Famous Gurdwaras In Pakistan
Sikhism, a religious ideology that originated in the subcontinent in the late 15th century, has strong roots in Pakistan. With a shared border separating Pakistan and India, the religion is widely practiced in both countries, particularly Punjab. Hence, some of the most famous Gurdwaras in Pakistan are situated in this region.
It is also important to mention that Sikhism is considered the fifth-largest religion in the world. Its founder, Baba Guru Nanak, was born in 1469 in Nankana Sahib, near Lahore. The site is now home to the highly revered Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, also known as Gurdwara Janam Asthan. It is also among the most visited sacred sites for Sikhs, seen by many devotees all around the year.
Regardless of location, many of the Gurdwaras in Pakistan feature similar architectural elements and layouts. This signifies unity and offers a sense of belonging to Sikhs in Pakistan and those residing in other countries.
FAMOUS GURDWARAS IN PAKISTAN
Let’s explore some of the most famous Gurdwaras in Pakistan and learn about their historical significance.
GURDWARA NANKANA SAHIB
Situated approximately 75 kilometers southwest of Lahore, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib is one of the most prestigious holy sites for Sikhs in Pakistan. It marks the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak and represents the home where he grew up and began preaching the religion.
The expansive compound of the Gurdwara is built in a rectangular orientation. It comprises a central square, a holy water pool called Saroor Sahib, the memorial of Sardar Lachman Singh, and Sikh Shaheedi inside a glass room. The walled complex also encompasses around 500 spaces for Sikh pilgrims and a vast kitchen, dining room, and sitting area where the devotees can eat and relax.
Moreover, the Gurdwara’s exterior is painted in light yellow hues. A majestic golden door, which serves as the main entrance to the sacred site, is beautifully carved with holy scripture and depictions of Sikh gurus. The main square also has a memorial for Punjabi Sikh Sangat, with an ancient tree planted in the middle.
Meanwhile, the main building inside Gurdwara Nankana Sahib consists of two stories and features white domes at the top with floral bases and symbols of inverted lotuses. It is also important to note that much of the compound is roofless, while the floor is made of pristine white marble that shines brightly under the sun.
In 2019, former Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation of Nankana Sahib University in Nankana Sahib.
GURDWARA DARBAR SAHIB
Located in the beautiful town of Kartarpur in Tehsil Shakargarh, Gurdwara Dera Sahib, or Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, is one of the most significant holy sites for Sikhs in the world. It is also where Baba Guru Nanak spent his final years.
In 2019, the Government of Pakistan inaugurated the 4.2-kilometer-long passage between Dera Baba Nanak in India and the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in the Narowal district. This corridor of “international peace and harmony” allowed Sikh devotees across the border to visit the Gurdwara without visa restrictions. The authorities in Pakistan also provided the pilgrims motel facilities to facilitate their stay.
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib covers an area of over 400 acres, which includes the main complex spanning 42 acres. The rest of the land is dedicated to water pools, communal kitchens, vegetation, hotels, handicraft shops, parking spaces, and other facilities. The complex also features a holy well, which has recently been renovated and opened for the pilgrims. This is the same well that Guru Nanak used to water the fields during his last years. Its water, called Amrit Jal, is sacred to the Sikhs.
Moreover, the main compound of the Gurdwara is shaped like a rectangle and has four visually distinguished entry points with intricately designed marble archways. Moreover, apart from the central structure in the vast courtyard, the entire area is unroofed.
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is one of the most prominent monuments in Pakistan.
GURDWARA PANJA SAHIB
Built under the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh between 1780 and 1839, Gurdwara Panja Sahib is also among the most sacred holy sites for Sikhs in Pakistan. This majestic structure is located in Hassan Abdal, about 48 kilometers from Rawalpindi. It is also considered a symbol of peace and harmony. Both Hindus and Sikhs visit this Gurdwara for pilgrimage twice a year.
Moreover, this site has a unique history. The word ‘Panja’ refers to the palm in Punjabi, and this is where the Gurdwara’s name comes from. As the story goes, Guru Nanak once used the site for meditation. One day, another holy man meditating at the top of the mountain hurled a rock toward him. However, the founder of Sikhism could stop the rock with his hand, leaving his imprint on it. That rock is still present inside the Gurdwara and has been preserved in its original shape.
The architecture of this Gurdwara Panja Sahib is also rather spectacular. The magnificent building consists of a hostel for pilgrims, a large courtyard, a pool, and the main temple. The hostel comprises 376 rooms, and all visitors receive free food from the temple’s kitchen. A large dining hall was also added to the main complex in 2011, accommodating over 1,000 people at a time.
