Part 1 : Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan
Nankana Sahib
Sri Nankana Sahib is a significant place for every Sikh for this is where Sikhi began with emergence of Satguru Nanak Dev ji Mahraj. It is so significant that every day a Sikh remembers this asthan in their Ardass. The Shaheeds that gave their lives to protect the sanctity of this asthan will also always be remembered.
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Janam Asthan Sri Nankana Sahib Ji 1
Janam Asthan Sri Nankana Sahib Ji 2
Other than the main Janam Asthan, there are 7 other historical asthans in Nankana Sahib:
1. Gurdwara Bal Leela Sahib
This asthan marks the site where Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Mahraj as a child used to play in the company of other children.
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2. Gurdwara Patti Sahib
This is the asthan where young Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji Mahraj was sent to Pandit Gopal Das, Pandit Brij Lal and Maulvi Qutabdin at the age of 6 to study Hindi, Sanskrit and Persian. It was at this place that Guru ji uttered the Bani named Patti.
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3. Gurdwara Tambu Sahib
This asthan marks the site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji Mahraj came after doing Sacha Sauda with the money they were supposed to do business. Hesitant to face their father's ire, Guru Nanak sat under a large Van tree whose branches touched the ground making it look like a Tambu (tent) until discovered and taken home. It is said that this is also the asthan Bhai Bala Ji left to their house to meet their family. The Van tree that Guru Mahraj can still be seen today.
4. Gurdwara Kiara Sahib
While tending their herd of cattle, it was common for Guru Mahraj to let the animals roam freely while they sat engrossed in meditation. Once someone complained to Rai Bular that Guru Ji's cattle had damaged the crop in his field, but when the field was inspected, no damage was discovered. That particular field is where Gurdwara Kiara Sahib is located now. It is called Kiara which means a field or plot of agricultural land.
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5. Gurdwara Malji Sahib
6. Gurdwara Panjvin & Chevin Patshahi
This asthan is the site where Guru Arjan Dev Ji Mahraj camped when they visited at Nankana Sahib and identified Guru Nanak Dev Ji's exact Parkash asthan as well as supervised construction of the Janam Asthan. Later on, Guru Hargobind Ji Mahraj visited Nankana Sahib and this asthan is built in the memory of their visit here.
7. Gurdwara Nihanga Di Chauni Budha Dal.
Shauni where Nihang Singhs used to gather pre-partition. It is also said that Mahant Bhai Sharam Singh, authorized by the SGPC was in charge of Tamboo Sahib Gurdwara, while Nihang Ujagar Singh, opposing this, had established a separate Prakash Asthan near Tamboo Sahib where this asthan is currently.
Continue reading :
Part 2 Pakistan Yatra Series : Lahore Gurdwaras & Historical Sites