Gurdwara Rori Sahib is located on the outskirts of Eminabad, a historic town in Gujranwala District, Punjab, Pakistan. Nestled amidst serene surroundings near the Chenab River, this gurdwara is one of the most important Sikh pilgrimage sites connected to the life and travels of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It stands as a living symbol of humility, devotion, and spiritual strength, attracting yatris from across the globe who wish to retrace Guru Ji’s footsteps.

The shrine derives its name from the Punjabi word “rori” (pebbles or gravel). According to Sikh tradition, this is where Guru Nanak Dev Ji sought shelter and slept on a bed of pebbles after being turned away by the wealthy residents of Eminabad. His endurance and acceptance of hardship became a lesson in humility and divine grace.

Historical and Religious Significance

Gurdwara Rori Sahib is historically tied to Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s first Udasi (missionary journey). When Guru Ji visited Eminabad, the town’s influential leaders initially ignored him, offering no hospitality. Rejected by society, Guru Nanak Dev Ji rested on a simple bed of pebbles at this very site, yet he remained absorbed in divine remembrance (Naam Simran).

Soon after, a flood devastated Eminabad, destroying the houses of the wealthy who had turned Guru Ji away, while sparing the humble hut of a poor carpenter named Lalo — a devotee of Guru Ji. This event reinforced Guru Nanak’s teaching that honest living (Kirat Karni), humility, and service (Seva) are valued above pride and material wealth.

The gurdwara thus commemorates Guru Ji’s divine message of equality, compassion, and simplicity, serving as a spiritual landmark of Sikh heritage.

Visiting Gurdwara Rori Sahib

• Accessibility: Eminabad lies about 15 kilometers from Gujranwala and approximately 65 kilometers from Lahore, connected via the Grand Trunk Road. The nearest international airport is Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore.
• Timings: The gurdwara is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Special arrangements are made for international yatris during group pilgrimages and Sikh festivals.
• Facilities: The shrine offers a prayer hall, langar (community kitchen), and basic accommodation for yatris. Restoration work in recent years has improved infrastructure and accessibility.
• Travel Tip: It is recommended to plan visits with organized yatras, as local guidance ensures a smooth and spiritually enriching experience.

Rituals and Ceremonies

At Gurdwara Rori Sahib, pilgrims engage in:

• Ardas (prayer of supplication) before Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
• Kirtan and Gurbani recitation in the prayer hall.
• Offering sewa in langar preparation and cleaning of the gurdwara premises.
• Reflection beneath the symbolic space of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s rori (pebble bed), a powerful reminder of humility and resilience.

The shrine’s tranquil setting fosters deep meditation and a sense of closeness to Guru Ji’s timeless teachings.

Recent Trends and Special Events

• Guru Nanak Gurpurab (November): A major celebration at Rori Sahib, marked by Akhand Path, kirtan, langar, and gatherings of Sikh communities from around the world.
• Baisakhi Celebrations (April): Pilgrims traveling in groups visit Eminabad as part of broader Sikh heritage tours across Pakistan.
• International Sikh Yatras: Increasingly, yatris from India, UK, Canada, and USA visit Rori Sahib through organized heritage tours, strengthening global awareness of Sikh sites in Pakistan.
• Conservation Efforts: Government and Sikh organizations have been working to restore and preserve the gurdwara for future generations.

Tour Activities and Experiences

Visiting Gurdwara Rori Sahib offers yatris both spiritual fulfillment and cultural immersion:

• Joining daily prayers and kirtan with the sangat.
• Experiencing langar sewa, preparing and sharing food as equals.
• Guided heritage tours explaining Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s stay in Eminabad and the significance of the rori.
• Exploring Eminabad’s historic sites, which also include Gurdwara Chakki Sahib and Gurdwara Khuhi Bhai Lalo. Together, these form a spiritual triad highlighting Guru Ji’s teachings on humility and honest living.