# Gurdwara Hazi Ratan - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Sri Haji Ratan Sahib, Bathinda, Punjab — a rare gurdwara visited by three Sikh Gurus. Open 24 hrs. Free langar & accommodation. # Gurdwara Hazi Ratan Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Sri Haji Ratan Sahib is one of the most historically remarkable and spiritually distinguished Sikh gurdwaras in Punjab, India, situated in the heart of Bathinda city within the locality known as Hazi Rattan Nagar, in the Old City area. The gurdwara stands near the Sabzi Mandi (vegetable market) and the Civil Hospital, making it both centrally accessible and deeply woven into the urban fabric of Bathinda. Its coordinates place it at 30.195937°N, 74.944563°E, in what was once known as Tabar Hind — an ancient settlement from which present-day Bathinda evolved over centuries of history. What sets this gurdwara apart from most Sikh places of worship is the extraordinary and unusual nature of its name and origins. 'Haji' is an Islamic honorific denoting a Muslim who has completed the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca. The gurdwara is named after a revered 13th-century saint, Baba Haji Rattan (also known as Hazrat Haji Rattan ibn Nasr), whose tomb stands in close proximity to the gurdwara. This unusual naming reflects the quintessential Sikh spirit of inclusivity and interfaith harmony, as the same sacred ground is venerated by Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs alike. It represents one of Punjab's most compelling examples of composite spiritual heritage. Three of Sikhism's ten Gurus are believed to have visited this site: Guru Nanak Dev Ji (the founder of Sikhism and the first Guru), Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (the sixth Guru), and Guru Gobind Singh Ji (the tenth and last human Guru). The gurdwara thus holds a rare triple-Guru significance, elevating it to a place of extraordinary reverence for devout Sikhs across the world. Today, Gurdwara Sri Haji Ratan Sahib serves the local Sikh community of Bathinda and the surrounding region as a vibrant center of worship, congregation (sangat), and langar (community kitchen). It is open 24 hours a day, welcoming pilgrims, tourists, and travelers at all hours. The complex provides free community meals, overnight accommodation at a nominal cost, bathing facilities with hot water, and clean restrooms — reflecting the Sikh tradition of seva (selfless service) extended to all without distinction. Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google by hundreds of devotees, the gurdwara is praised for its spiritually uplifting atmosphere and the warmth of its volunteers and congregants. Students, pilgrims, and travelers from across Punjab and beyond regularly visit the shrine. Bathinda — a major urban, agricultural, and administrative hub of southwestern Punjab — makes this gurdwara easily accessible by road and rail, cementing its role as one of the most important Sikh pilgrimage stops in the Malwa region of Punjab. ## Significance Gurdwara Sri Haji Ratan Sahib holds a place of profound spiritual and cultural significance within Sikhism and in the broader religious landscape of Punjab. It is one of the rare gurdwaras associated with not one but three of the ten Sikh Gurus — Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, and Guru Gobind Singh Ji — making it a site of exceptional spiritual lineage and multiple Gurpurab commemorations. The gurdwara embodies the Sikh principle of Ik Onkar — the belief in one universal Creator — expressed through its coexistence alongside the dargah of a saint revered across three religious traditions. Baba Haji Rattan was venerated by Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, and the sacred ground at Bathinda remains an eloquent testament to Punjab's composite spiritual heritage and its tradition of inter-religious reverence. Guru Gobind Singh's deliberate choice in 1706 to camp here despite superstitious warnings gave the site a distinctive doctrinal resonance: it stands as a physical reminder of the Sikh rejection of fear, superstition, and veneration of tombs, while simultaneously honoring the memory of a righteous soul. The Guru's philosophical debate with the spiritual presence of Haji Rattan, and his liberation of the saint's soul, are celebrated as a demonstration of Gurbani's power to transcend barriers of religion and time. For the local Sikh community, the gurdwara serves as a center for daily Nitnem (prayers), kirtan (devotional singing), and the seva-based tradition of langar. It functions as a living institution where faith meets selfless service, drawing pilgrims from across the Malwa belt of Punjab and beyond. Its unique interfaith character makes it particularly relevant in today's world as a symbol of Punjab's deeply rooted culture of shared sacred spaces. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Sahib Sivian, India 1.4 km away Gurdwara Sahib is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Gurudwara Old Fort Sivian, India 1.5 km away Gurudwara Old Fort is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurudwara Old Fort welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Gurdwara Sahib Bathinda, India 1.6 km away Gurdwara Sahib is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Bibiwala Gurudwara India 2.4 km away Open daily, 24 hours; main Diwan (prayer... Bibiwala Gurudwara is a revered Sikh place of worship situated in Chandsar Basti, along Bibi Wala Road in Bathinda, Punjab, India. The gurdwara serves as a vital spiritual and community hub for the Sikh population of Bathinda and its surrounding areas. Nestled in the heart of one of Punjab's historically significant cities, the gurdwara upholds the core Sikh principles of Seva (selfless service), Sangat (holy congregation), and Pangat (communal dining), offering a sanctuary of peace and devotion to all who enter regardless of caste, creed, or religion. The name 'Bibiwala' is believed to derive from a reference to a revered Sikh woman ('Bibi') associated with the site or the locality, a naming tradition common in Punjab where gurdwaras are often named after saints, historical figures, or the area in which they stand. Visitors and local devotees frequently describe the gurdwara as an exceptionally tranquil space where one's worries dissolve upon crossing the threshold into the prayer hall. The gurdwara is managed in accordance with the guidelines of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body overseeing Sikh shrines in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Daily religious activities include the recitation of Nitnem (daily prayers), Kirtan (devotional hymn singing), and the reading of Hukamnama (the divine command from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji). The gurdwara draws both local worshippers and pilgrims who visit Bathinda for its broader Sikh heritage. Bathinda itself holds deep significance in Sikh history, being located in the Malwa region of Punjab — the land of the ten Gurus and the birthplace of Sikhism. The city is home to several notable religious sites, and Bibiwala Gurudwara contributes meaningfully to this spiritual landscape. The institution operates a consistent Langar (community kitchen) that provides free meals to hundreds of people daily, exemplifying the Sikh tenet of equality and humanitarian service. The gurdwara also participates actively in community outreach, organizing religious education programs, health camps, and seasonal celebrations of major Sikh festivals including Gurpurab observances and Vaisakhi. Community ## Detailed History The story of Gurdwara Sri Haji Ratan Sahib begins with the life of Baba Haji Rattan himself — a saint of remarkable and multi-layered religious identity who lived in medieval times. Historical scholarship, including work by researchers Véronique Bouillier and Dominique-Sila Khan, documents Baba Rattan's 'multiple identities,' placing him at the intersection of Nath yogic traditions and Sufi Islamic lineages. One account links him to the Nath tradition as a disciple of the renowned yogi Gorakhnath, while Islamic accounts describe how young Rattan aided a boy crossing a creek in Mecca, who later revealed himself as the Prophet Muhammad, leading Rattan to accept Islam and undertake the Hajj pilgrimage. Historian Subhash Parihar dates the saint's tomb to the 13th century, with Baba Rattan believed to have died around 1234–35 CE in Tabar Hind — the former name of Bathinda. The earliest Sikh association with this sacred ground comes from Guru Nanak Dev Ji's first udasi (missionary tour) in the early 16th century. According to tradition, when the Guru visited Bathinda, Haji Rattan — or his spiritual presence — initially resisted the Guru, with a large stone reportedly thrown toward him. Guru Nanak remained unharmed, and after this dramatic confrontation, the saint sought forgiveness and liberation. Guru Nanak, in his boundless compassion, blessed the saint and reportedly promised to return to the site twice more — a promise that would be fulfilled by his successors. This promise was honored when Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Guru and the builder of the Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar, visited Bathinda during his travels in the 17th century. The most richly documented visit, however, is that of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1706 CE. While journeying to Talwandi Sabo (Damdama Sahib) — a historically critical journey during which the Guru Granth Sahib was painstakingly reconstructed — Guru Gobind Singh camped outside the mausoleum of Haji Rattan for the night. Tomb keepers reportedly attempted to dissuade the Guru with stories of the site being haunted and cursed. The Guru firmly dismissed these superstitions and spent the night at the site to demonstrate that Sikhs place no faith in ghosts, hauntings, or the fear of saints' tombs. According to the historical account of Bhai Dhana Singh, the Guru also met with Chand Shah Fakir, discussed local matters, and subsequently proceeded to Qila Mubarak, Bathinda's ancient fort. Before the Partition of India in 1947, the dargah of Baba Haji Rattan controlled extensive agricultural lands. The upheaval of Partition dramatically altered this, and a Sikh gurdwara administered the site from 1947 to 1960. After 1960, the Punjab Waqf Board assumed formal control of the dargah portion of the complex, while the gurdwara continued to function as an active Sikh place of worship. