Gurudwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib is located in Pakistan 5 kilometers from the Indo-Pakistan border. The nearest town on the Indian side of the border is Dera Baba Nanak, Grudaspur.
Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib is a significant religious site for Sikhs located in Kartarpur, Punjab, Pakistan. It holds immense historical and spiritual importance for Sikhs worldwide. The Gurudwara is built on the site where Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, lived for the last 18 years of his life until his passing in 1539.
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Guru Nanak Dev established a Sikh community in Kartarpur, which became a center for preaching Sikhism's principles and teachings. The Gurudwara stands on the banks of the River Ravi, and its construction was initiated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh ruler of the Sikh Empire, in the early 19th century. The Gurudwara complex comprises the main shrine, known as Gurudwara Darbar Sahib, along with several other structures.
Here Guru Nanak Dev Ji gave three principles Naam Japo. Kirat Karo, Vanad Chako hich means work hard for a livelihood, keep remembering the God and share your bounties with the world. Guru's teachings have been peace, harmony and universal brotherhood. Guru Nanak believed in equality between castes, religions, and genders and gave the word Ik Onkar which means there is only one God.
The significance of Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib lies in its association with Guru Nanak Dev. He not only lived there but also composed many of his sacred hymns, known as Shabads, in this place. The gurdwara is considered a place of great spiritual and historical value for Sikhs as it commemorates Guru Nanak Dev's teachings and his role in the establishment of Sikhism.
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In recent years, the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in November 2019 has facilitated the pilgrimage of Sikhs from India to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. The corridor allows Indian Sikhs to visit the gurdwara without requiring a visa and has helped foster greater cultural and religious exchanges between the two neighboring countries.
Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib continues to be a revered place for Sikhs, attracting devotees from around the world who come to pay their respects and seek spiritual solace.
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