Batala

The city of Batala is the home town of Durga Devi, the mother of Shri Nathji. Babaji Maharaj who also inherited a large property from his inlaws famil,y was a very rich landlord of this city. This ancient city of Batala is a municipal council in Gurdaspur district in the state of Punjab, India. It is located about 30 kms from Gurdaspur, and 38 kms from Amritsar. The city was founded in 1465 CE by Raja Ram Deo, a Bhati Rajput, during the reign of Bahlul Lodi on a piece of land given by Tatar Khan who was the Governor of Lahore. Later, during the Mughal rule, Akbar gave it in jagir to his foster brother, Shamsher Khan. The city grew and developed under him. The whole city was lying within a fort. It had 12 gates as entrance and exit. These gates are still known by their old names e.g. Sheran wala Gate, Khajuri Gate, Bhandari Gate, Ohri Gate, Thathiari Gate, Hathi gate, Phari gate, etc

Batala is an important place for Sikh devotees. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh religion was married here to Sulakhni, the daughter of Mul Chand Chauna in 1485. Many temples and Gurdwaras related to the Guru's marriage attract devotees from near and far. Every year celebrations are conducted on the anniversary of Guru Nanak's marriage. Also it is an important place for Hindus as the most powerful god of Hindu culture Lord Shiva came here at Mandir Achleshwar Dham with 33 crore Devi and Devtas to make happy his son Kartike who was sad due to his loss of race from his brother and lord shiva's son ganesh. He was upset when Lord Ganesha circled his parents, Shiva and Paravati claiming to be the whole world, thus becoming victorious, while Lord Kartike actually went around the world. This temple also has a beautiful lake adjacent o it. (Photo of the temple and the lake is given)

Batala was once called as Iron bird of Asia as it produced highest amount of C.I.Casting, Agricultural and mechanical machinery. Batala is still one of the leading cities in northern India in maufacturing of C.I Casting and agricultural and mechanical machinery. It's an agricultural marketplace and industrial centre. Cotton ginning, weaving, sugar refining, rice milling, and manufacturing are some of other business taking place here.

 Among the historical places is thr The Jal Mahal and the palace of Maharaja Sher Singh were built by the Maharaja (CE 1780-1839). Also the tomb called Hazira.

 These are  under control of ASI. The palace of Maharaja Sher Singh reminds one of the love of rich architectural structures by Sikh rulers. This beautiful building with mud plastering was known to be part of Anarkali which was initially built along with Baradari as an imitation of Shalimar Garden of Lahore. The remnants of wall paintings and carvings can seen.

 Adjoining them is the beautiful Church of Batala Christian College.