Gurdwara Darbar Sahib
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, also known as Kartarpur Sahib, stands as a symbol of peace and unity on the border of Pakistan and India. Built on the site where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent his final years, this holy sanctuary is deeply revered by Sikhs around the world. The Kartarpur Corridor, opened in 2019, now allows Indian pilgrims rare visa-free access, enhancing the shrine's role as a beacon of interfaith harmony.
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, or Kartarpur Sahib, is a historical and sacred place in Kartarpur, Pakistan. It sits within the Narowal District of Punjab Province and has deep roots in Sikh history, drawing pilgrims from around the world. The gurdwara was established on the very land where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, settled after years of travel and preaching. This serene spot became his home, his place of worship, and his final resting place. Guru Nanak’s time in Kartarpur was marked by a life of simplicity, meditation, farming, and community building—setting the foundations of the Sikh principles of honest work, sharing, and remembrance of God.
One of the most remarkable features of Kartarpur Sahib is its proximity to the India-Pakistan border. Situated only a few kilometers from India, the shrine is visible from the Indian side, where Sikhs gather during important religious days, such as Gurpurab, to glimpse the holy site from afar. This closeness led to the historic opening of the Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, 2019, just before the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak’s birth. The corridor allows Indian pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib visa-free, a rare opportunity given the tense border relations. This corridor has thus come to represent peace and a bridge between the two nations, symbolizing the shared cultural heritage and spiritual values.
Kartarpur Sahib is not just architecturally stunning but is also one of the world’s largest gurdwaras. The main shrine was built in 1925 by Sardar Bhupindar Singh, the Maharaja of Patiala. Through the years, the gurdwara has undergone numerous restorations and expansions, including the addition of a grand courtyard, museum, library, and other facilities that span over 42 acres. A well believed to have been used by Guru Nanak himself still stands on the site, adding to the spiritual significance for devotees.
The land of Kartarpur is steeped in stories from Guru Nanak’s life. Here, he emphasized his teachings of equality, regardless of caste, religion, or gender, and advocated for universal brotherhood. After his death in 1539, there was a dispute between Hindu and Muslim devotees over how to honor his remains. According to legend, upon lifting the cloth covering Guru Nanak’s body, only fresh flowers were found beneath, which were then divided between both communities for burial and cremation. This story reflects the unifying spirit of Guru Nanak’s teachings that Kartarpur embodies.
Inside the gurdwara, historical records and personal belongings associated with Guru Nanak are preserved, adding to the significance of Kartarpur Sahib. Among the shrine’s valuable artifacts is a handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, which holds deep historical and spiritual importance.
The opening of the Kartarpur Corridor was a major diplomatic achievement, symbolizing a shared desire for peace. While relations between India and Pakistan have often been strained, the corridor’s inauguration brought together leaders from both sides, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan receiving pilgrims and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanking Pakistan for this humanitarian gesture. The inauguration ceremony was an emotional event, as over 550 Indian pilgrims were able to cross the corridor and pay homage. Leaders recited poetry from both sides in celebration of Guru Nanak’s message, including verses from Muhammad Iqbal’s Bang-e-Dara, fostering a spirit of unity and respect.
Today, Kartarpur Sahib remains a pilgrimage destination for millions of Sikhs and people of all faiths who cherish Guru Nanak’s message of love, compassion, and equality. The Kartarpur Corridor has strengthened this sacred site’s role as a unifying symbol, inspiring people worldwide to see it as a place where humanity rises above borders.
