required ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in outer areas; photography inside the prayer hall near the Guru Granth Sahib Ji should be done with discretion and reverence ### Etiquette Wash hands and feet before entering the sanctum; bow before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji; maintain silence and reverence inside the prayer hall; alcohol and tobacco are strictly prohibited on the premises; non-Sikhs are welcome with appropriate respect ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar serves hundreds of visitors daily; during special occasions and the Shaheedi Diwas on December 1, the capacity significantly increases to serve thousands Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji reflects the classical Sikh architectural tradition, characterized by white marble construction, graceful domes, and intricate decorative elements consistent with the sacred landscape of Amritsar's Golden Temple precinct. As a Shaheedganj gurdwara, its design emphasizes solemnity and remembrance alongside the standard features of a Sikh place of worship. The main sanctum houses the Darbar Sahib (prayer hall) where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed with full reverence under a beautifully adorned canopy. The prayer hall is typically approached through a marble-paved courtyard that provides space for congregational gatherings. White marble flooring and walls, inlaid with floral patterns, create a serene environment conducive to meditation and prayer. The gurdwara features the characteristic Sikh architectural elements including a central dome rising above the sanctum, nishan sahibs (Sikh flag poles bearing the Khanda emblem) flanking the entrance, and a langar hall where community meals are prepared and served to all visitors free of charge. The surrounding complex maintains the traditional Punjabi architectural idiom with decorative arches and ornate plasterwork. The overall design pays homage to the martyrs commemorated here while providing all the functional spaces needed for a living, active community gurdwara. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed with full ceremonial reverence. Decorated with marble flooring, ornate canopy (palki), and devotional artwork, this is the spiritual heart of the gurdwara where continuous Gurbani path and kirtan take place throughout the day. ### Shaheedganj Memorial museum The historic cremation site of Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji and his thirty companion martyrs who fell on December 1, 1764. This is the foundational sacred space of the gurdwara, where the original Shaheedganj (martyrs' memorial) was established, and serves as a place of solemn remembrance and spiritual reflection. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A dedicated community kitchen and dining hall where free meals (langar) are prepared and served to all visitors throughout the day. Volunteers perform langar seva here as an act of worship, embodying the Sikh values of equality, community service, and humility. ### Nishan Sahib Poles entrance The tall flagpoles bearing the triangular Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag with the Khanda emblem) that mark the gurdwara's presence and guide devotees to the sacred site. These saffron or blue flags are a universal symbol of all Sikh gurdwaras. ### Juti Ghar (Shoe Storage) entrance A dedicated facility near the entrance where visitors leave their shoes before entering the gurdwara premises, as is the tradition at all Sikh shrines. The removal of shoes signifies respect and humility before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. ## Events & Celebrations ### historical #### Shaheedi Diwas – Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji Observed annually on December 1, this is the most important event at the gurdwara, commemorating the martyrdom of Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji and his thirty companions in 1764. The day is marked by special kirtan (devotional music), religious discourses (katha), ardas, and expanded langar seva, drawing devotees from across Punjab and the Sikh diaspora. ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is celebrated with great devotion. A two-day Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), nagar kirtan (procession), and extended langar are organized. This is one of the most widely observed festivals across all Gurdwaras. #### Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurab The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is observed with great reverence. Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji was personally connected to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who initiated him into the Khalsa and entrusted him with important responsibilities. Akhand Path, kirtan, and community celebrations are held. ### festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated on April 13–14 each year, Baisakhi marks the foundation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. Special religious programs, kirtan darbars, and langar are organized. The festival holds particular meaning at this gurdwara since Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji received Amrit (initiation) during Vaisakhi 1699. #### Hola Mohalla The Sikh festival of Hola Mohalla, instituted by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is observed with religious programs and kirtan. This festival, which celebrates Sikh martial traditions, holds special resonance at a Shaheedganj gurdwara honoring warrior martyrs like Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji is generally open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Like most Sikh gurdwaras, it follows the daily cycle of Gurbani ceremonies beginning with the Amrit Vela (pre-dawn) prayer and concluding with the Rehras Sahib and Kirtan Sohila evening prayers. Visitors are welcome throughout opening hours. Yes, langar (free community kitchen) is available at the gurdwara as is the tradition at all Sikh shrines. Meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or background, reflecting the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service) and equality. Volunteers are welcome to contribute to langar seva. Yes, entry is completely free of charge. As with all Sikh gurdwaras, Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji welcomes everyone without any entry fee. The langar (community meal) is also served free of charge to all visitors. The gurdwara is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex religious body responsible for managing historical Sikh shrines in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. The SGPC was entrusted with the management of historical Sikh shrines under the Gurdwara Act of 1925. ### history The gurdwara was established in 1764 as a Shaheedganj (martyrs' memorial) to commemorate Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji, the second Jathedar of Damdami Taksal, who along with thirty Sikh warriors laid down his life defending Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) from Ahmad Shah Abdali's Afghan forces on December 1, 1764. The cremation site of these fallen warriors behind Sri Akal Takhat Sahib became the sacred ground on which this gurdwara stands. Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji (April 10, 1688 – December 1, 1764) was a revered Sikh warrior, scholar, and leader. Born in village Leel near Khemkaran, he was initiated into the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji during Vaisakhi 1699. He trained under Bhai Mani Singh Ji and Baba Deep Singh Ji, and upon the latter's martyrdom became the second Jathedar of Damdami Taksal as well as Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. He was martyred defending Harmandir Sahib alongside thirty companions. December 1 marks the Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom anniversary) of Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji and his thirty companions, who were martyred on this day in 1764 while defending Sri Harmandir Sahib from Afghan invaders. Special religious programs, kirtan, ardas, and expanded langar are organized on this day, drawing large numbers of devotees. ### transport The gurdwara is located in the Atta Mandi area of Amritsar, near the Golden Temple complex. From Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport it is approximately 12–13 km (taxi/cab recommended). From Amritsar Railway Station it is approximately 2–4 km (auto-rickshaw or taxi available). Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and app-based cabs (Ola, Uber) are plentiful within the city. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji. Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit