Travels of Guru Nanak: A Brief

[dalvinder45]

Travels of Guru Nanak: A Brief

Dr. Dalvinder Singh Grewal
Prof Emeritus Desh Bhagat University

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in an epoch making-period, the period of adventure, discovery, inquiry and renaissance. The adventures and discoveries not only led to physical achievements but also to colonization, domination, oppression and invasion, while the inquiry and renaissance led to the search into human existence and reformation of the oppressive systems.

The famous kings invaders and oppressors like Bahlol Lodhi (1451-1489), Sikander Lodhi (1486-1517), Ibrahim Lodhi (1517-1526), Dault Khan Lodhi, Babar (1483-1530)and Suhang Mang (1497-1539 A.D.); the traders and travellers like Columbus (discovered America in 1442) Vasco-Da-Gama Portugal (1460-1524) (discovered sea route to India in 1498), Albuquerque (1453–1515) a Portuguese nobleman who conquered and established the Portuguese colonial empire in the Indian ocean, co-existed along with eminent reformists, sages and saints like Guru Nanak (1469-1539) Vallabhacharya (1479-1530), Chaitnya Mahaprabhu (1486-1533) Kabir (1440-1518) Namdev (1217-1351), Sankardeb (1449-1569), Mira Bai (1499-1570), Eknath (1528-1595/1609), Dadoo (1544-1603), Tuka Ram (1608-1648), Surdas (1478-1581/1585), Tulsi Das (1523-1623) Jambonath 1451-1533, Haridas Niranjni 1453-1536, Isasmus (1466-1536), Zawang (1484-1531) Calvin (1564-1605) Saint Francis Xavier (1506-52), Nicolas Copernicus, Poland, (1473-1543) who shared the modern concept of Cosmos; Martin Luther, Germany (1483-1546) and Michelangelo, Italy (1475-1564).

Backdrop to these historical developments in India, in which Guru Nanak chose his path are hence of consequence. From tenth century onwards, successive hordes of invaders had poured in from Central Asia. As the highway to Delhi lay through the Punjab, the greatest suffering was caused to the people of this province.

Bhai Gurdas (1531-1639 A.D.) described this situation in Guru Nanak's biographical accounts:

"Degeneration occurred in the world, leading to the four-caste division and enactments about four stages of life. The sanyasis were divided into ten, and the yogis belonged to twelve. Various orders of hermits, Jain monks and unclad recluses had set up endless recrimination debate; None practiced the way of salvation." [1]

Under these circumstances, "Melting at the wail of humanity, The Lord sent Guru Nanak to earth"[2] to bring peace and reconciliation. The first words that came from him on emerging from the rivulet Bein after enlightenment were: "There is no Hindu, no Muslim"; thus presenting to mankind the image of undivided humanity, 'where in all men are brothers, without the walls created by warring creeds.' In his passion to fulfil the divine mission entrusted, Guru Nanak travelled far and wide. His message was to know the basics of each faith and to apply them leaving behind rituals and conventional appearance; the essence of consciousness about the True Lord towards the path of noble life and the brother-hood of mankind.

The reasons of travels of Guru Nanak has been described by Bhai Gurdas in his first 'var' (verse), as to redeem the 'the four lands and nine regions' and to convey the True message of the Lord. Quoting Puranas, Dr. Kohli mentions these regions to be Bharat, Kimpursh, Hari, Harvarat or Kraunch, Ramyaka, Haranamaya or Hiranyak. and Kuru of Uttar Khand. Bharat is the central region of Jambu Dveep and is flanked by Bhadrasva Khand to the right and Ketumala Khand on the left. The uppermost region is Uttar-Khand and lowest is Bharat Khand. Hiranamay Khand and Ramayak Khand lie between Bharat Khand and IIIavrat. The seven Kulaparvat (Mountain ranges), in Jambu Dweep are Neel, Shwet, Hemkunt, Hamasen, Sringeven, Nishid and Sumer. Guru Nanak is supposed to have visited all these regions.[3] As per Janamsakhi Bhai Bala, Nanak Parkash of Bhai Santokh Singh and 'Guru Nanak Suryoudai of Mahant Ganesha Singh, Guru Nanak visited following seven islands :- Jambu, Plaksh, Kush, Salmali, Kraunch, Shak and Pushkar [6]. These islands have been identified by scholars as follows:

It is to be noted that the researchers differ in their views. However, generally the distribution shows the area coverage to be nearly the whole world except North and South America, Arctic and Antarctic regions. Thus the area travelled by Guru Nanak is quite vast.

It would have been nearly impossible for an individual to travel in those days of tardy means of communication and their near non-availability to a common man. In Janamsakhi by Bhai Bala this difficulty has been covered by giving an explanation that the Guru flew through space, etc. "While on Mount Una, he shut his eyes. His disciples Bala and Mardana also shut their eyes. When the eyes are opened on the instructions of the Guru, they found themselves on Mount Abu". Possibly this concoction has been a copy of the myth about Pandavas who are described to have been flown into space from Mount Sumer. The researcher visited all these areas and found Guru’s footprints negating the above concoction.

Sources for the evidence of the visit

The evidence to the travels by Guru Nanak is available in secondary sources as under:

1.Varan Bhai Gurdas
2. Janam Sakhis: The life stories recorded by later compilers in 16th to 18th century
3. Legends recorded by visitors
4. Research by various scholars
5. Landmarks and other circumstantial evidence connected with Guru Nanak and his Companions

Janamsakhis as a source
Janamsakhis are considered the closest records of the life events of Guru Nanak.

Photo1: Bhai Bala Janamsakhi MS

Manuscript versions of Puratan Janmsakhi: The earliest versions in manuscript are of (a) 1701 AD available in Moti Bagh, Rajbhavan Pustaklya, Patiala whose copy is available in (b) Sikh Reference Library, Sri Amritsar (Ms 5462). Other versions are a copy of (c) 1734 AD with Shamsher Singh Ashok, (d) a copy of 1757 AD with Baba Kuldip Singh Bedi of Batala and (e) a copy of 1772 AD (Ms No. 2310) in Khalsa College Amritsar and in (f) Bhasha Vibhag Punjab, Patiala, Ms 164: (g) The printed versions of Puratan Janamsakhi of Survey of India Press, Dehradun (1885 AD), (h) MA Manulife (1885) Gulshan Punjab Press, Rawalpindi and (j) Khalsa Samachar Press, Amritsar (1959) Other Janamsakhis include (k) Janam Sakhi Sodhi Meharban (2 Vols), Khalsa College, Amritsar, 1763-69 AD, (l)Janam Sakhi Paida Mokha also called of Bhai Bala Ms with Shamsher Singh Ashok. These Janamsakhis are found in print edited by Dr Kirpal Singh, Dr Surinder Singh Kohli, Shamsher Singh Ashok, Bhai Vir Singh, Dr. Piar Singh etc.

Kirpal Singh (Dr.) (ed.) Janamsakhis in Janamsakhi Prampara published by Punjabi University, Patiala containing edited versions of Puratan Janamsakhi (Janamsakhi Walaitwali), Janam Sakhi Bhai Bala, Janam Sakhi Meharban (Sach Khand Pothi and Pothi Har Ji) and Janamsakhi Bhai Mani Singh (Gian Ratnawali) are the most read. Puratan Janamsakhi edited by Bhai Vir Singh and later by Shamsher Singh Ashok, however, remains to be the most reliable and have been referred in addition to the other Janamsakhi versions contained in Dr Kirpal Singh Janasakhi Prampara furthering this research. The traditions, legends and names of the places connected with Guru Nanak are also considered. This evidence was collected as a major project. A few place names connected with the Guru are as follows:

Names of Places
Nankana Sahib (now Pakistan), Dera Baba Nanak (Punjab), Nanaksar (Harappa), Nanak Jhira (Karnataka), Nanakmata (Pilibhit UP), Kurukal Mandap (Guru’s village, Sri Lanka), Nankana Sahib and Nanak Thara (Nainital, UP), Nanak Lodhiana (Dholka, Gujrat), Bab Nanka (Uganda Near Kampla), Nanak Fungi (Hong kong), Nanking, Nanchiang, Nanching (China), Nankeyn Thagla Ridge (Indo-Tibet Border, Nanki La (Nepal) etc.

Body Print/Hand Print/ Foot prints
Body prints of Guru Nanak are said to be preserved at the following places: Panja Sahib, Nanak Jhira Bidar, Shapji (on the bank of Mansarovar), Chung Thang and Lachen (Sikkim), Menchukha (Arunachal Pradesh), Dacca and Sujatpur (Bangla Desh), Kotdwar and Airinagar (Uttrakhand), Wat Sarkat (Bangkok, Thailand), Dhibar (Sri Lanka), Nainital (UP)

Names of natural Objects
Similarly there are gardens, trees, tanks and platforms connected with Guruji’s visits: Ritha Sahib, Nanak Bagichi (UP), Thara Sahib (Delhi), Nanak Thara (Naital), Baba Nanak ki Dheri (Haldaur Bijnaur, UP), Guru Ka Bahi (Banaras), Nanak sagar (Nanak Mata, UP), NanakKund-Rajgir (Bihar) and Hajo (Gwahati), Guru Ka Bagh (Malda, Bengal), Nanak Ghar (Matsya Dhwaj, Hajo Gwahati), Wahiguru Math (Jagan Nath Puri), Baoli Math ( Puri), Guru Ghati (Ajmer), Mal Tekri (Nanded)and Ram Tekri (Pune) Idols of Guru Ji can be seen in Himalayan region in almost all gomphas (Lama temples) e.g., in Chungthang and Lachen in Sikkim, Twang, Menchukha and Walong in Arunachal Pradesh, Thynagboche (Nepal), Leh (Ladakh) and in a Gompha on the bank of Raksh Tal (Tibet).

Names on Guru Nanak’s companions
Even there are places and tanks etc., in the name of Bhai Mardana and Bhai Bala (companions of Guru Nanak during his Udasis) i.e., Bala Kund, Mardana Kund (Hajo Gwahati); Chashma Bhai Mardana (Balakot), Mardana (Colombo) and Majnu Tila (Delhi) are on the name of companions of Guru Nanak. Further there are places on Guru Nanak’s followers names i.e., Nanakshahi Sangats, Nanak Panthies, Murid Nanaki etc. There are also inscriptions available about Guru’s travels at Dibar, Batticulova (Sri Lanka), Baku (Azirbaijan, Russia) and Pyakochin (Sikkim). It is said that manuscripts of Guru’s Shabad are preserved in Aksarai (Kabul), Thyangboche (Nepal), Chungthang and Fodong (Sikkim) and Manchukha (Arunachal Pradesh).

All these can help further research in preparing a comprehensive history of Guru Nanak. However for this a deliberate effort and a planned project are needed especially for a spot study and search of old chronicles of the period in the concerned areas.

It must be noted that Guru Nanak belonged to the entire world (Jagat Guru) hence had a global following. As such he should be considered as a global figure. Study thus has to be on a wider scale to fathom his sphere and achievements.

Guru Nanak started his journey, when he was in his twenties. He went for Divine service by serving mankind and by becoming Lord's bard. He travelled from Russia to Sri Lanka (North to South) and from China to Africa & Europe (East to West) for a period of about twenty-six years from 1498 to 1524 A.D. His travels are called Udasis, major ones being four in number:

The names of various places recorded in Janamsakhi are interpreted as follows to relate to the existing states, cities & villages:

Map 1: Depicting Guru Nanak's Four Itineraries
Having attained enlightenment, Guru Nanak thought of redeeming the lost souls. "I left my home in search of the righteous and followed this course to evolve a new philosophy of life. Being a peddler of truth, I am out to trade in truth. It is through the righteous that I shall ferry my following across the ocean of existence". [4]

The present book is a detailed account of Guru Nanak's journey from 1498-1524 A.D. This researcher collected all available evidence for a period of over 50 years and visited almost every place in India and abroad to collect evidence. Evidence was available in the form of legends, places names, material items and the traditions of worshipping of idols and the legends connected with his visit. The evidence was checked with the legends recorded in Janamsakhis. It turned out to be a logical and connected account. Account of the first travel is given out here for the general readers and the researchers, who I am sure, would not only gain some more information about Guru Nanak's amazing journey but will also try to explore further. Journey of Second and third itinerary have already published by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee as ‘Amazing Travels of Guru Nanak.’ “So Than Suhawa’ and 18 booklets. 40 more booklets are ready for print in English and Punjabi. Book Life and Travels of Guru Nanak will be published in 3 Volumes, This being the first volume, it will soon be developed into an encyclopedias.

In addition to study of the above material the researcher visited most of the places connected with Guru Nanak. From the information available, it clearly appears that:
(a) He moved generally from one religious Centre to another, also visiting the Centre of power in the respective areas.
(b) He generally travelled on beaten tracks and 'Yogi Trails'.
(c) He scaled the mountain on foot travelling from one place to another leaving no gaps to vouch for the myth according to which he could have covered the distance by flying. .

Guru Nanak’s Udasis have not been fully and correctly described as yet due to the following reasons:

(i) Scanty records by historians of the period
(ii) Janamsakhis having incomplete and mixed with myth.
(iii) Areas of Guru’s travels being remote could not be visited by later historians i.e., Himalayan Region, China, Africa, Europe, Egypt, Arab countries, South East Asia, Afghanistan, Russia and remote islands like Sri Lanka and East Asia
(iv) The Guru being known by different names at different places e.g., ‘Guru Rimpoche’ in Southern Tibet, Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh; ‘Bhadra Guru’ in Western Tibet and in Mansarovar Area, ‘Nana Buddha’ in Sri Lanka, ‘Nanak Rishi’ in Nepal (Dhomri) Nanak Peer’ in Jeddah (Arab), ‘Wali Hind’ in Mecca (Arab), Aleppo (Syria) and Ura Teube (Russia), ‘Nanak Wali’ in Cairo (Egypt), Nanak Wali Hind’ in Turkmenistan (Russia), ‘Baba Nanak’ and ‘Baba Nana’ in Alkoot and Baghdad (Iraq), ‘Nanak Kadamdar’ in Bukhara (Russia), ‘Balgdan’ in Mazhar-i-Sharief, ‘Baba Bhusa/Phusa’ in China etc., etc.

References
1.Bhai Gurdas Vaar 1
2. Op cit
3. Dr Surinder Singh Kohli, 1969 (1978 R), Travels of Guru Nanak, Chandigarh, Punjab University
4. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, p.39

 

[dalvinder45]

BIRTH AND EARLY DAYS OF GURU NANAK​

A child was born on 15th April 1469 AD (20th Vaisakh 1526 Bikrami) to Mata Tripta. The father of the child was Mehta Kalyan Chand, a village land recorder (Patwari) to Rai Bular, the village land lord of Rai Bhoi ki Talwandi in Punjab.

Photo 2. Mehta Kalu holding baby Nanak (Photo by Bhagat Singh Sikh Art) Photo 3. Relatives having first look of Nanak

Janamsakhi Bhai Bala states Guru Nanak’s birth date as Katak Sudi Pooranmasi Samvat 1526 (1469 AD) [1] Janam Sakhi Walait Wali mentions his date of birth to be 3 Vaisakh Samvat 1526. [2] Janam Sakhi Meharban and Janamsakhi Bhai Mani Singh also agree with Walait Wali Janamsakhi considering the birthdate to be 3 Vaisakh Samvat 1526 (15 April 1469) hence Dr Kirpal Singh in Janamsakhi Parampra accepts the same. [3] The same is accepted here as well taking Gurū Nānak Dev Ji’s period as 15 April 1469 to 22 September 1539. There is no difference in place of birth and parentage and relationships. Place of birth is Talwandi Rai Bhoi (now known as Nanakana Sahib) Kalyan Chand Bedi (Mehta Kalu) as father and Mata Tripta as the mother. His sister was Nanaki (known as Bebe Nanaki) who was elder to him. His uncle was Lal Chand Bedi (Lalu). Kalyan Chand was an administrator on the landed properties of Rai Bular, a local landlord and a brother-in-law of the Nawab Dault Khan, the Nawab of Sultanpur Lodhi. Talwandi Rai Bhoi is now named Nankana Sahib. It is in the district by the same name in Punjab, Pakistan.

Photo 4 and 5 Nankana Sahib: Guru Nanak’s Birth Place

The political, cultural and religious environment at the time of his birth were both disturbing and balancing. The political turmoil was countered by religious renaissance. The state of the political turmoil has been well described by Guru Nanak himself:

Time is on sword’s edge. The kings are acting as murderers; they forgot their primary duty i.e., well-being of their public.……"[1]
He adds:-
Corruption has reached the top. Even the king has to be bribed to get justice……. [2]

The gloriously rich tradition of religious tolerance was powerless against the tyranny of the bigots. Dissent was carried to a point of intolerance and intolerance to unrivalled persecution. The warriors had conflicting desires to conquer and achieve worldly gains. They came not as conquerors, but enemies and the face of Indian history was marred, if not charred, with these suppressive forces; for it was not the policies but the institutions which were ruthlessly oppressed. The invaders had trampled the rich civilisation of ages under their feet, without the slightest remorse or inequity.

In an era of contention and in the background of these disabilities, the epoch of transition and interregnum in a suffering country, only a spiritual revolution could survive.

Pandit Hardyal, the village astrologer, prepared Nanak’s horoscope and said, “This is no ordinary child. He is a divine incarnation.” He predicted that this soul would have a profound influence on the world. During naming ceremony on 13th day, Pandit Hardyal announced the name of the child as ‘Nanak’ after his sister’s name ‘Nanaki’ who had born at her mother’s place i.e,, at her nanakas hence named Nanaki. As he grew, he played with the children, but appeared definitely above them, since he got into meditative mood occasionally. As he became five, he started speaking of inner and outer world. Whatever he spoke, he spoke after a due thought, satisfying the listener. Hindus said: ‘He appeared to be a Devta (god); Muslims said: ‘He is an Allah’s messenger’

Photo 6. Gurdwara Bal Lila Sahib where Nanak’s played in childhood
At the age of seven, he was sent to village pathshala for schooling where he was taught Hindu scriptures, culture, languages, and arithmetic, geography and business methodologies. He studied for over 2 years with Pandit Gopal, who was touched with the deep concentration and progress of learning of Nanak. Uncommon maturity appeared in the child Nanak. His pick-up was so fast that he left all others behind. One day, Gopal told the class about the creation and the Creator. He then asked Nanak to write on his wooden slate (Fatti/Patti). Nanak wrote a long treatise. Pandha enquired as to what he was writing, “I am writing alphabet (Patti) extending it to the praise of the God whom I revere most”.

Photo 7: Gurdwara Patti Sahib: Place of Nanak’s first schooling

“He who created the world, is the One Lord and Master of all. Whose consciousness remains committed to His service, their birth and coming into the world is blessed…. The Primal Lord is the Giver; True; Limitless: sing his praises. Performing service to him and practising truth is fruitful and rewarding. Pandit (a religious scholar) is the one who understands spiritual wisdom…Ego dies the moment one recognises God.. Chain of Maya binds as one grows and leads one to death. . The Creator; the King of the world feeds all; binding all to Maya, where no other command other than God’s, prevails. …One who recognizes bad and good as one and the same; he is absorbed into the Lord and Master... When the Lord bestows His Glance of Grace, one is redeemed. The One Lord is totally pervading everywhere and abides within every mind. Peace pervades within those who link their consciousness to the Lord… Those humble beings, whose consciousness is so linked, are saved; by His Grace, they obtain peace… (SGGS, p.432)

“Marvellous! How did you get it?” surprised Pandha enquired. “It just came to me from Him and I wrote it,” Nanak said smilingly. He further said, “Studying all other things is fruitless. Without the Name of the Lord, everything is fruitless.’ He further said, “Where ever you take your mind, best is to be meditating on the Name of the God. It will give you great happiness, inner pleasure and gift of being ever pleasant”. (Puratan Janamsakhi, p.23)

Pandha Gopal was astonished, He said, “Pandit Hardyal prophesied right. You are great already. The one who has realised self and God, has nothing more to learn. It is my good luck that you became my pupil. I have learnt more from you than I taught. You do not need to come to me for further learning.” Nanak did not go to Pandha next day.

Mehta Kalu sent him to Pandit Baij Nath to learn Sanskrit, Vedas and Shashtras. On the advice of Rai Bular, he was also sent to to Mullah Qazi Qutub-ud-Din, where he was taught Muslim scriptures, culture, Turkish, Persian and Arabic languages, literature and administrative and justice systems. Maulvi also explained the spiritual experiences of Sufi saints which impressed Nanak. Nanak sensed his meanings and often thought of correlating these ideas with his own inner feelings. As a student, Nanak impressed the teacher by his deep insight and spiritual depth. Once he was asked to write Alif ‘I’ in Persian, resembling figure 1, he explained it, depicting it as the Unity of God.

Both, the Pandit and the Qazi were impressed on Nanak’s learning progress and respected him due to his fast learning. With the learning of religious experiences his own yearning to write increased and he started composing his own hymns. He started working hard on his writing, humming softly and then correcting where needed.

When put into worldly activities, he was not getting attached to any worldly affair and did not care for the house. To keep him busy in home affairs, Mehta Kalu sent him for grazing cattle. As the animals grazed, Nanak meditated by the side of the wheat field. The farmer thought that the animals have destroyed some of his crop since Nanak did not seem to be paying attention to the animals. He took Nanak to Rai Bular. On examining the fields, no damage to the crops was found. This amazed Rai Bular, Mehta Kalu and the farmer, who claimed that he had seen the cattle in his fields.

Photo 8. Gurdwara Malji Sahib Photo

Another day, Rai Bular while passing through the village common land, was amazed to see that the shadow of the tree under which Nanak was meditating, did not move. Another day, after return from his hunting, he again found Nanak meditating, while a black Cobra appeared to be providing shade to Nanak. Rai Bullar was shocked and worried about the safety of Nanak and shouted at him to awaken him. Listening to the loud sound, the cobra slipped away into a bush and Nanak got up smiling. Rai Bular had the firm belief that these were all miracles, which Nanak never believed. Rai Bular called Mehta Kallu and said, “Listen Mehta Kalu. Never admonish or speak harsh words to Nanak. He is the chosen one of the Lord. God’s ways are great; we will never understand these”.

Rai Bular, and Bibi Nanaki were the first people who recognised divine qualities in the boy. They encouraged and supported him to study and travel. His sister Nanaki being very much attached to him took extra care in providing what he liked. When she was married to Jai Ram, she left for Sultanpur Lodhi where her husband served the Nawab of Sultanpur Lodhi. This left a great loneliness in Nanak and he preferred solitude and occasionally got into meditation. He frequently, went out with hermits. Mehta Kalyan Das thought of his marriage as he thought that once married, Nanak will start caring for his family and his solitude will go off as well. But, this did not happen as his family desired. So his marriage was arranged and he was married to Sulakhani, daughter of Mool Chand of Batala a land record holder (patwari) of village Pakhoke close to Dera Baba Nanak.

Marriage party reached Sultanpur Lodhi. The girls from host family got together and asked Nanak to be seated under the shadow of the wall in the house of Kaulo and Veero. An old lady Mai Durgi, came and said, “Bhai Nanak, please be away from here. This wall is likely to fall.” Guru Nanak said, “Respected Mata Ji, this wall shall remain till the world survives.” She was blessed by the Guru saying, “Chone chuge gaye, Bhandari Bharpoor, Puri poor and Teri tich’. The wall is 10 feet by 6 feet (das hath by 6 hath) and can be seen even now in Mohalla Sohnia. The old lady was from Bhandari community. Bhandari developed a lot in Batala. A two storeyed building Gurdwara Kandh Sahib was constructed close to the Kandh Sahib. A 3 feet square Manji Sahib is placed at the place. Guru’s marriage ceremony is regularly rejuvenated by the sangat on the day of this marriage with great pomp and show to this day. Later Gurdwara ‘Kandh Sahib’ was constructed at the place by Raja Sher Singh of Lahore. It has a 60 Acres of land allotted to it. It was originally looked after by a family of a Manhant but now the control is with Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee through a local Committee.

Photo 9. Gurdwara Kandh Sahib where the Guru was seated before marriage ceremony

The place of marriage was the house of Mool Chand Chona in Mohalla Chonia. Pandit Hardyal got the marriage solemnised in Bikrami 1554 (1497AD) and the marriage party stayed here for 7-9 Assu when a grand fair is organised. This place was also converted into a Gurdwara known as Dera Sahib Baba Nanak.

Photo 10, 11,12: Gurdwra Dera Sahib the place of marriage of Guru Nanak with Sulakhni
Even after marriage, Nanak did not take interest in worldly affairs and remained in seclusion. Realising God’s great way, Nanak went into meditation and started meeting the hermits increasingly. At home, he preferred to keep quiet generally. The doctor was called, but of no use; since Nanak was perfect physically. Hakeem Haridas said: “Treatment of your son is beyond me. He is yearning to meet God and it is God alone who can treat his soul. Allow him some free air and do meditations to seek God.” Nanak sang: “The physician was called in; he touched my arm and felt my pulse. The ignorant physician did not know that the pain was in the mind” (SGGS, p.1279).

Once sitting in his fields, Nanak heard some music coming from nearby. It was Dana, the village bard (Mirasi), playing with a local instrument. Going to him, he said, “You play the instrument well.” “Yes! I am a Mirasi; the village bard who earns by playing music and singing songs of the rich and powerful. My name is Dana,” Dana said. Nanak said: “Wonderful! This is what your music is for. Will you join me? When you are with me you won’t die of hunger. You are Mardana (who does not die) now onwards”. Mardana felt such inordinate power and magnetism in the eyes of Nanak that all he could say, “Take me where you will. I will follow you in your footsteps.” A neighbour told Mehta Kalu: “Your son is now in the company of Mirasi Dana.” Shocked, Kalu thought of engaging him in some professional job. Twenty rupees were given to him for purchases.

On the way to market of Chuharkana, he met a group of hungry hermits. He went to the city market; purchased provisions for rupees twenty for feeding the hungry hermits. Giving all of it to them, he said, “Please have your meals for some days at least”. Nanak felt relieved and pleased at having done a true business. According to him, nothing could be a better business than feeding the hungry.

Back home, in anger his father questioned the futility of deal. Nanak replied, “As per your direction, I have done a worthwhile deal by feeding the hungry.”…..Mehta Kalu got infuriated hearing this and slapped Nanak in anger. Knowing this, Rai Bular called Mehta Kalu and rebuked him for punishing Nanak. Mehta Kālu’s son-in-law Jai Ram came to know of this too. He called Nanak to join him in Sultanpur Lodhi. Family felt it to be a good relief, though Sulakhni was quite worried.

Photo12. Guru Nanak feeding the hermits Photo 13. Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, Chuharkana

While visiting Chuharkana again Mardana said that he was feeling hungry. They saw some donkeys of a merchant laden with sugar passing by. Guru Nanak Dev Ji told Baba Mardana to inquire from the owner as to what was in those bags. When Mardana asked the merchant, he replied that it was sand. Sat Gur said, "All right! Sand it will be!". The merchant became worried lest the saying of the saint should come true. He checked the bags and found that it was actually sand. He held Guru’s feet. Guru Ji said if it were not sand what else could that be. The merchant said, "Sire! It was sugar." Guru Ji said, "All right! Then sugar it will be.” The merchant checked again and found that to be sugar. He sat at the feet of Guruji and unloaded his sugar. There is a splendid Gurdwara with a dome built by the road at this place to commemorate this event. Now its condition is bad and if no maintenance is done it will disappear without leaving a trace. This holy shrine stands gloomily in the fields on the other side of the railway line only one km from Gurdwara Sacha Sauda. (Acknowledgements: Text and photographs:Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan : Iqbal Qaiser)

14. Gurdwara Shakarganj

References

1. Janamsakhi Bhai bala, edited by Dr Surinder Singh Kohli, Punjab University Chandigarh, 1990, (2nd edn), p.50 mentions: “Janampatri Nanak Vedi, Sammvat 1526, Miti Katak Sudi, Pooranmasi Nanak janam lia.Adhi raat(i) guzri ghadi upar. Kalu Vedi de ghar(i).
2. Puratan Janam Sakhi edited by Bhai Veer Singh Sahit Sadan, New Delhi, Jan 2006 (15th edn), p.17: Samvat 1526 Baba Nanak(u) janmia, Vaisakh Mah(i) tritia. Chanani raat, Amrit vela pahar raat rahindi ku janmia.
3. Kirpal Singh (Dr.) Janam sakhi Prampara, Punjabi University, Patiala, Dec 1969, p. xxx: mentions: “Walait Wali Janamsakhi ate Bhai Mani Singh wali janamsakhi…dohan janamsakhian vich janam tareekh Vaisakh Sudi tin samvat 1526 bikrami hai. Meharban wali Janamsakhi vich vi janamtareekh iho hai.”
4. Indubhusan Banerjee, Evolution of Khalsa Vol I, A Mukherjee & Co. Pvt Ltd., Calcutta)
5. Dr Surinder Singh Kohli, Travels of Guru Nanak ,
6. Gyani Gian Singh, Twareekh Khalsa, p. 86: 22 Katak 1558 Bikarmi
7.Gyani Lal Singh Sangrur, Twareekh Guru Khalsa
8.Dr Surinder Singh Kohli edited, Janamsakhi Bhai Bala
9.Sahib Singh, Prof: 30 October 1507 (1 Asu Samvat 1564) –November 1515.
10.Sukhdial Singh, Punjab da itihas Guru Kal 1469-1708: Jild Panjvin, Patiala Punjabi University, pp.45-46,

 

[dalvinder45]

Guru Nanak At Sultanpur Lodhi​

Knowing the incidence of slapping of Guru Nanak, Rai Bular called Mehta Kalu and rebuked him for punishing Nanak. Mehta Kālu’s son-in-law Jai Ram came to know of this too. He called Nanak to join him in Sultanpur Lodhi. Family felt it to be a good relief, though Sulakhni was quite worried. Reaching Sultanpur Lodhi, he stayed with Bebe Nanaki and Jai Ram.

Photo 15. Gurdwara Bebe Nanaki: Guru Nanak came here from Talwandi Rai and stayed with his sister Nanaki.

Jai Ram recommended Nanak to Nawab of Sultanpur Lodhi for a job. Before this, Rai Bullar had already sent a message to the Nawab to offer Nanak a respectable job. Seeing the knowledge and qualifications of Guru Nanak, Nawab appointed him the storekeeper of his Nawabi. Nanak managed the stores perfectly. .

Photo 16: Hutt Sahib

Photo 17. Weights and Measures at Gurdwara Hutt Sahib
The 16 white stones (photo attached) with which Guru Nanak measured the grain for distribution are preserved at this place. While measuring, Guru Nanak got connected with the Lord. When he reached the count 13, he continued saying ‘teran, teran; meaning ‘I am yours O Lord’ and went on filling the bag of a poor lady. A butt tree of Guru Nanak’s time is preserved here. It has 18 acres of land attached to it.

After getting settled at Sultanpur Lodhi he brought Sulakhni Ji and shifted to the place now known as Guru ka Baag, where his son Sri Chand and Lachhmi Das were born. . Baba Sri Chand was born on Sunday, 5 Sawan. Samwat 1551(1494 AD) and Lakhmi Chand was born on Monaday, 19 Fagan 1553 (1496 AD). The Gurdwara had 7 acres land attached to it.

Photo 18. Gurdwara Guru ka Baag
urdwara Guru Ka Baag is close to Bebe Nanaki’s Gurdwara where Guru Nanak took up his residence. His family (Mata Sulakhnai) stayed with him at this place. His sons, Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das were born at this place. Baba Sri Chand was born on Sunday, 5 Sawan. Samwat 1551(1494 AD) and Lakhmi Chand was born on Monday, 19 Fagan 1553 (1496 AD). The Gurdwara had 7 acres land attached to it.
As per daily practice Guru Nanak went for a bath in Vein River along with a helper.

