Sikh Yatra Pakistan | Gurdwara Tours & Packages

About Gurdwara Janam Asthan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Gurdwara Janam Asthan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is one of the most sacred and historically significant Sikh shrines in the world. Located in Nankana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistan, the gurdwara marks the traditional birthplace of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru and founder of the Sikh faith.

According to Sikh tradition and historical sources of the Sikh community, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born here on 15 April 1469 to Mehta Kalu Ji and Mata Tripta Ji at Rai-Bhoi-di-Talwandi, the historic settlement that later became known as Nankana Sahib.

The shrine is therefore at the heart of the Sikh heritage of Nankana Sahib. Pilgrims from around the world visit Janam Asthan to pay their respects, participate in prayers and Gurbani, and connect with the birthplace and early life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Nankana Sahib contains several historic gurdwaras associated with different events from Guru Nanak Dev Ji's childhood and life. Gurdwara Janam Asthan is the central pilgrimage site among them and forms an essential part of Sikh pilgrimage tours in Pakistan.

For international Sikh travellers, a visit to Gurdwara Janam Asthan offers a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual, historical and cultural heritage of the land associated with the beginning of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's life and mission.

Historical Background

Birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

The site is traditionally identified as the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was born in 1469 at Rai-Bhoi-di-Talwandi. The settlement subsequently became known as Nankana Sahib in his honour.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his early years in this area before later travelling to Sultanpur and beginning the wider journeys associated with his spiritual mission.

Development of the Shrine

The historic Janam Asthan shrine has undergone several stages of development and renovation. The Government of Punjab's historical account states that the gurdwara was originally constructed around 1600 CE and was later renovated in 1819–1820.

The complex was subsequently expanded and developed further, becoming the prominent architectural and pilgrimage centre seen today.

Saka Nankana Sahib — 1921

Gurdwara Janam Asthan is also deeply connected with the history of the Sikh Gurdwara Reform Movement.

On 20 February 1921, the tragic event known as Saka Nankana Sahib took place at the shrine. Sikh reformers who had gathered at the gurdwara were attacked, resulting in the deaths of many Sikh pilgrims and activists. The event became a major turning point in the movement to bring historic Sikh shrines under Sikh community management.

The following day, the historic gurdwara came under Sikh control, marking an important moment in the wider Gurdwara Reform Movement.

Today, the history of Saka Nankana Sahib remains an important part of the Sikh memory associated with Janam Asthan.

Religious Significance

Gurdwara Janam Asthan holds exceptional religious importance because it commemorates the birth of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

For Sikhs, Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birth marks the beginning of the life of the Guru whose teachings emphasized:

One Creator
Naam Simran
Truthful living
Equality of humanity
Compassion and humility
Honest work
Sharing with others
Rejection of empty ritualism and discrimination

The shrine is a place where Sikh pilgrims come for Darshan, Ardas, Gurbani, Simran and spiritual reflection.

The annual Guru Nanak Gurpurab / Prakash Purab celebrations bring Sikh pilgrims from many parts of the world to Nankana Sahib. SGPC describes Sikhs from around the world gathering at the shrine to commemorate Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birth.

The religious significance of Janam Asthan therefore extends beyond its physical architecture: it represents the birthplace of the first Sikh Guru and the beginning of a spiritual tradition that has influenced millions of people around the world.

Visiting Information

Location

Gurdwara Janam Asthan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Nankana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistan

Nankana Sahib is approximately 80 km west of Lahore.

What Visitors Can Experience

Visitors can:

Pay respects at the sacred birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Participate in Darshan and Ardas
Experience Gurbani and Sikh devotional traditions
Explore the historic gurdwara complex
Learn about the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Visit other historic gurdwaras in Nankana Sahib
Experience the wider Sikh cultural and religious heritage of the city

Nearby Sikh Heritage Sites

A Nankana Sahib pilgrimage can also include:

Gurdwara Bal Lilah Sahib
Gurdwara Patti Sahib
Gurdwara Kiara Sahib
Gurdwara Tambu Sahib
Other historic Sikh sites associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji

For example, Gurdwara Bal Lilah Sahib is located approximately 400 yards from Janam Asthan.

Visitor Etiquette

Visitors should:

Cover their head inside the gurdwara
Remove shoes before entering designated areas
Dress modestly and respectfully
Maintain cleanliness
Respect ongoing prayers and religious ceremonies
Follow instructions from gurdwara management
Ask permission before photography or videography where required

International Pilgrims

Gurdwara Janam Asthan can be included in SikhTour.pk's customized and group pilgrimage itineraries for Sikh yatrees travelling from the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, India and other countries.

SikhTour.pk can arrange transportation, accommodation, visa assistance, pilgrimage planning and tour management according to the traveller's itinerary.

Gurdwara Janam Asthan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji