# Gurdwara Janam Asthan Guru Amar Das jee - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Visit Gurdwara Janam Asthan Guru Amar Das Ji in Basarke Gillan, Amritsar — birthplace of the third Sikh Guru, born 1479. Free entry, daily langar. ![Gurdwara Janam Asthan Guru Amar Das jee](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20Janam%20Asthan%20Guru%20Amar%20Das.jpg&w=1200) Historical national # Gurdwara Janam Asthan Guru Amar Das jee Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Janam Asthan Guru Amar Das Ji stands as one of the most revered Sikh pilgrimage sites in Punjab, India, marking the sacred birthplace of Guru Amar Das Ji, the third Guru of the Sikh faith. Located in the village of Basarke Gillan, approximately 12 kilometres from the holy city of Amritsar in Punjab's Amritsar District, this gurdwara commemorates the very ground upon which a man who would reshape Sikhism was born on 5 May 1479 (Vaisakh Sudi 14th, Samvat 1536). The site holds extraordinary significance for the Sikh community worldwide, as it preserves the memory of Guru Amar Das Ji's humble origins. Born to Sri Tej Bhan Ji, a farmer and trader, and Mata Lachmi Ji in the village of Basarke Gillan, the young Amar Das spent his early decades as a devout Hindu before a transformative encounter with the teachings of Guru Nanak through Bibi Amro Ji — daughter of Guru Angad Dev Ji — set him on a new spiritual path. That encounter, and the decades of selfless service that followed, culminated in his installation as the third Guru of the Sikhs in March 1552. The present gurdwara complex, which spreads over an impressive six acres, was constructed by the devout sevak (volunteer) Baba Kharak Singh Sevavale during the 1950s. The development transformed what was once a modest shrine at the ancestral homestead into a full pilgrimage complex befitting the birth site of a Guru. Today it is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex governing body of Sikh gurdwaras in India, ensuring it is maintained to the highest standards of the Sikh faith. The complex draws thousands of pilgrims annually from across India and the global Sikh diaspora — particularly from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Visitors come not only to pay homage to Guru Amar Das Ji's memory but also to participate in the living traditions of Sikhism: sitting in the darbar sahib and listening to kirtan (devotional music), partaking in the langar (free community kitchen), and bathing in or sitting beside the sacred sarovar (holy pool). The gurdwara is especially thronged during Gurpurab festivals marking Guru Amar Das Ji's birth anniversary and on the fullmoon day of the month of Bhadon (August–September), when an annual fair is held to mark the Gurpurab of Guru Amar Das Ji's jyoti jot — his passing into the Eternal Light in 1574. For the Sikh faithful, Basarke Gillan is a spiritual touchstone, a place where the extraordinary life of a great Guru began. ## Significance Gurdwara Janam Asthan Guru Amar Das Ji holds profound religious and cultural significance for Sikhs worldwide as the birthplace of one of Sikhism's most transformative figures. Guru Amar Das Ji, who lived to the age of 95, is revered for the sweeping social and spiritual reforms he introduced during his 22-year Guruship. His contributions to the Sikh faith are foundational: he composed 907 hymns now enshrined in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, including the celebrated Anand Sahib, which is recited daily by devout Sikhs and at all major Sikh ceremonies including Anand Karaj (the Sikh wedding ceremony). Guru Amar Das Ji is particularly honoured for his radical social reforms. He institutionalised and strengthened the langar tradition with the famous injunction 'Pehle Pangat, Phir Sangat' — first eat together in equality, then sit in congregation — compelling even Emperor Akbar to sit alongside ordinary people before meeting the Guru. He boldly opposed the practices of sati (widow immolation), purdah (face veiling), and championed widow remarriage, profoundly elevating the status of women in Sikh society. He also established the manji system — dividing the Sikh community into 22 preaching zones, appointing both men and women as religious administrators — thereby laying the organisational groundwork for the spread of Sikhism. For pilgrims, Basarke Gillan represents a direct connection to these sacred origins. Walking the ground where Guru Amar Das Ji was born and spent his formative years is considered a spiritually meritorious act. The gurdwara serves as a centre of community life, gurmat education, and ongoing social service through its langar and seva traditions, embodying the very values the Guru championed more than five centuries ago. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Sahib Amritsar, India 427 m 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 ![Gurdwara Sann Sahib Basarke Gillan](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20Sann%20Sahib%20Basarke%20Gillan.jpg&w=600) ### Gurdwara Sann Sahib Basarke Gillan India 469 m away 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (general hours;... Gurdwara Sann Sahib Basarke Gillan is one of the most historically evocative Sikh shrines in the Punjab, standing as a testament to the profound bond between a Guru and his devoted followers. Situated in the village of Basarke Gillan, approximately 12 to 13 kilometres southwest of Amritsar in the Amritsar district of Punjab, India, the gurdwara is located along the Amritsar–Chaubal Road, about 200 metres to the northeast of the present village settlement. The very name of the shrine — "Sann Sahib" — holds the key to its extraordinary significance. In Punjabi, "sann" refers to a hole in a wall, specifically the kind made by a burglar to enter a sealed structure, and it is precisely such a hole that defines this sacred site. The gurdwara commemorates a momentous episode in the life of Guru Amar Das Ji, the Third Guru of Sikhism, who was born in this very village on 5 May 1479. Following his appointment as Guru by Guru Angad Dev Ji, Guru Amar Das faced fierce opposition from Datu Ji, the biological son of Guru Angad Dev, who believed that succession should pass along family lines. Unable to accept the authority of Guru Amar Das, Datu Ji forced him to depart from Goindwal Sahib. True to his spirit of humility, Guru Amar Das did not resist; he quietly returned to his ancestral village of Basarke and retreated into a small hut, sealing the door with a notice that read: "He who opens this door is no Sikh of mine, nor am I his Guru." This declaration left his devoted followers in a profound dilemma — how to reach their beloved Guru without disobeying his explicit instruction. It was the revered Baba Budha Ji, one of the most venerable figures in early Sikh history, who devised a solution of extraordinary spiritual elegance. Leading a sangat (congregation) anxious to see their Guru, Baba Budha Ji made a hole in the rear wall of the hut — a "sann" — and entered through this opening, thus technically honouring the Guru's instruction about the door. The Sikh sangat entreated Guru Amar Das to return to Goindwal Sahib, and the Guru, moved by their devotion, consented. Today, the hole that Baba Budha Ji made in that wall is still preserved inside the Gurdwara Sahib, making this shrine one of the very few in Sikhism where a tangible, physical relic from the time of the Gurus is venerated by pilgrims. The present complex, spreading over six acres, was constructed by Baba Kharak Singh Sevavale during the 1950s and is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Pilgrims and devotees come from across the Punjab and beyond to seek blessings here, reflect on lessons of humility and devotion, and witness the miracle of a small hole that preserved an eternal spiritual relationship. It is one of three historic shrines in Basarke Gillan, making the village an essential destination for those tracing the life of Guru Amar Das Ji. Historical ### Gurdwara Sahib Tarn Taran Tahsil, India 2.4 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 ### Gurdwara Sahib Amritsar, India 4.5 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 ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Janam Asthan Guru Amar Das Ji is inseparable from the life of the Guru himself. On the 5th of May, 1479 (Vaisakh Sudi 14th, 8th Jeth, Samvat 1536 in the Vikrami calendar), a child named Amar Das was born to Sri Tej Bhan Ji and Mata Lachmi Ji in the ancestral village of Basarke Gillan. The family were farmers and traders of the Bhalla subcaste of the Khatri community. In those early years, the village of Basarke Gillan flourished, and the young Amar Das grew up steeped in the religious traditions of the era, performing Ganga Yatra (pilgrimage to the Ganges) annually for many decades. The turning point in Amar Das's spiritual life came when he heard Bibi Amro Ji — daughter of Guru Angad Dev Ji and the wife of a nephew of Amar Das — reciting the shabads (hymns) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Deeply moved, Amar Das sought out Guru Angad Dev Ji at Khadoor Sahib and became his devoted disciple at the age of approximately 60. For the next 12 years he served the Guru with extraordinary dedication, reportedly waking before dawn each day to carry water from the Beas River at Goindwal for the Guru's morning ablutions, walking miles each way in darkness. This unwavering devotion was rewarded when Guru Angad Dev Ji, recognising Amar Das's exceptional spiritual maturity, appointed him as the third Guru of the Sikhs in March 1552 — making him Guru Nanak III at the remarkable age of 73. Despite opposition from Datu, son of Guru Angad Dev Ji, who disputed the succession, Guru Amar Das Ji established his headquarters at Goindwal on the banks of the River Beas, where he initiated major institutional reforms in Sikhism including the manji system of religious administration and the construction of the Baoli Sahib step-well, a central pilgrimage site. Guru Amar Das Ji served as Guru until his passing on 1 September 1574, having shepherded the Sikh faith for 22 transformative years. The ancestral site at Basarke Gillan was venerated by the community even after the village itself gradually became extinct, with a modest shrine maintained at the spot traditionally identified as his family home. The modern era of the gurdwara began in the 1950s when Baba Kharak Singh Sevavale undertook the construction of the present complex. This dedicated sevak transformed the site into a proper pilgrimage destination, building a congregation hall with a pinnacled dome over the sanctum, a sarovar, langar hall, residential accommodation, and surrounding parklands — all spread across six acres. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) subsequently took over management, ensuring continuity and institutional support for the sacred site. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Congregation Hall) prayer_hall The central and most sacred structure of the complex, housing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji under a pinnacled dome. Built in the classical Punjabi Sikh architectural tradition, the darbar sahib is where continuous kirtan is performed and pilgrims gather for darshan and ardas. The sanctum is beautifully decorated and the dome is a defining landmark of the gurdwara skyline. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) sarovar The sarovar is an integral part of the six-acre complex, providing devotees with the opportunity for ritual bathing and purification. A paved parikrama (circumambulatory path) surrounds the pool, where pilgrims walk, pray, and meditate. The sarovar adds to the spiritual ambience and serenity of the gurdwara grounds. ### Guru ka Langar Hall langar_hall The langar hall is a large, dedicated facility where free meals are served to all visitors throughout the day regardless of religion, caste, gender, or social status — embodying the principle most championed by Guru Amar Das Ji himself. The hall can accommodate significant numbers of pilgrims simultaneously, with seva performed by devoted volunteers. ### Deori (Main Entrance Gateway) entrance The main entrance gateway to the gurdwara complex, where pilgrims wash their hands and feet and remove their shoes before entering the sacred precinct. The juta ghar (shoe storage facility) is located near the entrance, and head coverings are available for those who need them. ### Residential Accommodation Block museum The complex includes residential facilities for visiting pilgrims, sevadars, and granthis (scripture readers), allowing devotees from distant locations to stay overnight and participate fully in the gurdwara's spiritual programs. This reflects the traditional Sikh practice of providing sarai (travellers' lodging) at major pilgrimage sites. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering (chunni, turban, or handkerchief) is mandatory for all visitors. Shoes must be removed before entering the gurdwara complex. Modest, respectful clothing is required. Head coverings are often available at the entrance for those who do not have one. ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in the outer areas and grounds of the complex. Photography inside the darbar sahib (main prayer hall) should be done respectfully; some gurdwaras restrict flash photography near the Granth Sahib. Visitors should be mindful and prioritise the sanctity of the space. ### Etiquette Wash hands and feet before entering the darbar sahib. Bow before the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon entering. Do not turn your back to the Granth Sahib. Refrain from smoking, consuming alcohol, or eating non-vegetarian food within the complex. Speak softly and maintain a reverent demeanour. Langar is open to all regardless of religion, caste, or background. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall can accommodate a significant number of pilgrims at a time. During major festivals and annual fairs, thousands of devotees are served daily. Exact capacity figures are not publicly documented. Seating Capacity ## Architecture The present Gurdwara Janam Asthan Guru Amar Das Ji complex, constructed in the 1950s under the guidance of Baba Kharak Singh Sevavale, exemplifies the classical Sikh architectural tradition that evolved in Punjab over several centuries. The complex spreads over six acres of land, creating a spacious and serene pilgrimage environment. The central building is the Darbar Sahib (congregation hall), distinguished by a prominent pinnacled dome — a hallmark of Sikh sacred architecture — rising over the sanctum sanctorum where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is enshrined. The white marble and plasterwork typical of mid-20th century Punjabi gurdwara construction give the main building a luminous, dignified appearance. The sarovar (sacred pool) is an integral feature of the complex, providing devotees with the opportunity for ritual purification. Surrounding the sarovar is a paved parikrama (circumambulatory pathway) where pilgrims perform ardas (prayers) and sit in quiet meditation. The Guru ka Langar hall is a substantial structure capable of accommodating the large numbers of pilgrims who visit, particularly during festivals. Residential accommodation for visiting pilgrims and sevadars (volunteers) is also provided within the complex, along with landscaped parks that offer a peaceful environment for reflection and rest. The overall layout follows the traditional courtyard-centred design common to historic Punjabi gurdwaras. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Congregation Hall) prayer_hall The central and most sacred structure of the complex, housing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji under a pinnacled dome. Built in the classical Punjabi Sikh architectural tradition, the darbar sahib is where continuous kirtan is performed and pilgrims gather for darshan and ardas. The sanctum is beautifully decorated and the dome is a defining landmark of the gurdwara skyline. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) sarovar The sarovar is an integral part of the six-acre complex, providing devotees with the opportunity for ritual bathing and purification. A paved parikrama (circumambulatory path) surrounds the pool, where pilgrims walk, pray, and meditate. The sarovar adds to the spiritual ambience and serenity of the gurdwara grounds. ### Guru ka Langar Hall langar_hall The langar hall is a large, dedicated facility where free meals are served to all visitors throughout the day regardless of religion, caste, gender, or social status — embodying the principle most championed by Guru Amar Das Ji himself. The hall can accommodate significant numbers of pilgrims simultaneously, with seva performed by devoted volunteers. ### Deori (Main Entrance Gateway) entrance The main entrance gateway to the gurdwara complex, where pilgrims wash their hands and feet and remove their shoes before entering the sacred precinct. The juta ghar (shoe storage facility) is located near the entrance, and head coverings are available for those who need them. ### Residential Accommodation Block museum The complex includes residential facilities for visiting pilgrims, sevadars, and granthis (scripture readers), allowing devotees from distant locations to stay overnight and participate fully in the gurdwara's spiritual programs. This reflects the traditional Sikh practice of providing sarai (travellers' lodging) at major pilgrimage sites. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Amar Das Ji Gurpurab (Birth Anniversary) The birth anniversary of Guru Amar Das Ji, celebrated on Vaisakh Sudi 14th (traditionally 5 May 1479), is the most important annual event at this gurdwara. The celebration includes akhand path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, nagar kirtan (procession), and extended langar. Pilgrims arrive from across Punjab and the global Sikh diaspora. #### Annual Bhadon Fullmoon Fair (Jyoti Jot Gurpurab) An annual mela (fair) and congregation held on the fullmoon of the month of Bhadon (August–September) to mark the anniversary of Guru Amar Das Ji's jyoti jot — his passing into the Eternal Light on 1 September 1574. This is one of the most significant events in the gurdwara's annual calendar, drawing large crowds for multi-day kirtan, langar, and religious programs. #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is celebrated at this gurdwara with akhand path, kirtan, and langar. As a significant gurdwara in the Amritsar region, it participates in the city-wide and region-wide celebrations that make Guru Nanak Gurpurab one of the most widely observed events in Sikh life. ### festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi (Vaisakhi), celebrated on 13–14 April each year, is observed at the gurdwara with special prayers, kirtan, and langar. As the harvest festival of Punjab and the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, it holds deep significance for all Sikhs. Special congregations are held at the gurdwara. #### Hola Mohalla Hola Mohalla, the Sikh festival established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji as a day of martial arts, kirtan, and community gathering (held the day after Holi), is observed at the gurdwara with special programs and extended langar, in keeping with the tradition at gurdwaras across Punjab. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting The gurdwara is generally open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Morning prayers (Nitnem and Asa di Var kirtan) begin before dawn. The darbar sahib closes after Kirtan Sohila recitation in the evening. Visitors are welcome throughout the day for darshan, langar, and participation in seva. During major festivals and the annual Bhadon fair, the gurdwara may remain open around the clock. Yes, Guru ka Langar is served free of charge to all visitors throughout the day, in keeping with the universal Sikh tradition of free communal hospitality. The tradition of langar was especially championed by Guru Amar Das Ji himself, making this gurdwara a particularly fitting place to experience it. Volunteers are also welcomed to participate in langar seva. An annual fair and special congregation is held on the fullmoon day of the month of Bhadon (typically August–September) each year to mark the Gurpurab of Guru Amar Das Ji's jyoti jot — the anniversary of his passing into the Eternal Light in September 1574. Large numbers of pilgrims from across Punjab and beyond gather for this event, with extended kirtan, langar, and religious programs. The gurdwara is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex governing body for Sikh gurdwaras in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and the union territory of Chandigarh. The SGPC operates under the directives of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar. ### history This gurdwara marks the birthplace of Guru Amar Das Ji, the third Sikh Guru, who was born on 5 May 1479 in the village of Basarke Gillan, Amritsar District, Punjab. The ancestral site was revered by the Sikh community for centuries. The present complex, spreading over six acres, was constructed in the 1950s by Baba Kharak Singh Sevavale. It is now managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Guru Amar Das Ji was the third Guru of the Sikh faith, born on 5 May 1479 at Basarke Gillan and passing on 1 September 1574. He became Guru at the age of 73 in March 1552, having served Guru Angad Dev Ji faithfully for 12 years. He is revered for his extraordinary contributions to Sikhism, including composing 907 hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (including Anand Sahib), strengthening the langar tradition, founding Goindwal, and championing radical social reforms including the equality of women and the abolition of sati and purdah. ### transport The gurdwara is located in Basarke Gillan village, approximately 12 km from Amritsar city. From Amritsar, take the road towards Chheharta and then follow the Chheharta-Dhand link road southwest towards Basarke Gillan. Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (Amritsar) is the nearest airport, about 14–16 km away. Amritsar Junction is the nearest railway station (~12–14 km). Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available from Amritsar for the journey. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Janam Asthan Guru Amar Das jee Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. 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