Gurdwaras associated with Guru Nanak: The sacred footsteps of the first Sikh Guru

When one traces the luminous journey of Guru Nanak Dev Ji-the founder of Sikhism and the voice of divine unity-one does not just follow a life, but an eternal light that continues to illuminate millions. His message of “Ek Onkar” — the oneness of the Creator-resonated across mountains, deserts, and seas. During his lifetime, Guru Nanak undertook extensive travels, known as Udasis, to spread the universal message of truth, equality, compassion, and devotion. Across these journeys, sacred shrines-Gurdwaras-arose at places touched by his divine presence. Today, these gurdwaras stand as living chronicles of his teachings, faith, and humanity.
Let us journey through some of the most revered Gurdwaras associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, each narrating a story of spiritual transformation and timeless wisdom.
Gurdwara Nankana Sahib
The sacred town of Nankana Sahib, near Lahore in present-day Pakistan, holds unparalleled reverence as the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1469. Originally known as Talwandi, it was later renamed Nankana Sahib in his honor. The main shrine, Gurdwara Janam Asthan, stands where the divine infant was born to Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta. The serene complex includes shrines marking significant events of his early life-the sacred well from which his sister Bebe Nanaki drew water, and the site where young Nanak amazed the village priest by composing hymns in praise of the One Creator. Every year, Guru Nanak Gurpurab witnesses thousands of devotees gathering here, transcending borders in devotion and unity.
Gurdwara Panja Sahib
Nestled against the Margalla Hills, this gurdwara marks one of the most miraculous events in Guru Nanak’s life. When the local saint Wali Qandhari refused to share water with thirsty travelers, Guru Nanak caused a spring to emerge by lifting a rock. Wali Qandhari, enraged, hurled a boulder down the hill, but Guru Nanak stopped it with his hand-leaving his divine palm imprint (Panja) upon the stone. The gurdwara, built around this sacred rock, is now one of Sikhism’s holiest pilgrimage sites, symbolizing humility’s triumph over arrogance and the Guru’s infinite compassion.
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur
Kartarpur Sahib holds a sanctity unlike any other, for it was here that Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life in spiritual reflection and service. He tilled the land, established the first Sikh commune (Kartarpur meaning “Creator’s Town”), and taught the principles of honest living, Naam Simran (meditation on God’s name), and Kirat Karo (earn by honest means). Guru Nanak’s spirit of equality flourished here-Hindus and Muslims ate together in the Langar and prayed in unison. After his passing in 1539, both communities built memorials side by side, and today the magnificent Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur-accessible through the Kartarpur Corridor-stands as a beacon of peace between India and Pakistan.
Gurdwara Ber Sahib
At Sultanpur Lodhi, Guru Nanak’s spiritual awakening unfolded. While working as a storekeeper for the Nawab Daulat Khan, Nanak would spend hours immersed in divine contemplation. One dawn, he went to bathe in the Kali Bein rivulet and disappeared for three days. Upon returning, he proclaimed, “Na koi Hindu, na Musalman”-there is neither Hindu nor Muslim, only the One Divine. The sacred Ber tree under which he rested still stands at Gurdwara Ber Sahib, making it one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Sikhs. Every Gurpurab, Sultanpur Lodhi transforms into a radiant sea of devotion.
Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak
Just across the border from Kartarpur lies Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak, built at the site where Guru Nanak once meditated and later settled with his family before establishing Kartarpur. The gurdwara overlooks the Ravi River, and from its upper floors, devotees can view Kartarpur Sahib through telescopes-a vision that evokes deep emotion and longing. The annual Kartarpur Sahib Jor Mela sees pilgrims gathering in remembrance of the Guru’s last years.
Gurdwara Nanak Jhira Sahib
Far to the south, in Bidar, lies a shrine that bears witness to Guru Nanak’s compassion. When he found the town suffering from water scarcity, he miraculously caused a spring-Jhira-to gush forth from the hillside. The pristine water flows even today, symbolizing purity and grace. The gurdwara’s architecture blends Sikh simplicity with Deccan artistry, attracting pilgrims from across India, especially during Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations.
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib
Amid the rugged Himalayas, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib stands as a reminder of Guru Nanak’s journey to Tibet. According to legend, a demon attempted to crush the Guru with a boulder while he meditated. Miraculously, the rock softened, leaving his body’s impression intact while repelling the demon’s attack. The site, maintained by the Indian Army, is visited by both soldiers and travelers who find solace in its calm, high-altitude serenity-a meeting point of faith and fortitude.
Gurdwara Lakhpat Sahib
During his western Udasi, Guru Nanak visited Lakhpat-a once-thriving port city in Gujarat-on his way to Mecca and Medina. The gurdwara here preserves his wooden footwear, palki (palanquin), and handwritten manuscripts. The place reverberates with the Guru’s message that true pilgrimage lies not in travel alone, but in spiritual awakening. Lakhpat Sahib is a UNESCO-protected heritage site, symbolizing Guru Nanak’s global message of harmony.
Gurdwara Mattan Sahib
In the picturesque valley of Kashmir, Guru Nanak conversed with local Hindu priests and Sufi mystics at Mattan, emphasizing that true devotion is not bound by rituals but by inner purity. The gurdwara built here retains a sacred pond and stone slabs where the Guru is believed to have meditated, marking the northernmost trail of his spiritual journey.
A Tapestry of Faith Across Continents
From Nankana to Leh, from Bidar to Lakhpat-Guru Nanak’s footprints span the length and breadth of South Asia, echoing his timeless message of “Sarbat da Bhala”-the welfare of all. Each gurdwara dedicated to his memory is not merely a structure of stone and marble, but a living symbol of his universal vision: that all humanity is one, and service to others is service to God.
These shrines are not museums of the past; they are pulsating centers of spiritual vitality, where the hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib continue to resound, and where the fragrance of Langar unites rich and poor alike. As we bow our heads at these sacred sites, we are reminded that Guru Nanak’s journey never ended-it continues within every seeker who walks the path of truth, humility, and love.