GURDWARA DERA SAHIB
An epitome of Sikh architectural heritage, Gurdwara Dera Sahib is situated in the historic Walled City of Lahore. Owing to its location near Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort – two of the most prominent tourist attractions in the bustling city, this Gurdwara receives many visitors yearly. It was built in 1619 by Guru Hargobind before being expanded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
This Gurdwara was constructed to mark the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who drowned in the Ravi River that used to flow next to the site. He was the fifth Guru of Sikhism and was the first to compile the Adi Granth, the primary Sikh scripture. The holy book still resides in Gurdwara Dera Sahib. It is considered a living Guru, serving as a predecessor to the series of the ten human Gurus that ended at Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj.
Meanwhile, the architecture of this stately building presents a perfect fusion between traditional Mughal and Sikh designs. Its golden dome depicts intricate artwork with frescoes, multi-foil arches, and in-lay works inspired by the landmarks constructed during the era of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Its beautiful dome roof is adorned with paintings of Guru Nanak and floral carvings.
Gurdwara Dera Sahib has a square passageway and a communal kitchen and dining area to facilitate pilgrims visiting the site from all over the world.
GURDWARA RORI SAHIB
The red brick building of Gurdwara Rori Sahib is one of the most popular attractions near Gujranwala. The religious landmark is in Eminabad, about 15 kilometers from the City of Wrestlers. Maharaja Ranjit Singh built it to commemorate where Guru Nanak once took refuge.
The main building of the Gurdwara comprises three floors and features three large domes. The entire structure is made from cut and molded bricks, which adds to its architectural beauty. Although this site is not as significant as other Gurdwaras mentioned in this list, it is still pretty magnificent. However, while the primary structure is made from red bricks, the secondary structure is white and consists of one hall. It also has a large white dome, visible from a distance. The compound of the Gurdwara has a rectangular courtyard that connects the entrance to the temple. The site also has a pool for ablution.
Furthermore, the term ‘rori’ refers to pebbles or debris in Punjabi. According to Sikh lore, Guru Nanak spent a night at this site after piles of stones and other debris. Though it needs to be clarified when the Gurdwara was established, historians believe the structure was initially found more than 200 years ago.
Before the partition in 1947, the lush green area surrounding Gurdwara Rori Sahib was famous for its colorful Baisakhi festival. Today, Sikh and Hindu pilgrims visit this sacred site in great numbers.
GURDWARA KALI DEVI
Yet another essential site for Sikhs in Pakistan, Gurdwara Kali Devi, is located on the main road beyond the Topan Wala crossroad in Dera Ismail Khan. The architecture of this historical building is quite different from that of most other Gurdwaras in the country, as it doesn’t feature any marble flooring or large domes. Instead, its appearance is closer to that of an ancient Hindu temple, which is what it once used to be.
According to the legend, this Gurdwara was once a temple for the Hindu goddess Kali. When Guru Nanak visited the settlement, he decided to stay some distance from this religious monument. However, it is believed that the idol fell when he entered the town. The priest at the temple immediately picked it up, but it failed again. They eventually discovered that a holy man had arrived in the area and wondered if the idol kept toppling due to his presence.
When the priest visited him to inquire about the incident, Guru Nanak explained the basics of the Sikh religion. Soon, the priest became one of his disciples, and the worship of idols was abolished at the temple. After a few years, Hindu priests again began worshipping the standard in the same building, which resulted in it being called Gurdwara Kali Devi.
The main complex of this Gurdwara is centuries old, yet it is still standing tall. There is also a school located within the premises.
GURDWARA BHAI JOGA SINGH
Built by Hari Singh Nalwah, a prominent general in the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh is one of the most well-known historical monuments in the old walled city of Peshawar. It is located in Mohalla Jogan Shah Qissa Khawani, near the famous Namak Mandi. Although the religious site was closed at the time of the partition, the government of Pakistan reopened it for Sikh pilgrims in 1980. However, it is in dire need of repair and renovation.
The history of this building dates back over 200 years. It was initially founded by a companion of Guru Bhai Joga Singh, who hails from Peshawar. Years later, following the annexation of the city by the Khalsa Army, Nalwah rebuilt the complex. Shortly before the partition, a rich Sikh transporter named Bahi Jay Mal renovated and expanded the compound, giving the site its current design and shape.
Despite its delipidated state, Gurdwara Guru Bhai Joga Singh remains a consecrated site for the local Sikh community.