Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib

Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, also known as Kartarpur Sahib, is one of the holiest shrines in Sikhism, located in Shakargarh, Narowal District, Pakistan, near the Indo-Pakistani border. It stands on the site where Sri Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, spent the final years of his life after his extensive missionary travels and where he is said to have died. Guru ji established a community here, emphasizing the principles of Kirit Karni (honest work), Wand Chakna (sharing with others), and Naam Japna (meditation on the Divine). He lived in Kartarpur for 18 years until his death in 1539, making it one of Sikhism’s most sacred locations, second only to Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib.

The gurdwara is especially significant for its location near the Indian border, where Indian Sikhs often gather on special occasions like Gurpurab to view the shrine across the border. The Kartarpur Corridor, inaugurated in November 2019 by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, allowed Indian pilgrims to visit the site without a visa, a historic moment that occurred during the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. This initiative has made the shrine more accessible, symbolizing peace and unity between the two nations.

Guru Nanak Dev’s final years in Kartarpur were marked by his teachings of equality, universal brotherhood, and devotion to God.Is is said that after his passing, a dispute arose between Hindus and Muslims over his burial. Muslims, who saw him as their pir, wanted to bury his body, while Hindus, who considered him their guru, wanted to cremate it. The legend states that Guru Nanak Dev’s body was miraculously transformed into flowers, which were shared equally between both communities. The shrine at Kartarpur commemorates this pivotal moment in Sikh history, with the Guru’s teachings continuing to resonate at every corner of the site.

The main structure of the gurdwara was constructed in 1925, funded by the Maharaja of Patiala, Sardar Bhupindar Singh. The site has undergone several restorations, including a significant renovation by the Pakistani government in 1995 and further expansions in 2018, which included a new courtyard, museum, library, and dormitories. The gurdwara is also surrounded by a lush, sacred forest, an initiative proposed by the NGO EcoSikh in 2017. The shrine is home to a 500-year-old well, believed to have been built during Guru Nanak’s lifetime.

Today, Kartarpur Sahib remains a beacon of Sikh faith, drawing pilgrims from around the world who seek to connect with the Guru’s legacy and experience the peace that he espoused throughout his life.

To reach Gurudwara Sri Darbar Sahib,Kartarpur from India, you can use different modes of transportation depending on your location and preferences. Here are several options:

1. By Car or Taxi: If you have access to a car or prefer a taxi, you can drive to Kartarpur Corridor.You can use a GPS navigation system or a maps app on your smartphone to guide you. Simply input the address into the navigation app for directions.

2. By Train: The nearest major railway station is Gurdaspur Railway Station (station code: GSP). You can take a train to Gurdaspur Railway Station if there is a convenient connection from your starting location. Once you arrive at Gurdaspur Railway Station, you will need to take a bus to Dera Baba Nanak Village. Buses to Dera Baba Nanak can be boarded from the Gurdaspur Bus Stand.

3. By Bus: Look for local bus routes that pass through Dera Baba Nanak Village.Once you reach Dera Baba Nanak Village, you may need to take a local taxi or rickshaw to reach the Kartarpur Corridor.

4. By Air: The nearest airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (IATA: ATQ) in Amritsar, which is approximately 50 kilometers  away from Dera Baba Nanak Village. After arriving at the airport, you can hire a taxi or use a ridesharing service to reach Dera Baba Nanak Village. The journey by road from there to Village takes around 1 hour.

Once you reach Dera Baba Nanak, you can proceed to the Integrated Check Post (ICP) to begin your journey across the Kartarpur Corridor. Pilgrims must undergo immigration and security checks before crossing. A shuttle bus is available for those with mobility issues. To visit the Gurdwara, you’ll need a valid ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) with a confirmed registration status, which is facilitated by the Indian government. The ETA allows travel from dawn to dusk on the designated day, with the requirement to return the same day. After your first visit, you can register online for a second visit, but only after a 15-day gap.

Before traveling, it’s a good idea to check for transportation options and schedules based on your starting location and the current conditions. Additionally, once you arrive in Dera Baba Nanak VIllage, you can ask for directions to Kartarpur Corridor from locals or the staff at nearby businesses, because it is a well-known place.