Gurdwara Dera Sahib

Gurdwara Dera Sahib (Punjabi, Urdu: گوردوارہ ڈیرا صاحب) is a gurudwara in Lahore, Pakistan, which commemorates the spot where the 5th guru of Sikhism, Guru Arjan Dev, was martyred in 1606.

Location
The gurdwara is located just outside of the Walled City of Lahore, and is part of an ensemble of monuments which includes the Lahore Fort, Samadhi of Ranjit Singh, Hazuri Bagh quadrangle, Roshnai Gate, and the Badshahi Mosque

History and significance
The Guru had undergone torture on the orders of the Mughal emperor Jahangir, at a site in Lahore’s walled city that is commemorated by the defunct Gurdwara Lal Khoohi – which has been repurposed into a Muslim shrine by the name of Haq Chaar Yaar. The Guru’s torture infuriated his close friend and Muslim mystic, Mian Mir. On the fifth day of torture, the Guru’s request for a bath in the river was granted after intercession from Mian Mir. After submerging himself in the river, the Guru reportedly did not reappear, and a Mughal search party was unable to retrieve him.

The Guru’s son and successor, Guru Hargobind had a memorial built here in 1619. The main Gurudwara building with gilded dome was built during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign, while some other additions were made later up until the partition.

How to Reach

To reach Gurdwara Dera Sahib, here are some option:

By Car: The Gurudwara is easily accessible by car from anywhere in Lahore. It is located near Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque. Use a GPS app to navigate directly to “Gurudwara Dera Sahib, Lahore.” Paid parking is available nearby.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Lahore Junction. From there, the Gurudwara is about 3 km away. You can hire a taxi or rickshaw to reach the site conveniently.
By Bus: Buses and minibuses run frequently to the Walled City area or the Badshahi Mosque. From the nearest stop, the Gurudwara is within walking distance.
By Air: The nearest airport is Allama Iqbal International Airport, around 20 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rideshare service to the Gurudwara.

Before setting out, it’s recommended to check the current transportation schedules and availability based on your location. Indian nationals must obtain a Pakistani visa with a clear mention of pilgrimage purposes.Travel to certain areas in Pakistan may require additional security clearances. It’s essential to check with Pakistani authorities before planning your visit.