Along with his job, he performed his meditation regularly. Early in the morning, he used to go to ‘Kali Bein’, the rivulet passing close by Sultanpur Lodhi, had bath in it and entered into meditation. In the evening he sang hymns in accompaniment with Bhai Mardana at rebec. Thereafter, they all had meals together.

Photo 19. Kali Bein

Photo 20: Gurdwara Ber Sahib

This Gurdwara is close to the bank of Vein River. After brushing his teeth with a twig of mulberery (Ber) he planted the twig on ground. This twig grew up to a very large tree. Its fruit is sweet. Close to it, Guru Nanak had a bath in Vein River and came out quite late keeping every one worried. Gurdwara Sahib is constructed adjoining the tree and it had 50 Acres of land attached to it which is in the neighbouring villages. Village Saddal was the jagir on this Gurdwara once.

Photo 21. Place of Meditation: Gurdwara Sant Ghat Sahib

This is the place where Guru Nanak came out of Vein after having been in communication with God for a considerable time. Guru Nanak sang ‘So dar(u) tera keha so ghar (u) keha jit(u) bah(i) sarb smaale.” (Japuji, p. 6:4)
One day, while at store, an old lady came to collect wheat from the store. When Nanak reached the count 13, he got into meditative mood and continued pouring wheat mentioning the number 13 (teran, terean) meaning O God! I am yours. Some persons complained that, “Nanak has distributed the goods from stores to the public causing a great loss.” The Nawab did not believe them but got his stores checked to clear general conscience. He was said to be imprisoned for a while at the place now known as Kothri sahib during this enquiry.

Photo 22. Gurdwarwa Kothri Sahib:

Some officials of Nawab complained that Guru Nanak has not maintained the balance rightly since he was freely distributing the grains to the poor, causing a great loss to the Nawab. Proper stock taking of the store must be taken to ensure the loss. Believing those officials, Nawab put Guru Nanak in a small room (Kothri) for a day to account for the stores. After accounting, Rs 760/- were found extra to be given to Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak left Modi Khana at the time and asked the money to be distributed to the poor. Gurdwara has 3 acres land attached to it. There was a gain rather than the loss which the Nawab offered him to take. Guru Nanak asked these to be distributed among the needy [8]

One day, he did not come out of the Bein after bath and his helper reported him as ‘drowned.’ Once his clothes were found on the bank, an extensive search was launched for him. He was found nowhere and was assumed to have drowned. As per Purartan Janamsakhi, “He was taken to God’s Court and was offered a cup filled with Amrit (nectar) and given the command, "This is the cup of the adoration of God's Name. Drink it. I am with you. I bless you and raise you up. Whoever remembers you will enjoy my favour. Go, rejoice of my Name and teach others to do so. I have bestowed the gift of My Name upon you. Let this be your calling." God was kind: “Nanak! I am with you. My pleasure is on you. Whosoever takes your name will have my pleasure. You go and recite My Name and get the people to recite. Keep unattached from the world. Remain reciting My Name, distributing alms, maintain cleanliness and serve mankind and meditate on Me. I have given you My Name. You do this service only.” …. “Nanak! Whomsoever you bless; they are blessed by Me. On whosoever you are pleased I am pleased too. My Name is Parbrahm Parmesar your name will be Guru Parmeshwar.”.‘Agia Parmesar ki hoi, jo Nanak Bhagat Hoa tan amrit da katora bhar(i) kar(i) agia naal mili’[1]….. “Nanak Nirankari, You have been sent to redeem the humanity in this dark age (Kalyug). You must get them remember and meditate on Me so that who unites with Me, can be delivered from all the sins and are relieved from the circle of life and death.”…“Deliver the message of Truth, Unity of God, equality and brotherhood of humanity to one and all. [2] He had orders to deliver the message of truth to the entire universe. He thus had received instructions of ‘seva, simaran and human redemption’, during his enlightenment where now stands Gurudwara Antaryamta Sahib, Sultanpur in Kapurthala Distt. As he appeared later, he remained quiet. The second day, he pronounced, “There is no Hindu: no Muslim.” From this point onwards, Nanak is described in accounts as a Guru.

Photo 23. Gurdwara Antaryamta Sahib

People complained to Nawab Daulat Khan that Nanak is calling. There is no Hindu , No Musalman.’ The Nawab called Guru Nanak to his office. Guru Nanak declined this by saying that he is not now required to bother for anyone else other than God. At his audacity, people started calling him insane. The Guru asked Mardana to play rebec and sang:

Some call me a ghost; some say that I am a demon. Some call me a mere mortal; O poor Nanak! ||1 || Crazy Nanak has gone insane, after my Lord, the King. I know of none other than the Lord. || 1 || Pause || I alone am known to be insane, when I go insane with the Fear of God. I recognize none other than the One Lord and Master. || 2 || I alone am known to be insane, if I work for the One Lord. Recognizing the Hukam, the Command of his Lord and Master, what other cleverness do I have? || 3 || I alone am known to be insane, when I fall in love with my Lord and Master. I see myself as bad, and all the rest of the world as good. || 4 || 7 ||[3]

On Nawab’s humble request Guru Nanak met him. Qazi sitting close to the Nawab asked:”Nanak you say that there is neither any Hindu nor any Muslim; why do you say so? It may be right for Hindus but you cannot say this for Muslims.” Guru Nanak sang:

“It is difficult to be called a Muslim; if one is truly a Muslim, then he may be called the one. First, let him savour the religion of the Prophet as sweet; then, let his pride of his possessions be scraped away. Becoming a true Muslim, a disciple of the faith of Mohammed, let him put aside the delusion of death and life. As he submits to God’s Will, and surrenders to the Creator, he is rid of selfishness and conceit. O Nanak, when he is merciful to all beings, only then shall he be called a Muslim.”[4])

Qazi questioned: “What qualities a Muslim should have?” Guru Nanak replied:
“Let mercy be your mosque, faith your prayer-mat, and honest living your Quran. Make modesty your circumcision, and good conduct your fast. In this way, you shall be a true Muslim. Let good conduct be your Kaba, Truth your spiritual guide, and good deeds your prayer and chant. Let your rosary be the one that is pleasing to His Will. O Nanak, God shall preserve your honour. || 1 || To take what rightfully belongs to another is like a Muslim eating pork, or a Hindu eating beef. Our Guru, our Spiritual Guide, stands by us, if we do not eat those carcasses. By mere talk, people do not earn passage to Heaven. Salvation comes only from the practice of Truth. By adding spices to forbidden foods, they are not made acceptable. O Nanak, from false talk, only falsehood is obtained. || 2 || First Mehl: There are five prayers and five times of day for the prayer; the five have five names. Let the first be truthfulness, the second honest living, and the third charity in the Name of God. Let the fourth be good will for all, and the fifth be the praise of the Lord. Repeat the prayer of good deeds, and then, you may call yourself a true Muslim. O Nanak, the false obtain falsehood, and only falsehood alone || 3 ||”[5]

The Qazi asked Guru Nanak Dev whether he was a Hindus or a Muslims. Guru Nanak Dev replied: “I am common to both.” “In case you are common to both them then come with us to offer Namaaz”. Qazi said. The Guru went along. Everyone stood in the Mosque in order to offer Namaaz and started offering prayers Guru Nanak Dev kept standing straight. After offering Namaz, Qazi asked angrily, “Why didn’t you offer prayers?” Guru Ji said, “Did you?”Qazi said, “Yes. Everyone has seen me offering Namaz.” “But I found your attention at your house, worrying for the new born to your mare. You were worried to keep her off the well,” Guru Nanak said. Surprised the Qazi bowed to the Guru. The Nawab asked, “You should have joined me then.” But you were not here as well. You were busy haggling for horses in Qandhar.” Nawab was flabbergasted at Guru Nanak’s reply. Everybody bowed to Guru Ji’s feet in adoration and said: “Nanak is a saint with divine powers. He knows every one’s mind.” Nawab declared: “After seeing this, nothing more is needed to be enquired.”

Photo 24: NamazGah: The mosque where Guru Nanak was taken for prayers
This is in the mosque to which Guru Nanak was taken by the Nawab and Qazi to offer Namaz. Finding the Guru not offering Namaz the Qazi questioned as to why Nanak did not offer namaz. Guru Nanak explained them what they were doing at that time of Namaz instead of linking themselves to God. Guru Nanak said, “Since both of you were busy in your worldy affairs and were not connected to God how I could join you. I was already tuned to the Lord.” They both felt ashamed and fell at Guru Nanak’s feet.

Everyone bowed towards Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak recited: ‘Make good deeds the soil, and let the Word be the seed; Irrigate it continually with the water of Truth. Become such a farmer, and faith will sprout. This brings knowledge of heaven and hell, you fool! || 1 || Do not think that your Husband Lord can be obtained by mere words. You are wasting this life in the pride of wealth and the splendor of beauty. || 1 || Pause || The defect of the body which leads to sin is the mud puddle, and this mind is the frog, which does not appreciate the lotus flower at all. The bumble bee is the teacher who continually teaches the lesson. But how can one understand, unless one is made to undestand? || 2 ||This speaking and listening is like the song of the wind, for those whose minds are colored by the love of worldly attachments (Maya). The Grace of the Master is bestowed upon those who meditate on Him alone. They are pleasing to His Heart. || 3 || You may observe the thirty fasts, and say the five prayers each day, but ‘Satan’ can undo them. Says Nanak, you will have to walk on the Path of Death, so why do you bother to collect wealth and property? || 4 || 27||[6]

Hearing the hymn, Nawab again fell at Guru Nanak’s feet. The people around said, ”God speaks in Guru Nanak.” Khan said, “My kingdom, wealth and property all are yours.” Guru Nanak said, “It is all yours. I do not need anything material. I hand over what was with me and I shall be leaving now.” He asked Mardana to play rebec and sang a hymn testifying this:

This body fabric is conditioned by Maya, O beloved; this cloth is dyed in greed. My Husband Lord is not pleased by these clothes, O Beloved; how can the soul-bride go to His bed? || 1 || I am a sacrifice, O Dear Merciful Lord; I am a sacrifice to You. I am a sacrifice to those who take to Your Name. Unto those who take to Your Name, I am forever a sacrifice. || 1 || Pause || If the body becomes the dyer’s vat, O Beloved, and the Name is placed within it as the dye, and if the Dyer who dyes this cloth is the Lord Master — O, such a color has never been seen before! || 2 |Those, whose shawls are so dyed, O Beloved, their Husband Lord are always with them. Bless me with the dust of those humble beings, O Dear Lord. Says Nanak, this is my prayer. || 3 || He Himself creates, and He Himself imbues us. He Himself bestows His Glance of Grace. O Nanak, if the soul-bride becomes pleasing to her Husband Lord, He Himself enjoys her. ||4 || 1 || [7]

All those who were present there, including all the mendicants, touched Guru Nanak’s feet. Guru Nanak was very much pleased on them. Guru Nanak did not return to the store thereafter. . As the Guru prepared to leave, all Hindus and Muslims bowed to him to see him off. The Nawab and Qazi were also among them. Guru Nanak moved out on his journey along with Mardana. [9,10,11]

References
1.Janamsakhi Walait Wali edited by Bhai Vir Singh
2. Gyani Gian Singh: Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p. 79
3. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, p.991
4. Op cit, p.141
5. Op cit pp.140-141
6. Op cit p.124
7. Op cit
8. Puratan Janamsakhi, Ed Bhai Vir Singh, Jan 2006, pp.39-49
9.Gyani Gian Singh: Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p. 86.
10. Sukhdial Singh: 2000, p.45
11. Khazan Singh, 1914, History of Sikh Religion, Patiala, Language deptt, 2nd reprint, 1988

 

[dalvinder45]

GURU NANAK’S LOCAL ITINERARY- EAST PUNJAB-1 ​

Guru Nanak left the job of Modi in 1499 AD after having been enlightened. Guru Nanak took permission from his sister Bebe Nanaki with a promise that whenever she remembered him he would appear. Guruji took seven rupees from his sister and got a Rebab from Bhai Firanda for Bhai Mardana. [1] He left his job, meditated deeply at Sultanpur and Emnabad and started for long journey known as Udasis for 26 years to deliver the message of Truth, equality and fraternity. He preached that God was omnipresent and did not adhere to any kind of ritualism or worship patterns. He led a life of purity and clarity and believed thatthe attainment of enlightenment would relieve one from the cycle of birth and death. Nanak’s teachings can be found in the Sikh scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Common principles discernible are: Firstly a supreme Godhead, incomprehensible, manifests in all major religions, the Singular "Doer" and formless. It is described as the indestructible (undying) form. Nanak describes the dangers of egotism (haumai- "I am") and calls upon devotees to engage in worship through the word of God. Naam implies God, the Reality, is a mystical word or formula to recite or meditate upon (shabad in Gurbani), through divine order (hukam), a guru’s instructions and singing of God’s qualities, discarding doubt in the process. Such worship must be selfless (sewa). The word of God cleanses the individual to make such worship possible. Nanak warned against hypocrisy and falsehood saying that these are pervasive in humanity and that religious actions can also be in vain. It may also be said that ascetic practices are not favoured by Nanak, who suggests remaining inwardly detached whilst living as a householder. Through popular tradition, Nanak’s teaching is understood to be practised in three ways:

• Vaṇḍ Chakkō: Sharing with others, helping those with less who are in need
• Kirat Karō: Earning/making a living honestly, without exploitation or fraud
• Naam Japna: Meditating on God's name to control your 5 evils to eliminate suffering and live a happy life.
After taking permission from Sister Nanaki and his family, he first left for his trvails within undivided Punjab then. Witihin Punjab, the main places stated to be visited include Tulamba, Pakpattan, Lahore, Sayyadpur (Saidpur/Emnabad), Sialkot and Talwandi. According to Dr Surinder Singh Kohli he visited, Goindwal, Fatehabad, Ramtirath, Jahman, Chahal, Lahore, Ghavindi, Khaira, Kanganwal, Manakdeke, Emnabad, Sialkot, Sahowal, Ugoke, Pasrur, Deoka, Mittha Kotla, Talwandi, Changa Manga, Chuhnian back to Sultanopur.

Goindwal Sahib
Guru Ji visited Goindwal Sahib in 1498 AD while going to Emanbad. It was then a barren land. It was developed in to a village by Guru Amardas at the instructions of Guru Angad on the request of Goinda Bhalla. Guru Amardas called his family here and got prepared a Baoli on the banks of Beas River between 1616 Samwat (1559 AD) and 1621 Sanwat 1564 AD). (11) Goindwal was named after Goinda and Gurdwara Baoli sahib was constructed round the Baoli.(2) The location of the town was an ancient east-west highway that crossed the River Beas connecting Delhi and Lahore [3] and the head of the most important ferries on the river Beas.[4] With the renovation of the highway by Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan ruler of North India (1540–45), this ferry site became an important transit point.[5] When Guru Nanak visited the place it was a deserted place. From Sultanpur Lodhi, Guru Nanak Dev ji crossed Bias River (the place where Baoli Sahib exists in Goindwal now) and sat in a deserted, secluded, barren place and stayed there for three months.[6][9} He remained in meditation for three days and nights at a stretch, sang hymns in accompaniment of Mardana’s rebec. As he opened his eyes, Mardana said: “Baba! You have been blessed by God to remain hungry, but I am an ordinary human being. I cannot remain without food. Either you make me like you that I do not feel hunger or give me two times food and proper clothing. Only then I can continue with you. Baba laughed and said: “You have not to worry for food and clothing. It will come whenever God wishes so.” Meanwhile a farmer brought cooked maize (Chhalian) and milk from his home. Farmer’s brother brought loafs of bread. Mardana had his fill. Guru Nanak blessed: “This place will have saints reciting God’s Name and free food (langar) will be served regularly.” Next he stayed at Fatehabad for night.

Photo 25: Gurdwara Baoli Sahib, Goindwal

The entrance of Goindwal is decorated with murals describing significant scenes of the Sikh history. [6] The main gurdwara, standing next to the Baoli, white against the chequer board of the courtyard. The Gurdwara is an example of typical Sikh architecture with a large dome tipped with a gold pinnacle - four cupolas echoing the main dome in shape and the ubiquitous facade of turrets, elliptical cornices and projected windows. Goindwal Baoli, the well of Goindwal Guru Amar Das had constrcued a Baoli, or covered step-well, in Goindwal. The step-well spans about 25 feet or 8 meters. The well has a few resting places between the 84 steps providing the Sikhs a place to get together and have spiritual discussion.[7][8} An arched access opens to a domed entrance decorated with frescoes depicting the life of Guru Amar Das. A divided underground staircase with 84 covered steps descends beneath the earth to Goindwal's sacred waters. The Baoli is entered through a wide, pointed archway and the structure is surmounted by a large fluted dome. There are projected eaves on all sides, while the front face also has a row of small turrets. The cornice under the dome is multi-coloured with floral designs.[8] Goindwal sahib has 17 Gurdwaras, 4 related to Guru Sahiban and 13 other Gurdwaras in city. (11)

Fatehabad
Fatehabad village is located in Khadur Sahib, a tehsil of Tarn Taran district in Punjab. It is situated 8 km away from Khadoor Sahib and 22 km away from Tarn Taran. The total geographical area of village is 1237 hectares. Fatehabad has a total population of 8,860 peoples, in about 1,649 houses. According to Census 2011 the village code of Fatehabad village is 038265 and pincode is 143409. Patti is nearest town to Fatehabad village for all major economic activities. (12) [13] Fatehabad was once the capital of the Ahluwalia Misl prior to the shifting of the capital to Kapurthala. This town is older than Tarn Taran and Amritsar. It was originally a border fort that had a Ghaznavid garrison permanently stationed there, and is known to have existed from the time of Mahmud Ghaznavi, or even earlier. The name Fatehabad is believed to signify the victory of the Ahluwalia Misl against the Muslim governor of Fatehabad. It is believed that Muhammad Ghori stationed his troops here and the town was turned into a kasba (town) which is a military encampment. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia born in 1718 was the founder of Kapurthala State in 1772. In the year 1755, he had defeated Adina Beg, the Mughal Governor of Jullundur, and taken possession of Fatehabad. [14] The older town, which was of strategic importance, was frequently visited by the Mughals and the later rulers, the Mughals had constructed an Imperial Serai for the benefit of armies and caravans,[15] beside several other buildings, which are now in ruins following the destruction of the older town by the forces of the Mughal Ruler Jahangir. Fatehabad is also known as the place where the First Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak had penned the Gurbani in praise of Nature (kudrat) [16] The nearest railway stations to Fatehabad is Goindwal Sahib Railway station at a distance of 1.5 km [17]

Photo 26: Gurdwara Fatehabad
Situated on the old Lahore-Delhi road, Fatehabad was home to a large number of heritage buildings, including imperial serais, but many of them have simply disappeared. Today even their ruins are non-existent.[18] It is rich with Mughal and Sikh architecture, and blessed with the visits of Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Arjun Dev. It was Sher Shah Suri (1472-1545) who first linked Painam near Dhaka, now in Bangladesh, with Peshawar that was in Afghanistan until Maharajah Ranjit Singh annexed it by stitching together several existing roads. The entire road was finished during Akbar’s reign. [19] Now Fatehabad, with crumbling old havelis and alleys, still retains the pre-Partition mix of Sikh, Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. The fifth Sikh Guru frequented Fatehabad. The first Sikh Guru also visited this place and penned Gurbani in praise of nature.

. According to Griffin Lepel, the fortress of Fatehabad during the Sikh Misl period was besieged by the forces of Ahluwalia Misl under the command of Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. As the fort was quite strong, it held out for many days. Then the commander of the fort, on the condition of safe passage to Lahore for the entire garrison, decided to relinquish the fort to Ahluwalia forces. It remained the capital of Ahluwalia Misl until Nawab Fateh Singh shifted his base to Kapurthala due to the increasing power of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The Palace of Sardar Ahluwalia, called “Mai Deori” was sold recently and the purchasers have razed the great Sikh heritage to ground. The old and historical building of “Nanak Padao” has been razed and a new building has come up. This was the place where Maharaja Ranjit Singh had come to condole the death of Nawab Bhag Singh, father of Nawab Fateh Singh (nephew of Sardar Ahluwalia). Both Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Nawab Fateh Singh exchanged their turbans in this holy shrine. However, Fateh Singh developed differences with the Maharaja and he migrated to Kapurthala and made that town his capital. The 250-year-old haveli of General Rattan Singh that was later converted into the court by Sarkar Basant Singh (great-grandson of Gen Rattan Singh) has been given a new look. Now this building is the abode of Mr Charnjit Singh, Senior Vice-President of the Bhartiya Kisan Union. However, Mr Charnjit Singh, the direct descendant of Gen Attar Singh, possesses a “patta” (revenue deed), written in Persian script and signed by Nawab Bhag Singh, the first cousin of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. This deed that begins with “Akal Sahai”, signed on 1812 AD, reads, “With the grace of Almighty, the 22 villages from Jandiala to Harike are granted to Bibi Sahib (daughter of Nawab Bhag Singh) on the above-lined military conditions and will remain so until the above conditions are met.”

As per “The Rajas of Punjab” written by Griffin H Lepel, Under-Secretary, Government of Punjab, published in 1870, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia captured Raikot from the Pathans and Rajputs of Verowal in 1771. Jassa Singh had two daughters, one of them was married to Raja Maha Singh of Fatehabad, and the second was married to Raja Amar Singh of Tungwala, near Amritsar. The Samadh of Raja Mohan Singh, the walls of which are adorned with beautiful frescos, is in a dilapidated condition. The frescos have been plastered and have lost their elegance. Adina Beg, Subedar of Jalandhar, was defeated by Nawab Jassa Singh Ahluwalia near Khadoor Sahib and Fatehabad. Ahluwalia remained present at Fatehabad till his death. He liberated about 2200 innocent girls from the clutches of Ahmad Shah Abdali and handed them over to their parents and earned the name of “Bandi Chhor”.[20, 21]

Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Padao Sahib Ftehabad is situated in the village Fatehbad district Tarn Taran. Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji came here along with Bhai Mardana and Bhai Bala during his first Udasi and stayed for some time. [21] Seeing the natural beauty around Guru Nanak sang “ Balihari Kudrat Vasia, tera ant na jayee lakhia.”
ਦੁਖੁ ਦਾਰੂ ਸੁਖੁ ਰੋਗੁ ਭਇਆ ਜਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਤਾਮਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਤੂੰ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰਣਾ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਜਾ ਹਉ ਕਰੀ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ 1 ॥ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਵਸਿਆ ॥ ਤੇਰਾ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ਲਖਿਆ ॥ 1 ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਜਾਤਿ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਮਹਿ ਜਾਤਾ ਅਕਲ ਕਲਾ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਆ ॥ ਤੂੰ ਸਚਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸੁਆਲਿੑਉ ਜਿਨਿ ਕੀਤੀ ਸੋ ਪਾਰਿ ਪਇਆ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਰਤੇ ਕੀਆ ਬਾਤਾ ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰਣਾ ਸੁ ਕਰਿ ਰਹਿਆ ॥ 2 ॥ (ਸਲੋਕੁ ਮਃ 1, ਪੰਨਾ 469)
Suffering is the medicine, and pleasure the disease, because where there is pleasure, there is no desire for God. You are the Creator Lord; I can do nothing. Even if I try, nothing happens. || 1 || I am a sacrifice to You Almighty, the creative power which is pervading everywhere. Your limits cannot be known. || 1 || Pause || Your Light is in Your creatures, and Your creatures are in Your Light; Your almighty power is pervading everywhere. You are the True Lord and Master; Your Praise is so beautiful. One, who sings it, is carried across. Nanak speaks the stories of the Creator Lord; whatever He is to do, He does. || 2 || (Shalok, First Mehl: p.469). From here Guru Nanak proceded towards Amritsar.

Khadoor Sahib
Khadoor Sahib is a town in Tarn Taran district of the Majha region of Indian state of Punjab. The postal index number of Khadur Sahib is 1431126.[24] As per 2011 Census of India, Khadoor Sahib had 2,027 households and a population of 11,054 persons. In this town.[26][27] Khadoor Sahib is an extremely important place for Sikhs as it has been sanctified by the visits of 8 Sikh Gurus, more than any other location. [22][23] Guru Nanak (1469-1439) meditated here where now Gurdwara Tapeana Sahib stands. Guru Nanak Sahib Ji is said to have visited Khadoor once to meet his Sikh, Bhai Jodha, a Khaira Jat. It was through Bhai Jodha's example that Bhai Lehna (later, Sri Guru Angad Sahib Ji) was led to seek Guru Nanak's precept. Guru Angad (1504–1552) moved the early Sikh community's centre from Kartarpur to Khadur after becoming the Guru due to opposition from Guru Nanak's sons after Guru Nanak having joined the eternal light. Guru Angad's father, Bhai Pheru, left his ancestral village, Matte di Sarai (now known as Sarai Naga), when it was ransacked by the Mughals and Baloches. Bhai Pheru moved on from the temporary home at Harike and made Khadoor his home. Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib Khadoor was Sri Guru Angad Sahib Ji's home. Baba Pheru's sister Mai Bharai was already married in Khadoor. Her home was visited by Guru Nanak dev Ji as well where Gurdwara Mai Bharai stands. Bhai Lehna, was married here in 1519. After the anointment of Bhai Lehna as Guru Angad Sahib Ji in 1539, following Guru Nanak's instructions, he returned to Khadoor, which became the centre of the Sikh faith. Guru Angad lived in Khadoor Sahib until his death in 1552. It was at Khadoor Sahib that Amar Das served him as a Sikh and was in turn himself anointed Sri Guru Amar Das Ji. (24) After Guru Angad, the community's headquarters was again moved by Guru Amar Das (1552–1574) to Goindwal Sahib due to the challenges from Guru Angad's sons.[25, 27, 28] Guru Amar Das Ji served Guru Angad here for around 12 years, fetching water from the Beas near Goindwal every day. Sri Guru Ram Das Ji visited Khadoor Sahib while travelling from Goindwal Sahib to Guru Chak (Amritsar).Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji visited Khadoor Sahib while travelling from Goindwal Sahib to Amritsar. Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji visited Khadoor Sahib with his family, after the marriage of his daughter Bibi Viro, on the way to Goindwal Sahib. Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji visited Khadoor Sahib, with 2200 Sikh horse riders while travelling to Goindwal Sahib. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji visited Khadoor Sahib after becoming Guru, ensuring that Sikh places were being properly maintained. The great philosopher Bhai Gurdas Ji also lived at Khadoor Sahib for some time. There are 7 Historic Sikh Gurdwaras in Khadoor Sahib. These Gurdwaras are 1. Taapeana Sahib, 2. Mai Bharai Sahib. 3. Sri Darbar Sahib (Angeetha Sahib) where Guru Angad breathed his last, 4. Tap Asthan Guru Angad Sahib where Guru Angad Dev ji meditated 5. Khaddi Sahib (Killa Sahib) where Guru Amardas Ji got stuck into and fell, 6. Mall Akhara Sahib where Guru Amardas Ji prepared Sikhs in wreestling 7. Bibi Amro da Khooh where Guru Angad’s daughter Bibi Amro’s hymn singing inspired Baba Amardas towards spiritual solace. All these Gurdwaras are managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee through a local committee. There is also a Sikh Ajaib Ghar (museum) with many historical paintings, manuscripts, hukumnamey, coins and documents about the development of Gurmukhi. Guru Angad ji was visited by Emperor Humayun and Guru Amardas was visited by Emperors Akbar in Khadoor Sahib.

Photo 27: Board showing history of gurdwaras at Khadoor Sahib Tapeana Sahib (Khadoor Sahib)
According to local tradition, Gurdwara Sri Tapiana Sahib marks the site where Guru Nanak, accompanied by Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana, preached to a gathering of Sikhs. It was here that the events of Guru Nanak's life are said to have been recorded, in the form of a Janamsakhi. A small platform near the Gurdwara marks the spot where Bhai Bala's mortal remains were cremated.

Photo 28: Gurdwara Tapeana Sahib, Khadoor Sahib
Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev ji is a furlong distance towards north from village Khadoor Sahib. It is known as Tapiana Sahib. Guru Nanak came to this place thrice once while going from Kartarpur to Sultanpur Lodhi. According to Dhanna Singh Chehal a local legend goes that Bhai Lehna (later Guru Angad) met Guru Nanak here through Mai Vairagi (Bharai). Guru Nanak took him along with to Kartarpur. (Dhanna Singh, p. 308-309) (28). He used to sit under a people tree and meditate. Bhai Lehna (Guru Angad) came in to contact with Guru Nanak through Mai Vairagi. There is a pucca sarovar along with the Gurdwara. Guru Ji took Bhai Lehna from here to Kartarpur Sahib. (28). This reference however, is negated by later historians who record that Bhai Lehna met Guru Nanak dev ji at Kartarpur Sahib while going for Vaishno Devi. Guru Angad also meditated here for 12 years and as the Second Guru guided his Sikhs from this place. Two Gurdwaras, one commemorating Guru Nanak’s visit and the other of Guru Angad are connected by a sarovar. Other Gurdwaras include Gurdwara Mal Akhada, where Guru Amar Das observed the wrestlers preparing for wrestling. (30)


Gurudwara Tapiana Sahib is situated in the Khadur Sahib City, Taran Taaran Distt. Guru Nanak came to this place three times; first while going to Emnabad, second time while returning form Emnabad and third time, when he came along with Guru Angad. This place is called Tapeana Sahib because Guru Nanak did meditation (tap) here. It is also said that since Guru Nanak was known as Tapa, hence this place was named after him. Guru Nanak used to sit and meditate under a peepel tree here. He also used to sing hymns along with Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana. Bhai Bala told the account of Guru Nanak’s life and travels to Guru Angad Dev Ji which was recorded by Bhai Paida Mokha and known as Janam Sakhi Bhai Bala, Here, Bhai Bala breathed his last after taking permission from Guru Angad Dev Ji. Guru Angad Dev Ji performed his last rites with his own hands. The Manji and Samadh of Bhai Bala is also close to this Gurdwara. (29)
The Gurdwara comprises a square hall on a high plinth. The Guru Granth Sahib is seated on a canopied throne of white marble. A lotus dome with an ornamental gold plated pinnacle and an umbrella shaped finial tops the hall, which also has a square shaped domed kiosk above each of its corners. In front of the hall, in the middle of a one acre brick paved compound is the sarovar.

Gurdwara Mai Bharai Khadoor Sahib

Photo 29: Gurdwara Mai Bharai Khadoor Sahib

Mai Bharai was the paternal aunt of Guru Angad Dev Ji. Gurdwara Mai Bharai is at the place where she used to live. Guru Angad stayed at this house for six months at Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s instructions. As per local tradition Guru Nanak dev ji called on Bhai Lehna (later Guru Angad Dev Ji) while he was residing at Mai Bharai’s place. When Bhai Lehna was pronounced as successor. Guru Nanak Guru Nanak asked him to locate himself from Kartarpur to Khadoor sahib. Guru Angad Dev Ji came to Khadoor Sahib and locked himself in Mai Bharai’s home and meditated to complete his upcoming anointment. (31) On 7th September 1539, Guru Nanak assembled the Sikhs and then ordered his people to obey, and serve Angad (previously known as Bhai Lehna) with the same devotion with which they had served him. Guru Angad did not go to his own house and shut himself in a small room at Mai Bharai's house and locked the door from inside. The Sangats that went to Kartarpur to see the new Guru were led back to Khadoor Sahib by Baba Budha. Baba Budha, risking the Guru's displeasure, made a hole in one of the walls of the room in Mai Bharai's house. He bowed at the Guru's feet and announced how the Sikhs waited outside for a sight of him. Guru Angad came out of his temporary seclusion to meet the Sikhs. About 100 metres to the west of Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib is Gurdwara Mai Bharai Sahib where Mai Bharai's house once stood. This marks another site consecrated by Guru Nanak and Guru Angad. On Guru Nanak's arrival at Khadoor, he met Mai Bharai who looked after him and Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana. Hence this place was blessed by two Gurus. Now Gurdwara Mai Bharai Sahib commemorates the stay of these Gurus at this place. The new building of Gurdwara Sri Mai Bharai Sahib, constructed during the 1980's, is a high ceilinged hall with a gallery. Its walls are lined with streaked marble slabs. The sanctum at the far end of the hall is topped by three storeys of square pavilions and a dome all covered with white glazed tiles. (31) (32)

Verowal

Photo 30 Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji Verowal, District Tarantaran

Verowal village is located in Khadoor Sahib tehsil of Tarn Taran district in Punjab. It is situated 6 km away from Khadur Sahib and 25 km away from Tarn Taran. The geographical area of village is 1304 hectares having a population of 2,564 peoples in about 517 houses. According to Census 2011 the village code of Verowal village is 038285 and pincode is 143117. Patti is nearest town to Verowal village for all major economic activities. (33) Guru Nanak visited Verowal to meet local well regarded Peer called Shah Madar who resided in Verowal. He held discussions with him. A Gurdwara was constructed at the place of Discussions. The mausoleum of the Peer is shot walk away from the Gurdwara directly behind it. Both Gurdwara and mausoleum are maintained by local village committee. The mention of the visit is available in Puratan Janamsakhi. (34)

Jalalabad

Photo 31: Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parao, Jalalbad

Jalalabad Khurd is a Village in Khadoor Sahib Tehsil in Tarn Taran District of Punjab State. It is located 32 KM towards East from Tarn Taran Sahib, 9 KM from Khadoor Sahib and 199 KM from State capital Chandigarh. Jalalabad Khurd Pin code is 143201 and postal head office is Beas. This Place is in the border of the Tarn Taran District and Kapurthala District. Kapurthala District and Sultanpur Lodhi are in South from this place.(35) On return from Pakpattan after having discussions with Sheikh Ibrahim a descendent of Baba Farid and other faqirs, Guru Nanak set his foot at this place. (36) Punjab Government under CM Capt Amrinder Singh released Rs. 1.50 crore for the development of village Jalalabad, Korre Vadhoan and Dialpur in Tarn Taran commeorating 550th birth anniversaryof Guru Nanak. (37) A ₹100 Crore project to develop all 70-odd Pahli Patshahi de Charan Chhoe Prapt Pind as model villages with proper amenities has also been initiated. (38)
Thada Sahib Sri Amritsar

Photo 32 & 33 Thada Sahib, harmandir Sahib Amritsar
Gurdwara Sri Thada Sahib Amritsar is situated in the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex near the Langar hall entrance next to Dukh Bhanjni Beri Gurdwara. It is said that Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji and Sri Guru Angad Sahib Ji visited this place then in village Sultanwind. Guru Nanak Dev Ji blessed this place with continuous Shabd Kirtan. The site also marks the place where Sri Guru Ram Das Ji would sit and supervise the excavation of the Sri Harmandir Sahib Sarovar. Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji recited the Shabad in Raag Ramkali 'Athsath tirath jah sadhu pag dareh'. Some believe that bath near here, is spiritually more beneficial than bathing in the 68 holy places around India. Meditating at this place is real bliss especially in V hours (amrit vela) when there is total peace around and the lights on water of Sarovar provide a lyrical dance. When Sri Guru Granth sahib installed in Sri Harmandir ahib it was first kept at this place. Even now as an installation ceremony this remains the first place where Sri Guru Guru Granth Sahib is placed initially as a symbol. (39, 40) According to Bhai Kahn Singh ‘during Kalyug, in Samwat 1595 (1538 AD) Guru Nanak came (for the second time?) from Kartarpur and sat on the peaceful banks of this water reservoir, the place where now ‘Thada Sahib’ stands. Having been there for some days, Baba Budha Ji and Lehna ji (Guru Angad) came searching for him. Astonished to find Guru Nanak at the place, both bowed before the Guru and prayed, “The True Lord, why have you left an environmentally rich place Kartarpur and have sat by the bank of this pond? What is the reason? Knowing all, Guru Nanak ji said, “Bhai Lehna and Budha Ji! The real truth why I left the enchanting place of Kartarpur and came here is that the water reservoir which you call a pond is not a mere pond” He recited a shabad (hymn):

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨੀਰੁ ਗਿਆਨਿ ਮਨ ਮਜਨੁ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਸੰਗਿ ਗਹੇ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਉਪਦੇਸਿ ਜਵਾਹਰ ਮਾਣਕ ਸੇਵੇ ਸਿਖੁ ਸੋੁ ਖੋਜਿ ਲਹੈ ॥ 1 ॥ ਗੁਰ ਸਮਾਨਿ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਸਰੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਤਾਸੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ 1 ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਦਰੀਆਉ ਸਦਾ ਜਲੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਮੈਲੁ ਹਰੈ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਪਾਇਐ ਪੂਰਾ ਨਾਵਣੁ ਪਸੂ ਪਰੇਤਹੁ ਦੇਵ ਕਰੈ ॥ 2 ॥ ਰਤਾ ਸਚਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਤਲ ਹੀਅਲੁ ਸੋ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਰਮਲੁ ਕਹੀਐ ॥ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਵਾਸੁ ਬਨਾਸਪਤਿ ਸਉਰੈ ਤਾਸ ਚਰਣ ਲਿਵ ਰਹੀਐ ॥ 3 ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜੀਅ ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਉਪਜਹਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਿਵ ਘਰਿ ਜਾਈਐ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚਿ ਸਮਾਈਐ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਿਜ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥ 4 ॥ 6 ॥ (ਪ੍ਰਭਾਤੀ ਮਹਲਾ 1, SGGS 1328:13)

One who bathes in the Ambrosial Water of spiritual wisdom takes with him the virtues of the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage. The Guru’s Teachings are the gems and jewels; the Sikh who serves Him searches and finds them. || 1 || There is n o sacred shrine equal to the Guru. The Guru encompasses the ocean of contentment.|| 1 || Pause || The Guru is the River, from which the Pure Water is obtained forever; it washes away the filth and pollution of evil-mindedness. Finding the True Guru, the perfect cleansing bath is obtained, which transforms even beasts and ghosts into gods. || 2 || He is said to be the Guru, with the scent of sandalwood, who is imbued with the True Name to the bottom of His Heart. By His Fragrance, the world of vegetation is perfumed. Lovingly focus yourself on His Feet. || 3 || The life of the soul wells up for the Gurmukh; the Gurmukh goes to the House of God. The Gurmukh, O Nanak, merges in the True One; the Gurmukh attains the exalted state of the self. || 4 || 6 || (Prabhaatee, First Mehl: p. 1328:13)

ਸੇਵਹੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਮੁੰਦੁ ਅਥਾਹਾ ॥ ਪਾਵਹੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਤਨੁ ਧਨੁ ਲਾਹਾ ॥ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਮਲੁ ਜਾਇ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰਿ ਨਾਵਹੁ ਗੁਰ ਸਰ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ 8 ॥ (ਮਾਰੂ ਮਹਲਾ 1: 1043:85)

So serve the True Guru, the unfathomable ocean, and you shall obtain the profit, the wealth, the jewel of the Naam. The filth of corruption is washed away, by bathing in the pool of Ambrosial Nectar. In the Guru’s pool, contentment is obtained. || 8 || (Maru Mahala 1, 1043:8)

History book Guru Khalsa, in Nagri letters, published in Bombay, p. 187 has the following record: The Third Guru told the Fourth Guru that, “There is an order from our previous Gurus that the Amrit sarovar will be created. Guru Nanak gave this service to Guru Angad. Guru Angad passed on this service to me. Now I am passing this on to you.” It is written in Panth Prakash typed print p. 92, stanza (Chhnand) 24-25:

ਫਿਰ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਜੀ ਬਸੈ ਜੰਗਲ ਮੇਂ ਇਸ ਠਾਇ। ਜੜੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੀ ਤ੍ਰਿਤੀ ਗੁਰ ਪਈ ਇਸ ਹੀ ਥਾਂਇ।

Then GuruNanak settled in this jungle. The foundation of Amrit Sarovar was kept by the third Guru at this place. All the above discussion is aimed to clarify that Guru Nanak meditated at this place probably twice . Then Guru Angad Dev ji came here searching for Guru Nanak Dev Ji. There after Guru Amardas came here first to take a special plant and second time he came and started the service of construction of Sarovar. Thereafter, the Fourth Guru started the digging in of Sarovar in Samwat 1621 (1564 AD) which was not yet completed. In Samwat 1631 (1574 AD) Guru Ramdas purchased the land from the farmers of the villages around and named the village as Ramdaspur however it remained famous as ‘Guru ka Chak’. Bhai Saaloh did great service for increasing settlers in this locality. Guru Ramdas also constructed houses for his family which is now known as ‘Guru ke Mahal’. In Samwat 1634 (1577 AD) Guru Ramdas started the digging of Sarovar but it was concretized by Guru Arjan Dev ji. In the center of this sarovar, the foundation of Sri Harmandir Sahib was kept in Samwat 1643 (1486 AD). After completion of Sri Harmandar Sahib Adi Granth sahib was established at this place. (4`)

The site marks the place where Sri Guru Ram Das Ji would sit and supervise the excavation of the Sri Harmandir Sahib Sarovar. Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji recited the Shabad in Raag Ramkali 'Athsath tirath jah sadhu pag dareh'. Some believe that bath near here, is spiritually more beneficial than bathing in the 68 holy places around India. Meditating at this place is real bliss specially in V hours (amrit vela) when there is total peace around and the lights on water of Sarovar provide a lyrical dance. When Sri Guru Granth sahib installed in ri Harmandir ahib it was first kept at this place. Even now as an installation ceremony this remains the first place where Sri Guru Guru Granth Sahib is placed initially as a symbol.

Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib, Verka, Amritsar,

Photo 34 & 35: Gurdwara Nanaksar Verka, Sri Amritsar

Photo 36: Lady with her sick child praying Guru Nanak to cure

Photo 37: Gurdwara Board Nanak Sar Sahib Verka

Gurudwara Shri Nanaksar Sahib, is situated in the village Verka within the periphery of Sri Amritsar. It marks the place where Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji stopped while going to Batala.(42) Guru Nanak Devji came to Verka From Dukh Bhanjni Beri and Thada Sahib in Sultanwind (now Sri Harmandir Sahib) (Dhanna Singh, P.333).(43) Guru Nanak stayed here for a day. Guru Nanak sat on the bank of a small pond and washed his feet. People started coming to seek blessings of Guru Ji. One lady came to Guru Ji whose child was suffering from Marasmus (soka). Guru Ji asked her to make her child bath in that sarovar. The child was cured with that. Later Guru Sahib blessed that Sarovar that who-so-ever will take bath in that sarovar on five Sundays, children will be cured."Suke Hare kiye Khin Mahi" (42). The massive sarovar is said to have curative powers. (45) Gurdwara Nanaksar commemorating Guru Nanak’s visit to Verka is in the west of the village and a brick lined sarovar is attached to it. Bibi Birji Bai of Shikarpur Sindh got the sarovar brick-lined from 9 jeth samwat 1956 (1899 AD) onwards and thereafter it was called Nanaksar. The Gurdwara building was reconstructed in 1973. The new three-storey doomed edifice stands in a walled compound. The sanctum is at one end of a hall at the ground floor. It is a scheduled Gurdwara (serial No 48) and is administered by SGPC through a local committee. Besides usual prayers and anniversaries an annual congregational fair is held here on 12 Chetra (March) the date Guru Nanak visited the place. (46). 10 Bighas of land is attached to the Gurdwara. Railway station Verka is close by. Guru Nanak went to Achal Batala from this place. (44) (47) (Gurdham Didar, p.37)

Gurdwara Nanaksar, Manji Sahib Ram Tirath, Sri Amritsar

Photo 38: Gurdwara Manji Sahib Ram Tirath Sri Amritsar
From Amritsar, Guru Nanak moved to Ram Tirath along with Bhai Mardana and Bhai Bala his devoted companions. [1] Ramtirth is about 12 km from Amritsar famous for the Balmik Ashram.Sita was given protection by Rishi Balmik after she was banished by Ram. She gave birth to twins Lav and Kush and brought them up here. A battle with Lakshman and his army was fought by Lav and Kush defeating the entire force. Later Sri Ram took Sita, Lav and Kush from here. The place was dominated by Pandits and Bairagi Sadhus. Ram Charan Das Bairagi was the chief priest of the place who declared himself a Siddh having the powers to know about the events of all the ages. He was offering the same experience to his followers and visitors for money Seeing Guru Nanak being honoured by a great presence, he felt zealous.Guru Nanak asked Bhai Bala to remove his kamandal (utensil) before him away out of his sight while he was meditating. When the priest opened his eyes and began looking for his kamandal, the Guru asked him how he could see God when he is unable to find his own kamandal. Guru Nanak recited the Shabad (hymn) (SGGS: 56) Guru Nanak sang a hymn..

ਪੰਡਿਤ ਵਾਚਹਿ ਪੋਥੀਆ ਨਾ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਅਨ ਕਉ ਮਤੀ ਦੇ ਚਲਹਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਾ ਵਾਪਾਰੁ ॥ ਕਥਨੀ ਝੂਠੀ ਜਗੁ ਭਵੈ ਰਹਣੀ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ 6 ॥ ਕੇਤੇ ਪੰਡਿਤ ਜੋਤਕੀ ਬੇਦਾ ਕਰਹਿ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਵਾਦਿ ਵਿਰੋਧਿ ਸਲਾਹਣੇ ਵਾਦੇ ਆਵਣੁ ਜਾਣੁ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਕਰਮ ਨ ਛੁਟਸੀ ਕਹਿ ਸੁਣਿ ਆਖਿ ਵਖਾਣੁ ॥ 7 ॥(ਰਾਮਕਲੀ ਮ:1, 56)
The Pandits, the religious scholars, read their books, but they do not understand the real meaning. They give instructions to others, and then walk away, but they deal in Maya themselves. Speaking falsehood, they wander around the world, while those who remain true to the Shabad are excellent and exalted. || 6 || There are so many Pandits and astrologers who ponder over the Vedas. They glorify their disputes and arguments, and in these controversies they continue coming and going. Without the Guru, they are not released from their karma, although they speak and listen and preach and explain. || 7 || (Ramkali M 1, 56)

The chief priest and other pandits and bairagis fell at Guru’s feet and became his followers.[2] Having listened and realized the depth of the hymn they bowed before Guru Nanak. A brick-lined sarovar and Gurdwara were got constructed by daughter-in –law of Chandu Lal Minister of the Nawab of Lahore who got Guru Arjan Dev ji martyred after great torture. Sikhs do not have bath in this sarovar because of this very reason.(47) The shrine encloses a massive sarovar which was once a pond besides which Guru Nanak Dev ji performed his Shabad Kirtan. The Gurdwara is located in Kaler village near the turn for Ram Tirath.(48)

References
1. About District, Welcome to District Tarn Taran,Govt. Of Punjab, India
2. Gurdham Didar (2005), p .46
3. Singh, Surinderjit (1999), The Masters & The Word Divine. Amritsar: B. Chattar Singh Jiwan Singh, p. 73, ISBN 8176013129.
4.Singh, Trilochan (1967). Guru Tegh Bahadur, prophet and martyr: a biography. Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, p. 107.
5.Bloom, Jonathan (2009), The Grove encyclopedia of Islamic art and architecture, Volume 2. Oxford University Press, p. 258, ISBN 9780195309911.
6. Gyani Gian Singh, Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p.87.
7. Singh, Gurmukh (1995). Historical Sikh Shrines. Singh Bros., p. 109. ISBN 9788172051518.
8. Singh, Surinderjit (1999). The Masters & The Word Divine. Amritsar: B. Chattar Singh Jiwan Singh. p. 75. ISBN 8176013129.
9. Singh, Gurmukh (1995). Historical Sikh Shrines. Singh Bros. p. 109. ISBN 9788172051518.
10. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Baoli Sahib, Goindwal, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, Punjab October 2019, Tarntaran, Tarntaran, pp. 36-37
11. Dhanna Singh Chehal, Gur Tirath Cycle Yatra, p. 304-305.
12.https://villageinfo.in/punjab/tarn-taran/khadur-sahib/fatehabad.html
13. Fatehabad (Tarn Taran)
14. Indian States: A Biographical, Historical, and Administrative Survey. Asian Educational Services, 2006. pp. 421–422. ISBN 9788120619654.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
15. Punjab District Courts
16. Fatehabad District Amritsar", Archived from the original on 8 February 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2011.
17."India Census 2011". Retrieved 7 November 2016.
18."India rail Info". Retrieved 7 November 2016.
19. Fatehabad, Punjab - Wikipedia
20. https://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060713/aplus.htm#2
21. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Nanak Parao, Fatehabad, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, Punjab October 2019, Tarntaran, pp. 34-35
22. "Places of interest in Tarn Taran district". Tarn Taran district official website. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
23. "Gurudwara Shri Darbar Sahib, Khadoor Sahib". Retrieved 21 February 2020.
24. "Postal code of Khadur Sahib, Tarn Taran". Retrieved 21 February 2020.
25. Singh, Pashaura (3 April 2021). "Ideological basis in the formation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and the Shiromani Akali Dal: exploring the concept of Guru-Panth". Sikh Formations. 17 (1–2): 3–4. doi:10.1080/17448727.2021.1873656. ISSN 1744-8727. S2CID 234146387. The second Guru, Angad (1504–1552), established a new Sikh center at his native village Khadur because Guru Nanak's sons made the legal claim as rightful heirs of their father's properties at Kartarpur. It confirmed an organizational principle – that the communal establishment at Kartarpur should not be considered a unique institution, but rather a model that could be cloned and imitated elsewhere. Similarly, the sons of Guru Angad inherited the establishment at Khadur, forcing his successor to move to Goindval ('City of Govind', an epithet of God) on the right bank of the river Beas.
26. "Khadur Sahib census details 2011". Census of India. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
27. District Census Handbook Tarn Taran 2011 - Village And Town Wise Primary Census Abstract.
28.Dhanna Singh Chehal, Gur Thirath Cycle Yatra, p. 308
29. Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib (Khadoor Sahib) - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.
30.Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib, Khadoor Sahib,, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, Punjab October 2019, Tarntaran, pp.38-39
31. Gurdwara Sri Mai Bharai Sahib | Discover Sikhism
32. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Mai Bhrai, Khadoor Sahib, Tarntaran, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, Punjab October 2019, pp.42
33. Verowal Village in Khadur Sahib (Tarn Taran) Punjab | villageinfo.in
34. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Verowal, Khadoor sahib , Tarntaran, Goindwal, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, Punjab October 2019, p.46
35. Jalalabad Khurd Village
36.Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Nanak Parao, Jalalabad Khadoor sahib , Tarntaran, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, Punjab October 2019, p.43
37. 28 more 'Charan Choh' villages get funds for Parkash Purb celebrations
38. ationalheraldindia.com/india/punjab-cm-capt-amarinder-singh-launches-celebrations-for-the-550th-birth-anniversary-of-sri-guru-nanak-dev
39. History | District Amritsar, Government of Punjab | India
40.. Gurdwara Sri Thada Sahib Amritsar | Discover Sikhism
41.. Shromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Gurdham Didar, based on Mahan Kosh of Bhai
Kahn Singh, March 2005, pp. 24-28.
42. HistoricalGurudwaras.com, a Journey to Historical Gurudwara Sahibs
43. Dhana Singh Chehal, Gurtirath Cycle Yatra, p. 332.
44. Gurdwara Sri Nanaksar Sahib Verka | Discover Sikhism
45. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib, Verka Amritsar, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, Punjab October 2019, p.69
46. Gyani Gyan Singh, Gurdhm Sagreh, GPC, Sri Amritsar, p. 19
47.. Punitinder Kaur Sidhu, Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Ram Tirth, Amritsar, Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail (Punjab), Lonely Planet Global Limited, Punjab October 2019, p.68
48. Gurmuksh Singh . Historical Sikh Shrines, Singh Brothers Amritsar, 1995, p. 116

 

[dalvinder45]

BIRTH AND EARLY DAYS OF GURU NANAK​

A child was born on 15th April 1469 AD (20th Vaisakh 1526 Bikrami) to Mata Tripta. The father of the child was Mehta Kalyan Chand, a village land recorder (Patwari) to Rai Bular, the village land lord of Rai Bhoi ki Talwandi in Punjab.
View attachment 22155View attachment 22156
Photo 2. Mehta Kalu holding baby Nanak (Photo by Bhagat Singh Sikh Art) Photo 3. Relatives having first look of Nanak

Janamsakhi Bhai Bala states Guru Nanak’s birth date as Katak Sudi Pooranmasi Samvat 1526 (1469 AD) [1] Janam Sakhi Walait Wali mentions his date of birth to be 3 Vaisakh Samvat 1526. [2] Janam Sakhi Meharban and Janamsakhi Bhai Mani Singh also agree with Walait Wali Janamsakhi considering the birthdate to be 3 Vaisakh Samvat 1526 (15 April 1469) hence Dr Kirpal Singh in Janamsakhi Parampra accepts the same. [3] The same is accepted here as well taking Gurū Nānak Dev Ji’s period as 15 April 1469 to 22 September 1539. There is no difference in place of birth and parentage and relationships. Place of birth is Talwandi Rai Bhoi (now known as Nanakana Sahib) Kalyan Chand Bedi (Mehta Kalu) as father and Mata Tripta as the mother. His sister was Nanaki (known as Bebe Nanaki) who was elder to him. His uncle was Lal Chand Bedi (Lalu). Kalyan Chand was an administrator on the landed properties of Rai Bular, a local landlord and a brother-in-law of the Nawab Dault Khan, the Nawab of Sultanpur Lodhi. Talwandi Rai Bhoi is now named Nankana Sahib. It is in the district by the same name in Punjab, Pakistan.
View attachment 22157
View attachment 22158
Photo 4 and 5 Nankana Sahib: Guru Nanak’s Birth Place

The political, cultural and religious environment at the time of his birth were both disturbing and balancing. The political turmoil was countered by religious renaissance. The state of the political turmoil has been well described by Guru Nanak himself:

Time is on sword’s edge. The kings are acting as murderers; they forgot their primary duty i.e., well-being of their public.……"[1]
He adds:-
Corruption has reached the top. Even the king has to be bribed to get justice……. [2]

The gloriously rich tradition of religious tolerance was powerless against the tyranny of the bigots. Dissent was carried to a point of intolerance and intolerance to unrivalled persecution. The warriors had conflicting desires to conquer and achieve worldly gains. They came not as conquerors, but enemies and the face of Indian history was marred, if not charred, with these suppressive forces; for it was not the policies but the institutions which were ruthlessly oppressed. The invaders had trampled the rich civilisation of ages under their feet, without the slightest remorse or inequity.

In an era of contention and in the background of these disabilities, the epoch of transition and interregnum in a suffering country, only a spiritual revolution could survive.

Pandit Hardyal, the village astrologer, prepared Nanak’s horoscope and said, “This is no ordinary child. He is a divine incarnation.” He predicted that this soul would have a profound influence on the world. During naming ceremony on 13th day, Pandit Hardyal announced the name of the child as ‘Nanak’ after his sister’s name ‘Nanaki’ who had born at her mother’s place i.e,, at her nanakas hence named Nanaki. As he grew, he played with the children, but appeared definitely above them, since he got into meditative mood occasionally. As he became five, he started speaking of inner and outer world. Whatever he spoke, he spoke after a due thought, satisfying the listener. Hindus said: ‘He appeared to be a Devta (god); Muslims said: ‘He is an Allah’s messenger’

View attachment 22162
Photo 6. Gurdwara Bal Lila Sahib where Nanak’s played in childhood
At the age of seven, he was sent to village pathshala for schooling where he was taught Hindu scriptures, culture, languages, and arithmetic, geography and business methodologies. He studied for over 2 years with Pandit Gopal, who was touched with the deep concentration and progress of learning of Nanak. Uncommon maturity appeared in the child Nanak. His pick-up was so fast that he left all others behind. One day, Gopal told the class about the creation and the Creator. He then asked Nanak to write on his wooden slate (Fatti/Patti). Nanak wrote a long treatise. Pandha enquired as to what he was writing, “I am writing alphabet (Patti) extending it to the praise of the God whom I revere most”.
View attachment 22160
Photo 7: Gurdwara Patti Sahib: Place of Nanak’s first schooling

“He who created the world, is the One Lord and Master of all. Whose consciousness remains committed to His service, their birth and coming into the world is blessed…. The Primal Lord is the Giver; True; Limitless: sing his praises. Performing service to him and practising truth is fruitful and rewarding. Pandit (a religious scholar) is the one who understands spiritual wisdom…Ego dies the moment one recognises God.. Chain of Maya binds as one grows and leads one to death. . The Creator; the King of the world feeds all; binding all to Maya, where no other command other than God’s, prevails. …One who recognizes bad and good as one and the same; he is absorbed into the Lord and Master... When the Lord bestows His Glance of Grace, one is redeemed. The One Lord is totally pervading everywhere and abides within every mind. Peace pervades within those who link their consciousness to the Lord… Those humble beings, whose consciousness is so linked, are saved; by His Grace, they obtain peace… (SGGS, p.432)

“Marvellous! How did you get it?” surprised Pandha enquired. “It just came to me from Him and I wrote it,” Nanak said smilingly. He further said, “Studying all other things is fruitless. Without the Name of the Lord, everything is fruitless.’ He further said, “Where ever you take your mind, best is to be meditating on the Name of the God. It will give you great happiness, inner pleasure and gift of being ever pleasant”. (Puratan Janamsakhi, p.23)

Pandha Gopal was astonished, He said, “Pandit Hardyal prophesied right. You are great already. The one who has realised self and God, has nothing more to learn. It is my good luck that you became my pupil. I have learnt more from you than I taught. You do not need to come to me for further learning.” Nanak did not go to Pandha next day.

Mehta Kalu sent him to Pandit Baij Nath to learn Sanskrit, Vedas and Shashtras. On the advice of Rai Bular, he was also sent to to Mullah Qazi Qutub-ud-Din, where he was taught Muslim scriptures, culture, Turkish, Persian and Arabic languages, literature and administrative and justice systems. Maulvi also explained the spiritual experiences of Sufi saints which impressed Nanak. Nanak sensed his meanings and often thought of correlating these ideas with his own inner feelings. As a student, Nanak impressed the teacher by his deep insight and spiritual depth. Once he was asked to write Alif ‘I’ in Persian, resembling figure 1, he explained it, depicting it as the Unity of God.

Both, the Pandit and the Qazi were impressed on Nanak’s learning progress and respected him due to his fast learning. With the learning of religious experiences his own yearning to write increased and he started composing his own hymns. He started working hard on his writing, humming softly and then correcting where needed.

When put into worldly activities, he was not getting attached to any worldly affair and did not care for the house. To keep him busy in home affairs, Mehta Kalu sent him for grazing cattle. As the animals grazed, Nanak meditated by the side of the wheat field. The farmer thought that the animals have destroyed some of his crop since Nanak did not seem to be paying attention to the animals. He took Nanak to Rai Bular. On examining the fields, no damage to the crops was found. This amazed Rai Bular, Mehta Kalu and the farmer, who claimed that he had seen the cattle in his fields.
View attachment 22161
Photo 8. Gurdwara Malji Sahib Photo

Another day, Rai Bular while passing through the village common land, was amazed to see that the shadow of the tree under which Nanak was meditating, did not move. Another day, after return from his hunting, he again found Nanak meditating, while a black Cobra appeared to be providing shade to Nanak. Rai Bullar was shocked and worried about the safety of Nanak and shouted at him to awaken him. Listening to the loud sound, the cobra slipped away into a bush and Nanak got up smiling. Rai Bular had the firm belief that these were all miracles, which Nanak never believed. Rai Bular called Mehta Kallu and said, “Listen Mehta Kalu. Never admonish or speak harsh words to Nanak. He is the chosen one of the Lord. God’s ways are great; we will never understand these”.

Rai Bular, and Bibi Nanaki were the first people who recognised divine qualities in the boy. They encouraged and supported him to study and travel. His sister Nanaki being very much attached to him took extra care in providing what he liked. When she was married to Jai Ram, she left for Sultanpur Lodhi where her husband served the Nawab of Sultanpur Lodhi. This left a great loneliness in Nanak and he preferred solitude and occasionally got into meditation. He frequently, went out with hermits. Mehta Kalyan Das thought of his marriage as he thought that once married, Nanak will start caring for his family and his solitude will go off as well. But, this did not happen as his family desired. So his marriage was arranged and he was married to Sulakhani, daughter of Mool Chand of Batala a land record holder (patwari) of village Pakhoke close to Dera Baba Nanak.

Marriage party reached Sultanpur Lodhi. The girls from host family got together and asked Nanak to be seated under the shadow of the wall in the house of Kaulo and Veero. An old lady Mai Durgi, came and said, “Bhai Nanak, please be away from here. This wall is likely to fall.” Guru Nanak said, “Respected Mata Ji, this wall shall remain till the world survives.” She was blessed by the Guru saying, “Chone chuge gaye, Bhandari Bharpoor, Puri poor and Teri tich’. The wall is 10 feet by 6 feet (das hath by 6 hath) and can be seen even now in Mohalla Sohnia. The old lady was from Bhandari community. Bhandari developed a lot in Batala. A two storeyed building Gurdwara Kandh Sahib was constructed close to the Kandh Sahib. A 3 feet square Manji Sahib is placed at the place. Guru’s marriage ceremony is regularly rejuvenated by the sangat on the day of this marriage with great pomp and show to this day. Later Gurdwara ‘Kandh Sahib’ was constructed at the place by Raja Sher Singh of Lahore. It has a 60 Acres of land allotted to it. It was originally looked after by a family of a Manhant but now the control is with Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee through a local Committee.
View attachment 22167
Photo 9. Gurdwara Kandh Sahib where the Guru was seated before marriage ceremony

The place of marriage was the house of Mool Chand Chona in Mohalla Chonia. Pandit Hardyal got the marriage solemnised in Bikrami 1554 (1497AD) and the marriage party stayed here for 7-9 Assu when a grand fair is organised. This place was also converted into a Gurdwara known as Dera Sahib Baba Nanak.
View attachment 22164
View attachment 22165
View attachment 22166
Photo 10, 11,12: Gurdwra Dera Sahib the place of marriage of Guru Nanak with Sulakhni
Even after marriage, Nanak did not take interest in worldly affairs and remained in seclusion. Realising God’s great way, Nanak went into meditation and started meeting the hermits increasingly. At home, he preferred to keep quiet generally. The doctor was called, but of no use; since Nanak was perfect physically. Hakeem Haridas said: “Treatment of your son is beyond me. He is yearning to meet God and it is God alone who can treat his soul. Allow him some free air and do meditations to seek God.” Nanak sang: “The physician was called in; he touched my arm and felt my pulse. The ignorant physician did not know that the pain was in the mind” (SGGS, p.1279).

Once sitting in his fields, Nanak heard some music coming from nearby. It was Dana, the village bard (Mirasi), playing with a local instrument. Going to him, he said, “You play the instrument well.” “Yes! I am a Mirasi; the village bard who earns by playing music and singing songs of the rich and powerful. My name is Dana,” Dana said. Nanak said: “Wonderful! This is what your music is for. Will you join me? When you are with me you won’t die of hunger. You are Mardana (who does not die) now onwards”. Mardana felt such inordinate power and magnetism in the eyes of Nanak that all he could say, “Take me where you will. I will follow you in your footsteps.” A neighbour told Mehta Kalu: “Your son is now in the company of Mirasi Dana.” Shocked, Kalu thought of engaging him in some professional job. Twenty rupees were given to him for purchases.

On the way to market of Chuharkana, he met a group of hungry hermits. He went to the city market; purchased provisions for rupees twenty for feeding the hungry hermits. Giving all of it to them, he said, “Please have your meals for some days at least”. Nanak felt relieved and pleased at having done a true business. According to him, nothing could be a better business than feeding the hungry.

Back home, in anger his father questioned the futility of deal. Nanak replied, “As per your direction, I have done a worthwhile deal by feeding the hungry.”…..Mehta Kalu got infuriated hearing this and slapped Nanak in anger. Knowing this, Rai Bular called Mehta Kalu and rebuked him for punishing Nanak. Mehta Kālu’s son-in-law Jai Ram came to know of this too. He called Nanak to join him in Sultanpur Lodhi. Family felt it to be a good relief, though Sulakhni was quite worried.
View attachment 22168
View attachment 22169
Photo12. Guru Nanak feeding the hermits Photo 13. Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, Chuharkana

While visiting Chuharkana again Mardana said that he was feeling hungry. They saw some donkeys of a merchant laden with sugar passing by. Guru Nanak Dev Ji told Baba Mardana to inquire from the owner as to what was in those bags. When Mardana asked the merchant, he replied that it was sand. Sat Gur said, "All right! Sand it will be!". The merchant became worried lest the saying of the saint should come true. He checked the bags and found that it was actually sand. He held Guru’s feet. Guru Ji said if it were not sand what else could that be. The merchant said, "Sire! It was sugar." Guru Ji said, "All right! Then sugar it will be.” The merchant checked again and found that to be sugar. He sat at the feet of Guruji and unloaded his sugar. There is a splendid Gurdwara with a dome built by the road at this place to commemorate this event. Now its condition is bad and if no maintenance is done it will disappear without leaving a trace. This holy shrine stands gloomily in the fields on the other side of the railway line only one km from Gurdwara Sacha Sauda. (Acknowledgements: Text and photographs:Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan : Iqbal Qaiser)
View attachment 22163
14. Gurdwara Shakarganj

References

1. Janamsakhi Bhai bala, edited by Dr Surinder Singh Kohli, Punjab University Chandigarh, 1990, (2nd edn), p.50 mentions: “Janampatri Nanak Vedi, Sammvat 1526, Miti Katak Sudi, Pooranmasi Nanak janam lia.Adhi raat(i) guzri ghadi upar. Kalu Vedi de ghar(i).
2. Puratan Janam Sakhi edited by Bhai Veer Singh Sahit Sadan, New Delhi, Jan 2006 (15th edn), p.17: Samvat 1526 Baba Nanak(u) janmia, Vaisakh Mah(i) tritia. Chanani raat, Amrit vela pahar raat rahindi ku janmia.
3. Kirpal Singh (Dr.) Janam sakhi Prampara, Punjabi University, Patiala, Dec 1969, p. xxx: mentions: “Walait Wali Janamsakhi ate Bhai Mani Singh wali janamsakhi…dohan janamsakhian vich janam tareekh Vaisakh Sudi tin samvat 1526 bikrami hai. Meharban wali Janamsakhi vich vi janamtareekh iho hai.”
4. Indubhusan Banerjee, Evolution of Khalsa Vol I, A Mukherjee & Co. Pvt Ltd., Calcutta)
5. Dr Surinder Singh Kohli, Travels of Guru Nanak ,
6. Gyani Gian Singh, Twareekh Khalsa, p. 86: 22 Katak 1558 Bikarmi
7.Gyani Lal Singh Sangrur, Twareekh Guru Khalsa
8.Dr Surinder Singh Kohli edited, Janamsakhi Bhai Bala
9.Sahib Singh, Prof: 30 October 1507 (1 Asu Samvat 1564) –November 1515.
10.Sukhdial Singh, Punjab da itihas Guru Kal 1469-1708: Jild Panjvin, Patiala Punjabi University, pp.45-46,

Gurdwara SachKhand, Choohdkana

 

[dalvinder45]

GURU NANAK’S LOCAL ITINERARY: SULTANPUR LODHI TO EMNABAD

Map 2: Guru Nanak’s Travels from Sultanpur Lodhi to Emnabad​

Khalra (Manji Sahib):

Photo 39:Gurdwara Manji Sahib Khalra District Tarntarn​

Khalra is 32 kilometre south of Lahore, situated now near Indo-Pakistan border in the middle of Amritsar and Lahore (now in Pakistan). While Guru Nanak was reciting a hymn, the shopkeepers cracked jokes. G. Iuru Nanak remarked, “Khalra will remain well settled. The traders will die penniless.” (Vaso raso Khalra maro mahajan nang). As per the later history none of the moneylenders of Khalra ever became rich. The farmers have been richer than them. The gurdwara income is from offereings. A portion of donated land is for langar.[1] Gurudwara Sri Patshahi Pehli Sahib is situated in Village Khalra, district Taran Taaran. Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji visited this place. Guru Sahib came here after teaching the farmers of patti. Guru Sahib preached sangat the way of life through "wand shakan" and kirtan and established a dharmsala here. The old building of this Gurdwara was destroyed during Indo-Pak war of 1965. A new Gurdwara was constructed in 1980's. Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji arrived here after teaching the farmers of village Patti.

Guru Nanak taught the Sangat the ways of life through 'Vand Chakkana' (charity) and Kirtan. Guru Nanak established a Dharmsala here. [2][3][4]

Ghawindi
Ghawindi village is under Barki police circle in Lahore district one KM from Indo-Pak Border opposite Khalra checkpost in India on Lahore-Ghawindi road. It is two kilometer from Ghawindi and the shrine of Jagat Guru called Lahura Sahib is located in this village. From Jahman, Guru Nanak visited Ghawindi, a small village of Banjaras, near Khalra check post just close to Indo-Pak border and sat under a lahura/lasura tree. These Banjaras were celebrating the birth of a son in their family. Feeling hungry, Mardana requested the Guru to allow him to get some food. Guru Nanak permitted him on the premise that he will not beg for food. Mardana went to the Banjara’s house where the celebrations were going on. However, no one bothered for Mardana and kept busy in their merriment. Perchance, the new born expired and the celebrations turned into cries. Realising the presence of the saint outside their village, they came to the Guru with a request to save the child. Guru Nanak sang the hymn ‘pehre’ to console and to make them understand that no one can change the Will of God hence they have to submit to God’s Will only. A Gurdwara was constructed to commemorate Guru Nanak’s visit to the place and 20 bighas of land was attached to it. After 1947, the office of the Union Council was set up in this building. This building gradually crumbled leaving only two rooms now being used as offices The parkash asthan and the main gate have fallen.[5]

Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi, Rodi Sahib, Jahman

Guru Nanak visited Jahman (Police circle Burki, Lahore), while visiting his maternal house in Chahal and stayed outside the village on a mound sitting on shards (rodi). This 2-1/2 storeyed building is located near village Khalra of Taran Taran District at a distance of 1-1/2 KM from the international border and is connected by a metalled road to Lahore 25 kms away. According to ‘Mahan Kosh’, [6] this sacred shrine of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, came to be known as Rodi Sahib beause the Guru chose to stay on a mound full of shards (rodi) outside Jhaman; rodi being the Punjabi word for shards of pottery found on this mound. The Gurdwara is steeped in centuries-old spiritual significance as Guru Nanak choose it as a sanctuary for his prayers while seated on stone pebbles. Guru Nanak Dev came to this place thrice because his maternal grand parents were settled in the nearby village of Dera Chahal. There was a small pool at that time which was later expanded into a tank by one of his follower, Naria, a dweller of this village. One of the followers of Guru Nanak used to stay in this village. Following him the local Jain Bhavdas adopted the path of Truth. Bhai Vadhawa Singh constructed a beautiful monument at the place with the help of followers. Gurdwara had 100 bighas of land allotted on its name. Before partititon 1947, the fair used to be held on Visakhi and on 20 Jeth. According to Gurdham Didar [6] p. 152, Guru Nanak visited the place occasionally while going to his mother’s place. Gurdwara is beautiful architectural piece with a golden dome. Close by is the residential complex. It is said that Guru Nanak was presentred food by Naria Bhagat which turned into a sweet dish. The fairs are held on 20 Jeth, Vaisakhi, Maghi and Dasvin. During 1965 wars Gurdwara building was badly hit. Its ruins can still be seen. It is in village Gurmandar in District Lahore. [7 ].Nestled just a few kilometers away from the buzzing Wagah border, the once majestic Gurdwara Patshahi Rori Sahib Jahman lies in a lamentable state of decay. Known for its rich cultural significance in the Sikh religion, this neglected treasure in Lahore now stands as a painful symbol of abandoned heritage. A noteworthy facet of this monument, as referenced in Gurbani, was the large pond that once enveloped the structure, providing an air of tranquility to the site. Today, however, this serene body of water has all but vanished, its place taken by tethered cattle and encroachers making dung cakes. The sacred sanctuary has been usurped by the mundanity of daily life, a cruel reminder of its pitiful state.Both this tank and the Gurdwara building of Rodi Sahib are in need of repairs.If urgently needed repairs are not carried out within a short time this Holy site will become little more than a heap of dust. The attached 100 bighs of land is also being gradually enrroched. (8)(9)

Photo 39: Gurdwara Rodi Sahib. Jahman Photo Haroon Khalid

Gurdwra Bebe Nanaki, Chahal

The Guru visited Chahal, next. Chahal was the parental place of Mata Tripata and birthplace of Bebe Nanaki. Bebe Nanaki, the sisiter of Guru Nanak was born at his maternal grandfather’s home in 1664 AD at Chahal also known as Dera Chahal. The Guru often visited it. 100 acres of land is attached to the gurdwara. It is near village Hehar in Lahore district. [10] After 1947, the Gurdwaras are now in a dilapidated state due to lack of care and maintenance. In the past, a serene tank adorned the right side of the sacred Darbar within the Gurdwara premises. Unfortunately, this tank has vanished over time. Within the Gurdwara building, there used to be a girls' school, which added to the educational endeavors of the community. However, until 1996, the Gurdwara building had fallen into a state of disrepair.

Recognizing the importance of preserving this cultural and religious heritage, the then Prime Minister of Pakistan allocated 0.5 million rupees from the public exchequer to initiate the restoration of the Gurdwara building. This significant effort helped revive the grandeur of the holy site. The Gurdwara was once a place where the religious ceremony of Prakash was conducted, bringing devotees closer to their faith. The priests played a crucial role in the spiritual activities of the Gurdwara. The holy Shrine of Dera Chahal is now left with 30 bighas of land. [11][12]

Photo 40: Gurdwara Bebe Nanki Chehal (Pakistan)​

Lahore: Gurdwara Sri Nanak Garh.

From Chahal, Guru Nanak went to Badami Baag in Lahore where a Gurdwara commemorated Guru Nanak’s visit. Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Garh Sahib, also known as Gurdwara Nanak Garh was situated near Chhoti Ravi or Buddha Daryia. It is near Badami Baag Station 2 km towards the north of the city and 1 km from Badami Baag railway station in the north near the garden of Bangalis. Badami baag was a very big garden then. Number of saints used to gather and meditate in this garden. Guru Nanak held discussions with these saints. From this place, Duni Chand had come to invite the saints and invited Guru Nanak along. One had to cross Buddha Daria of River Ravi to visit this place. Now no such garden exists and the entire land was first put to agricultural use and later buildings started coming up in that area. A two storeyed Gurdwara was constructed at the place.[13]. (Dhanna Singh, p.389) After partition of 1947, neither the mahants nor any signs of this place remain but for the accounts in the pages of history. Gurdwara was a large building of brick and lime within the marble paved sanctum used to be at one end of an L-shaped hall. The place is deserted since 1947. [14]. To keep remembrance alive, a dome stands erected here. Mahants looked after this holy shrine and exercised control over property, attached to it. This memorial of Guru Nanak's visit is situated near Chhoti Ravi or Buddha Daryia, close to Badami Bagh Railway Station.[15,16]

Photo 41: Gurdwara Sri Nanak Garh, Lahore

Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi (Lahore)

Photo 42: Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi (Lahore)

This historical place is situated just inside Delhi Darwaza near old Kotwali Chowk in Sirianwala Bazaar (Lahore). All the gates of city lead to this historic Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi, Lahore visited by Guru Nanak. The severed heads of goats were sold in that Bazaar. That is why this is known as Sirianwala Bazaar. In Mohalla Chuhatta near Siria Walla Bazar a very rich person named Duni Chand lived. He was so rich that he had seven million rupees in those days. To show his riches, he had put seven flags on his house. Duni Chand invited Saints for shradh (offering of food and money to pandits for delivering these to the dedeparted soul) of his father. Along with other sadhus at Badami Bagh, Guru Nanak was also invited to Duni Chand’s home. Guru Nanak sat down on one side. He told Duni Chand that he would like to wait till the Brahmans had eaten their food. Duni Chand agreed to this and gave a very fine feast, offering money and clothes to the Brahmans as Dakshana. He believed that all this would reach his dead father.

When the Brahmans had gone, Duni Chand asked the Guru to have some food. The Guru gave a smile."Duni Chand," he said, "Do you think that your father is no longer hungry? Have your gifts reached him?" "Yes, sir," said Duni Chand. "The Brahmans have eaten so much that my father needs no more food for at least a year. He also has enough money and clothes to last for one year." "Duni Chand," said the Guru laughing, He explained, “Pandits ate away food and will sell away what you have offered. You know that no one can take anything from this world. How will they take such a great load which they might have taken from so many Jajmans on the name of shradhs. They cannot take anything of their own to the next world. Even if they take, how will they recognise your father and others to deliver these items? Hence it is a ritual created by the Pundits to loot the public so avoid it.” "You are right, sir," said Duni Chand, "You cannot understand it, neither can I. But it's God's will. The Brahman tells us so and we all believe it. I thought you were a Brahman and knew about it, but I am glad I did not, waste my food on you." “You did the right thing, Duni Chand”, said the Guru, "I cannot carry your food to your father and that's why I did not like to let your food go to waste. You may feast the Brahmans in any way you like. I myself don't need any food I would be pleased if you would do me another favour instead." "Yes, gladly," replied Duni Chand. "Here is a sewing needle," said the Guru. "Keep it with you- use it if you like. I would like you to give my needle back to me in the next world when we meet after death."

Duni Chand did not quite understand the Guru and said, "How can I carry this needle with me when I die?" "If an old Brahman can carry enough clothes, food and money to last for a whole year, not only for your father but also for many others," said the Guru, "I wonder why this small needle should seem too heavy for you to carry! If the Brahmans refuse to do this work, how will you take all your money, horses, gold and other costly things into the next world?"
The idea went home to Duni Chand. He asked for the Guru's advice. "Duni Chand," said the Guru, "Work hard, share your earnings with the needy and remember God. Don t worry about your dead forefathers." "That's what I already do Sir", said Duni Chand. "I have hundreds of servants who work for me. I give a lot of money and clothes to Brahmans and holy men who come and sing hymns in my house".
"This is not the way to do it, Duni Chand" said the Guru. "Give away all your money to the poor and the needy. You haven't earned it by honest labour. Go to your farm. Work hard among your servants. Share equally among all the workers whatever you eam this way. Then from your own share give away as much as you can in charity. Look upon your servants as brothers and love everybody. Sit among them when you find time and sing God's praises. This is the true way, Duni Chand, one can expect to receive in the next world only that, which one earns by honest labour and gives away in charity to the needy in this world." Duni Chand understood the entire game and asked the Guru, “How can I be redeemed?” Guru Nanak asked him to distribute his wealth to the poor, start a dharmsal and to recite Lord’s Name day in day out. Guru Nanak stayed here for three days. Duni Chand gave up his princely life and started working with his own hands. His wife also did the same. Duni Chand's house became a temple where rich and poor, black and white, high and low, all sang songs of God. Duni Chand and his wife became the Guru's followers and helped many others to follow the Guru's Way.

It is said that it was at this spot that Guru Nanak had delivered (Mukat) the father of Duni Chand from rebirth. A local legend mentions that Duni Chand’s father was relieved of the life of a wolf by feeding him parsad. Duni Chand started a dharmsal at the place, called Dharamsal Satgur Nanak. It was developed into a Gurdwara during the Sikh rule. Guru Nanak came to this place twice. Second time when he was passing by the butchery shops, the life became hell in this area because of the butcheries. He enquired from the Sangat, “Why have they made these butcheries in the city?” Sangat replied, “This has become a normal practice of the oppressors in Lahore.” Guru Nanak then recited, “Lahore shahr(u) jahr(u) kahr(u) sava pehr(u) (SGGS, p.1412) meaning ‘Lahore city is poisonous as it is causing atrocities for hours’.

Hindus and Muslims started flocking in large numbers to the Guru; everyone accepted his teachings. There he held discussions with Sayyad Ahmaed Taqi who had guided Sikandar Lodhi to punish Kabir and Namdev. He was subdued by Guru Nanak in a discussion. This impressed local people causing the visitors number to increase. Having stayed at Lahore for 20 days, Guru Nanak proceeded to meet Lalo carpeneter by profession at Emnabad.[17]
Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi Chhota Baqar, Lahore, the historical place is situated just inside Delhi Darwaza near old Kotwali Chowk in Sirianwala Bazaar (Lahore) or Kakkezaiyan.. All the gates of the city lead to this historic place. This historical place, known as Dharamsala of the First Patshahi, is located in Mohalla Chohatta Mufti Baqar inside Delhi gate of Lahore city. In those days the locality was known as Siryanwala Bazaar or Chohatta Jawahar Mal. Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi in Lahore commemorated Guru Nanak’s visit to this place. A big fair was used to be held here on the date of joti jot of Guru Nanak Dev ji. Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi commemorates Guru Nanak’s visit to this place. Gurdwara Mahants were responsible for its care from the very beginning but in 1920 its control was passed on to a local committee. From 1927-47, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee maintained this shrine. It is now in the custody of Auqaf Department. After 1947 this Gurdwara is being used as a residence. The occupant has placed a portrait of Guru Nanak in Prakashasthan and allows any devotee who comes there to pay obeissance in it.
Later when the Sangat came to the 3rd Guru for improving environment of Lahore, Guru Amardas explained, “I cannot change what Guru Nanak had said. I can only say, “Lahore sahr(u) Amritsar sifti da ghar (u) (SGGS, p.1412) [18,19,20]

Satghara:

Guru Nanak visited Satghara when in Lahore. A troubled moneylender was put to ease through a hymn: ‘Sahsar dan de inder Roaia. Parasram Rovai ghar aia’. Gurdwara was consrructed at the place which before partition had an oncome of Rs 200/- [21]. Gurdwara Chota Nankiana, Satghara, Okara District, Punjab, Pakistan of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is a sacred shrine is related with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is located at a considerable distance from the Satghara town of Okara district. It can be approached through a metalled road leading from Pattoki.[22]

Photo 43: Satghara Gurudwara Chota Nankiana, Satghara, Okara District, Punjab​

Gurdwara Chhota Nankiana Sahib Manga, District Lahore

Photo 44: Gurdwara Chhota Nankiana Sahib Manga, District Lahore​

Next, the Guru went to Manga, a village on Lahore-Multan road 35 kms from Lahore in Lahore district where Gurdwara Chhota Nanakiana was constructed to commemorate Guru Nanak’s stay at the place. A fair used to be held on Viasakhi. Guru Hargobind Ji had stayed at this place while he was coming back from Nankana Sahib. The Gurdwara was built like a Daak bungalow (govt rest house). There is a large pond which is now with the Department of Fisheries. The building of Gurdwara was burnt down by refugees settled here during 1947. Now the land belonging to the Gurdwara is in the possession of Late Justice Maulvi Mushtaq who built Aligarh Public school on this land. This place was by the side of Aligarh School and just before Manga Bus Stop. The Gurdwara was endowed a land of 135 ghuma. 50 acres of this land was exempted from land revenue.

Emnabad:

Emnabad, earlier known as Saidpur, is an old town 15 kilometers south of Gurjranwala and about 32 Kms from Lahore. Guru Nanak reached Emnabad after visiting number of places after Lahore. He sat by the side of a pond and meditated for some months sleeping on pebbles (rod). Gurdwara Rodi Sahib commemorates Guruji’s visit.[23]

Bhai Lalo and many saints and siddhas met him and held discussions. Mardana played the rebec while Guru Nanak sang the hymns. Muslims calling him as Nanak Shah and Hindus calling him Nanak Tapa or Nanak Nirankari flocked to him in large numbers. Guru Nanak was attracted by Bhai Lalo’s cleanheartdness, who was a dedicated to God’s service. Emnabad was administered by Zabardast Khan who along with his Diwan Malik Bhago ruled with very heavy hand and ill treated the public.

Malik Bhago was irritated at Guru Nanak’s living with a carpenter (then known as a low caste) and had a Muslim Mardana as a companion. Zabardast Khan even got Mardana beaten on the pretext that he being a Muslim accompanied a Hindu. One day Malik Bhago performed shradh of his father and invited all and sundry. Guru Nanak and Bhai Lalo did not go to the feast. This angered Malik Bhago all the more. He called Bhai Lalo and rebuked him and spoke ill of Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak came up and explained that his earnings are ill-gotten as he extracts money by force. It is like sucking the blood of the poor. The best earning is through truthful hard labour which is like milk. Guru Nanak believed in taking only food earned though hard labour. Malik Bhago realized his folly and begged for forgiveness from Guruji. Guru Nanak recited hymns relating to the despotic rule of Zabardast Khan.

During Guru Nanak’s second visit Babar attacked the town and created mayhem. Guru Nanak too was arrested and given the punishment of Chakki. Guru Nanak recited more hymns “Jaisi main avai khasam ki bani, taisda kari gyan ve Lalo’, ‘Jin sir sohn patia mangi pae snadhoor’ and “tod patole suthna pano patlian. Kabul ban chalaian kookan ghatdian,” describing the entire situation. Guru Nanak’s visit to the place is commemorated by three historical shrines i.e., Gurdwara Rodi Sahib, Gurdwara Chakki Sahib and Gurdwara Khuhi Bhai Lalo.

First, a bricklined dharamsal was constructed in 1782 Bikrami by a Qabuli Khatri to commemorate Guruji’s visit. Hashmat Rai Kanungo got a bricklined sarovar in 1873 Bikrami and an annual jagir of Rs. 400/-. Later Maharaja Ranjit Singh also declared a jagir of the same amount. The construction was done by Mohammad Shah Gazi. This construction was destroyed by Ahmed Shah Abdali but Sewa Ram Khatri got it resconstructed. Sardar Charat Singh got it completed. Two fairs are held at the place one on Vaisakhi and other during shradhs.[24].

Gurdawara Rodi Sahib

Photo 45: Gurdawara Rodi Sahib

Guru Nanak came to Emnabad two times staying for a month first. First time he meditated on pebbles where Gurdwara Rori Sahib is the sacred shrine which marks the site where Guru Nanak meditated on hard bed of pebbles (small stones) (rodi in Punjabi) as expressed in Bhai Gurdas Varan 1. An imposing Gurdwara has been built over the place. The Gurdwara stands at the place of the pebbles. The present Gurdwara and a residential complex and a sarovar, were built later. A large pond and other buildings make it more graceful. The Gurdwara, sarovar and residential complex are well built. Gurdwara had Rs 1000/- jagir and 9 muraba (1 muraba=25 acres) land on the name of the Gurdwara since the time of Malik Bhago and later added by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Vaisakhi and Kattak Puranmashi festivals used to be held in the past but only Vaisakhi festival is held now where people from India, Gujranwala and its adjoining areas participate with fanfare. Now the pilgrims from India visit the place three times a year i.e., on Guru Nanak’s Birthday, Guru Ajan Dev’s martyrdom day and on Barsi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Gurdawara Rodi Sahib is located about a km towards South west of Emnabad. Its police circle cum post office is Emnabad. [25] (Gurdham Didar, p. 100-101).
Gurdwara Rodi Sahib is the premier gurdwara of the town. It has a three-storeyed building covered by three canopies at the main door and a central dome with dome shaped pavilions on either side. Its central building is a three-storey imposing structure of cut brick work, which is topped with three chhatri-like structures covered with a large central gumbad (dome) with smaller chhatris (dome-shaped pavilions) on either side. It is connected to a rectangular hall on the left side of the entry. A sarovar with perimeter walls around is to the right side. At the rear of the complex there is a room topped with a particularly exquisite ribbed white lotus dome with a circumambulatory verandah. This room covers the pebbled area on which Guru Nanak was arrested. Before Partition, Eminabad was known for its week-long Vaisakhi fair which included largely attended congregational gatherings of the Sikhs in Gurudwara Rodi Sahib as well as the usual fun and a cattle fair. The multi-storeyed building was set on fire by a mob of zealots soon after the partition of the Punjab on 15 August 1947. The building of the Gurdwara was falling apart but the Government of Pakistan stemmed the rot by constructing its boundary wall at a cost of large amounts.
Chakki

Photo 46:Chakki. Photo 47. Khuhi​

Guru Nanak was detained by Babar during his attack on Emnabad. He was given the punishment of grain-flouring through a stone grind mill (Chakki). The jail officials were surprised when they found the Chakki grinding the wheat by itself while Guru Nanak sang hymn to the glory pf One God. Babar was informed of it. He gave orders for Guru’s immediate release. A Gurdwara having a simple flat roofed room with brick paved compound commemorates the event. Upper and lower parts of the chakki are on display. Gurdwara is of pucca bricks. The Gurdwara is located where a large millstone was kept which was once used by Guru Nanak .

Guru Nanak Dev explaining Malik Bhago that earning by honest means and hard work is like pure milk while earning by ill means is like squeezing blood of the poor.

Guru Nanak visited Bhai Lalo’s house number of times as it became a dharmsal (religious place) where followers of the Guru met. The Guru composed the hymn in Tilang Raag at this place. . There used to be a small well in the house in which Guru Nanak used to take bath. This well can still be seen in front of Bhai Lalo’s house and the water is usable ankd still provides drinking water. It is still intact and usable. It was developed into a Gurdwara later. Bhai Lalo's house became a dharmsal (a place where dharam is taught and learnt), meeting place for local followers of the Guru, and was later developed into Gurdwara which was named after a "khuhi" (narrow well) which existed even when the old house had crumbled.While in Emnabad Guru Nanak got a messge from his parents to meegt hence he started for Talwandi.
References
1. Gyani Gian Singh: Gurdham Sangreh, p. 19.
2. Wikipedia, Gurudwara Pehli patshahi, khalra.jpg
3. https://www.worldgurudwaras.com/gurudwaras/gurudwara-sri-patshahi-pahli-sahib-khalra
4. Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Khalra | Discover Sikhism
5. Gurmukh Singh: Sikh Shrines, p. 66
6. Gurdham Didar, p. 30.
7. Twareekh Guru Khalsa,
8. Gurmukh Singh: Sikh Shrines, p. 66
9. A Cultural Tragedy: Pakistan's Neglect of the Historic Gurdwara Patshahi Rori Sahib Jahman | Khalsa Vox
10. Dhanna Singh: p.389, 392
11. Gurudwara Janamasthan Bebe Nanaki at Dera Chahal Distt Lahore (2015)
12. Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.
13. Dhanna Singh, p.389
14. Historical Sikh Shrines by Iqbal Qaisar
15. Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p. 88.
16. Gurmukh Singh: Sikh Shrines, p.62-63.
17.Gurdham Sangeh,Sr 43, p.35.
18. Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.
19. Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Garh Sahib | Discover Sikhism
20. Gurudwara Sri Nanak Garh , Lahore - World Gurudwaras
21. Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p. 89.
22. Sikh Temples – Page 3 – Light up Temples
23. Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p. 89
24. Gyani Gian Singh, Gurdham Sangreh, p.20-21
25. Gurdham Didar, p.110-111

 

[dalvinder45]

At Emnabad Bhai Bala gave the message of Rai Bhoi’s illness and eagerness of his parents to see him, [24] hence he started for Talwandi.

Talwandi:
Guru Nanak came to Talwandi and stayed outside the village at the well of Chanderbhan, farmer by profession and father of Bhai Bala.[25] He stayed outside the village at the well of Chanderbhan jatt father of Bhai Bala.[23] He met his parents and all the members of his family. His parents wanted him to return to home and wear worldly clothings. Guruji sang hymns in accompaniment of music on rebec by Bhai Mardana. Guru Nanak then went to Rai Bular along with his relatives. Rai Bullar was sitting on a cot. He tried to get up but Guru Nanak requested him not to.Rai Bular showed his immense pleasure at Guruji’s arrival at his request. He sent his servant Umaida to call Nidha pandit to cook for Guru Nanak.

Mata Tripta requested Rai Bullar to hold Nanak back some how. With great humility, Rai Bullar requested Guru Nanak to stay back and get farming done at his fileds taking these as his own; Guru Nanak sang:

Man hali kirsani karni sarm(u) pani tan(u) khet…in maya jag(u) mohia virla boojai koi.[18](SGGS: 595:10)

Make your mind the farmer, good deeds the farm, modesty the water, and your body the field. Let the Lord’s Name be the seed, contentment the plow, and your humble dress the fence. Doing deeds of love, the seed shall sprout, and you shall see your home flourish. || 1 || O Baba, the wealth of Maya does not go with anyone. This Maya has bewitched the world, but only a rare few understand this.

His uncle Lal Chand suggested that if he does not want to do farming he can do business for which shop will be arranged. Guru Nanak sang:

Haan(u) hatt(u) kar(i) aarja sach(u) naam(u) kar(i) vath(u). surt (i) sach kar(I bhandsaal tis(u) vich(i) tis(u) no rakh(u). Vanjaaria sio vanj(u) kar(i) lai man has(u). (SGGS, p. 595)

Father Kalyan Chand suggested business of horse selling. At this Guruji sang:

Sun(i) saasat saudaagri sat(u) ghode lai chal(u). Kharch(u) bann(u) changiaia mat(u) janh(i) kal(u). Nirnankaar ki des(i) jaah(i) ta such(i) lah-h(i) mahal(u) (SGGS, p. 595)

Let your trade be listening to scripture, and let Truth be the horses you take to sell. Gather up merits for your travelling expenses, and do not think of tomorrow in your mind. When you arrive in the land of the Formless Lord, you shall find peace in the Mansion of His Presence. || 3 ||

Uncle Lal Chand suggested a job but Guruji did not agree for that as well and sang:

Laai chit(u) kar(i) chaakri mann(i) naam(u) kar(i) kaam(u). Baan(u) badia kar(i0 dhaavni ta kai aaphai dhann(u). Nanak vekhai nadr(i) kar(i) chadhai chavgan vann(u). (SGGS, p. 595)

Let your service be the focusing of your consciousness, and let your occupation be the placing of faith in the Naam. Let your work be restraint from sin; only then will people call you blessed. O Nanak, the Lord shall look upon you with His Glance of Grace, and you shall be blessed with honor four times over.

Rai Bullar then requested him to ask anything and that will be fulfilled. Guruji sang:

Mai kia maagau kichh(u) thir(u) n rahaai har(i) deejay nam(u) piari jeeo. (SGGS, p. 595)

What should I ask when nothing is permanent. That is why the Name given by God is my best4 love.

Guru Nanak stayed at Talwandi for five days. Efforts of every one to stop him failed. Guru Nanak left for Emnabad along with Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana on 6 Poh Samvat 1557 (1500 AD) Bikrami and reached Bhai Lalo at Emnabad

References
23.Gurdham Didar, p. 100-101.
24. Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p. 93.
25. Sajjan Thug

 

[Don_Punjab]

Mehta Kalyan Chand

Dalvinder ji
Guru Nanak Dev ji da Last is Das.
There Fathers last Name was Das not Chand.
Kalyan Das Jii also Known as Mehta Kalu
(Nanak Das E hai Sukh Mungeh..)
You writings are very important to Sikhi ji especially the specifics of Guru Nanak Dev ji. Please don't let this error be published

 

[Don_Punjab]

At Emnabad Bhai Bala gave the message of Rai Bhoi’s illness and eagerness of his parents to see him, [24] hence he started for Talwandi.