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and venerated. Features a white dome, ornate interior with marble flooring, and a takht (elevated platform) for the holy scripture. Kirtan is performed here continuously during divan hours. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A dedicated community dining and cooking hall where free meals are prepared and served round the clock to all visitors without distinction of religion, caste, or social status, embodying the Sikh principle of seva. ### Pilgrim Accommodation Block prayer_hall A dedicated block providing affordable shared-room accommodation for pilgrims, students, and travelers, offering hot water facilities and clean amenities. Rooms accommodate 2–3 people at a nominal charge of approximately ₹100 per person. ### Nishan Sahib and Entrance Gateway entrance The main entrance gate opens onto the gurdwara courtyard and is flanked by the tall nishan sahib — the Sikh triangular flag on a steel pole — visible from a distance and serving as a beacon for pilgrims navigating to the complex. ### Dargah of Baba Haji Rattan (Adjacent) museum The 13th-century medieval tomb of Baba Haji Rattan, located adjacent to the gurdwara, now administered by the Punjab Waqf Board. A structure of distinct Islamic architectural character, it forms part of this unique interfaith sacred complex and is a heritage monument of historical significance. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required (scarves available at entrance), shoes must be removed before entering, modest clothing recommended ### Photography Generally permitted in outer areas; exercise discretion and seek permission inside the darbar sahib ### Etiquette Wash hands and feet before entering the darbar sahib; sit on the floor respectfully in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib; bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering; maintain silence and reverence; partake in langar with humility ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Serves the local community and visiting pilgrims; exact capacity not documented but regularly serves hundreds of devotees daily Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Sri Haji Ratan Sahib is situated within the old city of Bathinda, blending into the historic urban texture of a city with over two millennia of habitation. The gurdwara complex features the hallmark elements of Sikh sacred architecture: a central darbar sahib (main prayer hall) where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and venerated throughout the day, crowned by a white dome that gives the structure its distinctive visual identity on the Bathinda skyline. A tall nishan sahib — the triangular Sikh flag mounted on a high steel flagpole — marks the gurdwara's presence from a distance, guiding pilgrims and visitors toward the complex. The entrance gateway opens onto a well-maintained courtyard suitable for large congregational gatherings. The complex includes a langar hall where community meals are prepared and served at all hours, an accommodation block offering shared rooms for pilgrims at a nominal fee, and separate bathing and washroom facilities maintained to a clean standard. Immediately adjacent to the gurdwara stands the 13th-century dargah of Baba Haji Rattan — a structure of distinct medieval Islamic architectural character featuring arched niches and traditional masonry — creating a remarkable interfaith architectural ensemble unique in the region. The coexistence of Sikh and Islamic sacred structures at this site makes Hazi Rattan Nagar an architecturally and spiritually singular precinct in all of Punjab. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and venerated. Features a white dome, ornate interior with marble flooring, and a takht (elevated platform) for the holy scripture. Kirtan is performed here continuously during divan hours. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A dedicated community dining and cooking hall where free meals are prepared and served round the clock to all visitors without distinction of religion, caste, or social status, embodying the Sikh principle of seva. ### Pilgrim Accommodation Block prayer_hall A dedicated block providing affordable shared-room accommodation for pilgrims, students, and travelers, offering hot water facilities and clean amenities. Rooms accommodate 2–3 people at a nominal charge of approximately ₹100 per person. ### Nishan Sahib and Entrance Gateway entrance The main entrance gate opens onto the gurdwara courtyard and is flanked by the tall nishan sahib — the Sikh triangular flag on a steel pole — visible from a distance and serving as a beacon for pilgrims navigating to the complex. ### Dargah of Baba Haji Rattan (Adjacent) museum The 13th-century medieval tomb of Baba Haji Rattan, located adjacent to the gurdwara, now administered by the Punjab Waqf Board. A structure of distinct Islamic architectural character, it forms part of this unique interfaith sacred complex and is a heritage monument of historical significance. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikhism, is celebrated with special kirtan (devotional singing), akhand path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), nagar kirtan (religious procession), and extended langar. This is especially significant at Gurdwara Hazi Ratan Sahib as Guru Nanak is believed to have visited the site during his first udasi. #### Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti The birth anniversary of the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is celebrated with great fervor given his documented visit to this gurdwara in 1706. Special diwan (religious congregation), kirtan, and langar are organized, with large gatherings of devotees from across Punjab. ### festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi, the harvest festival and the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa Panth in 1699, is celebrated with kirtan, prayers, processions, and community langar. It is one of the most attended occasions at the gurdwara, drawing devotees from Bathinda and surrounding villages. #### Hola Mohalla Hola Mohalla, the Sikh festival instituted by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is observed with kirtan, religious discourses, and community service activities. The occasion aligns naturally with the gurdwara's deep connection to Guru Gobind Singh. ### weekly #### Weekly Samagam (Sunday Divan) A weekly congregation (samagam) is held at the gurdwara, typically on Sundays, featuring extended kirtan, path (reading of Gurbani), and religious discourses. The community gathers for prayers and langar, strengthening the bonds of the local Sikh sangat. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Sri Haji Ratan Sahib is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pilgrims and visitors are welcome at any time. The main religious services (divans) are held during early morning (Amrit Vela, around 4–6 AM) and evening hours. Langar is served throughout the day. Yes, the gurdwara offers affordable pilgrim accommodation in shared rooms at approximately ₹100 per person per night. Rooms accommodate 2–3 people and include access to hot water bathing facilities and clean restrooms. A free hall is also available for overnight stays. Contact the gurdwara at 08437008035 for availability. Yes, langar (free community kitchen) is available at Gurdwara Sri Haji Ratan Sahib throughout the day and night, as the gurdwara is open 24 hours. All visitors, regardless of religion, caste, or background, are welcome to partake in the free meals. Devotees can also volunteer for langar seva by contacting the gurdwara management. ### history Gurdwara Sri Haji Ratan Sahib is named after Baba Haji Rattan, a 13th-century saint who died around 1234–35 CE in Bathinda (then called Tabar Hind). Three Sikh Gurus — Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, and Guru Gobind Singh Ji — are believed to have visited this sacred site. The most documented visit is by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1706 CE, when he camped here on his way to Talwandi Sabo and rejected local superstitions about the site being haunted. Three Sikh Gurus are associated with Gurdwara Sri Haji Ratan Sahib: Guru Nanak Dev Ji (the first Guru and founder of Sikhism), Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (the sixth Guru), and Guru Gobind Singh Ji (the tenth and final human Guru). Guru Gobind Singh's visit in 1706 CE, during his journey to Talwandi Sabo, is the most historically documented. The gurdwara is named after Baba Haji Rattan, a 13th-century saint who was venerated across Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh traditions. Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited the saint's shrine, and subsequent Sikh Gurus also paid their respects here. The naming reflects the Sikh principle of universal brotherhood (Sarbat da Bhala) and the belief that the divine is one, transcending religious boundaries. It is one of the few gurdwaras in the world named after a Muslim figure. In 1706 CE, Guru Gobind Singh camped outside the mausoleum of Haji Rattan on his way to Talwandi Sabo. Local tomb-keepers warned him that the place was haunted and dangerous. The Guru, who rejected all superstitions, deliberately chose to spend the night there, using the occasion to demonstrate that Sikhs do not fear ghosts, tombs, or superstitious beliefs. This act became an important example of Sikh rationalism and courage. ### transport The gurdwara is located in Old City, Hazi Rattan Nagar, Bathinda, Punjab. By rail: Bathinda Junction (BTI) is about 2–3 km away; auto-rickshaws from the station cost approximately ₹50. By air: Bathinda Airport is about 25 km away. By road: Bathinda is 142 km from Ludhiana, 189 km from Amritsar, and 200 km from Chandigarh on well-connected national highways. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Hazi Ratan Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit