Nankana Sahib:
Political parties and Sikh bodies recently urged the Centre to reconsider its decision asking State governments not to process applications for pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
- Nankana Sahib is a city located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, which is historically significant to the Sikh community.
- It is the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion.
- Formerly known as Rai-Bhoi-Di Talwandi, Rai Bhullar Bhatti (grandson of Talwandi founder Rai Bhoi) renamed it Nankana Sahib in honor of Guru Nanak Sahib’s birth.
- Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his early years in Nankana Sahib, and from here began his divine calling and spiritual journey.
- It is where Gurdwara Janam Asthan (also called Nankana Sahib Gurdwara) is located.
- The shrine is built over the site where Guru Nanak was believed to be born in 1469.
- It was constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh after he visited Nankana Sahib in 1818-19 while returning from the Battle of Multan.
- Besides Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib has several important shrines, including Gurdwara Patti Sahib, Gurdwara Bal Leela, Gurdwara Mal Ji Sahib, Gurdwara Kiara Sahib, and Gurdwara Tambu Sahib—all dedicated to stages in the life of the first Guru.
- There is also a Gurdwara in memory of Guru Arjan (5th Guru) and Guru Hargobind (6th Guru). Guru Hargobind is believed to have paid homage to the town in 1621-22.