Talwandi:
Guru Nanak came to Talwandi and stayed outside the village at the well of Chanderbhan, farmer by profession and father of Bhai Bala.[25] He stayed outside the village at the well of Chanderbhan jatt father of Bhai Bala.[23] He met his parents and all the members of his family. His parents wanted him to return to home and wear worldly clothings. Guruji sang hymns in accompaniment of music on rebec by Bhai Mardana. Guru Nanak then went to Rai Bular along with his relatives. Rai Bullar was sitting on a cot. He tried to get up but Guru Nanak requested him not to.Rai Bular showed his immense pleasure at Guruji’s arrival at his request. He sent his servant Umaida to call Nidha pandit to cook for Guru Nanak.

Mata Tripta requested Rai Bullar to hold Nanak back some how. With great humility, Rai Bullar requested Guru Nanak to stay back and get farming done at his fileds taking these as his own; Guru Nanak sang:

Man hali kirsani karni sarm(u) pani tan(u) khet…in maya jag(u) mohia virla boojai koi.[18](SGGS: 595:10)

Make your mind the farmer, good deeds the farm, modesty the water, and your body the field. Let the Lord’s Name be the seed, contentment the plow, and your humble dress the fence. Doing deeds of love, the seed shall sprout, and you shall see your home flourish. || 1 || O Baba, the wealth of Maya does not go with anyone. This Maya has bewitched the world, but only a rare few understand this.

His uncle Lal Chand suggested that if he does not want to do farming he can do business for which shop will be arranged. Guru Nanak sang:

Haan(u) hatt(u) kar(i) aarja sach(u) naam(u) kar(i) vath(u). surt (i) sach kar(I bhandsaal tis(u) vich(i) tis(u) no rakh(u). Vanjaaria sio vanj(u) kar(i) lai man has(u). (SGGS, p. 595)

Father Kalyan Chand suggested business of horse selling. At this Guruji sang:

Sun(i) saasat saudaagri sat(u) ghode lai chal(u). Kharch(u) bann(u) changiaia mat(u) janh(i) kal(u). Nirnankaar ki des(i) jaah(i) ta such(i) lah-h(i) mahal(u) (SGGS, p. 595)

Let your trade be listening to scripture, and let Truth be the horses you take to sell. Gather up merits for your travelling expenses, and do not think of tomorrow in your mind. When you arrive in the land of the Formless Lord, you shall find peace in the Mansion of His Presence. || 3 ||

Uncle Lal Chand suggested a job but Guruji did not agree for that as well and sang:

Laai chit(u) kar(i) chaakri mann(i) naam(u) kar(i) kaam(u). Baan(u) badia kar(i0 dhaavni ta kai aaphai dhann(u). Nanak vekhai nadr(i) kar(i) chadhai chavgan vann(u). (SGGS, p. 595)

Let your service be the focusing of your consciousness, and let your occupation be the placing of faith in the Naam. Let your work be restraint from sin; only then will people call you blessed. O Nanak, the Lord shall look upon you with His Glance of Grace, and you shall be blessed with honor four times over.

Rai Bullar then requested him to ask anything and that will be fulfilled. Guruji sang:

Mai kia maagau kichh(u) thir(u) n rahaai har(i) deejay nam(u) piari jeeo. (SGGS, p. 595)

What should I ask when nothing is permanent. That is why the Name given by God is my best4 love.

Guru Nanak stayed at Talwandi for five days. Efforts of every one to stop him failed. Guru Nanak left for Emnabad along with Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana on 6 Poh Samvat 1557 (1500 AD) Bikrami and reached Bhai Lalo at Emnabad

References
23.Gurdham Didar, p. 100-101.
24. Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p. 93.
25. Sajjan Thug

Dalvinder Ji
Guru Nanak Dev jee has a different name east of Mecca. They are quite a big character & Perhaps.
Your book can be mass published in Europe and USA as well to help teach other the true greatness of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji Maharaj

West of Mecca!

Guru Nanak Dev ji is Jesus's Grandfather.

Guru Nanak Dev ji is Known as Jacob West of Mecca.
Jacobs well. Jacobs Fountain is known as the well of Sychar
( Located near Israel in Palestine)

In the Christian Bible there is a story of Jesus coming to this well and asking for a sip of water from the Sumrathan women. She remind Jesus that Jacob- Guru Nanak Gave them the well.

Guru Nanak Dev ji Maharaj confirms his name is Sychar in

Rehiras Sahib


Raamkalee mehlaa teeja anand
Ik-onkaar satgur parsaad ]

Sabhnaa galaa samrath su-aamee so ki-o manaho visaaray.

Kahai naanak man mayray sadaa raho har naalay. ||2||

Saachay saahibaa ki-aa naahee ghar tayrai.

Kahai naanak sachay saahib
ki-aa naahee ghar tayrai. ||3||

swcw nwmu myrw AwDwro ]
Saachaa naam mayraa aadhaaro.

swcu nwmu ADwru myrw ijin BuKw siB gvweIAw]
Saach naam adhaar mayraa
jin bhukhaa sabh
...


Jesus is the creator of Christianity and the Catholic religion. There is also Isreal Judaism. The 12 Tribes of Isreal.
Also in Jamaica there are a group from Isreal call Rasta.
Ras - Bobo Shanti (Baba Shanti) who wear Puggs
Guru Nanak Dev ji Makes references to them as
"Bhagat Rasalay"
Also in Islam Guru Nanak Dev ji is Known as Yaqub-Har! From Egypt. Along with being known as Nanak by the Muslim man's

Alot of Christians Catholics and Jewish people + many more people! Would like to know who
Jacob- Guru Nanak Dev is!
They don't have much Information of Guru Nanaks teachings.

The only writings and teachings of Jacob- Guru Nanak Dev ji are in Sikhism!
As the Bible is about Jesus mostly although Jacob- Guru Nanak Dev ji is also mentioned many times in the Bible!

Through this unique perspective if you could rewrite ur book of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Travels. Catering to the name Jacob-/Guru Nanak this would be helpful for many Christians, Catholics and Jewish people. Even their churches would stock and sell your book

Your book would be quite successful ji

Sat Sri Akal

 

[Don_Punjab]

A great

Dalvinder Ji
Guru Nanak Dev jee has a different name east of Mecca. They are quite a big character & Perhaps.
Your book can be mass published in Europe and USA as well to help teach other the true greatness of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji Maharaj

West of Mecca!

Guru Nanak Dev ji is Jesus's Grandfather.

Guru Nanak Dev ji is Known as Jacob West of Mecca.
Jacobs well. Jacobs Fountain is known as the well of Sychar
( Located near Israel in Palestine)

In the Christian Bible there is a story of Jesus coming to this well and asking for a sip of water from the Sumrathan women. She remind Jesus that Jacob- Guru Nanak Gave them the well.

View attachment 22239
View attachment 22240
Guru Nanak Dev ji Maharaj confirms his name is Sychar in

Rehiras Sahib


Raamkalee mehlaa teeja anand
Ik-onkaar satgur parsaad ]

Sabhnaa galaa samrath su-aamee so ki-o manaho visaaray.

Kahai naanak man mayray sadaa raho har naalay. ||2||

Saachay saahibaa ki-aa naahee ghar tayrai.

Kahai naanak sachay saahib
ki-aa naahee ghar tayrai. ||3||

swcw nwmu myrw AwDwro ]
Saachaa naam mayraa aadhaaro.

swcu nwmu ADwru myrw ijin BuKw siB gvweIAw]
Saach naam adhaar mayraa
jin bhukhaa sabh
...


Jesus is the creator of Christianity and the Catholic religion. There is also Isreal Judaism. The 12 Tribes of Isreal.
Also in Jamaica there are a group from Isreal call Rasta.
Ras - Bobo Shanti (Baba Shanti) who wear Puggs
Guru Nanak Dev ji Makes references to them as
"Bhagat Rasalay"
Also in Islam Guru Nanak Dev ji is Known as Yaqub-Har! From Egypt. Along with being known as Nanak by the Muslim man's

Alot of Christians Catholics and Jewish people + many more people! Would like to know who
Jacob- Guru Nanak Dev is!
They don't have much Information of Guru Nanaks teachings.

The only writings and teachings of Jacob- Guru Nanak Dev ji are in Sikhism!
As the Bible is about Jesus mostly although Jacob- Guru Nanak Dev ji is also mentioned many times in the Bible!

Through this unique perspective if you could rewrite ur book of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Travels. Catering to the name Jacob-/Guru Nanak this would be helpful for many Christians, Catholics and Jewish people. Even their churches would stock and sell your book

Your book would be quite successful ji

Sat Sri Akal

Davinder Ji ken de neh Raj karega Khalsa!

Please write a few books! To help push start the Ga- ddhi ( Vee Dhaaka laaa de -O jee)

Stories told in a certain way. Would really appeal to a extremely wide range audience.

2-3 different Books. One for children. like a night time story book for children mixed with trials & tribulations, successes and miracles of Guru Nanak-(Jacob - Yaqub-Har )specifically in short story forms. So parents can read to their children a different bedtime story of Guru Nanak every night

Another book for the older generation.
Instead of start and stop detail with dates and references. It should flow as a continuous story.
Each topic intertwined with one another. Which will eventually become story lines for movies!


The Third book is specifically for Raj Karega Khalsa

Another book with specific references of Guru Nanaks teachings a manual transition
From current Christians culture to how
Jacob-Guru Nanak Dev ji recommended ones should be. The way of life to pursue

Covering hair when reading Jacob Guru Nanaks Writings.

Explaining how we respect the knowledge like a living Guru.

Added some brief examples of every general teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Life (non Hindu related Specific teachings)
Perhaps even from Jap Ji Sahib and Nit Nem and including
Some indepth Examples:

Views of eating meat, As preferences is vegetarian, but also referencing Guru Nanaks teachings of Water.
You cannot be 100% vegetarian yet, if there is no need for wild general hunting then why bother Unless you are in need. Grains and veg are Preferred.
App-eh Beeg App-eh Kaoo

Also things like
Let Death be your badge coat and purity of virginity your way of life. Not stating you have to be a virgin. Because Guru Nanak Dev ji was not a Virgin nore a celebrate ( nah hoe yatti satti santoki)

Protecting kesh!

Ath E Dannav- Kantak Mar Na....is okay in Sikhi..
Thanu Mukti Mil di Ahh when you stand for good over evil die for it ( Christians call that the Rapture)

Then transition into Amrit vela Naam Jaap meditation

Jap ji Sahib and Rehiras Sahib
The basics of Jacob Guru Nanak Dev Ji written Prayers in English.

Then giving information of Guru Granth Sahib. Proper reading techniques. Even if reading in romanized English.


Also adding a section of how Muslims sacrifices hundred million. Between Guru Arjan Dev jin to the 1950's these teachings are here today because of our Singhs and Singhni's who sacrificed everything for us to have this knowledge of Guru Nanak Dev ji Maharaj (Jacob West of Mecca)

Then relating it to how Jesus Was crucified. Born in 1635 crucified in 1668
& How we have the Khalsa Panth. Orchestrated in 1699 by the 10th Nanak where a oath is taken to stand and fight in the face of oppression. Never to give in or give up! NAME DAN SIR DAN.

The Khalsa is Jesus's Cousins (Ek Om-Kar)
One must carry a weapon and be prepared to protect against evil.

One waves the luxury to walk away in situations out of fear of losing there life.
Do to this great sacrifice of humanity we have Jacob- Guru Nanak Dev ji teachings here today to be passed on to the future generations!

These few books can be very helpful and popular. Also the back bones, the root of Raj Karega Khalsa!

 

[dalvinder45]

GURU NANAK’S JOURNEY FROM EMNABAD TO SULTANPUR LODHI​

View attachment 22231View attachment 22232
Maps 3 & 4. Travels from Emnabad to Sultanpur Lodhi
View attachment 22233View attachment 22234
Maps 5 Travels from Emnabad to Pasrur Map 6. Travel from Pasrur to Pakpattan

From Nankana Sahib Guru Nanak proceded to Emnabad. On the route he visited Avana village of Labanas. Guru Nanak stayed here for sometime. This Gurdwara was in the control of Udsis when Bhai Dhanna Singh visited this place on 8 October 1932. Labana Sikhs filed a case for the control of the Gurdwara but in court Mahant Lal Das Udasi won the case. Sikhs filed a review petition which was pending at the time. 300 acres land is attached to this Gurdwara. There was a small Gurdwara at the site as shown in the photograph taken by Bhai Dhanna Singh Chahal. There were no food and tay arrangements for the visitors. There was a large mauselium of an udasi Sadhu near the Gurdwara whose Gumbad dominated the Gurdwara. The Gurdwara was within the village and had no Nishan sahib then. [1]
View attachment 22235
Photo 51: Gurdwara Awana of Lubanans visited by Guru Nanak taken by Dhanna Sngh in 1932

Guru Nanak reached Emnabad from Awana. Guru’s presence pleased Bhai Lalo immensely. After a stay for seven-eight days, he moved out to visit the surrounding areas and finally reached Seoke.
Seoke
View attachment 22236

Photo 52: Gurdwara Chhota Nankana Sahib Seoke: Photo Dhanna Singh Chehal 1934 AD​

The village which was originally named Bharowal was later reestablished as Seoke. A farmer Bhai Roopa has been longing since last two years to see Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak stayed at Seoke to meet Bhai Roopa. Bhai Roopa looked after the Guru with great devotion and was redeemed. [2] Gurdwara Nankana Sahib is situated one km outside the village. 16 acres land was attached to the Gurdwara by the village. Fair is held on 25-26 Harh.. It is about 20 Kms south from Sialkot in police station Daska and Post office Piro Chakk.[3] At Seoke Guru Nanak heard of Peer Hamza Ghaus who threatened to destroy Sialkot. Guru Nanak proceeded to Sialkot to put Peer Hamza Ghaus on right path. [4]

Fatte Bhinder
View attachment 22237
Photo 53: Gurdwara Fatta Bhinder Patshahi Pehli, Pakistan

While going to Sialkot Guru Nanak came to Fatte Bhinder. A small Gurdwara in south of the village commemorates Guru Nanak’s visit. Village has attached an acre of land with the gurdwara. A fair was held on Nimani Ikadashi. It is located 20 km from Railway station Gujranwala. Its police circle is Daska and post Office Jandu[5] Gurudwara Pehli Patshahi is located in the Fateh Bhinder village in the Daska Tehsil near village Govind Ke. The village can be reached from Glotian. This Gurdwara of Guru Nanak Dev is on the southern side of the village. This Gurdwara was built by the devotees at the spot where he had stayed. Built at the site where Guru Nanak Dev had once visited, was abandoned in 1947 after the migration of the Sikh population during the Partition. The gurdwara building, with crumbling yet magnificent architecture, was one of the many such Sikh shrines in Pakistan that required immediate attention. This Gurdwara remained neglected since Partition. On the inner and outer walls of the Gurdwara are inscriptions in Punjabi language. Over time, the building has become dilapidated due to the neglect of the local administration. A local villager said that since the 2005 earthquake, there have been many cracks in the building’s walls and roof, while the roof on the second floor had collapsed and the Gurdwara is complete dilapidated condition. In the past few months, some illegal occupants had even turned the abandoned building of Gurdwara Nanaksar into a cattle shed and started tying their animals in the premises.[6] This historical Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi Nanaksar in Sialkot is finally set for preservation The Pakistan government on June 24, 2022 ordered the restoration of the historical Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi Nanaksar in Sialkot. Since then the Gurdwara has been restored. Sikh pilgrims started visiting this Gurdwara from far and wide. A Sikh almonry was also built along with the gurdwara. Sikh pilgrims who came to the gurdwara were given a silver coin on their return. Baba Afzal, a resident of the area, said that along with former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, many members of Sikh community came to Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi, Fateh Bhandar and every year pilgrims also come here for Darshan. This gurdwara is an example of its own in terms of aesthetics. There are 100 windows and doors on all four sides of the Gurdwara and there is decorative work on them. Its floor is made of marble stones in which Kandakari work had also been done. Nearest Bus Station is Fateh Bhinder, Nearest Railway Station is Sialkot Station, Nearest Airport is Sialkot

6. Pakistan: Neglected since Partition, gurdwara at site visited by Guru Nanak to be restored



Sialkot


Gurdwara Ber Sahib, Sialkot



Next, he reached Sialkot.Guru Nanak is said to have visited Sialkot twice; first time when he stayed under a ber tree and held discourses with a Sufi Saint Hamza Ghaus. Hamza Ghaus had become angry because Giga Khatri did not give one son as agreed to him out of three sons he had by the blessing of Hamza Ghaus. Hamza got angry and went into deep meditation in order to burn entire Sialkot. Guru Nanak reached Sialkot and sat under a tree where now stands Gurdwara Ber Sahib. The tomb in which Hamza Ghaus was meditating was also closeby. Guru Nanak called him and enquired the reason of doing penance. He said, “This is a city of liars; this must be destroyed.” Guru Nanak said, “O Hamza! You have not learnt contentment. The evil in your mind is the falsehood. If you have got something from meditation then destroy your evil. The mendicant must adopt the way of five elements and the trees of selfless service. How sinful it would be to punish the entire population for the fault of a single citizen? The city which you proclaim to be of liars can be tested. He sent Mardana to the town to purchase one pice worth of truth and one pice worth of falsehood. Mardana went to almost every shopkeeper but no one was able to provide him truth or falsehood. At last, Bhai Mula gave Mardana two slips with scribbled sentences: “Life is false”, and “Death is True”. Taking the slips from Mardana, Guru Nanak explained to Hamza Ghaus: “Look! You were angry at the unwise one who did not fulfill the promise and see here the two slips sent by a wise one who too is a resident of the same town. You would have destroyed a saintly person along with the wicked and would have earned the wrath of God. Hamza Ghaus understood the truth and changed his resolve to burn the city. He then called Bhai Mula and thanked him for givng him correct reply. Bhai Mula became Guru Nanak’s follower and accompanied him in his journey. [33]

There is another episode connected with Bhai Mula. On his second visit Guru Nanak went to Mula’s wife and asked about Mula. Afraid of his going with the Guru, she asked her husband to hide and told a lie to Guru Ji that ‘Mula is not at home’. Guru Nanak knew the fact and said, “Friendship of shopkeepers is false; who knows, O Mula, where death may befall.” According to Janamsakhi Meharban, when Bhai Mula learnt about Guru’s visit and what all transpired he was struck with remorse for hiding himself from the Guru at his wife’s bidding. He died soon after. [20] Two historical shrines exist at Sialkot; Gurdwara Babe di Ber and Gurdwara Baoli Sahib. Gurdwara Babe di Ber was got constructed by Sardar Natha Singh of Shaheed Misl who donated his entire life to it. It is situated near ber tree under which the Guru had stayed. It is outside the town across the Aik stream, along the Sailkot Pasrur road. The building was reconstructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It has a two storeyed octagonal sanctum topped by a fluted dome and an all round verandah on the ground floor. Gurdwara was taken under control by the local Sikh Sangat on 5th October 1920. With that the Gurdwara reform movement got momentum. Gurdwara Baoli Sahib is in the western outskirts of the town near the Sialkot-Daska road. It represents the site where Guru Nanak Dev stayed during the second visit. [33]

Baoli Sahib





Sialkot Gurdwara Baoli sahib, Doburji Arian, Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan

The Gurdwara Baoli Sahib is located at a distance of two hundred meters from Gurdwra Ber Sahib. Its phone number is +974 5525 5236.

Sahowal

From Sialkot, Guru Nanak came to Sahowal (in Sambhrial police circle), 8 kms away and sat under a ber (mulbery) tree for a few days. It was near a pond which was later brick-lined and named Nanaksar Sarovar. Gurdwara Nanaksar was constructed to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak which however, had to be abandoned in 1947. (34) The old ber tree still stood in the Gurdwara compound when it was abandoned in the wake of partition and now its existence is in doubt [42] since Mohammad Waliullah Khan makes no mention of it in ‘Sikh Shrines in West Pakistan. [43]





Gurdwara Nanaksar Pehli Patshahi Sahowal (Sialkot) Photo Dhana Singh Chehal


Remnants of Gurudwara Manji Sahib Mithan da Kotla, Pasrur, Narowal Road, Pasrūr, Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan



Guru Nanak reached Pasrur from Sialkot. Pasrur is the leading town and tehsil of Sialkot District. The place where Guru Ji had stayed is known as Deokay. This Shrine is located on Narowal-Sialkot road, about half a kilometer from the Pasrur railway station. The Pasrur Gurudwara is completely in ruins..

When Guru Nanak reached Pasrur, a renowned Muslim mystic, Mian Mittah, was busy in prayers. It is said that his real name was not Mian Mittha but because of his soft speech people started calling him Mian Mittha. With the passage of time his real name was forgotten. Guru Nanak had a discourse with Mian Mittha at this place. Mitthan Shah, used to force the Hindus not to burn but to bury their dead.Guru Nanak explained him the various ways of living and the importance of burning the dead than burying them in environmental point of view. The mendicant understood and allowed Hindus to bury their dead thereafter. [35] The place where this discourse took place was known as “Kotla Mian Mittha” but later Deoka became popular name. Once Dek stream used to flow close to it but now it has shifted course. There is very big garden of bair and one gate of the garden is on Narowal-Pasrur road. There is a big pond just beside the gate. At the end of the tank, a simple Manji Sahib (room to keep the Granth Sahib) is built on the right hand side of the tank. It is an elevated platform without any roof but it has a beautiful door. There are three houses behind Manji Sahib. In one of these houses Guru Granth Sahib was placed. Bhai Mohan Singh used to clean and maintain the shrine. This shrine is under the occupation of the District Board. The water tank has become a stagnant pond and the Gurdwara too is not in a good condition. Pasrur has Bus Station and Railway Station while airport is Sialkot. He redeemed the people and subdued the pride of Mitthan Shah. [34] He went around various villages around and stayed in Jahman with some followers. [36]



Chhanga Manga




Haroon Khalid : A gurdwara dedicated to Guru Nanak in Manga in Pakistan's Lahore district.



The Changa Manga is a planted forest which includes a wildlife preserve, in the Kasur and Lahore districts of Punjab, Pakistan. It was once the largest man-made forest in the world but has undergone illegal deforestation at a massive scale in recent times.[2][3] Changa Manga is known more widely as "one of the oldest hand-planted forests in the world",[4] It was named after two brother dacoits.

70 kilometres south of Lahore in the Kasur district, on Raiwind-Pttoki road, the forest covers an area of 5,000 hectares (12,510 acres) and is one of the largest of its kind.

About 70 kilometres southwest of Lahore along the Lahore-Multan highway this place in Manga was visited by Guru Nanak Dev where now Gurdwara Nankiana Talab exists.[37] It is 15 km from Chuhnia, a shrine known as Chhota Nanakana located outside the village to the east commemorating his visit. While returning from Talwandi and going to Sultanpur a mendicant Rajsant was enlightened at this place. [38]

“Guru Nanak crossed the Ravi and stayed at Manga for a little while,” Qaiser told Haroon Khalid. “Here, he preached his message and then came to this spot, where the Gurdwara was later constructed.” Qaiser said. “Nanak, along with his companions, Mardana and Bhai Bala, sat here under the shade of a tree and then moved on.”

The plot on which the gurdwara stands was allotted to it by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire. The enclosed space now contains a fish farm under the Pakistani Fisheries Department. The land abutting the gurudwara is occupied by a school. The Multan Road Highway passes through the gurdwara’s gate, while the Pakistani town of Manga is across the road. “Extracts fom haroon Khalid’s interview with Iqbal Qaisar”.

Later Guru Hargobind also visited the place while returning from Kashmir. About 135 acres of land was attached to it during the Sikh rule. At the time of 1947 partition, the building comprised a flat-roofed square hall with a verandah all around it. A vast tank (sarovar) was at the back of the Gurdwara and managed by SGPC through a local committee [38].




Wahiguru Gurdwara in Kot Nankana 2. Painting in wahiguru Gurdwara



The gurdwara Guru Nanak was in a dismal state – only its pillars and outer structure still stood. The facing pool reflected this depressing sight. Iqbal Qisr mentions that,“This gurdwara was burned at the time of Partition. The priests here were refusing to leave, so the mob burned it down.” This is a small town, the last of Lahore district as one heads south towards Multan. The river Ravi once used to flow across the western boundary of Manga. “Manga is about 1,000 years old,” Qaiser told. There was filth, junkies and stray dogs on the streets.



2. Sameer (6 January 2015). "The Changa Manga". Pakistan Insider. Retrieved 15 August 2015.

3. Jalil, Xarvi (14 December 2011). "Forest land transfers, deforestation spiral out of control". Pakistan Today. Retrieved 15 August 2015.

4. Singh, Sarina; Brown, Lindsay; Clammer, Paul; {censored}s, Rodney (2008). Pakistan and the Karakoram Highway. Country Guide Series. Lonely Planet. ISBN 9781741045420.



Chunian

After redeeming the people around, he next moved to Chunian. Chunian is located 75 km away from Lahore. As Guru nanak’s reputation had spread all around, people flocked to him as they came to know of his visit to the place. Mahant Janki Parsad, Kanpatta Yogi Satnath, Roopa Bhagat, Sheikh Dawood Kirmani, Peer Ganj Baksh and others came to him, heard his discourses and were pleased to keep Guru Nanak with them. [39] Gurdwara Sahib construted to commemorate his visit to Chinian is slowly collapsing due to neglect.

https://www.aninews.in/news/world/a...owly-collapsing-due-to-neglect20230725001451/

Apel

He also visited Apel a place 8 kos from Chunian where a Manji Sahib is established. Two hundred bighas of land is attached to the Gurdwara. [40]

Manak De Ke:


Gurdwara Manji Sahib- Manakdeke, Kanganpur, Kasur District, Punjab



Village Manak is located at a distance of 2 km from Kanganpur and 45 km from Lahore on Raiwind road. Getting down from the bus at Pajian one has towalk to the Gurdwra site. It is about 4 kilometer off the main road. A metalled road leads to the village. Nearest railway station is Kanganpur. It is in tehsil Chunian of Kasur District Punjab, Pakistan. When Guru Nanak came to village Pajian from Manga, the villagers initially welcomed him but later made fun of him. Guru Ji left the village and stayed at this place outside the village. Some follower asked Guru Ji as to why he had moved out of the village. Guru Ji said those were "Paaji" (mean) persons. The village came to be called Paajian thereafter and -the mound where Guru ji sat, came to be known as Manak which subsequently developed into a big village. The 3-storeyed building of Gurdwara had been built beautifully and it was spacious. The complex included a Langar Hall, Prakashasthan, inn, foyer, and a diwan hall built like a baradari. There were Samadhs of Udasi Sadhus and a water tank close to the Shrine. The tank has now become a stagnant pool. These buildings are in the process of decay and may become a heap of dust. The central building collapsed during the last two years. 82 ghumaon of land had been gifted by villagers to the Gurdwara. Guru Nanak spent some time in Manak village.The Jats of this village belonged to the same grandfather. Some of them were converted to Islam; others became Sikhs while the rest remained Hindus. Visakhi fair is held every year. During the fair, the villagers are not allowed to cook in their homes. All, irrespective of their religion, took food from the same Langar. It used to be managed by Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus alternately for one day each. After 1947 a School for Girls was housed in it but later on, the premises was left vacant. When refugees from Mewat, arrived they were settled here and they did not bother to maintain it. Floral designs on the walls were erased. It was followed by the caving in of roofs. Now the walls too are falling apart. It is imperative that immediate action be taken to preserve this important historical and cultural site. Efforts should be made to restore and maintain the Gurdwara complex, ensuring that its architectural splendor and spiritual significance are safeguarded for future generations. Collaborative initiatives involving the local community, historical preservation organizations, and relevant authorities can play a pivotal role in revitalizing this revered place of worship.

Gurudwara Pehli Patshahi At Manak, Distt Lahore - World Gurudwaras

This Village called Manak is located at a distance of 45 kilometer from Lahore on Raiwind road. You have to get down from the bus at Pajian to reach this'

www.worldgurudwaras.com

A tapestry of magnificence | Footloose | thenews.com.pk

Immediate measures are imperative to safeguard the Pehli Patshahi Gurdwara

www.thenews.com.pk

excerpted from the book : "Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan”



Kanganpur:





Gurdwara Malji Sahib, Kanganpur, Kasur District, West Punjab, Pakistan



Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Kanganpur while going from Lahore to Pakpattan. Gurdwara Malji Sahib commemorating Guru Ji’s visit is situated in the large town of Kanganpur, in Kasur District of West Punjab, (Pakistan) having a railway station along the Kasur-Lodhran section of Pakistan railway. It falls in Chunian Tehsil of Kasur District. When Guru Nanak Dev and Bhai Mardana arrived here, the villagers were rude to them and did not let them stay in the village. The Guru, however, blessed them saying ‘vasde raho’, (May you live long here). [12] Later, a domed Gurdwara with rooms for parkash asthan and for granthis was constructed in Moti Masjid Mohalla in new Kanganpur City. The domed building of the Gurdwara was very beautiful and strong. There were rooms for granthis in front of the sacred darbar. After 1947, refugees from Ferozepur district made it as their residence without paying any attention to the significance of the place. Although the Gurdwara should be under the possession of ETPB (Evacuee Trust Property Board) but people inform that it is owned by a local Syed family. Dewa Sikander, a Nanakpanthi from Sukkur (Sindh) visited the town recently and made an application to Assistant Commissioner, Kanganpur to open this important and historical Sikh Shrine for the Sangat. It could be renovated and opened for the Sikh pilgrims if permitted.

The Sikh Heritage ~ Beyond Borders - Book Review

A remarkable and detailed volume on our heritage in Pakistan

www.sikhnet.com

Bhilla:




Next, Guru Nanak proceded to Bhila, five kos from Kanganpur where great hospitality was shown to him. Next morning while leaving the place, the Guru uttered, ‘Ujjad Jao’ (May you disperse). Perplexed by the utterance, Bhai Mardana questioned, “Why curse those who treated you well and bless those who did not treat you well?” Guru Nanak explained. “It is better that the evil is contained at one place; and goodness be spread.” The village was blessed to settle at number of places since wherever these people would go they would teach humanity service. Gurdwara Maal Sahib was constructed near a maal tree under which Guru Nanak rested. Congregations used to be held here on the first of every Bikarmi month and another one on the first of Chet (mid-March) which became largely attended religious fairs. The Gurdwara was very well developed and had a large income before partition of 1947 when Gyani Gian Singh visited the place. (13). It was affiliated to SGPC then. (12)



Depalpur Gurdwara Sri Chota Nanakiana Sahib



Gurdwara Sri Chota Nanakiana Sahib, Depalpur



Guru Nanak’s next visit was to Dipalpur. It is nine kos from Chunian. Building is of concrete. Depalpur Gurdwara Sri Chota Nanakiana Sahib is on Okara Road in Depalpur, District Okara West Punjab, Pakistan situated in the village of Depalpur. Guru Nanak visited the place while on the way to Pakpattan. Gurdwara is now in dilapidated stage due to constant neglect. Gurdwara had an income of Rs 500/- [40]

A great


Davinder Ji ken de neh Raj karega Khalsa!

Please write a few books! To help push start the Ga- ddhi ( Vee Dhaaka laaa de -O jee)

Stories told in a certain way. Would really appeal to a extremely wide range audience.

2-3 different Books. One for children. like a night time story book for children mixed with trials & tribulations, successes and miracles of Guru Nanak-(Jacob - Yaqub-Har )specifically in short story forms. So parents can read to their children a different bedtime story of Guru Nanak every night

Another book for the older generation.
Instead of start and stop detail with dates and references. It should flow as a continuous story.
Each topic intertwined with one another. Which will eventually become story lines for movies!


The Third book is specifically for Raj Karega Khalsa

Another book with specific references of Guru Nanaks teachings a manual transition
From current Christians culture to how
Jacob-Guru Nanak Dev ji recommended ones should be. The way of life to pursue

Covering hair when reading Jacob Guru Nanaks Writings.

Explaining how we respect the knowledge like a living Guru.

Added some brief examples of every general teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Life (non Hindu related Specific teachings)
Perhaps even from Jap Ji Sahib and Nit Nem and including
Some indepth Examples:

Views of eating meat, As preferences is vegetarian, but also referencing Guru Nanaks teachings of Water.
You cannot be 100% vegetarian yet, if there is no need for wild general hunting then why bother Unless you are in need. Grains and veg are Preferred.
App-eh Beeg App-eh Kaoo

Also things like
Let Death be your badge coat and purity of virginity your way of life. Not stating you have to be a virgin. Because Guru Nanak Dev ji was not a Virgin nore a celebrate ( nah hoe yatti satti santoki)

Protecting kesh!

Ath E Dannav- Kantak Mar Na....is okay in Sikhi..
Thanu Mukti Mil di Ahh when you stand for good over evil die for it ( Christians call that the Rapture)

Then transition into Amrit vela Naam Jaap meditation

Jap ji Sahib and Rehiras Sahib
The basics of Jacob Guru Nanak Dev Ji written Prayers in English.

Then giving information of Guru Granth Sahib. Proper reading techniques. Even if reading in romanized English.


Also adding a section of how Muslims sacrifices hundred million. Between Guru Arjan Dev jin to the 1950's these teachings are here today because of our Singhs and Singhni's who sacrificed everything for us to have this knowledge of Guru Nanak Dev ji Maharaj (Jacob West of Mecca)

Then relating it to how Jesus Was crucified. Born in 1635 crucified in 1668
& How we have the Khalsa Panth. Orchestrated in 1699 by the 10th Nanak where a oath is taken to stand and fight in the face of oppression. Never to give in or give up! NAME DAN SIR DAN.

The Khalsa is Jesus's Cousins (Ek Om-Kar)
One must carry a weapon and be prepared to protect against evil.

One waves the luxury to walk away in situations out of fear of losing there life.
Do to this great sacrifice of humanity we have Jacob- Guru Nanak Dev ji teachings here today to be passed on to the future generations!

These few books can be very helpful and popular. Also the back bones, the root of Raj Karega Khalsa!

I have gone twice to Saudi Arab to search documents related to Guru Nanak and the facts abut Guru Nank's visit to Guru Nanak and returned this month only. I found no such evidence linking Guru Nanak's name to Jacob or any other Christian Name. I was not given permission to visit Mecca or Medina, the boirth and place of death of Prophet Mohammed. However I had records of those whos visited these places earlier. Tajjudin found three manuscripts related to Guru Nanak in Mecca state library. These are Syahto Baba Nanak, Karam Singh Hostorian who visited Mecca wrote, " I have visited Hinglaj devi temple on the banks of Makran, Jahman Chahal and Jama R ai in Majha, and Mecca gurdwara and heard different stories' Karam Singh Historian di Itihasik Khoj (ed. Hira Singh dard) p.40

A great


Davinder Ji ken de neh Raj karega Khalsa!

Please write a few books! To help push start the Ga- ddhi ( Vee Dhaaka laaa de -O jee)

Stories told in a certain way. Would really appeal to a extremely wide range audience.

2-3 different Books. One for children. like a night time story book for children mixed with trials & tribulations, successes and miracles of Guru Nanak-(Jacob - Yaqub-Har )specifically in short story forms. So parents can read to their children a different bedtime story of Guru Nanak every night

Another book for the older generation.
Instead of start and stop detail with dates and references. It should flow as a continuous story.
Each topic intertwined with one another. Which will eventually become story lines for movies!


The Third book is specifically for Raj Karega Khalsa

Another book with specific references of Guru Nanaks teachings a manual transition
From current Christians culture to how
Jacob-Guru Nanak Dev ji recommended ones should be. The way of life to pursue

Covering hair when reading Jacob Guru Nanaks Writings.

Explaining how we respect the knowledge like a living Guru.

Added some brief examples of every general teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Life (non Hindu related Specific teachings)
Perhaps even from Jap Ji Sahib and Nit Nem and including
Some indepth Examples:

Views of eating meat, As preferences is vegetarian, but also referencing Guru Nanaks teachings of Water.
You cannot be 100% vegetarian yet, if there is no need for wild general hunting then why bother Unless you are in need. Grains and veg are Preferred.
App-eh Beeg App-eh Kaoo

Also things like
Let Death be your badge coat and purity of virginity your way of life. Not stating you have to be a virgin. Because Guru Nanak Dev ji was not a Virgin nore a celebrate ( nah hoe yatti satti santoki)

Protecting kesh!

Ath E Dannav- Kantak Mar Na....is okay in Sikhi..
Thanu Mukti Mil di Ahh when you stand for good over evil die for it ( Christians call that the Rapture)

Then transition into Amrit vela Naam Jaap meditation

Jap ji Sahib and Rehiras Sahib
The basics of Jacob Guru Nanak Dev Ji written Prayers in English.

Then giving information of Guru Granth Sahib. Proper reading techniques. Even if reading in romanized English.


Also adding a section of how Muslims sacrifices hundred million. Between Guru Arjan Dev jin to the 1950's these teachings are here today because of our Singhs and Singhni's who sacrificed everything for us to have this knowledge of Guru Nanak Dev ji Maharaj (Jacob West of Mecca)

Then relating it to how Jesus Was crucified. Born in 1635 crucified in 1668
& How we have the Khalsa Panth. Orchestrated in 1699 by the 10th Nanak where a oath is taken to stand and fight in the face of oppression. Never to give in or give up! NAME DAN SIR DAN.

The Khalsa is Jesus's Cousins (Ek Om-Kar)
One must carry a weapon and be prepared to protect against evil.

One waves the luxury to walk away in situations out of fear of losing there life.
Do to this great sacrifice of humanity we have Jacob- Guru Nanak Dev ji teachings here today to be passed on to the future generations!

These few books can be very helpful and popular. Also the back bones, the root of Raj Karega Khalsa!

I visited Saudi Arabia twice and tried to locate the historical facts and manuscripts about Guru Nanak. They were very touchy about any thing against Islam and did not permit me to go to Mecca and Medina. However I found no evidence about Jacob or Christianity related to Guru Nanak. The records of earlier visitors to Mecca and medina also confirm this. Those who visited Footprints of Guru Nanak earlier are Tajjudin writer of Syahto Baba Nanak and Karam Singh Historian. Tajjudin mentions of 3 manuscripts 1.Twareekh(i) Arab by Zain-ul-aab (i) Deen, 2. ‘Syahto Baba Nanak Fakir’ 3. Gunitusalehin by Abdul Rahman in the state Library of Medina. I visited state libraries of Riyadh but culd not get copy of these. I was not permitted to Medina hence I requested Indian Ambassador to get copies of these manuscripts which he has promised to get. These are the eyewitness account of Guru Nanak's visit toSaudi Arabia and beyond.

 

[dalvinder45]

Dalvinder ji
Guru Nanak Dev ji da Last is Das.
There Fathers last Name was Das not Chand.
Kalyan Das Jii also Known as Mehta Kalu
(Nanak Das E hai Sukh Mungeh..)
You writings are very important to Sikhi ji especially the specifics of Guru Nanak Dev ji. Please don't let this error be published

In no book I found das being used for Guru Nanak or his father. The four Janamsakhis have the following accounts:
1.Walait Wali janamsakhi: (Janam sakhi Prampra, ed. Kirpal Singh , Antika, p. 3)
"Tab kalu khatri vedi talwandi rae bhoi ki vasdi vich vasda aaha Othe janam paya." Entire janam Sakhi mentions Kalu and Nanak there after, No where das is used.
2. Janamsakhi Meharban, " Janam sakhi Prampra ed. Kirpal Singh, Antika p. 58) :
Tab Guru Nanak Kalu kai ghar tipra ki udr (i) Bedi kai Bans (i) khatri kai Janm(i) Punjab
Later also the name is Kalu and Nanak onlyn used ad no where das is used.

3. Bale wali Janamsakhi, (Janam sakhi Prampra, ed. Kirpal Singh , Antika, p. 323)
Nanak janam leeta adhi raat(i) ghadi upr(i) Kalu vedi de ghar.
Later also it mentions Kalu and Nanak there after, No where das is used.
4. Bhai Mani Sigh wali Janamsakhi, "Janam sakhi Prampra, ed. Kirpal Singh , Antika, p. 330) Samat 1526 shubh din...mah visaakh shukar teej sawa pehr raat rahindi ..mata Pripta ar Pita kalu ke greh aan avtar dharia.
Later it also mentions Kalu and Nanak there after, No where das is used.
hence to use das for Nanak or Kalu is not correct.

 

[Don_Punjab]

In no book I found das being used for Guru Nanak or his father.

Dalvinder ji here it States Mehta Kalyan Das in Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee post.

nwnk dwsu ieh Y suKu mwg Y mo ka u kir sMqn kI D Ury ]4]5]
naanak daas ihai sukh maagai mo ka-o kar santan kee Dhooray. ||4||5||

In Kirtan Sohila Guru Arjan Dev Writes Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Name as Das.
Ofcourse direct writings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji's personal writings take great superiority over anything else

Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Father inlaw was Lala Mool Chand.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's had 2 Son Baba Sri Chand and Lakshmi Das
Why would Guru Nanak Dev ji name his Own Son Das? If his father wasn't a Das?

 

[Don_Punjab]

However I found no evidence about Jacob or Christianity related to Guru Nanak. The records of earlier visitors to Mecca and medina also confirm this.

I can understand that!

I have placed evidence before you showing that Jacobs Fountain is also Known as The well of Sychar.

Located umongst the Sumrath.
Even the Christian Bible says the Sumrathan woman confirms saying to Jesus( the Christian Prophet). That Jacob gave them the well.

Jacobs name is also Sychar!
Jacob is the Roman name for Sychar.

Written by Guru Nanak Dev ji
They Confirm to be The Sumrath Swami.
They Confirm their name as Sychar 3 times

Above all the personal writings of Guru Nanak Dev ji , this is the personal Written Hukam of Maharaj Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji
Enu- aadhar-na che-da-va ji.
We must support it.

Ramkalee mehlaa teeja anand

sabhnaa galaa samrath su-aamee so ki-o manaho visaaray

Guru Nanak Dev ji is referred to as Swami! Meaning religious teacher of the Samrath!


Then They states 3 times that here name is Sychar and that we must support there name Sychar
3
saachaa naam mayraa aadhaaro

saach naam adhaar mayraa jin bhukhaa sabh gavaa-ee-aa.

saachaa naam mayraa aadhaaro. ||4||

vaajay panch shabad {censored} ghar sabhaagai.

ghar sabhaagai shabad vaajay kalaa jit ghar dhaaree-aa

 

[dalvinder45]

GURU NANAK’S JOIURNEY FROM EMNABAD TO SULTANPUR LODHI-1​

Maps 3 & 4. Travels from Emnabad to Sultanpur Lodhi

Maps 5 Travels from Emnabad to Pasrur Map 6. Travel from Pasrur to Pakpattan​

From Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak proceded to Emnabad. On the route he visited Avana village of Labanas. Guru Nanak stayed here for sometime. This Gurdwara was in the control of Udsis when Bhai Dhanna Singh visited this place on 8 October 1932. Laban Sikhs filed a case for the control of the Gurdwara but in court Mahant Lal Das Udasi won the case. Sikhs filed a review petition which was pending at the time. 300 acres land is attached to this Gurdwara. There was a small Gurdwara at the site as shown in the photograph taken by Bhai Dhanna Singh Chahal. There were no food and tay arrangements for the visitors. There was a large mauselium of an udasi Sadhu near the Gurdwara whose Gumbad dominated the Gurdwara. The Gurdwara was within the village and had no Nishan sahib then. [1]

Photo 51: Gurdwara Awana of Lubanans visited by Guru Nanak taken by Dhanna Sngh in 1932

Guru Nanak reached Emnabad from Awana. Guru’s presence pleased Bhai Lalo immensely. After a stay for seven-eight days, he moved out to visit the surrounding areas and finally reached Seoke.

Seoke

Photo 52: Gurdwara Chhota Nankana Sahib Seoke: Photo Dhanna Singh Chahal 1932 AD

The village which was originally named Bharowal was later reestablished as Seoke. A farmer Bhai Roopa has been longing since last two years to see Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak stayed at Seoke to meet Bhai Roopa. Bhai Roopa looked after the Guru with great devotion and was redeemed. [2] Gurdwara Nankana Sahib is situated one km outside the village. 16 acres land was attached to the Gurdwara by the village. Fair is held on 25-26 Harh.. It is about 20 Kms south from Sialkot in police station Daska and Post office Piro Chakk.[3] At Seoke Guru Nanak heard of Peer Hamza Ghaus who threatened to destroy Sialkot. Guru Nanak preceded toSialkot to put Peer Hamza Ghaus on right path. [4]

Fatte Bhinder

Photo 53: Gurdwara Fatta Bhinder Patshahi Pehli, Pakistan


While going to Sialkot Guru Nanak came to Fatte Bhinder. A small Gurdwara in south of the village commemorates Guru Nanak’s visit. Village has attached an acre of land with the gurdwara. A fair was held on Nimani Ikadashi. It is located 20 km from Railway station Gujranwala. Its police circle is Daska and post Office Jandu. [5] Gurudwara Pehli Patshahi is located in the Fateh Bhinder village in the Daska Tehsil near village Govind Ke. The village can be reached from Glotian. This Gurdwara of Guru Nanak Dev is on the southern side of the village. This Gurdwara was built by the devotees at the spot where he had stayed. Built at the site where Guru Nanak Dev had once visited, was abandoned in 1947 after the migration of the Sikh population during the Partition. The gurdwara building, with crumbling yet magnificent architecture, was one of the many such Sikh shrines in Pakistan that required immediate attention. This Gurdwara remained neglected since Partition. On the inner and outer walls of the Gurdwara are inscriptions in Punjabi language. Over time, the building has become dilapidated due to the neglect of the local administration. A local villager said that since the 2005 earthquake, there have been many cracks in the building’s walls and roof, while the roof on the second floor had collapsed and the Gurdwara is complete dilapidated condition. In the past few months, some illegal occupants had even turned the abandoned building of Gurdwara Nanaksar into a cattle shed and started tying their animals in the premises. (6) This historical Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi Nanaksar in Sialkot is finally set for preservation The Pakistan government on June 24, 2022 ordered the restoration of the historical Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi Nanaksar in Sialkot. Since then the Gurdwara has been restored. Sikh pilgrims started visiting this Gurdwara from far and wide. A Sikh almonry was also built along with the gurdwara. Sikh pilgrims who came to the gurdwara were given a silver coin on their return. Baba Afzal, a resident of the area, said that along with former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, many members of Sikh community came to Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi, Fateh Bhandar and every year pilgrims also come here for Darshan. This gurdwara is an example of its own in terms of aesthetics. There are 100 windows and doors on all four sides of the Gurdwara and there is decorative work on them. Its floor is made of marble stones in which Kandakari work had also been done. Nearest Bus Station is Fateh Bhinder, Nearest Railway Station is Sialkot Station, Nearest Airport is Sialkot

Sialkot

Photo 54: Gurdwara Ber Sahib, Sialkot

Next, he reached Sialkot.Guru Nanak is said to have visited Sialkot twice; first time when he stayed under a ber tree and held discourses with a Sufi Saint Hamza Ghaus. Hamza Ghaus had become angry because Giga Khatri did not give one son as agreed to him out of three sons he had by the blessing of Hamza Ghaus. Hamza got angry and went into deep meditation in order to burn entire Sialkot. Guru Nanak reached Sialkot and sat under a tree where now stands Gurdwara Ber Sahib. The tomb in which Hamza Ghaus was meditating was also closeby. Guru Nanak called him and enquired the reason of doing penance. He said, “This is a city of liars; this must be destroyed.” Guru Nanak said, “O Hamza! You have not learnt contentment. The evil in your mind is the falsehood. If you have got something from meditation then destroy your evil. The mendicant must adopt the way of five elements and the trees of selfless service. How sinful it would be to punish the entire population for the fault of a single citizen? The city which you proclaim to be of liars can be tested. He sent Mardana to the town to purchase one pice worth of truth and one pice worth of falsehood. Mardana went to almost every shopkeeper but no one was able to provide him truth or falsehood. At last, Bhai Mula gave Mardana two slips with scribbled sentences: “Life is false”, and “Death is True”. Taking the slips from Mardana, Guru Nanak explained to Hamza Ghaus: “Look! You were angry at the unwise one who did not fulfill the promise and see here the two slips sent by a wise one who too is a resident of the same town. You would have destroyed a saintly person along with the wicked and would have earned the wrath of God. Hamza Ghaus understood the truth and changed his resolve to burn the city. He then called Bhai Mula and thanked him for givng him correct reply. Bhai Mula became Guru Nanak’s follower and accompanied him in his journey. [6]

There is another episode connected with Bhai Mula. On his second visit Guru Nanak went to Mula’s wife and asked about Mula. Afraid of his going with the Guru, she asked her husband to hide and told a lie to Guru Ji that ‘Mula is not at home’. Guru Nanak knew the fact and said, “Friendship of shopkeepers is false; who knows, O Mula, where death may befall.” According to Janamsakhi Meharban, when Bhai Mula learnt about Guru’s visit and what all transpired he was struck with remorse for hiding himself from the Guru at his wife’s bidding. He died soon after.[7] Two historical shrines exist at Sialkot; Gurdwara Babe di Ber and Gurdwara Baoli Sahib. Gurdwara Babe di Ber was got constructed by Sardar Natha Singh of Shaheed Misl who donated his entire life to it. It is situated near ber tree under which the Guru had stayed. It is outside the town across the Aik stream, along the Sailkot Pasrur road. The building was reconstructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It has a two storeyed octagonal sanctum topped by a fluted dome and an all round verandah on the ground floor. Gurdwara was taken under control by the local Sikh Sangat on 5th October 1920. With that the Gurdwara reform movement got momentum. Gurdwara Baoli Sahib is in the western outskirts of the town near the Sialkot-Daska road. It represents the site where Guru Nanak Dev stayed during the second visit. [8]

Baoli Sahib

Photo 55: Sialkot Gurdwara Baoli sahib, Doburji Arian, Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan

The Gurdwara Baoli Sahib is located at a distance of two hundred meters from Gurdwra Ber Sahib. Its phone number is +974 5525 5236.

Sahowal

From Sialkot, Guru Nanak came to Sahowal (in Sambhrial police circle), 8 kms away and sat under a ber (mulbery) tree for a few days. It was near a pond which was later brick-lined and named Nanaksar Sarovar. Gurdwara Nanaksar was constructed to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak which however, had to be abandoned in 1947. [9] The old ber tree still stood in the Gurdwara compound when it was abandoned in the wake of partition and now its existence is in doubt [10] since Mohammad Waliullah Khan makes no mention of it in ‘Sikh Shrines in West Pakistan. [11]

Photo 56: Gurdwara Nanaksar Pehli Patshahi Sahowal (Sialkot) Photo Dhana Singh Chahal

Pasrur

Photo 57: Remnants of Gurudwara Manji Sahib Mithan da Kotla, Pasrur, Narowal Road, Pasrūr, Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan

Guru Nanak reached Pasrur from Sialkot. Pasrur is the leading town and tehsil of Sialkot District. The place where Guru Ji had stayed is known as Deokay. This Shrine is located on Narowal-Sialkot road, about half a kilometer from the Pasrur railway station. The Pasrur Gurudwara is completely in ruins..

When Guru Nanak reached Pasrur, a renowned Muslim mystic, Mian Mittah, was busy in prayers. It is said that his real name was not Mian Mittha but because of his soft speech people started calling him Mian Mittha. With the passage of time his real name was forgotten. Guru Nanak had a discourse with Mian Mittha at this place. Mitthan Shah, used to force the Hindus not to burn but to bury their dead.Guru Nanak explained him the various ways of living and the importance of burning the dead than burying them in environmental point of view. The mendicant understood and allowed Hindus to bury their dead thereafter.[12] The place where this discourse took place was known as “Kotla Mian Mittha” but later Deoka became popular name. Once Dek stream used to flow close to it but now it has shifted course. There is very big garden of bair and one gate of the garden is on Narowal-Pasrur road. There is a big pond just beside the gate. At the end of the tank, a simple Manji Sahib (room to keep the Granth Sahib) is built on the right hand side of the tank. It is an elevated platform without any roof but it has a beautiful door. There are three houses behind Manji Sahib. In one of these houses Guru Granth Sahib was placed. Bhai Mohan Singh used to clean and maintain the shrine. This shrine is under the occupation of the District Board. The water tank has become a stagnant pond and the Gurdwara too is not in a good condition. Pasrur has Bus Station and Railway Station while airport is Sialkot. He redeemed the people and subdued the pride of Mitthan Shah.[13] He went around various villages around and stayed in Jahman with some followers. [14].

Changa Manga

Map 7 & 8 Location Maps Changa Manga an Kot Nankana

Map 58: Gurdwara Guru Nanak in Manga in Pakistan's Lahore district. Haroon Khalid

The Changa Manga is a planted forest which includes a wildlife preserve, in the Kasur and Lahore districts of Punjab, Pakistan. It was once the largest man-made forest in the world but has undergone illegal deforestation at a massive scale in recent times.[15][16] Changa Manga is known more widely as "one of the oldest hand-planted forests in the world",[17] It was named after two brother dacoits.

70 kilometres south of Lahore in the Kasur district, on Raiwind-Pttoki road, the forest covers an area of 5,000 hectares (12,510 acres) and is one of the largest of its kind.

About 70 kilometres southwest of Lahore along the Lahore-Multan highway this place in Manga was visited by Guru Nanak Dev where now Gurdwara Nankiana Talab exists.[18] It is 15 km from Chuhnia, a shrine known as Chhota Nanakana located outside the village to the east commemorating his visit. While returning from Talwandi and going to Sultanpur a mendicant Rajsant was enlightened at this place. [19]

“Guru Nanak crossed the Ravi and stayed at Manga for a little while,” Qaiser told Haroon Khalid. “Here, he preached his message and then came to this spot, where the Gurdwara was later constructed.” Qaiser said. “Nanak, along with his companions, Mardana and Bhai Bala, sat here under the shade of a tree and then moved on.”

The plot on which the gurdwara stands was allotted to it by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire. The enclosed space now contains a fish farm under the Pakistani Fisheries Department. The land abutting the gurudwara is occupied by a school. The Multan Road Highway passes through the gurdwara’s gate, while the Pakistani town of Manga is across the road. “Extracts are from haroon Khalid’s interview with Iqbal Qaisar”.

Later Guru Hargobind also visited the place while returning from Kashmir. About 135 acres of land was attached to it during the Sikh rule. At the time of 1947 partition, the building comprised a flat-roofed square hall with a verandah all around it. A vast tank (sarovar) was at the back of the Gurdwara and managed by SGPC through a local committee [20].

Photo 59: Wahiguru Gurdwara in Kot Nankana Photo 60: Painting in wahiguru Gurdwara

The gurdwara Guru Nanak was in a dismal state – only its pillars and outer structure still stood. The facing pool reflected this depressing sight. Iqbal Qisr mentions that, “This gurdwara was burned at the time of Partition. The priests here were refusing to leave, so the mob burned it down.” This is a small town, the last of Lahore district as one heads south towards Multan. The river Ravi once used to flow across the western boundary of Manga. “Manga is about 1,000 years old,” Qaiser told. There was filth, junkies and stray dogs on the streets.

Chunian

After redeeming the people around, he next moved to Chunian. Chunian is located 75 km away from Lahore. As Guru Nanak’s reputation had spread all around, people flocked to him as they came to know of his visit to the place. Mahant Janki Parsad, Kanpatta Yogi Satnath, Roopa Bhagat, Sheikh Dawood Kirmani, Peer Ganj Baksh and others came to him, heard his discourses and were pleased to keep Guru Nanak with them. [21] Gurdwara Sahib construted to commemorate his visit to Chinian is slowly collapsing due to neglect.

Apel

He also visited Apel a place 8 kos from Chunian where a Manji Sahib is established. Two hundred bighas of land is attached to the Gurdwara. [22]

 

[Don_Punjab]

I can understand that!

I have placed evidence before you showing that Jacobs Fountain is also Known as The well of Sychar.

Located umongst the Sumrath.
Even the Christian Bible says the Sumrathan woman confirms saying to Jesus( the Christian Prophet). That Jacob gave them the well.

Jacobs name is also Sychar!
Jacob is the Roman name for Sychar.

View attachment 22255

Written by Guru Nanak Dev ji
They Confirm to be The Sumrath Swami.
They Confirm their name as Sychar 3 times

Above all the personal writings of Guru Nanak Dev ji , this is the personal Written Hukam of Maharaj Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji
Enu- aadhar-na che-da-va ji.
We must support it.

Ramkalee mehlaa teeja anand

sabhnaa galaa samrath su-aamee so ki-o manaho visaaray

Guru Nanak Dev ji is referred to as Swami! Meaning religious teacher of the Samrath!


Then They states 3 times that here name is Sychar and that we must support there name Sychar
3
saachaa naam mayraa aadhaaro

saach naam adhaar mayraa jin bhukhaa sabh gavaa-ee-aa.

saachaa naam mayraa aadhaaro. ||4||

vaajay panch shabad {censored} ghar sabhaagai.

ghar sabhaagai shabad vaajay kalaa jit ghar dhaaree-aa

Jacob is also known as Yaqub-Har!

Then we have:
Guru Har Gobind
Guru Har Rai
Guru Har Krishan ji.

Then we have Har- Mandir Sahib

Har is also in reference to the Egyptian God Horace. Guru Nanak has most definite Confirmed presence in Egypt. You have confirmed that ji.

 

[dalvinder45]

I can understand that!

I have placed evidence before you showing that Jacobs Fountain is also Known as The well of Sychar.

Located umongst the Sumrath.
Even the Christian Bible says the Sumrathan woman confirms saying to Jesus( the Christian Prophet). That Jacob gave them the well.

Jacobs name is also Sychar!
Jacob is the Roman name for Sychar.

View attachment 22255

Written by Guru Nanak Dev ji
They Confirm to be The Sumrath Swami.
They Confirm their name as Sychar 3 times

Above all the personal writings of Guru Nanak Dev ji , this is the personal Written Hukam of Maharaj Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji
Enu- aadhar-na che-da-va ji.
We must support it.

Ramkalee mehlaa teeja anand

sabhnaa galaa samrath su-aamee so ki-o manaho visaaray

Guru Nanak Dev ji is referred to as Swami! Meaning religious teacher of the Samrath!


Then They states 3 times that here name is Sychar and that we must support there name Sychar
3
saachaa naam mayraa aadhaaro

saach naam adhaar mayraa jin bhukhaa sabh gavaa-ee-aa.

saachaa naam mayraa aadhaaro. ||4||

vaajay panch shabad {censored} ghar sabhaagai.

ghar sabhaagai shabad vaajay kalaa jit ghar dhaaree-aa

Janam Sakhis are the original and closest sources to Guru Nanak's time. They mention Nanak, Guru Nanak,, Kalu, Mehta Kalu, Sri Chand, Lakshmi Chand only. More discussion on names is futile since more inportant is to follow the principles laid down by Guru Ji.

 

[dalvinder45]

From Manak Guru Nanak went to Changa Manga, Bhaill Gram, Bharnawan, Alpa, Onkar, Kanganpur,-Mank DeKe, Hujre Sha Muqeem, Depalpur, Pakpattan, Tibba Nanaksar, Tibba Abhor Nanaksar, -Harrapa, Burewala, Tulamba, Multan, Ucha Shrif, Mamdot

Map 7: Changa Manga tp Depalpur in Kasur District and from Tuamba to Sultanpur Lodhi
Changa Manga

Map 8 & 9: Location Maps Changa Manga and Kot Nankana

Photo 58: Gurdwara Guru Nanak in Manga in Pakistan's Lahore district. Haroon Khalid

The Changa Manga is a planted forest which includes a wildlife preserve, in the Kasur and Lahore districts of Punjab, Pakistan. It was once the largest man-made forest in the world but has undergone illegal deforestation at a massive scale in recent times.[15][16] Changa Manga is known more widely as "one of the oldest hand-planted forests in the world",[17] It was named after two brother dacoits.

70 kilometres south of Lahore in the Kasur district, on Raiwind-Pttoki road, the forest covers an area of 5,000 hectares (12,510 acres) and is one of the largest of its kind.

About 70 kilometres southwest of Lahore along the Lahore-Multan highway this place in Manga was visited by Guru Nanak Dev where now Gurdwara Nankiana Talab exists.[18] It is 15 km from Chuhnia, a shrine known as Chhota Nanakana located outside the village to the east commemorating his visit. While returning from Talwandi and going to Sultanpur a mendicant Rajsant was enlightened at this place. [19]

“Guru Nanak crossed the Ravi and stayed at Manga for a little while,” Qaiser told Haroon Khalid. “Here, he preached his message and then came to this spot, where the Gurdwara was later constructed.” Qaiser said. “Nanak, along with his companions, Mardana and Bhai Bala, sat here under the shade of a tree and then moved on.”

The plot on which the gurdwara stands was allotted to it by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire. The enclosed space now contains a fish farm under the Pakistani Fisheries Department. The land abutting the gurudwara is occupied by a school. The Multan Road Highway passes through the gurdwara’s gate, while the Pakistani town of Manga is across the road. “Extracts are from haroon Khalid’s interview with Iqbal Qaisar”.

Later Guru Hargobind also visited the place while returning from Kashmir. About 135 acres of land was attached to it during the Sikh rule. At the time of 1947 partition, the building comprised a flat-roofed square hall with a verandah all around it. A vast tank (sarovar) was at the back of the Gurdwara and managed by SGPC through a local committee [20].

Photo 59: Wahiguru Gurdwara in Kot Nankana Photo 60: Painting in wahiguru Gurdwara

The gurdwara Guru Nanak was in a dismal state – only its pillars and outer structure still stood. The facing pool reflected this depressing sight. Iqbal Qisr mentions that, “This gurdwara was burned at the time of Partition. The priests here were refusing to leave, so the mob burned it down.” This is a small town, the last of Lahore district as one heads south towards Multan. The river Ravi once used to flow across the western boundary of Manga. “Manga is about 1,000 years old,” Qaiser told. There was filth, junkies and stray dogs on the streets.[21]

Gurdwara Baba Ram Thaman Ji- Kalu Khara Kasur

Photo 61: Gurdwra Baba Ram Thamman Ji, Kalu Khara District Kasur

This shrine is situated in tehsil and district Kasur. One has to get off the train at Rao Khan Wala or Raja Jang railway station. Its distance from both the railway stations is about 12 kms. This shrine is in village Kalu Khara and hence it has been named as Kalu Khara Ram Thaman. Baba Ram Thaman Ji was the son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's maternal aunt. He was a prapti Sadhu. During his life time Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited this place on several occasions. The Gurdwara has been built beautifully in the style of a fort. There is a large tank which has now become a pool of dirty water.

