How Banaras Hindu University Foundation was laid

Baba Atar Singh ji of Mastuana

Baba Atar Singh (1866-1927), of Mastûâṇâ, the most charismatic figure in latter-day Sikh piety, was born on 13 March 1866 in the village of Chîmâ, in Saṅgrûr district of the Punjab

In 1914, Baba Atar Singh went to Banâras at the invitation of Paṇḍit Madan Mohan Mâlavîya to participate in the ceremonies for laying the foundation of the Sanskrit College. Mahârâjâ Ripudaman Siṅgh of Nâbhâ, who was an admirer of Baba Atar Siṅgh took him to Vârâṇasî in his own saloon. Under the tent near the site of the college, Baba Atar Siṅgh performed a series of five akhaṇḍ pâṭhs, or continuous, uninterrupted readings of the Gurû Granth Sâhib, Mahârâjâ Ripudaman Siṅgh saying the Rahrâsi every evening. As these recitations of the Gurû Granth Sâhib were concluded, Mahârâjâ Gaṅgâ Siṅgh of Bîkâner offered concrete in a silver plate and Santjî laid the foundation of the building by applying it to the eleven bricks of gold supplied by the Râjâ of Kâshî. After the ceremonies were over, Baba Atar Siṅgh remained in Vârâṇasî for a week as the guest of the Râjâ who treated him with deep reverence.