Gurdwara Janam Asthan- Pakistan

Address

Gurdwara Janam Asthan- Buchey Ki Road, Nankana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistan

Deity

Guru Nanak

Introduction

• Also Known As: Gurdwara Nankana Sahib.
• Location:
  • City: Nankana Sahib, near Lahore.
  • Distance from Lahore: Approximately 65 kilometers.
• Historical Name: Formerly known as Rāi Bhoi Kī Talvaṇḍī, renamed in honor of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Puranic Significance

• Initial Structure:
  • A room was initially built by Baba Lakhmi Das, Guru Nanak’s son, or possibly by his grandson Baba Dharam Chand.
  • This room was known as “Kalu ka Kotha” (house of Mehta Kalu, Guru Nanak’s father) and later referred to as “Nanakayan” (home of Guru Nanak).
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Contribution:
  • The current building was constructed under the direction of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) at the urging of Akali Phula Singh and Baba Sahib Singh Bedi.
  • Features a domed square sanctum with a pavilion, situated on a spacious, raised platform.
  • An endowment of about 20,000 acres was made for the maintenance of the Guru ka Langar (community kitchen).
• Management History:
  • Initially managed by Udasi priests until the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee took over after the tragic events of February 20, 1921.
  • Following the 1947 partition, management transferred to the Waqf Board due to migration of the Sikh population.
  • In 1968, the number of Sikhs allowed to stay for daily services was reduced to 5, with further reductions in the 1980s.
  • Special permissions occasionally allowed batches of pilgrims from India to visit.
• 1921 Massacre:
  • 86 Sikhs were killed during the Nankana massacre on February 20, 1921.
  • The gurdwara complex is listed as a Protected Heritage Monument by the Archaeology Department of Punjab.

Special Features

• Birthplace of Guru Nanak:
  • Gurdwara Janam Asthan is believed to be the exact site where Guru Nanak was born to Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta.
• Pilgrimage Destination:
  • The gurdwara is part of an ensemble of nine significant gurdwaras in Nankana Sahib.
  • Frequently visited by Sikh yatris as part of a pilgrimage route in Pakistan.

Managed By

Archaeology Department of Punjab

Nearest Bus Station

Buchey Ki Road

Nearest Railway Station

Nankana Sahib Station

Nearest Airport

Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE / OPLA)Lahore

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