The Sacred Birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Gurdwara Janam Asthan, located in Nankana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistan, is the revered birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Situated approximately 75 kilometers west of Lahore, this sacred site attracts thousands of Sikh pilgrims annually, especially during significant events like the Gurpurab (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak.
Historical Significance
The original gurdwara at this site was constructed in the 16th century by Baba Dharam Chand, the grandson of Guru Nanak. The current structure was built in the early 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, showcasing the Sikh architectural style.
A pivotal moment in its history is the 1921 Nankana Massacre, where between 140 and 260 Sikhs were martyred during a confrontation between the reformist Akali movement and the gurdwara’s management. This event, known as Saka Nankana, played a crucial role in the Gurdwara Reform Movement .
Architectural Features
The gurdwara complex is an architectural marvel, featuring:
Main Dome: A large, central dome symbolizing the oneness of the divine.
Langar Hall: A community kitchen that serves free meals to all visitors, embodying the Sikh principle of selfless service.
Sarovar: A sacred pool for ritual bathing and reflection.
Residential Facilities: Accommodations for pilgrims, ensuring a comfortable stay during their visit.
The entire complex is meticulously maintained and is listed among the Protected Heritage Monuments of the Archaeology Department of Punjab .
Visiting Gurdwara Janam Asthan
📍 Location
Nankana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistanapnews.com
📅 Best Time to Visit
The most auspicious time to visit is during the Gurpurab in November, celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak. Additionally, the Vaisakhi festival in April attracts numerous pilgrims .apnews.com
🚗 Getting There
Nankana Sahib is accessible by road from Lahore, approximately a 1.5-hour drive. Pilgrims can opt for guided tours or private transportation.
Nankana Sahib Yatra Packages (2025)
For those planning a comprehensive pilgrimage, consider the 7 Days 6 Nights Yatra Package offered by Sikh Yatra Pakistan. This package includes visits to multiple sacred sites, comfortable accommodations, and guided tours. Highlights include:apnews.com
Gurdwara Janam Asthan
Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib
Gurdwara Panja Sahib
Gurdwara Sacha Sauda + all the historical gurdwaras of Pakistan
The package also provides daily spiritual experiences with Kirtan and Darshan, luxury coach travel, and 4-star accommodations .
How to Obtain a Pakistan Visa for Sikh Pilgrims (2025)
Pakistan offers a special visa program for Sikh pilgrims wishing to visit religious sites. The process involves:apnews.com
Document Submission: Providing necessary documents such as passport, photographs, proof of residence, and route information.
Visa Fee Payment: Paying the applicable visa fee based on nationality.
Application Processing: The visa application is processed, and upon approval, the visa is issued .
For Indian nationals, the visa fee is $150 USD. The process can take from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the country of residence.
