Nankana Sahib

Nankana Sahib is one of the most significant and revered cities for the Sikh community. It holds immense historical and spiritual value as it is the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.

Key Facts about Nankana Sahib:

• Location: Nankana Sahib is located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, approximately 75 kilometers west of Lahore. The city is historically tied to the Sikh faith and remains a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide.

• Historical Background:

  • Originally known as Rai-Bhoi-Di Talwandi, the city was renamed Nankana Sahib by Rai Bhullar Bhatti, the grandson of the founder Rai Bhoi, in honor of the birth of Guru Nanak.

  • Guru Nanak spent his early years here, from where he began his divine calling and spiritual journey that eventually led to the establishment of Sikhism.

• Gurdwara Janam Asthan:

  • The Gurdwara Janam Asthan (also known as Nankana Sahib Gurdwara) is the central shrine located at the site where Guru Nanak is believed to have been born in 1469.

  • The shrine was constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the leader of the Sikh Empire, after he visited the site in 1818-19 while returning from the Battle of Multan. His visit marked the beginning of efforts to preserve and promote the religious significance of Nankana Sahib.

• Other Important Shrines:

  • In addition to Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib is home to several other shrines that commemorate key events in the life of Guru Nanak:

    • Gurdwara Patti Sahib: Where Guru Nanak is said to have received his divine call.

    • Gurdwara Bal Leela: Associated with Guru Nanak’s childhood.

    • Gurdwara Mal Ji Sahib: Linked to significant teachings of Guru Nanak.

    • Gurdwara Kiara Sahib: Where Guru Nanak performed a miracle.

    • Gurdwara Tambu Sahib: Remains an important site.

  • Gurdwaras dedicated to other Gurus, such as Guru Arjan (5th Guru) and Guru Hargobind (6th Guru), are also found here. Guru Hargobind visited Nankana Sahib in 1621-22 and paid homage to the site.

Recent Developments:

There has been significant political and religious discourse surrounding access to Nankana Sahib. Recently, political parties and Sikh organizations have urged the Indian government to reconsider its decision to restrict processing applications for pilgrimages to Nankana Sahib, especially during important religious events like the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The Indian government had asked state governments not to process such applications, raising concerns among Sikh bodies about the limitations being imposed on religious freedom and pilgrimage rights.

Importance of Nankana Sahib:

1. Religious Significance: For Sikhs, Nankana Sahib is the holiest site, akin to Mecca for Muslims or Jerusalem for Jews and Christians. It is where the foundation of Sikhism was laid, and it continues to be a place of immense spiritual importance.

2. Cultural and Historical Value: Nankana Sahib is not just a place of worship, but also a center for the preservation of Sikh culture, history, and teachings. It attracts millions of pilgrims annually who come to celebrate Gurpurabs (religious festivals) and to seek blessings.

3. Symbol of Sikh-Pakistan Relations: Nankana Sahib holds a special place in the cultural and historical ties between India and Pakistan, as it is a symbol of the shared heritage of the two countries. The site has been a focal point of Sikh pilgrimage and interfaith dialogue.

Conclusion:

Nankana Sahib is a deeply significant spiritual landmark for Sikhs and represents not just the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, but also the core values of unity, peace, and spiritual equality that he espoused. Despite the political challenges, its sacredness continues to inspire millions of Sikhs around the world. The ongoing debates about access to Nankana Sahib highlight the importance of preserving religious freedoms and pilgrimage rights.