Sikh Pilgrimage Heritage Trail Map of Pakistan
This Map is dedicated to all Sikh Pilgrims from all over the world on the birthday occasion of Guru Nanak which is going to be celebrated this month. I hope this effort will be useful for many pilgrims and tourists. Being a Lahori and Punjabi i really want to say from bottom of my heart Welcome to Pakistan.
Assam Artist ( Designer / Cartographer )
Pakistan is home to some of the most sacred sites in Sikhism, making it a key destination for Sikh pilgrims. Approximately 80% of Sikh heritage sites and shrines are located in Pakistan, including places that hold profound historical and spiritual significance. One of the most notable is Kartarpur, where Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last 18 years of his life. This is also where he appointed Guru Angad Dev Ji as his successor, establishing an important tradition within the faith.
Before the partition of India in 1947, over two million Sikhs lived in the regions of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar. Today, some of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Pakistan include Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, where his handprint is believed to be imprinted on a boulder, Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, where the fifth Sikh Guru, Arjan Dev Ji, passed away, and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Ji spent his final years and gathered the early Sikh community.
The Pakistani government has made extensive efforts to preserve and restore these sites, aiming to welcome Sikh pilgrims from around the world. In 2019, the Kartarpur Corridor was opened, allowing Sikh devotees easier access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib through a simplified border crossing and e-visa service. Key Sikh religious days are celebrated in Pakistan with respect and enthusiasm, and the government is committed to continuing initiatives that make it easier for Sikhs globally to visit their sacred sites and engage in their faith.
To enhance the experience for those exploring Sikh heritage, Pakistan has also developed two heritage trails, each highlighting important pilgrimage locations across the country. More details on these routes and their significance are provided on the following pages.
Sikhs Gurduwaras in Pakistan
Pakistan is home to many historically significant Sikh Gurdwaras, holding deep spiritual importance for Sikhs worldwide. Here are some of the most prominent Gurdwaras located across the country:
- Gurdwara Janam Asthan (Nankana Sahib)
Located in the city of Nankana Sahib, Punjab, this is one of the holiest Sikh shrines, as it marks the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, born here in 1469. It’s a major pilgrimage site, especially during Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary, attracting thousands of devotees from around the world. - Gurdwara Darbar Sahib (Kartarpur)
Situated in Kartarpur, near the Pakistan-India border, this Gurdwara is significant because Guru Nanak spent his final years here, setting up a community and engaging in farming. In 2019, the Kartarpur Corridor was inaugurated, allowing Indian pilgrims to visit without a visa, easing access for Sikhs to this sacred site. - Gurdwara Panja Sahib (Hasan Abdal)
Located in Hasan Abdal, Punjab, this Gurdwara is famed for the “panja” or handprint on a rock, believed to be that of Guru Nanak. It is an important stop on the Sikh pilgrimage trail, especially during Vaisakhi and Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary. - Gurdwara Dera Sahib (Lahore)
Near the Lahore Fort, this Gurdwara honors the memory of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, who was martyred in 1606. Its historical significance and location in Lahore make it a well-visited site for Sikhs, especially during commemorative occasions. - Samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (Lahore)
Although not a Gurdwara, this site in Lahore commemorates the final resting place of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the leader of the Sikh Empire, who unified much of northwest India, including Punjab. His samadhi is located near Gurdwara Dera Sahib and holds cultural and historical significance for Sikhs. - Gurdwara Rori Sahib (Eminabad)
This Gurdwara is located in Eminabad, where Guru Nanak stayed briefly during his travels. It commemorates the story where he spent a night on a bed of pebbles, leading to the name “Rori Sahib.” - Gurdwara Sacha Sauda (Farooqabad, Sheikhupura)
This Gurdwara commemorates a notable event in Guru Nanak’s life. It’s believed that Guru Nanak performed a “true bargain” by using his father’s money to feed the hungry instead of trading goods. The term “Sacha Sauda” means “true bargain,” reflecting Guru Nanak’s compassionate teachings. - Gurdwara Chakki Sahib (Eminabad)
Another site associated with Guru Nanak’s travels, this Gurdwara marks the location where he was imprisoned by Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire. According to legend, Guru Nanak miraculously operated a hand mill (chakki) without grains, symbolizing strength and resilience. - Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh (Peshawar)
Named after Bhai Joga Singh, a devoted disciple of Guru Gobind Singh, this Gurdwara honors the story of his unwavering faith and loyalty. It is an important site for Sikh devotees visiting Peshawar. - Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi (Lahore)
This Gurdwara marks Guru Nanak’s first visit to Lahore and is located near the famous Data Darbar. It’s one of the sites highlighting Guru Nanak’s travels and the spread of Sikhism in the region. - Gurdwara Sri Rorhi Sahib (Gujranwala)
Situated in Gujranwala, this Gurdwara is also tied to Guru Nanak’s stay in the area. Like Gurdwara Rori Sahib in Eminabad, it highlights the themes of simplicity and humility in Guru Nanak’s teachings. - Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Singh Singhania (Lahore)
This historic site is dedicated to Sikh martyrs who fought in battles during the Mughal era. Although its structure has changed over time, it holds cultural importance as a memorial. - Gurdwara Sri Patshahi Chhevin (Dera Sahib, Lahore)
This Gurdwara is dedicated to the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind. Known for his efforts to establish Sikh sovereignty and defend Sikh values, this site symbolizes resistance and resilience in Sikh history. - Gurdwara Bhai Biba Singh Ji (Lahore)
Named after Bhai Biba Singh, a prominent Sikh preacher, this Gurdwara commemorates his work spreading the teachings of Sikhism in the region. - Gurdwara Bhai Taru Singh Ji (Lahore)
Dedicated to Bhai Taru Singh, a revered martyr in Sikh history, this Gurdwara memorializes his sacrifice for his faith under Mughal rule. His story is one of courage and steadfastness in Sikhism.
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