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Historical Significance
Gurudwara Sri Darbar Sahib, located in Kartarpur (Narowal District, Pakistan), is one of the holiest sites in Sikhism. It is built at the place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last 18 years of his life preaching equality, simplicity, and devotion. It is also the sacred site where Guru Nanak merged with the Divine in 1539, making it a deeply revered pilgrimage destination for Sikhs across the globe.
The Gurudwara stands on the banks of the Ravi River, radiating serenity and symbolizing Guru Nanak’s message of universal brotherhood.
Architectural Beauty
The shrine has been rebuilt and restored several times, most recently by the Government of Pakistan in 2019, coinciding with the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- The structure is elegant and expansive, with pristine white domes and marble flooring.
- The Darbar Hall houses the Guru Granth Sahib, where daily prayers and kirtan are held.
- Surrounding courtyards and serene gardens create a spiritual and peaceful atmosphere.
The Kartarpur Corridor
One of the most significant developments in recent history is the Kartarpur Corridor, inaugurated in November 2019.
- It allows Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit the shrine without a visa, traveling from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur (Punjab, India) directly to Kartarpur.
- This cross-border corridor is hailed as a symbol of peace and devotion, bridging communities divided by borders.
- Pilgrims can undertake a day-long yatra to pay obeisance at Guru Nanak’s final resting place.
Religious Importance
- Daily Kirtan & Ardas: Pilgrims immerse themselves in the soulful recitation of Gurbani.
- Guru Nanak’s Samadhi and Grave: Tradition holds that both Hindus and Muslims laid claim to Guru Nanak after his passing, leading to the construction of both a samadhi (Hindu tradition) and a grave (Muslim tradition) side by side. The Gurudwara thus symbolizes harmony and unity.
- Langar: Free community meals are served to all visitors, upholding Guru Nanak’s principle of equality.
How to Reach
- From India (via Kartarpur Corridor):
- Nearest town: Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district, Punjab, India.
- Pilgrims register online and enter through the specially constructed corridor.
- From Pakistan:
- Located about 120 km from Lahore and 55 km from Sialkot.
- Accessible by road from major towns and cities in Punjab, Pakistan.
Best Time to Visit
- November: During Guru Nanak Jayanti, the Gurpurab celebrations are at their peak, drawing thousands of devotees.
- Year-round: The Gurudwara remains open throughout the year, but winter and spring months are more comfortable for travel.
Things to Do
- Attend Prayers & Kirtan: Experience the divine atmosphere of Gurbani being recited in the Darbar Hall.
- Visit Samadhi & Grave: Reflect on the unity Guru Nanak represents by seeing the symbolic resting places.
- Partake in Langar: Share a simple yet sacred meal with fellow devotees.
- Explore Corridor Facilities: Witness the arrangements made for cross-border pilgrims.
- Contemplate by the Ravi River: Spend quiet moments by the river that flows close to the Gurudwara, a river Guru Nanak himself often visited.
Nearby Attractions
- Dera Baba Nanak Gurudwara, India: The counterpart shrine on the Indian side, marking the spot where Guru Nanak once gazed toward Kartarpur.
- Sialkot, Pakistan: Known for its heritage sites and temples.
- Lahore, Pakistan: Historic city with Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Hazuri Bagh.
✨ Gurudwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur is more than a shrine – it is a bridge across borders, faiths, and humanity. It stands as a timeless beacon of Guru Nanak’s message of peace, humility, and universal brotherhood