# Gurdwara Sann Sahib Basarke Gillan - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Sann Sahib Basarke Gillan, Amritsar — historic shrine of Guru Amar Das Ji with preserved 16th-century relic. Timings, history & visitor guide. ![Gurdwara Sann Sahib Basarke Gillan](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20Sann%20Sahib%20Basarke%20Gillan.jpg&w=1200) Historical national # Gurdwara Sann Sahib Basarke Gillan Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: 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. ## Significance Gurdwara Sann Sahib Basarke Gillan occupies a singular place in Sikh spiritual consciousness. Unlike many gurdwaras that mark the presence of a Guru or a sacred recitation, this shrine commemorates a lesson: the supreme humility of Guru Amar Das Ji in the face of injustice, and the boundless love of devoted Sikhs who refused to abandon their Guru. The preserved "sann" — the hole in the wall — is among the most tangible surviving relics from the era of the Ten Gurus, making Gurdwara Sann Sahib an exceptionally rare form of living history. For pilgrims, standing before this opening is an act of direct connection with Baba Budha Ji, one of the most revered figures in early Sikhism, who served five Gurus and is believed to have been present at the installation ceremony of every Guru from Guru Angad Dev to Guru Hargobind. The gurdwara also amplifies the significance of Basarke Gillan as the birthplace of Guru Amar Das Ji himself, making the village a site of double sanctity — the Guru's birth and a defining moment in his guruship both occurred here. Guru Amar Das's tenure as Guru was transformative: he established the institution of Langar on a large scale, abolished purdah (the veil), opposed sati (widow immolation), and established twenty-two manjis (missionary centres) to spread Sikhism. Devotees believe that a visit to Gurdwara Sann Sahib bestows blessings associated with humility, perseverance, and the grace of the Guru–Sikh relationship. The shrine is also closely linked to the Gurdwara Janam Asthan and the Samadh Bibi Amaro Di in the same village, making Basarke Gillan a comprehensive pilgrimage circuit for those wishing to honour the memory of the Third Guru. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Sahib Amritsar, India 45 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 Janam Asthan Guru Amar Das Jee](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20Janam%20Asthan%20Guru%20Amar%20Das.jpg&w=600) ### Gurdwara Janam Asthan Guru Amar Das Jee India 469 m away Open daily; typically 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM... 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. Historical ### Gurdwara Sahib Tarn Taran Tahsil, India 2.2 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 4.0 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 Sann Sahib Basarke Gillan is inseparable from the life story of Guru Amar Das Ji (1479–1574), the Third Guru of Sikhism, who was born in this very village on 5 May 1479. Basarke Gillan, situated on the fertile plains of the Punjab southwest of Amritsar, was the ancestral home of the Bhalla clan, to which Guru Amar Das belonged. His father, Tej Bhan Bhalla, was a devout Hindu merchant, and the young Amar Das spent decades in the village as a pious householder and devoted Vaishnava, completing arduous annual pilgrimages to Haridwar for over forty years before encountering the Sikh faith. His spiritual transformation came when he heard Bibi Amaro, the daughter of Guru Angad Dev Ji — who was married to Guru Amar Das's nephew — reciting hymns from the Adi Granth. Deeply moved, Amar Das sought out Guru Angad Dev Ji at Khadur Sahib and became his most committed disciple. He served Guru Angad with extraordinary selflessness, famously fetching water daily for many years. Recognising this matchless devotion, Guru Angad Dev Ji appointed Amar Das as his successor in April 1552, when he was already 73 years old. However, Datu Ji, the biological son of Guru Angad Dev Ji, felt that Guruship should pass to him and openly challenged Guru Amar Das's authority, reportedly even kicking the elderly Guru from his seat. Rather than contest the matter, Guru Amar Das departed Goindwal Sahib and returned to his ancestral village of Basarke, shutting himself inside a small dwelling. His parting note to any would-be visitor was unambiguous: whoever opened the door was no Sikh of his, nor was he their Guru. This act embodied the Guru's characteristic humility and also tested the depth of his followers' devotion. The Sikh sangat, bereft without their Guru, searched for him tirelessly. It was the great Baba Budha Ji — the celebrated elder who had recognised the divine light in Guru Nanak Dev Ji as a child and had lived to serve five Gurus — who led a delegation to Basarke. Faced with the sealed door and the Guru's notice, Baba Budha Ji made an opening in the rear wall of the hut — a "sann" — and the delegation entered through it, honouring the letter of the Guru's instruction while reaching him nonetheless. They beseeched Guru Amar Das to return to his community, and he accepted. The site of this hut became a place of veneration for generations of Sikhs. The present gurdwara complex was built during the 1950s by Baba Kharak Singh Sevavale, whose seva (voluntary service) transformed the site into a formal place of worship with proper facilities. Since its formal establishment under the SGPC, the gurdwara has served as both a pilgrimage destination and a community centre. An annual fair is held on the full-moon day of Bhadon (August–September) to mark the death anniversary of Guru Amar Das, who passed away on 16 September 1574. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Congregation Hall) prayer_hall The central prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed under a pinnacled dome (shikhara). Devotees gather here for daily prayers, kirtan, and special Gurpurabs. The hall is finished in traditional Sikh architectural style with marble flooring. ### The Preserved Sann (Historic Wall Relic) museum The most unique structure in the complex — the preserved portion of the original wall of the hut where Guru Amar Das Ji secluded himself, containing the hole ("sann") made by Baba Budha Ji. This relic is enclosed and maintained within the gurdwara as a tangible connection to the era of the Sikh Gurus. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) sarovar A holy water tank within the gurdwara complex where pilgrims may perform ritual bathing before entering the Darbar Sahib. The sarovar is an essential feature of major Sikh gurdwaras and contributes to the spiritual atmosphere of the site. ### Guru ka Langar (Community Kitchen) langar_hall A spacious langar hall where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of caste, creed, or background — a core practice of Sikhism established by Guru Amar Das Ji himself on a systematic basis. The hall is operated entirely through voluntary seva (service) and donations. ### Pilgrim Residential Accommodation entrance Rest houses and residential facilities within the six-acre complex providing free or subsidised accommodation for visiting pilgrims, especially those travelling from distant locations for the annual Bhadon fair and Gurpurabs. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering (dupatta or rumal) is mandatory; shoes must be removed before entering; modest, full-length clothing required; intoxicants strictly prohibited ### Photography Generally permitted in outer areas; respectful photography inside the Darbar Sahib may require permission; flash photography discouraged during prayer ### Etiquette Bow respectfully before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering; walk clockwise inside the Darbar Sahib; refrain from smoking, alcohol, or non-vegetarian food on the premises; maintain silence in the prayer hall; mobile phones should be switched to silent ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall is capable of serving hundreds of pilgrims during regular days; capacity significantly expanded during the annual Bhadon fair and other major Gurpurabs Seating Capacity ## Architecture The present complex of Gurdwara Sann Sahib Basarke Gillan spreads over an impressive six acres of land on the outskirts of the village, constructed during the 1950s under the direction of Baba Kharak Singh Sevavale. The architectural style follows the traditional Sikh religious idiom, with the central building featuring a congregation hall (Darbar Sahib) crowned by a distinctive pinnacled dome (shikhara) rising above the sanctum where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed. The complex includes a sacred sarovar (holy water tank), which is an essential feature of major Sikh gurdwaras, where pilgrims may bathe for spiritual purification. A spacious Guru ka Langar (community kitchen) is housed in a dedicated hall capable of serving large numbers of pilgrims, particularly during major festivals and the annual Bhadon fair. Residential accommodation is available within the complex for visiting pilgrims, along with landscaped parks and gardens that provide a calm environment for reflection. The most architecturally unique element is the preserved original wall of the hut from which the historical "sann" — the hole made by Baba Budha Ji — has been carefully maintained and enclosed within the gurdwara structure, allowing devotees to view and venerate this relic directly. The complex is finished in traditional white marble and lime plaster, and car parking facilities are available for visiting devotees. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Congregation Hall) prayer_hall The central prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed under a pinnacled dome (shikhara). Devotees gather here for daily prayers, kirtan, and special Gurpurabs. The hall is finished in traditional Sikh architectural style with marble flooring. ### The Preserved Sann (Historic Wall Relic) museum The most unique structure in the complex — the preserved portion of the original wall of the hut where Guru Amar Das Ji secluded himself, containing the hole ("sann") made by Baba Budha Ji. This relic is enclosed and maintained within the gurdwara as a tangible connection to the era of the Sikh Gurus. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) sarovar A holy water tank within the gurdwara complex where pilgrims may perform ritual bathing before entering the Darbar Sahib. The sarovar is an essential feature of major Sikh gurdwaras and contributes to the spiritual atmosphere of the site. ### Guru ka Langar (Community Kitchen) langar_hall A spacious langar hall where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of caste, creed, or background — a core practice of Sikhism established by Guru Amar Das Ji himself on a systematic basis. The hall is operated entirely through voluntary seva (service) and donations. ### Pilgrim Residential Accommodation entrance Rest houses and residential facilities within the six-acre complex providing free or subsidised accommodation for visiting pilgrims, especially those travelling from distant locations for the annual Bhadon fair and Gurpurabs. ## Events & Celebrations ### historical #### Annual Bhadon Fair (Death Anniversary of Guru Amar Das Ji) The most important annual event at Gurdwara Sann Sahib, held on the full-moon day of Bhadon (August–September). Large congregations gather for special prayers, kirtan, and extended langar to mark the passing of Guru Amar Das Ji on 16 September 1574. Pilgrims travel from across Punjab and beyond to attend. ### gurpurab #### Guru Amar Das Ji Gurpurab (Birth Anniversary) The birth anniversary of Guru Amar Das Ji, born on 5 May 1479 in Basarke Gillan, is celebrated with special prayers, kirtan programmes, and Nagar Kirtan (procession). The gurdwara holds particular significance as the Guru's birthplace village, making this celebration especially meaningful here. #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab The birthday of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, is celebrated with two-day Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), special kirtan, and langar. Celebrated in November (Kartik Pooranmashi), it is one of the most widely observed events at all Sikh gurdwaras. ### festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi (13–14 April) is celebrated as both the Punjabi harvest festival and the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The gurdwara observes special prayers, kirtan, and community festivities, with extended langar service for all visitors. #### Hola Mohalla Hola Mohalla, observed the day after Holi (February–March), is a distinctly Sikh festival established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is marked at the gurdwara with kirtan, ardas, and langar as part of the wider celebrations in the Punjab region. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Sann Sahib Basarke Gillan is generally open from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. The gurdwara observes daily prayers (Nitnem) in the early morning and evening. Timings may be extended on festival days, Gurpurabs, and during the annual Bhadon fair. Free langar (community meals) is served throughout the day. Yes. An annual fair (mela) is held at Gurdwara Sann Sahib on the full-moon day of Bhadon (the month of August–September in the Bikrami calendar) to mark the death anniversary of Guru Amar Das Ji, who passed away on 16 September 1574. Large numbers of pilgrims gather for this occasion, with extended langar service and special prayers. Gurdwara Sann Sahib Basarke Gillan is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex governing body for Sikh gurdwaras in India, headquartered in Amritsar. The present complex was constructed during the 1950s by Baba Kharak Singh Sevavale through voluntary seva. ### history The gurdwara commemorates a pivotal event in the life of Guru Amar Das Ji, the Third Sikh Guru, who was born in Basarke Gillan in 1479. After being appointed Guru by Guru Angad Dev Ji, he faced opposition from Datu Ji (Guru Angad's son) and retreated to this village, sealing himself in a hut. Baba Budha Ji made a hole ("sann") in the wall to reach the Guru without violating his instructions. The preserved hole remains inside the gurdwara to this day. The present complex was built in the 1950s by Baba Kharak Singh Sevavale and is managed by the SGPC. The hole in the wall — called "sann" in Punjabi — was made by Baba Budha Ji, one of the most revered figures in early Sikhism. When Guru Amar Das Ji sealed himself in a hut with a warning that whoever opened his door was not his Sikh, Baba Budha Ji entered through a hole in the rear wall to avoid disobeying the Guru literally while still reaching him. This hole is preserved inside the gurdwara and is considered a rare tangible relic from the era of the Sikh Gurus, symbolising devotion, humility, and the unbreakable bond between Guru and Sikh. Yes. Basarke Gillan is the birthplace of Guru Amar Das Ji, the Third Sikh Guru, who was born here on 5 May 1479. In addition to Gurdwara Sann Sahib, the village also contains Gurdwara Janam Asthan (marking the ancestral house and birthplace of Guru Amar Das) and the Samadh Bibi Amaro Di. Together these three shrines make Basarke Gillan one of the most significant villages in Sikh spiritual geography. ### transport The gurdwara is located 12–13 km southwest of Amritsar city on the Amritsar–Chaubal Road. By road, take the Chheharta–Jhabal link road from Amritsar. The nearest railway station is Verka Junction, approximately 4 km away; Amritsar Junction is around 13–15 km away. Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (Amritsar) is approximately 18 km away. Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local buses from Amritsar city serve this route. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Sann Sahib Basarke Gillan Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit