# Toot Sahib - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Toot Sahib, Amritsar – a sacred Sikh shrine in Sultanvind blessed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Timings, history & visitor info. # Toot Sahib Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Shri Toot Sahib is a historically significant Sikh shrine located in the Sultanvind area of Amritsar, Punjab, India. The name 'Toot' derives from the Punjabi word for mulberry tree (Morus alba), and the gurdwara stands as a sacred commemoration of the divine association between this sacred site and some of the most venerated figures of early Sikhism. Situated approximately 2 kilometres southeast of the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), Toot Sahib occupies a quiet yet spiritually charged corner of Amritsar — a city that serves as the undisputed spiritual and cultural heart of the Sikh faith worldwide. The gurdwara is believed to mark the spot where Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, would regularly halt and rest beneath a large mulberry tree. The shade of this ancient tree offered the Guru a place of contemplation and spiritual retreat as he moved through the region around Amritsar overseeing the construction of the sacred tank and the Harmandir Sahib. According to an alternate but equally respected historical account, it was the sixth Guru, Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who tied his horse to the mulberry tree and sat upon a platform beneath it — an event that gave the site its enduring sanctity and its name. Beyond these two founding Gurus, the site is also revered for its connection to other luminaries of early Sikhism: the scholar and poet Bhai Gurdas Ji, the devoted Sikh Bhai Manj Sahib Ji, and the venerable Baba Budha Sahib Ji — the first head granthi (priest) of Harmandir Sahib and a Sikh who lived long enough to personally anoint five successive Gurus. The combined presence of these great souls at this single location elevates Toot Sahib beyond a simple memorial gurdwara to a site of profound multi-generational spiritual significance. Today, the gurdwara serves the local Sikh community of the Sultanvind neighbourhood and welcomes pilgrims and visitors who wish to experience a more intimate, neighbourhood-scale Sikh shrine away from the larger crowds of Amritsar's more prominent gurdwaras. Like all gurdwaras, it offers langar (free community kitchen) to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or nationality, embodying the Sikh ideals of sewa (selfless service) and equality. The gurdwara is typically managed in accordance with Sikh religious traditions under the broader framework of Sikh institutional governance in Punjab. ## Significance Gurdwara Toot Sahib holds a layered religious and cultural significance that sets it apart from many community-level shrines. Its primary sanctity derives from its direct connection to not one but two of the ten Sikh Gurus — Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji — both of whom are said to have blessed this very ground with their presence. In Sikh tradition, any place graced by the Gurus acquires a permanent spiritual charge, and devotees believe that prayer and meditation at such sites carry special potency. The association with Baba Budha Sahib Ji further deepens the gurdwara's spiritual standing. Baba Budha is venerated across the Sikh world as one of the founding pillars of the faith — a man who bridged the era of Guru Nanak with that of Guru Hargobind and whose blessing was sought for the birth of children by devout Sikh families. His presence at Toot Sahib connects the gurdwara to the very roots of institutionalised Sikhism. Bhai Gurdas Ji, whose vars (ballads) are considered the 'key' to understanding the Guru Granth Sahib, and Bhai Manj Sahib Ji, whose extraordinary devotion earned him a place of honour in Sikh scripture and lore, lend the site an additional layer of literary and devotional heritage. Together, these associations make Toot Sahib a site where multiple threads of early Sikh history converge. For the local Sikh community of Sultanvind and the wider Amritsar district, the gurdwara functions as a living centre of faith — a place for daily ardas (prayer), kirtan (devotional singing), and the practice of langar, reinforcing the foundational Sikh values of community, equality, and selfless service. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurudwara Ramsar Sahib India 1.2 km away Open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to... Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib is one of the most historically significant Sikh shrines in Amritsar, Punjab, India. Situated near Chativind Gate on the south-eastern edge of the walled city, this sacred gurdwara stands alongside the Ramsar sarovar — the smallest of Amritsar's five holy sarovars (sacred tanks). Its paramount importance in Sikh history derives from the fact that it was here, in the early seventeenth century, that Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, undertook the monumental task of compiling the Adi Granth — the original scripture that would eventually be elevated to the status of the eternal Guru and renamed Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The gurdwara takes its name from the Ramsar sarovar, which Guru Arjan Dev Ji had dug at this site and dedicated to the memory of his father, Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru and founder of the city of Amritsar. The word 'Ramsar' combines 'Ram' — a name used reverentially for Guru Ram Das — and 'sar', meaning a lake or pool of water. This act of naming reflected Guru Arjan Dev Ji's profound respect and devotion toward his predecessor. Seeking a tranquil retreat away from the rapidly growing township of Amritsar, Guru Arjan Dev Ji selected this serene location to embark on the sacred literary endeavor of consolidating the hymns and banis of the previous Gurus along with compositions of Hindu and Muslim saints and bhagats. The compilation was completed around 1604 CE, and the scripture was subsequently installed with great ceremony at the