A beautiful Gurdwara is built at the main gate of this tank. A fair used to be held every year from 14th of Chaiter to Visakhi. This fair is still held but lacks the luster of the past. Thousands of i acres of land and an estate has been granted to this shrine. A shrine called "Gave di Mal" is in front of this Gurdwara where beautiful buildings have been built. Justice Baba Bay Nath Ji was a renowned resident of this village: Mela (Fair) of Baba Ram Thamman was organized jointly by the people of the area irrespective of their religion or creed. Now the Muslims organize this fair and the Hindus, Jains, Christians and Buddhists from Lahore enthusiastically participate.[22]

Bhaill Gram:

Photo 62: Remnants of Gurdwara Bhail Gram

Next, Guru Nanak proceeded to Bhaill Gram, five kos from Kanganpur where great hospitality was shown to him. Next morning while leaving the place, the Guru uttered, ‘Ujjad Jao’ (May you disperse). Perplexed by the utterance, Bhai Mardana questioned, “Why curse those who treated you well and bless those who did not treat you well?” Guru Nanak explained. “It is better that the evil is contained at one place; and goodness be spread.” The village was blessed to settle at number of places since wherever these people would go they would teach humanity service. Gurdwara Maal Sahib was constructed near a maal tree under which Guru Nanak rested. Congregations used to be held here on the first of every Bikarmi month and another one on the first of Chet (mid-March) which became largely attended religious fairs. The Gurdwara was very well developed and had a large income before partition of 1947 when Gyani Gian Singh visited the place. [23] It was affiliated to SGPC then. [24]

Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi was once a beautiful Gurdwara of Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the village of Bhail. Bhail is located next to the village of Rossay. Both villages are located on Manga-Kasur road about 4 kilometers off the metalled road. Only one arched door of the Gurdwara has survived; the Prakashasthan has vanished. The once beautiful gate or doorway still is an architectural treasure which still displays the engineering of the complicated brick work. Refugees are currently settled in the residential quarters of the gurdwara. [25][26]

Gurudwara Holan Sahib at Bharnawan Distt Kasur

At Gurdwara Holan Sahib, Bharnawan a keeper of the field by the name of Sultan once presented roasted green chick peas to Guru Nanak Dev Ji during his travels. He rose to distinction after becoming a follower of Guru Nanak Dev ji. Sultan himself built a platform over the site where later a Manji Sahib was built. The small Gurdwara that was built on the site later collapsed. From Bhai Phero, a well known town of Kasur District, this village is located on Multan road about two kilometers towards Lahore.

Today there is a pool of dirty water in the village which was once the tank of this sacred place. 700 ghumaon land is endowed to the Gurdwara.[27][28][29][30][31]

Pehli Patshahi Alpa

Photo 63: Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi Alpa​

The village Alpa is in tehsil Chunian of Kasur district. A road from Pattoki leads towards the River Ravi. Halla, a well known town lies on this road and is famous being a dairy farming. Alpa is located at a distance of twelve kilometer from Halla right on the bank [32]. of River Ravi. Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Ji arrived in this village from Nankana and stayed for a while. Earlier this shrine was about four kilometers outside village Alpa but now a village called Chota Nanakiana Alpa has been built here. Once upon a time Prakash used to take place here and fair used to be held on Visakhi. Only three rooms stand now which housed a Govt School. These rooms-are now lying vacant. The roofs have caved in. There is a huge estate endowed in the name of this shrine in this as well as in some other villages. [33][34][35][36][37]

Gurdwara Chota Nankiana, Nanak Jagir At Satghara District Okara

Photo 63: Gurdwara Chota Nankiana, Nanak Jagir At Satghara District Okara

This sacred shrine is related with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Although it is located at a considerable distance from the Satghara town of Okara district yet it is always linked to this town. It can be approached through a metalled road leading from Pattoki to village Megha via Hanjra. This shrine is close to village Megha at a distance of four kilometer from the village, Megha can also be reached from Halla by a road which is also known as Halla Chuchek and it can also be reached from Satghara via Chuchek.

Guru Nanak Ji had arrived in this village from Alpa. He relieved a money lender from his suffering and created this Shabd:

Branded with a thousand marks of disgrace, Imira cried in shame. Paras Raam returned home crying. Ajai cried and wept, when he was made to eat tlie manure lie had given, pretending it was charity. (Shalok, First Mehl.)
Initially the shrine was built simply but on 31st March 1935 AD the construction of a new building was started and the foundation stone was laid by the following Punj Pyare (Five Dear ones)

1 . Sardar Sant Naranjan Singh Ji of Ajitsar. 2. Bhai Sangat Singh Ji of Sangrana Sahib. 3. Bhai
Pardhan Singh Ji Ragi of Faroka District Sargodah. 4. Bhai Ram Singh Ji of Montgomery (Sahiwal). 5.
Bhai Labh Singh Ji Granthi of Renala Khurd.
The construction was stopped and it remained at the stage reached (in 1947). In the past a big Visakhi fair used to be celebrated but this tradition has now been discontinued. [38]

 

[dalvinder45]

CHHOTA NANKANA SAHIB, ONKAR

Map 10: Guru Nanak in Sahiwal district

CHUNIAN

After redeeming the people around, he next moved to Chunian. Chunian is located 75 km away from Lahore. As Guru Nanak’s reputation had spread all around, people flocked to him as they came to know of his visit to the place. Mahant Janki Parsad, Kanpatta Yogi Satnath, Roopa Bhagat, Sheikh Dawood Kirmani, Peer Ganj Baksh and others came to him, heard his discourses and were pleased to keep Guru Nanak with them. [39] Gurdwara Sahib construted to commemorate his visit to Chinian is slowly collapsing due to neglect.

GURDWARA CHOTA NANKIANA HUJRA SHAH MUQEEM, OKARA

This sacred shrine is situated on the road leading to Bonga Awan from Hujra Shah Muqeem and is exactly one km from the city. Sat Guru Nanak Dev Ji walked to this place from Manak Deke. Once it was a beautiful Guruasthan but now their are only fields. Even now the people know it by the name of Chota Nankiana. 9.5 Ghumaon of land is in the name of this Gurdwara in this village. Beside this Gurdwara Sahib owns land in a number of other villages. Fairs used to be held in Assu and Kattak but now a banyan tree and well stand as a reminder of the by gone day.[40]

GURDWARA CHOTA NANAKIANA AT DIPALPUR DISTRICT OKARA

Photo 64: Gurdwara Sri Chota Nanakiana Sahib, Depalpur

Guru Nanak’s next visit was to Dipalpur. It is nine kos from Chunian. Building is of concrete. Depalpur Gurdwara Sri Chota Nanakiana Sahib is on Okara Road in Depalpur, District Okara West Punjab,Pakistan situated in the village of Depalpur. Guru Nanak visited the place while on the way to Pakpattan. Dipalpur is a great historical city and once it used to be the capital of Punjab. At. present it is the tehsil headquarter of Okara district. A shrine of Guru Nanak Dev Ji stands gracefully outside the town in south-eastern side. It is called Gurdwara Chota Nanakiana Sahib. Guru Nanak made his abode under a dead pipal tree which became green again and standing even today. He cured a leper named Nuri (Nauranga) whose grave is behind the Gurdwara Sahib. There are 25 ghumaon of land from Kamboh Sikhs of Mancharian village and one ghumaon is outside this town, beside this there is a big estate in the name of Gurdwara. The priests used to be "Bedi Singhs", Prakash does not take place now, only the vacant darbar is there.

Bhai Hazoor Singh Sehaj Dhari, a descendent of Bhai Nathoo Ram had in his house the cot (Manji) granted by Guru Har Rai Ji. It was 5.75 feet long 3 feet wide and 1.25 feet high. It was woven with red and white thread. It had colourful legs and it was made out of black wood. There was an a 1 mi rah of engraved wood. It is said that this almirah along with Guru Granth Sahib Ji was granted to Bhai Nathoo Ji by the Tenth Guru. Now all these remain only in memories and on the pages of the books. 98 Gurdwara is now in dilapidated stage due to constant neglect. Gurdwara had an income of Rs 500/- [41]


PEHLI PATSHAHI, PAKPATTAN CITY

Photo 65: Gurdwara Pehli patshahi Pakpattan Cigty

Sheikh Ibrahim Sani was the twelfth Sajjada Nashin of Sheikh Farid’s khanqah at Pakpattan [42]. He was popularly known as Bala Pir. Meeting of the two is quite interesting. When Guru Nanak met him he was quite young and known for his piety, simplicity, and wisdom. One day his disciple Kamal was collecting fire wood from the forest for the langar (free kitchen) of the Khanqah. At a distance of two miles from the city he saw a divine man sitting under a tree with a bard and an attendant. In a very melodious voice he was singing the following hymn:

The Spirit of God is the tablet, In His Hand is the Pen,
He writes the destiny of mankind.
Think only of One God, Why ever reflect on any other.

Sheikh Kamal went close to Guru Nanak. After paying homage he asked the meaning of the couplet. The Master explained it and treated Kamal with tender affection. Kamal went to his khanqah and reported to Sheikh Ibrahim Sani , that a great saint who appeared to be a Hindu, emphasized on the Oneness of God, and like the Muslim theologians, he also talks of the Writing and the Pen of God. There was such a glow on his face that he appeared to have achieved the presence of God. On hearing this, Sheikh Ibrahim Sani remarked skeptically: “If he is a Hindu then it is not possible that he has achieved the light of God, and if he has acquired the supreme enlightenment then he is not a Hindu.[43] Take one of my questions to him. If he gives a satisfactory answer then everything you say is true, otherwise I am not prepared to believe that he is an enlightened sage.” Kamal brought this question to Guru Nanak.

There is One God, but two paths: Hinduism and Islam.Which one is acceptable? Which one is to be rejected?

Guru Nanak replied:

God is One, The Path is One. Accept the Path of Truth Reject all other ways [44].

On hearing this reply Sheikh Ibrahim at once went to pay his respects to Guru Nanak. He greeted Nanak saying Salam—alekam. (Peace of God be with you) to which Guru Nanak replied: “Alekh ko Salam hai.” I Salute the Infinite Lord. Sheikh Ibrahim asked: ‘‘O Dervish! Are you a Hindu or a Muslim.” Guru Nanak replied: “If I say I am a Hindu, I would be telling a lie, I am also not a Muslim.”[45] And then explaining his position, Guru Nanak continued: “The human body of both the Hindus and Muslims is made of the same elements; so I do not recognize any physical difference between them. The spirit of the same One God pervades all Hindus and Muslims. The same God judges the deeds of all. He who serves the One God sincerely and truly receives light and grace from Him.[46] It is not by mere profession of a creed that man can be saved but by his deeds. The virtues and noble deeds of both the Hindus and Muslims are blessed by God while the wicked deeds of both of them are condemned and punished by Him. I am a servant of God and a brother of true devotees of all men, no matter to which creed they belong. Sheikh Ibrahim embraced Guru Nanak.
The discussion between the two then turned on the life and shlokas of Sheikh Farid. Sheikh Ibrahim Saniconfessed certain ambiguity in the shlokas of Sheikh Farid which had been piously preserved in the khanqah and asked Guru Nanak his opinion about them. “Is it possible,” asked Sheikh Ibrahim, “to be so tolerant, as Sheikh Farid suggests in this shloka:

If someone smites your face, O Farid,
Return him not a blew for blow;
Nay, kiss his feet who smites you;
Forgive him, and go home in peace.[47]

Explaining it Guru Nanak said: “An enlightened saint should have the humility and patience of the earth. If anyone hits you with his hand, or abuses you, do not hit him back and do not soil your mouth with abuse. But say: ‘Has my bony body hurt your tender hand? If so forgive me for that.’[48] Sheikh Ibrahim Sani was deeply impressed by this interpretationof ethics of tolerance of Sheikh Farid.

According to the Janam Sakhis Sheikh Ibrahim, who was a young man, entertained Guru Nanak for many days. He asked Guru Nanak to compose a prayer of glorification of the One God, and in response to this request, Guru Nanak is said to have composed his famous Asa-ki-Var, which is sung by the Sikhs early in the morning. Guru Nanak left the copy prepared by his own hands with Sheikh Ibrahim and it is said that Guru Arjan procured it from his successors when he wanted to compile the Adi Granth. In return, Sheikh Ibrahim gave Guru Nanak a correct copy of the mystic poems of Sheikh Farid, which was preserved by Guru Nanak and given to his successors.[49] All Janam Sakhis including the older copies of Bala Janam Sakhi clearly state that the slokas preserved in theAdi Granth are the compositions of Sheikh Farid. Accounts of the visit in various Janamsakhis are as under”

(a) Janam Sakhi Bhai Bala: Sheikh Brahm pas jae kehya, Pir Salamat Nanak sii ain Khudae ki murat hai, mai dekh aya han; Allah nu pachata. hai; so haq tala nu apdya hai; Pir ne kehya : Hindu kya, te Khudae Id siirat kya, mera sval lai ja; jab badtos tan habo sac nahi ta sabh jhuth.

(b) Janam sakhi Bhai Bala: Guruji Ravi nadi te Beasa de vich jahe. Pattan Sheikh Farid de do kos de farak te ae biathe; Pattan da Pir, Sheikh Farid di aulad Sheikh Braham aha; Sheikh Braham da murid Khudae da pyara laktfian cunan baharvar ayasi, Kamal darvesh. Janam Sakhi Meharban also have the similar account. The mystic Pen and the mystic Record are symbolic foundation of the Revelation to man in Islam. The whole of the Sura 68 in the Koran is given the title “AI Salam”, “The Pen”.

(c) Janam Sakhi Bhai Bala: Sheikh Brahm pas jae kehya, Pir Salamat Nanak sii ain Khudae ki murat hai, mai dekh aya han; Allah nu pachata. hai; so haq tala nu apdya hai; Pir ne kehya : Hindu kya, te Khudae Id siirat kya, mera sval lai ja; jab badtos tan habo sac nahi ta sabh jhuth.

(d) Janam Sakhi Meharban, p.62Sheikh Braham puchia: Fakir tun Hindu ke Musalman? tan Babe

kehya sloka: “Hindu kahan tan mariya, Musalman bhi nah.

(e)Janamsakhi Meharban p.63: ‘eh sarlr panjan tatan ka putla hai, ar parmatma is mai gupt vartada hai, so panj tata Hindu, Musalman me ek hi hain; ar parmatma sabh sarlron me sata de riha hai; tante Hindu Musliman kis nu kahlyai’.

(f) Gurmukhap ko sabh te neecha jante hain; ate sabh te ucha hovte hain tante Farid ne kehya, ki jo tujhe durbachan kahe uska hi muh fika hoya hai, tera to kichh gaya ha nahi; ar je tujhe must ka prahar keeya, hai ta jaise uske hath ko dukh hua hai taisai tere sarir ko hua hai; tante uske pain par; ke jane mainu kise ne dukh dena tha ab tere hath se jo must lagl hai so ab mere dukh ka tala hua hai ar mera sareer bajar saman hai ar tera hath komal hai so je apnu dukh pahunchia tan muaf karna.

(g) Sheikh Farid: Adi Granth: p. 1378)

The sacred shrine in the outskirts of the old city is related with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This locality is known as Samadhan. There used to be a shrine at the spot where Sat Gur Nanak Dev Ji had stayed whose priests were Udasi Sadhus. There are countless samadhs of Sadhus ail around the Gurdwara and hence it came to be called "Samadhan". Thousands of ghumaon of land is endowed to this shrine. The Gurdwara and Samadhs have now vanished. There is Baba Farid Ganjshakar College at this place now. This college was housed in the Gurdwara before the construction of its new building which has been built after demolishing the Gurdwara but its tank has been saved as a relic. [50]

GURDWARA TIBBA NANAKSAR AT FAKPATTAN

Photo 66 and 67: Tiba Sahib Pakpattan

This sacred gurudwara is located 10 km from Pakpattan. Guru Nanak Ji collected the verses of Baba Farid Ji from Baba Ibrahim Farid Sani from here in the 16th century, which were later included in Adi Granth by Guru Arjun Dev Ji. Guru Nanak ji collected 112 Shaloks and 4 Shabad of Baba Farid which were added by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Adi Granth. The area around Gurdwara is known by the name of Tibba Nanaksar Chak No 38 SP and this locality consists of about 200 houses.The shrine is on a mound. It is a double storey beautiful building with domes. This sacred place is very big and beautifully built. A number of rooms, dining hall, a well with Persian wheel and a Baoli (deep well with steps) built by the beautiful tank outside Gurdwara at grace to the elevation of the building. The tomb and mosque of Baba Fateh Ullah Shah Noori Chishti who was a descendant of Baba Farid are next to this shrine. Its building was being used by villagers as cattle shed and its walls are plastered with cow dung cakes and rooms filled with filth and cattle feed. Many refugee families are settled in, the rooms of the Gurdwara. A big Jagir is in the name of the Gurdwara is in the neighbouring villages. The building is in good condition as the Govt of Pakistan got it repaired in 1989.The caretaker of this abandoned Gurdwara Sahib is a Muslim by the name of Maulvi Ghulam Mustafa. The village people donated 12 ghumaon of land to the Gurdwara. Once, a fair used to be held on the 1st of Katak. A Pakistani Sikh, Sunny Singh from Sahiwal renovated the small structure of the Gurdwara Sahib. The building of the Gurdwara Sahib is in very bad shape and is in need of repairs. Shakkarpur-based businessman and philanthropist Deva Sikandar Singh said he pleaded a number of times with the ETPB and PSGPC to let him undertake the repair/renovation and preservation work of the gurdwara, but his pleas were turned down saying that the board cannot hand over its property to any private individual and will itself undertake the work with the ministry’s approval .Gopal Singh Chawla was trying to renovate and repair the building. It is very important to save it as this place holds an important and prominent position in the literature and history of Punjab. Sangat should raise their voice and contribute towards saving this historical Gurdwara Sahib.

To reach the Gurdwara. you can easily get a motor rickshaw, Tonga or a bus to go to this place from railway station Pakpattan. The shrine is on a mound. It is a double storey beautiful building with domes. The tomb and mosque of Baba Fateh Ullah Shah Noori Chtshti who was a descendant of Baba Farid are within the boundary of this shrine. The caretaker of the shrine are Muslims. A fair is held annually. Thebuilding of the Gurdwara Sahib is in very bad shape and is in need of repairs. It is very important to save it as this place holds an important and prominent position in the literature and history of Punjab. The area around Gurdwara is known by the name of Tibba Nanaksar Chak No 3S SP and this locality consists of about two hundred houses.[51][52][53][54][55][56]

GURDWARA NANAKSAR AT TIBBA ABHOR, DISTRICT PAKPATTAN

Photo 68: Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi Tibba Abhor: Photograph by Shahid Shabbir​

This sacred shrine of Guru Nanak Dev is on Tibba Abhor located on Pakpattan-Arifwala road. The village can be reached by getting off the bus at Rang Shah stop which is thirty kilometer from Pakpattan. From Rang Shah a Tonga can be hired. The official name of the village is Tibba Abhor 1 EB. This sacred place is very big and beautifully built. A number of rooms, dining hall, a well with Persian wheel and a Baoli (deep well with steps) built by the beautiful tank outside Gurdwara at grace to the elevation of the building. Many refugee families are settled in the rooms of the Gurdwara. A big Jagir is in the name ofthe Gurdwara is in the neighbouring villages. The building is in good condition as the Govt of Pakistan got it repaired in 1989. The village has given 12 ghumaon land to the Gurdwara. Once a fair used to be held on the 1st of Katak.[58]

GURUDWARA PEHLI PATSHAHI AT CHAWLI MASAEKH, BUREWALA

Photo 69: Gurudwara Pehli Patshahi At Chawli Masaekh, Burewala

This holy shrine is loco tod in Chak No. 317 EB, on the Bu rewala-Sahoki road. It is also known as t hak Pi w an Sahib Chawli Mashaekh or Chak Haji Sher. The buses going from Burewala Railway Station to Sahoki normally go to this village. The mazaar of Diwan Haji Sher Mohammad is in this village. His real name was Mahan Chavar. He was the son of Raja of Chunian, Mahi Pal and Rani Chunian. "Kangan Baras" was the name of his sister and the famous town of Kangan pur of Kasur district named after her exists even today. Mahan Chavar died around 730 AD. The Gurdvvara of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is half a kilometer from the Mazaar of Mahan Chavar. The people call it "Tapasthan Guru Nanak" even now. Once Akali Singh sevadar (custodian) looked after the shrine but now a Muslim family is performing this duty. [59][60]

GURDWARA THARA SAHIB AT MULTAN

From Pakpattan, Guru Nanak went to Multan through Burewala.. As per the Janamsakhi, at that time he was wearing traditional jacket (cotton made off sleeve), turban same as Muslim Saints and forehead painted as Hindu devotee that was a symbol of coherence between Hindus and Muslims.

Photo 70: Gurdwara Thada Sahib Multan​

This holy shrine is located in the corridor of the tomb of Shah Shams Sabzwari on Shah Shams road. A beautiful building touching the sky is visible just after crossing the Daulat Gate Chowk in Multan City. This is the tomb of Shah Shams. Guru Nanak stayed outside the city when he came to Multan.

It was here that Shah Rukne Alam sent him a glass of milk filled to the brim which meant that Multan was already over crowded. Guru Dev sent back the same glass of milk after placing a flower petal on top, conveying to him that he would accommodate himself similarly as the flower petal had made room for itself in the glass filled with milk. The Guru also taught them not to worship graves. The Guru also taught them that once the holy water of the River Ganges merged into the ocean, it was no longer called the Ganges any more and that no one should say "I am God" even if he or she has reached an enlightened state.

Bhai Gurdas in his vaars said (Pauri 44.5 to 44.8:

ਮੇਲਿਓਂ ਬਾਬਾ ਉਠਿਆ ਮੁਲਤਾਨੇ ਦੀ ਜ਼ਿਆਰਤ ਜਾਈ॥
ਅਗੋਂ ਪੀਰ ਮੁਲਤਾਨ ਦੇ ਦੁਧ ਕਟੋਰਾ ਭਰ ਲੈ ਆਈ॥
ਬਾਬੇ ਕਢ ਕਰ ਬਗਲ ਤੇ ਚੰਬੇਲੀ ਦੁਧ ਵਿਚ ਮਿਲਾਈ॥
ਜਿਉਂ ਸਾਗਰ ਵਿਚ ਗੰਗ ਸਮਾਈ ॥44॥ [61]

Leaving the fair at Achal Vatala, Baba went on a 'pilgrimage' to Multan. At Multan the Pirs came forward holding a bowl of milk full to the brim. Baba took out a jasmine flower from his bag and put it on the surface of the milk indicating that he would spread fragrance. Bhai Gurdas likened it to the river Ganga (Ganges) merging into the ocean.

Discourse with Bahawal Haq and Rukn-Ud-Din

He had discussions with different mystics and learned personalities of the area. In crowd, there were two faqirs which are mentioned in historical accounts named Bahawal Haq and Rukn-Ud-Din, which were possibly descendants of Sheikh Bahawal Haq (1170-1267) and Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din(1251-1335) who were famous Sufi Saints of Multan. Generally, decendents and gaddi nasheen are called with names of their great ancestors, so Guru Nanak had discourses with the decendents of great Sufi faqirs. Bahawal Haq and Rukan Din asked many questions to which guru sahib replied very peacefully

According to Bhai Bala Janamsakhi, Bahawal Haq asked, "We call maya false and without maya we can't survive". Guru JI replied "like maya is false so survival is also false."

Pirs wanted Guru JI to preach and advise them. Guru ji said, "Love everyone; don't go with woman married to another man. Any matter which generates friction with the saints, close it immediately. Don't keep company with evil minded persons. Do selfless service for the saints. Practice recitation of the Shabad." They called Guru Nanak a true faqir then.

The Pirs were enlightened and for the remembrance of the Guru's visit, they took foot prints of the Guru feet on paper. It is said that this paper was at Multan until the partition of 1947.
There is no separate Gurdwara at that place but for the Thara Sahib in the corridor of the Mazar. Prakash used, to take place during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh but during the British rule the same was discontinued in 1850 AD. This corridor still exists as a monument of the arrival of Jagat Guru Ji in Multan. [62]
The Diwan of Chawali Masheikh who was a close friend of Sheikh Ibrahim came to know that the famous dervish Baba Nanak had come to Pakpattan. He went there and invited Guru Nanak to Multan. The Master accepted the invitation and stayed at the house of Diwan of Chawali Masheikh. Multan was under the spiritual jurisdiction of the descendants of Sheikh Bahau-ud-din Zakariya Suhrawardi. Guru Nanak held spiritual discourses with the saints of the Suhrawardi Silsala and won their respect and love. The Diwan of Chawali Masheikh changed his house to a shrine of Guru Nanak, which is still preserved by the Pakistan Government as a historical Gurdwara. A fair used to be held here annually to commemorate the visit of the Master.[62] From Multan Guru Nanak hurried back to Sultanpur Lodhi, stopping on the way in a number of places for a day or two and enlightening people with his spiritual and moral influence, and bringing about a unique social and cultural awakening.[63]

MAKHDOOMPUR HIRAN (TULAMBA)

Photo 71 : Manji Sahib Tulamba

From Multan Guru Nanak travelled towards Sultanpur Lodhi. On the route he stopped at Tulamba. (22), On the N-5 National Highway, a 15 minutes drive from Tulamba, provides the primary road link for Tulamba, giving easy access to Multan and Lahore. Multan can also be reached through Abdul Hakeem, as well as through Makhdoom Pur and Kabirwala.The M-4 Motorway passes near Tulamba, linking it to Multan and Islamabad. [64] This holy shrine is located between Kabirwala and Khanewal. One can get a train from Khanewal and a bus from Kabirwala or Mian Channu to reach this place. Makhdoom Pur Paliuran is a well known town on the Multan-Delhi road built by Sher Shah Suri. The town of Tulamba is at a very short distance from Makhdoom Pur Pahuran. It is on the bank of Ravi between Abdula Hakeem and Mian Channu.Prior to 1985 Tulamba belonged to the district of Multan, but in 1985 it was included within Mian Channu Tehsil in the newly formed Khanewal District. Tulamba's population is nearly 50,000. The spoken language is Rachnavi Punjabi. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, came here from Multan.[27A native of Tulamba is referred to as a Tulmabvi. Tulamba is more than 2,500 years old. Archaeological diggings have uncovered four distinct layers, belonging to the Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Sikh civilisations. Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru, came here during his travels local travels before going for four long Udasis. Guru Har Rai, the Seventh Sikh Master, sent a masand (preacher) to preach Sikhism to the local people of this area.

According to the Purattan Janamsakhi,[65] before turning to east he went to Tulamba where he met Shaikh Sajjan Thug. When Guru Nanak and his companion Bhai Mardana were travelling and spreading the word of God they reached Tulamba in Multan district. Guru Nanak went to Sarai of Sheikh Sajjan, Seeing Guru Nanak ji, he thought 'he must be a wealthy man.' He served him and Mardana with great care. Guru ji was aware of what was on Sajjan's mind. Sadly it was an ugly affair. Sajjan said 'O holy man, come and sleep in comfort inside. It is night and quite late besides. Guru ji replied, "Sajjan! We shall first sing a hymn in praise of the Lord, Then welcome sleep to dream about the kingdom of God."

He began reciting the hymn as Mardana played the rabab.

ਉਜਲੁ ਕੈਹਾ ਚਿਲਕਣਾ ਘੋਟਿਮ ਕਾਲੜੀ ਮਸੁ ॥
Oujal Kaihaa Chilakanaa Ghottim Kaalarree Mas ||
Bronze is bright and shiny, but when it is rubbed, its blackness appears.
ਧੋਤਿਆ ਜੂਠਿ ਨ ਉਤਰੈ ਜੇ ਸਉ ਧੋਵਾ ਤਿਸੁ ॥੧॥
Dhhothiaa Jooth N Outharai Jae So Dhhovaa This ||1||
Washing it, its impurity is not removed, even if it is washed a hundred times. ||1||
ਸਜਣ ਸੇਈ ਨਾਲਿ ਮੈ ਚਲਦਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ਚਲੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ॥
Sajan Saeee Naal Mai Chaladhiaa Naal Chalannih ||
They alone are my friends, who travel along with me;
ਜਿਥੈ ਲੇਖਾ ਮੰਗੀਐ ਤਿਥੈ ਖੜੇ ਦਿਸੰਨਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Jithhai Laekhaa Mangeeai Thithhai Kharrae Dhisann ||1|| Rehaao ||

And in that place, where the accounts are called for, they appear standing with me. ||1||Pause||
(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Guru Nanak, Raag Suhi, Ang 729)

Hearing this shabad Sajjan knew what it meant, for whom it was. As soon as Guru ji finished the hymn he fell at his feet, begged forgiveness and promised not to kill or cheat. He distributed all his wealth among the poor at hand, and started living like a true Sajjan in that land became the disciple and then preacher and was respected as Sheikh Sajjan.

Hearing this Shabd Sajjan, a cut throat, became a friend of Guru. Sajjan's inn was converted into a Gurdwara to commemorate this event. This place is beautifully built. Its boundary runs around in area of two ghumaon with Gurasthan at its centre. There used to be a big tank west of it which has now been levelled. Rooms for the stay of Sangat have been built along the boundary wall. There are green trees, flowery creepers, rose, jasmine and other plants whose flowers blossom all around [66]. At present Govt Higher Secondary School is housed in this building which enlighten the ignorant.

Bhai Judh Singh, disciple of Sat Guru Har Rai Ji was a resident of this village. Tin is new and beautiful Gurdwara was built by one of his descendants in Samvat 1970. 20 squares of land is endowed to the shrine. Visakhi fair is held. [67]

Sajjan converted his inn into a true dharmsal. Sajjan became a follower of the Guru. Later, during the time of Guru Har Rai, Bhai Jodh, masand of this area, lived at Tulambha. It was his descendants who first established a Gurdwara dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji. A Gurdwara was built at the place by the descendants of Bhai Jodh. Follower of Sikhism he was a commander of Sat Guru Har Gobind Ji in the Battle of Gurusar. He was a resident of this village. Gurdwara comemorating Guru Nanak’s visit to this was built by one of his descendants in Samvat 1970 (1913 AD), but it had to be abandoned during the 1947 exodus caused by Partition. Tulamba was renamed Makhdumpur in 1913, and is now a railway station on Lahore-Multan section of Railway of Pakistan.

The boundary of the gurdwara runs around in area of two ghumaon with Gurasthan at its centre: There used to be a big pool (made of marble) west of it which has now been filled with soil and levelled; if this soil is dug out, the original pool can be restored. Rooms for the stay of Sangat had been built along the boundary wall. There are green trees, flowery creepers, rose, jasmine and other plants whose flowers blossom all around. At present, Govt Higher Secondary School is housed in this building and Gurasthan is made the headmaster's office. The inner design of the dome is still the same as it was centuries ago and so are the tiles of the floor, yet other walls and buildings are regularly white washed. Following the partition in 1947, a new Gurdwara was set up in Panipat Haryana by his descendants (Bhayana Clan).[68] [69][70] [71][72]

Photo 72: of Gurdwara Makhdoom Pur Pahoran (Tulamba) by Qadeer Ahmad Janjua

GURDWARA NANAKSAR AT HARAPA

Photo 73: Gurdwara Nanaksar Harrapa​

Harappa is a very old city of district Sahiwal (Montgomery). This city flourished even thousands of years before Christ, later it became a ruin either due to some natural calamities or invasion from outsides. Gold and silver coins excavated from this place have inscription of different shapes but these inscription have not been deciphered to date. These inscriptions prove that the people of this land knew how to read and write thousands of years ago. The sacred shrine of Gur Nanak called "Nanaksar" is displaying its grandeur in a grove of trees about 1.25 km south of the ruins. The building is grand and beautiful. There is a big tank near the Prakashasthan. Once a big fair used to be held on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of Chaiter. Presently this sacred place is known as the building of Government College, Harappa. There are many residing rooms attached to it. Ten ghumaon of agricultural land and a big estate stands in the name of shrine beside a well and a large garden. The foundation stone of the shrine was laid by Sant Sangat Singh Ji Mahara], a resident of Kamalia, on 4th of Poh, Samvat 1998 Nanak Shahi 4/3 and the construction began on the 18th of Dec. 1941 AD. [75]

MAL JI SAHIB KANGANPUR DISTRICT KASUR

Photo 74: Gurdwara Malji Sahib, Kanganpur, Kasur District, West Punjab, Pakistan

When Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to this town the local people did not let him settle and pelted stones at him. At this Guru said to'-these people "Wasdey Raho" (be settled) and departed from here. The wan tree under which he had lived was known by the Name of Mal Sahib, This tree is still there. Departing from here he set his foot in the village Manak De ke. The people of this village gave him great honour and love, but Guru Nanak cursed them to be scattered. Bhai Mardana Ji was surprised at this and asked: why those who gave you pain, yougave them your blessing of remaining settled. But you cursed these to be scattered who had honoured you. Gur Dev Ji said, "These people will spread virtue wherever they go after being scattered while the others will spread evil wherever they go. This is why it has been ordained for those to be settledd and for these to be scattered. Kangan Pur is still settled. A Gurdwara sahib was built here. Its priests were Namdhari Sikhs. Now Prakash does not take place here. A fair used to be held on the first of Chait. According to the local legend that the descendants of those who had pelted stones at Guru Nanak suffer from gilhar (a throat related disease) and it is the only area in the whole of Punjab wherepeople suffer from this ailment. Its building was constructed in 1939. It is in good condition even today but there is absolutely no maintenance.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Kanganpur while going from Lahore to Pakpattan. Gurdwara Malji Sahib commemorating Guru Ji’s visit is situated in the large town of Kanganpur, in Kasur District of West Punjab, (Pakistan) having a railway station along the Kasur-Lodhran section of Pakistan railway. It falls in Chunian Tehsil of Kasur District. When Guru Nanak Dev and Bhai Mardana arrived here, the villagers were rude to them and did not let them stay in the village. The Guru, however, blessed them saying ‘vasde raho’, (May you live long here). [70] Later, a domed Gurdwara with rooms for parkash asthan and for granthis was constructed in Moti Masjid Mohalla in new Kanganpur City. The domed building of the Gurdwara was very beautiful and strong. There were rooms for granthis in front of the sacred darbar. After 1947, refugees from Ferozepur district made it as their residence without paying any attention to the significance of the place. Although the Gurdwara should be under the possession of ETPB (Evacuee Trust Property Board) but people inform that it is owned by a local Syed family. Dewa Sikander, a Nanakpanthi from Sukkur (Sindh) visited the town recently and made an application to Assistant Commissioner, Kanganpur to open this important and historical Sikh Shrine for the Sangat. It could be renovated and opened for the Sikh pilgrims if permitted. [76]

MANAK DE KE: MANJI SAHIB

Photo 75: Gurdwara Manji Sahib- Manakdeke, Kanganpur, Kasur District, Punjab


Next, Guru Nanak reached Manak-De-Ke from Manga, a village 45 kms from Lahore. This village is at a distance of about 2 kms from Kangan Pur and is served by Kangan Pur Railway station. It is in tehsil Chunian of Kasur Distt. Buses go up to Pajjian. From there, it is about 4 kilometer off the main road. A metalled road leads to the village. Guru had cursed its people to be scattered and this village looks like a deserted place even today. The whole village is built with mud. People work in other cities. Manji Sahib of Guru Nanak Dev Ji has been built in baked bricks in a street outside the village facing Government Primary School. Once there used to be the Prakash of Guru Garanth Sahib but for the last 50 years it has not taken place. The people of the town are still kind and loving. [77]
When Guru Nanak came to Pajjian the village treated him well but later made fun of him. Guru Nanak left and stayed out on a mound. Mardana asked as to why he left the village. Guru Nanak told him that he did not want to stay with paajjis (people with double standards). The village is now known as Paajjian. The mound where Guru Nanak stayed was developed into a large village known as Manak-De-Ke. It subsequently developed into a big village. A beautifully built spacious, 3 storeyed complex was constructed to commemorate Guru Nanak’s stay. It had parkashasthan, langar hall, residential complex, foyer, a sarovar and a diwan hall built like baradari were constructed to commemorate Guru Nanak’s visit to this place. It was looked after by Udasis. There were samadhs (mauseliums) of Udasi Sadhus and a water tank close to the shrine. The villagers gifted 82 ghumon of land to the Gurdwara.

Guru Nanak spent some time in Manak village.The Jats of this village belonged to the same grandfather. Some of them were converted to Islam; others became Sikhs while the rest remained Hindus. Visakhi fair is held every year. During the fair, the villagers are not allowed to cook in their homes. All, irrespective of their religion, took food from the same Langar. It used to be managed by Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus alternately for one day each. After 1947 a School for Girls was housed in it but later on, the premises was left vacant. These buildings are in the process of decay and may become a heap of dust. The central building collapsed during the last two years. 82 ghumaon of land had been gifted by villagers to the Gurdwara.The sarovar too became stagnant. The complex was given to refugees from Mewat who have not cared to maintain it. All wall paintings and designs have been erased. Walls are now falling apart and the roof is caving in. Floral designs on the walls were erased. It was followed by the caving in of roofs. Now the walls too are falling apart. It is imperative that immediate action be taken to preserve this important historical and cultural site. Efforts should be made to restore and maintain the Gurdwara complex, ensuring that its architectural splendor and spiritual significance are safeguarded for future generations. Collaborative initiatives involving the local community, historical preservation organizations, and relevant authorities can play a pivotal role in revitalizing this revered place of worship [78] [79] [80]

GURDWARA SRI GURU NANAK NIVAS SAHIB MAMDOT

Photo 76: Gurdwara Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Nivas Sahib

Mamdot is a Town in Mamdot Tehsil in Firozepur District of Punjab State, India. It is located 24 KM towards west from District head quarters Firozpur. It is a Tehsil head quarter. Mamdot Pin code is 152023 and postal head office is Mamdot. It was earlier known as Mohammdot. Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Nivas sahib, Mamdot commemorates Guru Nanak’s visit to this place. Guru Nanak Dev Ji came here from Kanganpur (now Pakistan). Gurdwaa is abou 30 years old and was bhilt by the local Sikh community. Guru Nanak is rreportd to have engaged in deliberationswith severeal people of different faiths and philosopies whie he was here. [81][82]

References

1. Dhanna Singh, pp. 584-585.
2. Gurdham Didar, p.110-111
3. Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p.93-95
4. Gyani Gian Singh, Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p.95
5.https://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/neglected-partition-cattle-shed-pak-orders-restoration-gurdwara-where-nanak-visited-7992484/
6. Gurdham Didar, p.59
7.Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p.93-95
8. Gurdham Didar, p.59
9. Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p.95-96
10. Gyani Gian Singh, Gurdham Sangreh, p. 22.
11.Mohammad Waliullah Khan ‘Sikh Shrines in West Pakistan. (b) : Iqbal Qaisaer : Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan (c )allaboutsikhs.com, thesikhencyclopedia.com
12 Gyani Gian Singh, Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p. 96.
13. Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p.95-96
14. Gyani Gian Singh, Gurdham Sangreh, p. 23
15.Sameer (6 January 2015). "The Changa Manga". Pakistan Insider. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
16. Jalil, Xarvi (14 December 2011). "Forest land transfers, deforestation spiral out of control". Pakistan Today. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
17. Singh, Sarina; Brown, Lindsay; Clammer, Paul; {censored}s, Rodney (2008). Pakistan and the Karakoram Highway. Country Guide Series. Lonely Planet. ISBN 9781741045420.
18. TRAGIC FROM THE LOST-GURUDWARA PEHLI PATSHAHI AT MANAK, DISTT LAHORE
19. Twareekh Guru Khalsa,
20. Gurmukh Singh: Sikh Shrines,
21. Iqbal Qaisaer: Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p. 82
22. Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi, Bhail Gram - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.
23. TRAGIC FROM THE LOST-GURUDWARA PEHLI PATSHAHI AT MANAK, DISTT LAHORE
24. Iqbal Qaisaer : Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p. 82
25. Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi, Bhail Gram - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.
26. Iqbal Qaisaer: Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p. 82
27. Gurdwara Holan Sahib, Bharnawan - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.
28. https://www.world gurudwaras.com/gurudwaras/gurudwara-holan-sahib-at-bharnawan-distt-kasur/
29. Gurdwara Holan Sahib, Bharnawan - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia.
30. Iqbal Qaisaer : Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p. 86
31. http://mittar.weebly.com/gurdwaras/category/all/3
32. Gyani Gian Singh, Gurdham Sangreh, sr 49, p.35
33. https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Gurdwara_Pehli_Patshahi,_Alpa
34. http://mittar.weebly.com/gurdwaras/category/all/3
35. https://www.allaboutsikhs.com/gurud...gurudwara-pehli-patshahi-at-alpa-distt-kasur/
36. https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Gurdwara_Pehli_Patshahi_Alpa
37. Iqbal Qaisaer, Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p. 88
38. Iqbal Qaisaer: Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p. 88-90
39. Gyani Gian Singh, Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p. 96
40. Iqbal Qaisaer : Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p. 96
41. Excerpted from the book : "Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan”
42.Twareekh Guru Khalsa, p. 96
43. Gurmukh Singh: Sikh Shrines, p. 71
44. Op Cit
45. Iqbal Qaisaer: Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p. 82
46. Gyani Gian Singh, Gurdham Sangreh, sr 49, p.35
47. https://www.aninews.in/news/world/a...owly-collapsing-due-to-neglect20230725001451/
48. https://www.worldgurudwaras.com/gurudwaras/gurudwara-pehli-patshahi-at-manak-distt-lahore/
49. https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1145007-a-tapestry-of-magnificence
50 Iqbal Qaisaer: Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board,1998, p. 100
51. Iqbal Qaisaer : Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p. 102
52. http://gopisarhaliya.weebly.com/gurudwara-tibba-nanaksar-at-pakpattan.html
53https://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_gurdwaras/gurdwara_sri_tibba_nanaksar_sahib_pakpattan.html
54. https://www.aninews.in/news/world/a...owly-collapsing-due-to-neglect20230725001451/
55. https://www.reddit.com/r/Sikh/comments/fskpxi 56. http://gopisarhaliya.weebly.com/gurudwara-tibba-nanaksar-at-pakpattan.html
57. Iqbal Qaisaer: Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p.104
58. http://gopisarhaliya.weebly.com/gurudwara-pehli-patshahi-at-chawli-masaekh.html
59. Iqbal Qaisaer: Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board,1998, p.108
60. Bhai Bala Janamsakhi
62. Bhai Gurdass Vaaran
63. History of Guru Nanak: Prof Sahib Singh
64. Iqbal Qaisaer: Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p.114
65. Iqbal Qaisaer: Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p.110
66. Gurmukh Singh: Sikh Shrines, p.62-63
67. https://www.sikhnet.com/news/sikh-heritage-beyond-borders-book-review
68. Gurdham Sangreh, Sr 45, p.35.
69. Iqbal Qaisaer: Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p.112
70. Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Guru Khalsa [Reprint]. Patiala, 1970
71.. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Grantli. Amritsar, 1927-35
72.. Vir Singh, Bhai, ed., Puratan Janam Sakhi, Amritsar, 1971
73. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurdwara_Makhdoom_Pur_Pahoran
74. Iqbal Qaisaer: Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p.110
75. Iqbal Qaisaer: Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p.106
76. TRAGIC FROM THE LOST-GURUDWARA PEHLI PATSHAHI AT MANAK, DISTT LAHORE
77. Iqbal Qaisaer : Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998,
78. . History of Guru Nanak: Prof Sahib Singh
79. Gurmukh Singh: Sikh Shrines, p.62-63
80. Iqbal Qaisaer : Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan, Punjabi History Board, 1998, p. 94
81..https://www.onefivenine.com/india/villages/Firozepur/Mamdot/Mamdot
82. Guru Nanak’s Blessed trail, p.156

 

[dalvinder45]

GURU NANAK’S FIRST GLOBAL ITINERARY​

As per Gyani Gian Singh Guru Nanak started for global journey on 22 Katak Samwat 1558 Bikrami at the age of 32.[9] According toSukhdial Singh he started his first itinerary in March 1499 A.D (Falgun 1562 Bikrami) from Sultanpur Lodhi.[10] Piara Singh Padam, 1979, gives the dates of first itinerary as 1497/1501-1509. Khazan Singh, 1914, gives the start of first itinerary as 1556 Bikrami (1500A.D.). Thus period of start of first itinerary varies from 1495 AD to 1507 A.D. Evidence about these however is not confirmed by other sources. In general the dates are between1499 AD to 1502 A.D. It is most likely that the researchers who count his visit within Punjab generally consider 1499 or 1500 AD and those who do not count Punjab consider 1501 or 1502 AD. Dates given by Giani Gyan Singh, Dr Kohliand Dr Sukhdial Singh of 1stitinerary are; 1498-99 AD within Punjab and 1500 AD beyond Punjab will be considered here after.
His First Journey (Udasi) was to the East. The places visigted are as under:
Punjab: Sultanpur Lodhi, Fatehabad, Sultanwind (now Amritsar), Ramtirath, Khalra, Lahore, Emnabad, Talwandi, Dipalpur, Saidpur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Mitthan Kot, Choohni, Sultanpur, Ludhiana, Thakkarwal, Sangrur, Bhagal Cheeka, Kharaudi, Kamalpur, Pahowa, Kurukshetra, Siddhbati, Panipat, Delhi, Paryag (Allahbad), Mirzapur, Benaras, Bodh Gaya, Gaya, Rajgir, Patna, Mungher, Bhagalpur, Sahib Ganj, Rajmahal, Maksoodabad, Krishnanagar, Shahzadpur, Shirazganj, Kasganj, Manakganj, Devipur, Dacca, Kamrup, Kallar, Dhobri, Guwahati, Assam, Ghargaon, Nazira, Cachar, AjmeriGanj, Karimganj, Sylhet, Manipur, Chittagong Balwa Kund, Burma, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia,Sumatra, Bengal, Ratnakhali, Faridpur, Kesbpur, Barh, 24 Pargana, Krishnnagar, Dinsra, ChandarNagar, Calcutta, Hoogli, Burdwan, Baleshwar, Mor Hunjan valley, Mednipur, Kanchipuri, Cuttak, Jagannath Puri, Chilka lake, Sarangarh, Subhagpur, Amarkantak, Kapil Muni Ashram, Jabalpur, Chitarkoot, Mahiyar Nagar, Datatreya Tekri, Faridwada, Mahisar, Parbatsagar, Chanderi South, Jhalra Pattan, Jhansi, Gwalior, Karauli, Dhaulpur, Jhajar, Beri, Narnaul, Jind, Sunam, Chhitanwala, Jagraon, Tihada and back to Sultanpur Lodhi.

He walked most of the lands but also travelled in boats and ships to cross sea & large rivers. His first journey is taken up in this book in detail.

First itinerary (Udasi) of Guru Nanak started from Sultanpur Lodhi as has been agreed by all available sources. This journey is stated to be in two parts: (a) Within Punjab and (b) Outside Punjab visiting Greater India. Greater India then included South East Asian countries like Burma, Malaysia and Sumatra. Major Places visited during first itinerary have been recorded by various writers which are summed up as under:

In his first Vaar, Bhai Gurdas briefly gives the account of Guru Nanak’s travels. He wrote that Guru Nanak travelled nine regions of the earth. He also mentions of Guru Nanak’s visit to Sumer and meeting the Siddhas (followers of Gorakhnath) there.

Puratan Janamsakhi (1634 A.D) mentions of Guru’s journey to east to include Sultanpur (starting point), Tulamba (Makhdumpur, District Multan, Now Pakistan), Panipat, Delhi, Benaras, Nanakmata (District Nainital, U.P.), Tanda Vanjarian Ka (District Rampur, U.P.), Kamrup (Assam), Asa Des (Assam), Pakpattan (District Montgomery, Pakistan), Kidian Pathana (District Pathankot), Saidpur (Emnabad, Pakistan), Pasrur (Pakistan) Sialkot (Pakistan)

Janam Sakhi Bhai Bala (1658 A.D.) also mentions Sultanpur Lodhi as the starting point.After seven days’ journey reached Tulambha (Sajjan Thagg and established first Dharamsal), Pattan meeting Sheikh Farid’s inheritor Sheikh Ibrahim, Dipalpur, Kanganpur, Kasur, Goindwal, Sultanpur, Vairowal, Jalalabad, Kidian Pathana, Batala, Saidpur (met Babar), Karodia (established Kartarpur), Wanjarian da Tanda, holan offered, four month during rainy season (May to August), Bishambarpur, Kamrup, Singladip (Sri Lanka), Asparan, Brahmpur, Suvarnpur.

Janam Sakhi Meharban (1651 A.D.): Sultanpur, Tulamba, Panipat, Delhi, Hardwar, Paryag (Allahabad), Benaras, Patna-Hajipur, Ayudhya, Puri (Jagnnath, Orissa), Rameshwaram, Setbandhu, Ujjain, Bikaner, Surashatra, Junagarh, Mathura and Kurukshetra

Gyani Gian Singh’s Panth Prakash & Twareekh Guru Khalsa Part I: Sultanpur-Goindwal, Fatihabad, Sultanwind (now Amritsar), Ramtirath, Khalra, Lahore, Emnabad, Talwandi, Dipalpur, Saidpur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Mitthan Kot, Choohni, Sangrur, Pahowa, Kurukshetra, Siddhbati, Panipat, Hardwar (Nanak wada), Garhwal, Najibabad, Anoop Shehar, Majnu ka Tilla Delhi, Koel (Aligarh), Mathura, Brindaban, Agra, Itawa, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayudhya, Paryag (Allahbad), Mirzapur, Benaras, Raghunathpura, Jaunpur, Chhapra, Buxar, Poola village, Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Patna, Mungher, Bhagalpur, Sahib Ganj, Rajmahal, Maksoodabad, Krishnanagar, Shahzadpur, Shirazganj, Kasganj, meeting Ramdas saint, Manakganj, Devipur, Dacca, Kamrup, Kallar, Dhobri, Guwahati, Kamkhya temple, Assam, Bishambar Des at the confluence of of Brahmputra and Barni Rivers, Ghargaon, Nazira, Cachar, Ajmeri Ganj, Karimganj, Sylhet, Aseemphal, Manipur, Chittagong, Balwa Kund, Salmala deep, Brahmpur, Chandpur, Suvaranpur, Khasia Hills meeting Devloot, Pathra Parbat, Dron Parbat, Bengal, Ratnakhali, Faridpur, Kesbpur, Barh, 24 Pargana, Krishnnagar, Dinsra, Chandar Nagar, Calcutta, Hoogli, Burdwan, Baleshwar, Mor Hunjan valley, Mednipur, Kanchipuri, Cuttak, Jagannath Puri, Chilka lake, Subhagpur, Kohkantak in Vindhyachal, Kapil Muni Ashram, Kauda cannibal all in M.P. Jabalpur, Chitarkoot, Mahiya Nagar Jangam capital, Datatreya Tekri, Faridwada, Bhopal lake, Mahisar, Parbatsagar, Chanderi South, Jhalra Pattan, Jhansi, Gwalior, Bharatpur, Agra, Mathura, Brindavan, Gurgaon, Jhajar, Beri, Narnaul, Jind, Bhagal Cheeka, Kharaudi, Kamalpur, Chhitanwala, Jagraon, Tihada, Sultanpur.

Gyani Lal Singh Sangrur: Sultanpur, Lahore, Jahman, Chahal, Ghawindi, Khalra, Amisar, Kanganwal, Manaknagar (Bheel), Saidpur (Emnabad), Sialkot, Sahowala, Ugoke, Nanaksar, Bharowal Sioke, Pasrur, Mithankot, Talwandi, Sultanpur Lodhi, Sirsa, Thanesar, Karnal, Cheeka, Pahoa, Kurukshetar, Panipat, Hardwar, Srinagar, Garhwal, Badrinarayan Najibabad, Nizamabad (district Amargarh), Amargarh, Anoop Shehar, Delhi, Aligarh, Mathura, Agra, Itawa, Kanpur, Mirzapur, Luknow, Ramteerath, Almora, Chanda, Brahmpuri, Benaras, Chanderi, Hishangabad, Patna, Gaya, Baijnath, Jotiling, Rajgir, Mugher, Bhagalpur, Kehl, Kantal, Rajmehal, Sahibganj, Malda, Makhsoodapur (Murshidabad), Krishnagar, Shahzadpur, Shirazganj, Kanshiganj, Ramdas saint, Manakpur, Devipur, Dacca, Dhanpur, Kamroop, Dhobri, Kamkhya, Assam, Boomia area, Ajmerganj, Karimganj, Ghargaon, Sylhet, Manipur, Cachar, Salmala deep, Palpasare, Brahmpur, Burma Lushai area, Rangoon, Mandlay, Chandpur, Swarnpur, Peking, Nanking, Khasi Hills, Chitagong, Ratankahali, Faridpur, Kesabpur, Krishnanagar, Chinsum, Calcutta, Bardwan, Baleshwar, Ghati Moh, Bhuja, Mednipur, Kanchipur, Cuttak, JagnnathPuri, Vindhiachal (Kauda), Jabalpur, Chitrakoot, Mahiarnagar (Datatreya ki Tekri), Faridwada, Tal Gopal, Mahilsar, Chanderi, Jhalrapattan, Jhansi, Gwaliar, Bharatpur, Dhaulpur, Agra, Mathura, Bridavan, Gurgaon, Jhajar Beri, Narnaul, Bahaur, Jind, Bhagal Cheeka, Kharauti, Sangrur (Gurdwara Nanakiana Sahib, Ghanaur, Kamalpur (near Didba), Chhitanwale, Malerkotla, Kadirabad, Akoi, Chhanga Manga (Mangwal Sangrur) Kotla Jagraon, Tihada, Sultanpur.
Dr Surinder Singh Kohli: (a) Within Punjab: Left Sultanpur 1498 A.D., visiting Hakimpura in Jalandher district, Lahore, Goindwal, Fatehabad, Ramtirath, Jahman, Chahal, Ghavindi, Khaira, Kanganwal, Manakdeke, Emnabad, Sialkot, Sahowal, Ugoke, Pasrur, Deoka, Mithha kotla, Talwandi, Chhanga Mang, Chuhnian and back to Sultanpur

(b) Outside Punjab (Left 1500AD): Sultanpur Lodhi, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Haryana (Bangroo des), Sirsa, Hissar, Rohtak, Pehowa, Thanesar, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Hardwar, Kotdwar, Najibabad, Anupshahar, Haldor, Panipat, Delhi (1501 A.D.), Koil (Aligarh), Mathura, Agra, Etwa, Kanpur, Lucknow, Nizamabad, Bithur, Ayudhya Allahabad, Benaras, Mirzapur, Buxur, Chhapra, Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Mongher, Bhagalpur, Deoghar (Viadynathdham), Sahibganj, Rajmahal, Nalhatti-Makhsudabad, Bengal (Dhaka-Bengala), Malda (1504 AD), Murshidabad, Kasganj, Navdip, Krishnanagar (Nadia district), Faridpur District of Bangla Des, Dacca, Dhanpur, Manikganj, Sirajganj, Assam, Dhubri, Gauripore, Rangamati, Jogigompha, Goalpara, Kamkhya, Guwahati, Manikerneshwara Hills, Hajo, Matsydhwaj, Sadiya, Brahmkund, Burma, Malay Pensinsula (Salmaldvipa) Suvarnpur (Ayothhya-Thailand), Siam, Anam, Cambodia, Sumatra, Java, Bali, Borneo, Phillipines, Japan, Nanking in China, Martban, Burma, Suvarnbhumi, Imphal, (1509 AD) in Manipur, Bishnupore, Silchar (Cachar), Ajmeriganj, Karimganj, Sylhet, Lushai Hills, Agartala, (Tripura), Chittagong, Balwa Kund, Chandpur, Kesabpur, Calcutta, Hoogly, Bardwan, Midnapur, Howrah, Serampur, Chandernagar, Mayurganj and Balasore districts, Southern part of Singhbhum district, Cuttak, Bhubneshwar, Sakhi Gopal, Jagannathpuri, Jabalpur, Chittarkut, Maiharnagar, Manikpur, Tekri of Dattatreya, Fardiwara, Panna district, Hilly tracts of Saugar and Jhansi districts, Chanderi, Jhalapattan, Bharatpur (Rajsthan), Rewari, Gurgaon, Jhajar, Dojana, Karoli, Bahaura, Jind, Samalpur, Bhagalpur Cheeka (20 km from Patiala), Kharauti, Kamalpur (near Dirba), Chhitanwala, Malerkotla, Qadirabad (Bhasaur), Akoi Sahib, Mangwal (Sangrur district) Jagraon, Sultanpur, (1509)

Dr Tarlochan Singh: Punjab: Sultanpur Lodhi, the remains of ancient town (later Goindwal), Lahore, Gujranwala district, Emnabad, Tulamba, Pakpattan, Multan, Ouside Punjab: Ayodhya-Rithe Mithe, Benaras, (events of kingdom to a grazier and muhars turning coal), Gaya, Rajauli, Nalanda, Rajgrah, Patna, (event of meeting thhugs and wasde raho and ujad jao), Rajmahal, Malda, Murshidabad, Dhaka, Sylhet, Chittagong, Sondeep, Kamroop, Prajyotishwar, (events of Noorshah and Bhumia) Assam (event of Kauda in Dhanasri valley in Nagaland), Calcutta, Cuttak, Jagannagth Puri, (met Kalyug Panda & Chaitanya), Srirangam, Tanjavoor (Tanjore), Kaliar Koil ( Tilganji), Madurai, Kodai Kanal, Ramanandpuram, Rameshwaram, Sitawaka (King Shivnabh)

Dr Kirpal Singh: Pehowa, Kurukshetra, Delhi, Panipat, Hardwar, Gorakhmata, Gola, Ayudhya, Nizamabad, Prayag (Allahabad), Benaras, Gaya, Patna-Hajipur, D acca, Dhubri, Guwahati, Kamrup, Dhanasri Valley, Shillong, Sylhet, Calcutta, Cuttack, Jagannathpuri, Guntur, Kanchipuram, Tiruchinappalli, (Sri Rangapatnam), Nagapattinum, Sri Lanka, Batticloa, (then Mattiakulam), Kurukal Mandap, Katargama, Nuwara Eliya, Avisvella (Sitwaka), Anuradhapura, Mannar (all in Sri Lanka), Rameshwaram, Trivandrum, Bidar, Broach, Somnath, Gimar rock, Ahmedabad, Ujjain, Chittorgarh, Ajmer, Pushkar, Mathura, Sirsa, Pakpattan, Sultanpur.

Prof Sahib Singh: Sultanpur Lodhi, Lahore, Talwandi, Saidpur, Hardwar, Almora, Gorakhmatta, Ayudhya, Paryag (Allahabad), Benaras, Gaya, Guwahati, Manipur, Sylhet, Dhaka, Nadia, Mednipur, Puri, Vijaywada, Guntur, Cuddapa, Rameshwaram, Palghat, Nilgiri, Srirangapatnam, Malikarjun, Pandharpur, Barsi, Pune, Nasik, Aurangabad, Onkar temple, Ujjain, Baroda, Bhavnagar, Palitana, Somnath, Dwarka, Okha, Mandvi, Bhuj, Anjar, Beesnagar, Abu, Nathduara, Chitod, Ajmer, Pushkar, Mathura, Delhi, Panipat. Kurukshetra, Jind, Sarsa, Sultanpur.

Dr Gurmukh Singh: Since Kurukshetra (Haryana) and Delhi appear to be near certain during his first journey, Guru Nanak had to pass through Malwa region to enter Haryana. Dr Gurmukh Singh has recorded the account of historic Gurdwaras towards Delhi from Sultanpur Lodhi as Pavadhara, Hakimpur, Ludhiana, Jaghera, Mansurpur (Chhitanwala), Nankiana Sahib Mangwal, Sunam, Kamalpur, Haripur (Abohar), Patto Hira Singh Daudhar, Takhtupura, Sarai Naga and Lakhi Jangal.

Almost all the above sources mention the route of First Journey of Guru Nanak as adopted by Gyani Gyan Singh, Gyani Lal Singh and Dr. Surinder Singh Kohli up to Puri. Thereafter Dr Fauja Singh Kirpal Singh and Dr Tarlochan Singh mention that he proceeded towards South India and Sri Lanka while the first three mention his return to Punjab via Madhya Pradesh.

Route:
In view of the above his first journey route within Punjab taken up for this study is from Sultanpur, Lahore and villages around, Emnabad, Talwandi and return to Sultanpur. Outside Punjab, the route adopted by Dr Fauja Singh Kirpal Singh upto Puri appears to be logical and has been verified by the researcher on ground by going to almost all these places. Beyond Puri, the route given by Gyani Gyan Singh and Dr Kohli appears to be logical hence adopted. Route for the first journey Outside Punjabis his starting from Sultanpur Lodhi and visiting Pavadhara, Hakimpur, Ludhiana, Jaghera, Malerkotla, Qadirabad (Bhasaur), Mansurpur (Chhitanwala), Nankiana Sahib Mangwal, Sunam, Bhagalpur Cheeka (20 km from Patiala), Kamalpur (near Dirba), Kharauti, Samalpur, Pehowa, Kurkshetra, Karnal, Hardwar, Delhi, Aligarh, Kanpur, Allahabad, Benaras, Gaya, Patna, Mongher, Bhagalpur, Deoghar (Vaidynathdham), Sahibganj, Rajmahal, Nalhatti-Makhsudabad, Malda (1504 AD), Murshidabad, Kasganj, Navdip, Krishnanagar (Nadia district), Faridpur District of Bangla Des, Dacca, Dhanpur, Dhubri and Guwahati in Kamroop, Girgaon (Nazira) Assam, Sylhet, Chittagong, Tennaserim (Burma), Malaysia, Sumatra, Burma, Arakan, Chittagong, Calcutta, Cuttak, Puri, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Chanderi, Gwalior, Dhaulpur, Agra, Mathura, Delhi, Rewari, Gurgaon, Panipat, Jhalapattan, Jhajar, Dojana, Karoli, Bahaura, Hissar, Sirsa, Jind, Sunam, Takhtupura, Jagraon, Tihara terminating journey at Sultanpur Lodhi. Route from Kurukshetra to Dacca is generally along GT Road. Some more locations visited in between this route will also be taken up as they come up. Journey beyond Chittagong to East Asian countries will also be discussed in detail since it has not been discussed in other sources.

Period of First Journey:
Dates given in various sources about Guru’s visit to various places do not tally. The start of itineraries varies from 1495 A.D., Indubhusan Banerjee as 1495-1507[1]Dr Kohli as1499 A.D.-1507 A.D. [2]Giani Gian Singh as 1501 AD [3] and Lal Singh Sangrur (1501-1507 A.D)[4] Janamsakhi Bhai Bala (1502 A.D.)[5] and Prof Sahib Singh as 1507 A.D[6] The latest study by Dr Sukhdial Singh, 2000 gives the dates of journey for first itinerary as 1499-1505A.D, 2nd itinerary as 1505-1514 A.D, 3rd itinerary as 1514 A.D.-1517 A.D and 4th itinerary as 1517 A.D.-1523 A.D.[7] This generally tallies with most of the researchers, hence will be followed.

Brief accounts of the shrines of Guru Nanak have been taken from Gur-Tirath Sangrah of Pandit Tara Singh Narotam, the Grdham Sangreh by Giani Gian Singh, Bhai Kahn Singh’s Mahankosh based Gurdham Didar, Historical Sikh Shrines of Major Gumukh Singh. Nānak Prakāsh of Bhai Santokh Singh, the Gurdhām Sangrah, the Panth Prakāsh and the Tawārīkh Gurū Khālsā of Giani Gian Singh, in addition to Gurdwāré Darshan of Giani Thakur Singh and internet sources. The account of the Sikh Shrines in Pakistan by Muhammad Waliullah Khan,is found of particular interest.