Pakistan has deep roots in Sikhism, a religion that first appeared on the subcontinent in the late 15th century. The faith is mainly accepted in both nations, especially in Punjab, which shares a border with Pakistan and India. As a result, some of Pakistan's most well-known Gurudwaras are located here. Many Gurudwaras in Pakistan share the same design forms and floor plans regardless of where they are located. It represents unity and gives Sikhs and other nations a feeling of connection with Pakistan. Let's look at some of the most well-known Top Famous Gurudwaras in Pakistan and discover their historic value.
How Many Gurudwaras Are In Pakistan?
There are many famous Gurudwaras in Pakistan. However, some of them are more prominent and oldest than others. Here is a detailed overview of some most-visited Gurudwara in Pakistan. The Sikh community rashly search out What is the sacred place for Sikhism in Pakistan?, Here in this article your will find a massive information about holy places of Sikh in Pakistan.
Read Also
Famous Hindu Temples in Pakistan
Gurudwara Darbar Sahib
One of the biggest gurudwaras in the world, Gurudwara Dera Sahib or Gurudwara Kartarpura Sahib, is situated in the lovely town of Kartarpura. Additionally, Baba Guru Nanak spent his last years there. It was officially opened in 2019 by the government of Pakistan. Through this "corridor of world peace and harmony," Sikh believers could cross the border to the Gurdwara without obtaining a visa. The Pakistani government also offered lodging amenities to make the pilgrims' stay easier. This Gurudwara's main building is spread over 42 acres, giving it more than 400 acres.
The remaining property area includes swimming pools, community kitchens, plants, lodgings, art galleries, parking bays, and other structures.
A holy well is also part of the compound. Baba Gurunank gave water to the fields by this well during his final years. Hence, the Sikhs consider its water, Amrit Jal, sacred. The government recently refurbished it and made it available to pilgrims.
The Gurudwara's main enclosure also has four visually distinct entrances with elaborately carved marble pointed arches and is rectangular.
In short, Darbar Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan Kartarpura is one of the prominent landmarks of history.
Gurdwara Dera Sahib
It is a famous giant Gurudwara in Lahore, Pakistan. This Gurudwara sees a lot of visitors each year due to its proximity to the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Cant, two of the most popular tourist destinations in the busy city. Guru Hargobind erected it in 1619, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh later expanded it. Gurudwara Dera Sahib features a square walkway, a community cafeteria, and a dining room to accommodate pilgrims who travel from all over the world to the location.
Read Also
Hyderabad Famous for Exploring Hidden Gems
Gurdwara Nankana Sahib
One of the most revered Sikh holy sites in Pakistan is Gurudwara Nankana Sahib. It is located around 75 kilometres southwest of Lahore.
It designates Baba Guru Nanak's birthplace. Moreover, people view it as a reflection of the house where Baba grew up and started preaching the religion.
The Gurudwara's front is covered with light yellow paint. The primary entrance to the holy place is a regal golden door artistically engraved with holy texts and images of Sikh gurus. It also has a memorial commemorating the Punjabi Sikh Sangat and an old tree.
The main structure inside this Gurudwara has a two-story design and white domes with flowering motifs and twisted lotus emblems on top.
However, a significant area of the enclosure lacks a roof, and the floor is a flawless white marble that sparkles brilliantly in the sunlight.
Moreover, a former prime minister officially opened a university in Nankana Sahib in 2019.
Gurdwara Rori Sahib
The red brick Gurudwara Rori Sahib is one of the most visited sights close to Gujranwala. In Punjabi, the word "Rori" denotes stones or other waste. The Guru Nanak slept here one night amid heaps of stones and other trash, according to Sikh legend. Consequently, it has the name Gurudwara Rori Sahib.
The Gurudwara's main structure has three stories and three sizable domes. Bricks carved and moulded across the entire construction add to its aesthetic attractiveness.
While the secondary construction is mostly white and only comprises one hall, the fundamental structure comprises red bricks. It also boasts a huge, distantly visible white dome.
A rectangular courtyard connects the temple's entrance to the complex. The location has a pool for ablution as well.
Although the founding date of this place is unknown, historians estimate that it is more than 200 years old.
Read Also
Raheem Yar Khan Famous Places to Visit
Gurdwara Panja Sahib
You can find this magnificent building at Hassan Abdal. It is an area which is 48 kilometres away from Rawalpindi.
Additionally, this location has a distinctive past. The Gurudwara's name derives from the Punjabi word "Panja," which means "palm" in English.
According to legend, Guru Nanak once chose the location for relaxation. Another holy man once threw a rock at him when pondering at the mountain's peak. Baba Guru Nanak was able to halt the rock, leaving his handprint in the process. Hence, people then gave it the name "Panja". This rock is still there and remains in its original position inside the Gurudwara.
This Gurudwara structure is likewise quite impressive.
The majestic structure houses the main temple, a huge lawn, lodging for pilgrims, and a pool. Hence, it is another biggest Gurudwara in Pakistan.
All guests staying at the hostel, which has 376 rooms, are given free access to the temple's kitchen for their whole stay.
Government 2011 also added a sizable dining hall with over 1,000 people to this sacred complex.
Gurdwara Kali Devi
In Dera Ismail Khan, Gurudwara Kali Devi is situated on the main road just past the intersection. This historic structure's architecture differs significantly from most other Gurdwaras in the nation since it lacks marble flooring and substantial domes. In contrast, it now more closely resembles the old Hindu temple, as the name suggests.
According to mythology, this Gurudwara was previously a shrine dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. When Guru Nanak came to the town, he chose to take shelter a little away from this sacred building.
The idol, however, is thought to have fallen to the ground as soon as he arrived at the town. After being swiftly caught by the temple priest, it fell once more.
The Hindu priests worried if the idol was falling over because of any holy man's presence in this area. Afterwards, the priests went to Guru Nanak to ask about the occurrence.
Guru then gave the priest a brief introduction to the Sikh faith, and the priest soon gave up the worship of idols at the temple. He then joined Guru Nanak's group of followers.
However, after a few years, another Hindu priest started worshipping the idol again. Hence, this place was named Gurudwara Kali Devi.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, the above list of most prominent Gurudwara in Pakistan. Each year, a significant number of Sikhs travel to these locations. Therefore, the government is working to develop these holy sites using contemporary architectural principles.
As a result, the Sikh community will become closer to Pakistan, and the country's tourism sector will also benefit.
In addition to these goals, Pakistan aspires to be a place where people of all faiths can feel at home. Therefore, we are making every effort to accomplish this goal by protecting the holy sites of other religions.