Harimandir Sahib — the Golden Temple — under the care of Baba Buddha Ji, who served as the first head granthi. Beyond its association with the compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ramsar Sahib is also revered as the site where Guru Arjan Dev Ji composed the Sukhmani Sahib — one of the most beloved and widely recited prayers in the Sikh faith. The Sukhmani Sahib, often described as the 'Psalm of Peace,' is a lengthy composition of profound spiritual depth that provides solace and divine wisdom to those who recite or listen to it. Today, the gurdwara is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and remains an active center of worship, pilgrimage, and community service. The site draws thousands of devotees and tourists from across India and the world who come to pay homage at a place central to the creation of Sikhism's most sacred scripture. Daily prayers, kirtan, and langar are conducted here, maintaining the living spiritual traditions that have defined this place for over four centuries. Community ### Gurudwara Shahidan India 1.2 km away Open 24 hours, 7 days a week; main Diwan... Gurudwara Shahidan is a revered Sikh shrine located in Amritsar, Punjab, India — the spiritual heartland of Sikhism and home to the iconic Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). The name 'Shahidan' derives from the Punjabi and Persian word for 'martyrs,' and the gurdwara stands as a sacred memorial to the countless Sikh men and women who sacrificed their lives in defence of their faith, their community, and the principles of righteousness (Dharam) enshrined in the Sikh scriptures. Situated in one of the most historically charged cities in South Asia, Gurudwara Shahidan occupies a place of deep reverence in the collective memory of the Sikh Panth. Amritsar itself was founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, and served as the centre of Sikh religious and political life for centuries. The city witnessed extraordinary episodes of courage and sacrifice — from the martyrdoms of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to the legendary stand of Baba Deep Singh Ji and the brutal suppression endured during the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali in the eighteenth century. It is against this turbulent yet inspiring backdrop that Gurudwara Shahidan draws its identity and spiritual purpose. As with all gurdwaras, Gurudwara Shahidan serves as a living institution of Sikh community life. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal and living Guru of the Sikhs — is enshrined within the sanctum, and continuous recitation of Gurbani (sacred hymns) fills the prayer hall throughout the day. Devotees from across India and the global Sikh diaspora visit the gurdwara to pay their respects to the martyrs and seek spiritual solace. The atmosphere is one of quiet devotion, communal solidarity, and remembrance. The gurdwara also functions as a centre for community services, most notably the Langar — the free community kitchen that offers meals to all visitors regardless of caste, creed, religion, or socioeconomic background. This practice, instituted by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalised by Guru Amar Das Ji, is one of the most powerful expressions of the Sikh values of equality (Sarbat da Bhala) and selfless service (Seva). Volunteers from the local Sangat (congregation) contribute their time and resources to keep the Langar running daily. Gurudwara Shahidan also plays an active role in commemorating key anniversaries in the Sikh calendar, including the martyrdom days (Shaheedi Gurpurabs) of the Sikh Gurus and celebrated warriors of the faith. These occasions draw large gatherings of devotees and are marked by special kirtan programmes, Akhand Paaths (uninterrupted readings of the Guru Granth Sahib), and processions that reconnect the community with its legacy of sacrifice and resilience. Community ### Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib India 1.3 km away Open daily, approximately 4:00 AM to 10:... Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib is a historically significant Sikh shrine located near Chattiwind Gate in the holy city of Amritsar, Punjab, India. The gurdwara is intimately associated with Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, and stands as one of the revered historical gurdwaras within the sacred landscape of Amritsar. The name 'Bibeksar' is derived from two Punjabi words: 'Bibek,' meaning wisdom or discernment, and 'Sar,' meaning lake or pool — together denoting the 'Lake of Wisdom,' a reflection of the deep spiritual philosophy embedded in this site. At the heart of the gurdwara lies the Bibeksar Sarovar, a sacred tank believed to have been personally commissioned by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji in 1628 CE. The sarovar is considered holy by Sikhs, and a dip in its waters is believed to purify the soul and bestow spiritual clarity. Surrounding the sarovar is a peaceful garden that tradition holds was a favorite retreat of the Guru, who sought communion with nature and meditated in its serene environs. Among the most treasured features of the gurdwara complex is a historic Kareer tree (Capparis decidua), believed to be the very tree to which Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji would tie his horse during his visits to this site during hunting expeditions. This tree is considered sacred by devotees and is treated with great reverence. The gurdwara structure itself was later constructed under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, as part of his broader effort to build and restore gurdwaras across Punjab. Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib serves as a place of daily worship, congregation (sangat), and community service. Like all gurdwaras, it upholds the Sikh principles of Seva (selfless service) and Simran (meditation and prayer). Continuous recitation of Gurbani (sacred scripture) fills the prayer hall, and the langar (community kitchen) provides free meals to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or social status. The gurdwara is managed and maintained under the aegis of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body overseeing historical Sikh shrines in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Community ### ਗੁਰੂਦੁਆਰਾ ਬਿਬੇਕਸਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ Verka, India 1.3 km away ਗੁਰੂਦੁਆਰਾ ਬਿਬੇਕਸਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ 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, ਗੁਰੂਦੁਆਰਾ ਬਿਬੇਕਸਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ 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 Toot Sahib is intertwined with the remarkable era of early Sikhism in Amritsar, a period spanning the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries when the city was being established as the supreme centre of the Sikh faith. The most widely accepted historical tradition holds that Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563–1606), the fifth Sikh Guru and compiler of the Adi Granth (the precursor to the Guru Granth Sahib), frequently visited this location, finding rest and solace in the shade of a large mulberry tree that stood at this spot. Guru Arjan Dev was at this time deeply engaged in one of the most transformative periods of Sikh history — overseeing the excavation of the sacred tank (sarovar) at Amritsar and supervising the construction of Harmandir Sahib, completed around 1604. His regular passage through this area made the mulberry tree a natural stopping point, and the spiritual aura he carried with him is said to have sanctified the ground permanently. A second and complementary historical tradition attributes a key act of sanctification to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (1595–1644), the sixth Sikh Guru and son of Guru Arjan Dev. According to this account, Guru Hargobind would tie his horse to the mulberry tree and sit on the raised platform beneath it. Guru Hargobind was known as a warrior-saint who introduced the concept of Miri-Piri (temporal and spiritual sovereignty) to Sikhism, and his presence at this site adds a dimension of martial-spiritual heritage to the gurdwara's legacy. The site's further historical importance is underscored by its association with Baba Budha Sahib Ji (1506–1631), one of the most long-lived and revered Sikhs in history, who served as the head granthi at Harmandir Sahib and personally anointed five Gurus from Guru Angad Dev to Guru Hargobind. Bhai Gurdas Ji, the celebrated Sikh theologian and scribe who wrote down the Adi Granth under Guru Arjan Dev's dictation, is also traditionally linked to this sacred location, as is the devoted Sikh Bhai Manj Sahib Ji. The original mulberry tree no longer stands, but the memory of these extraordinary associations has been preserved through continuous religious observance at the site across generations. A gurdwara structure was established here to formally mark and protect the sacred location, and it has served the Sikh community of the Sultanvind area ever since. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central prayer hall houses the Guru Granth Sahib on a decorated palki (canopied throne). Devotees sit on the carpeted floor for prayers and kirtan. The hall is the spiritual heart of the complex and is open for congregational worship throughout the day. ### Sacred Platform (Chabutra) prayer_hall A raised platform believed to mark the spot where the Sikh Gurus and their associates sat beneath the original mulberry (toot) tree. This platform represents the core historical memory of the gurdwara and is the primary reason for the site's sanctity. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where free meals are prepared and served to all visitors without distinction of faith or background. Volunteers (sevadars) assist with cooking, serving, and cleaning as an act of sewa (selfless service). ### Nishan Sahib (Flagpole) entrance The tall flagpole flying the triangular saffron Sikh flag (Khanda symbol) that marks the gurdwara's location and is visible from a distance. Raising and lowering of the flag is accompanied by ardas (prayer). ### Shoe Storage (Joota Ghar) entrance A dedicated shoe storage area at the entrance of the gurdwara where visitors remove and safely store their footwear before entering the sacred precincts, as is mandatory at all Sikh gurdwaras. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering is mandatory for all visitors; shoes must be removed before entering; modest clothing required; wash hands and feet at the entrance ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in the outer premises; be respectful and seek permission before photographing inside the prayer hall ### Etiquette Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering; sit cross-legged on the floor; do not turn your back to the Guru Granth Sahib; accept langar with both hands; maintain silence and reverence in the prayer hall; do not bring alcohol or tobacco onto the premises ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Serves the local congregation and visitors; capacity consistent with a community-level gurdwara Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Toot Sahib follows the characteristic aesthetic of traditional Punjabi Sikh shrine architecture, featuring a whitewashed exterior adorned with modest yet devotional design elements. The main prayer hall (Darbar Sahib) houses the Guru Granth Sahib on a raised, canopied platform, providing the focal point for congregational worship. The building is believed to incorporate a raised platform (chabutra) that marks the approximate location where the Gurus and their associates traditionally sat beneath the mulberry tree, preserving the sacred geography of the original site. The complex includes a langar hall where free meals are prepared and served to all visitors, following the universal Sikh tradition of communal hospitality. The gurdwara features a flagpole (Nishan Sahib) flying the triangular saffron-coloured Sikh flag, visible from a distance and marking the sacred space. As is common with community gurdwaras in Amritsar's neighbourhoods, the structure is maintained by the local sangat (congregation). The gurdwara's relatively modest scale compared to the larger shrines in Amritsar is consistent with its role as a neighbourhood place of worship, though its historical connections lend it an importance that transcends its physical size. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central prayer hall houses the Guru Granth Sahib on a decorated palki (canopied throne). Devotees sit on the carpeted floor for prayers and kirtan. The hall is the spiritual heart of the complex and is open for congregational worship throughout the day. ### Sacred Platform (Chabutra) prayer_hall A raised platform believed to mark the spot where the Sikh Gurus and their associates sat beneath the original mulberry (toot) tree. This platform represents the core historical memory of the gurdwara and is the primary reason for the site's sanctity. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where free meals are prepared and served to all visitors without distinction of faith or background. Volunteers (sevadars) assist with cooking, serving, and cleaning as an act of sewa (selfless service). ### Nishan Sahib (Flagpole) entrance The tall flagpole flying the triangular saffron Sikh flag (Khanda symbol) that marks the gurdwara's location and is visible from a distance. Raising and lowering of the flag is accompanied by ardas (prayer). ### Shoe Storage (Joota Ghar) entrance A dedicated shoe storage area at the entrance of the gurdwara where visitors remove and safely store their footwear before entering the sacred precincts, as is mandatory at all Sikh gurdwaras. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Arjan Dev Ji Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day) Observed in May/June (Jeth month), this is one of the most significant observances at Toot Sahib given the gurdwara's direct connection to Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Special akhand paths (uninterrupted readings of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, and extended langar are held to honour the fifth Guru's sacrifice. #### Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Guru closely associated with this site, is celebrated with special prayers, kirtan programmes, and langar. The occasion holds particular meaning at Toot Sahib given the Guru's personal connection to the sacred mulberry tree here. #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikhism, is celebrated with great devotion. Prabhat pheris (early morning processions), akhand path, kirtan, and langar mark the occasion, which typically falls in October/November (Kartik Puranmashi). ### festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi (usually April 13–14) marks the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 and is one of the most joyous Sikh festivals. The gurdwara holds special congregational prayers, kirtan, and langar on this day, with large community participation from the Sultanvind neighbourhood and wider Amritsar. #### Diwali / Bandi Chhor Divas Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas on Diwali to commemorate Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji's release from Gwalior Fort along with 52 imprisoned kings. Given this gurdwara's special connection to Guru Hargobind, this festival is observed with particular devotion, including illumination of the gurdwara premises and special diwan. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Toot Sahib is generally open from approximately 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, following the standard schedule of gurdwaras in Amritsar. Morning prayers (Nitnem) begin at dawn, and evening prayers (Rehras and Kirtan Sohila) are held at dusk. Visitors are welcome throughout the day. No. Like all Sikh gurdwaras, entry to Gurdwara Toot Sahib is completely free of charge for visitors of all faiths, nationalities, and backgrounds. Free langar (community meals) is also provided to all visitors. All visitors must cover their head before entering the gurdwara — scarves, dupattas, or cloth bandanas are usually available at the entrance. Shoes must be removed and left in the shoe storage area. Modest, respectful clothing covering shoulders and legs is recommended. Smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are not permitted on the premises. Yes, langar (free community kitchen) is available at Gurdwara Toot Sahib, as it is at all gurdwaras. Meals are served throughout the day to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or background, embodying the Sikh principle of equality and sewa (selfless service). Volunteers wishing to help with langar seva can approach the gurdwara's management. ### history Toot Sahib commemorates a sacred mulberry tree (toot in Punjabi) under which Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, is said to have regularly rested during his time in Amritsar. The sixth Guru, Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, also blessed the site by tying his horse to the tree and sitting on the platform below it. Luminaries such as Baba Budha Sahib Ji, Bhai Gurdas Ji, and Bhai Manj Sahib Ji are also traditionally associated with this site. Gurdwara Toot Sahib is associated with two Sikh Gurus: Guru Arjan Dev Ji (fifth Guru, 1563–1606), who is said to have regularly rested beneath the mulberry tree at this spot, and Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (sixth Guru, 1595–1644), who is traditionally said to have tied his horse to the same tree. The site is also connected to revered Sikhs including Baba Budha Sahib Ji, Bhai Gurdas Ji, and Bhai Manj Sahib Ji. ### transport The gurdwara is located in the Sultanvind area of Amritsar, near S. Mehar Singh Hospital and Pathran Vali Park. From the Golden Temple area (city centre), it is approximately a 10–15 minute drive southeast. Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cabs (Ola/Uber) are readily available. The nearest railway station is Amritsar Junction, approximately 4–6 km away, and Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is roughly 12–14 km distant. 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