Nankana Sahib: Guru Nanak’s Birthplace and Gurdwaras

Nankana Sahib in Punjab, Pakistan, is the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Formerly known as Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, the town contains Gurdwara Janam Asthan and several other sacred sites associated with episodes from Guru Nanak’s childhood.

This guide combines our visit to Nankana Sahib with an introduction to its principal gurdwaras, religious traditions and practical considerations for visitors.

For the wider national collection, see our guide to Sikh gurdwaras in Pakistan.

First, let me start with the great man himself.

Table of Contents

Guru Nanak and his teachings

Guru Nanak was born at Rai Bhoi di Talwandi in 1469. He travelled widely, composed sacred hymns and taught devotion to one God, honest work, sharing with others and service to humanity.

Three principles commonly used to summarise his teachings are:

Naam Japo: remember and meditate upon God’s name
Kirat Karo: earn an honest living
Vand Chhako: share with others

Sikh tradition preserves numerous accounts of Guru Nanak’s childhood and journeys. These devotional narratives should be identified as religious tradition rather than treated as independently verified historical events.

Guru Nanak spent his final years at Kartarpur, where another important pilgrimage centre now stands. Read our guide to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.

Did Guru Nanak start Sikhism as a new religion?

Baba Guru Nanak never intended to start a new religion, but his diaries of collection of best practices and teachings from Hinduism, Islam, and Sufism inspired his disciple Guru Angad to formalize the religion after his death.

Now the Hindus would love to claim Guru Nanak as theirs, citing that his son continued on the Hindu path, but that would be farthest from what the great Guru wanted to preach.

Just by emphasizing the oneness of God, the goodness of action, and serving humanity, an omnipresent force, combines the sects and faiths of the subcontinent present at that time.

The various sects of Hinduism, other religions are just a cheap way to acquire power and are not what the divinely inspired man wanted to tell us.

Now coming to Guru Nanak’s home in Nankana Sahib.

How far is Nankana Sahib from Islamabad?

So, I had to go to Talvindi town Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, 360 Kms from Islamabad on a 5 hours’ drive to see where the great mystic lived and learned from.

Here is the essential information about Nankana Sahib town;

Nankana Sahib is the birthplace and early childhood home of Baba Guru Nanak. Even today the main room is reserved for devotees to pray and remember their guru’s teachings.

Who else is from Nankana Sahib?

Not to be disrespectful, but quite a spectrum of characters have appeared out of Nankana Sahib, one is Babra Sharif and the other is Brigadier Ijaz, the spy man of Pakistan. This does show that intelligence and temerity is an inborn feature of people there.

How to reach Nankana Sahib

Nankana Sahib lies southwest of Lahore and can usually be approached by road from Lahore, Sheikhupura or Faisalabad. Routes, journey times and public transport arrangements can change, so visitors should check current navigation before departure.

International pilgrims should verify current visa, accommodation and entry requirements through official Pakistani and pilgrimage authorities. Do not assume that rooms within a gurdwara complex will be available without prior arrangement.

Best way to get to Nankana sahib Pakistan and return too;

The best way to get to Nankana sahib would be to Land at Lahore Airport, book a rental car and drive to Nankana Sahib and stay at their hostel rooms and take the same way out of the country.

Is there a Baba Guru Nanak Durbar in Pakistan?

Not really, but there can be no greater Baba Guru Nanak Durbar than his birthplace, called Baba Guru Nanak Janam Asthan, and the place where he spent his last 18 years, Baba Guru Nanak Kirtarpura Sahib – both in Pakistan.

Baba Guru Nanak University

Baba Guru Nanak University was established in Nankana Sahib as a public-sector university named in honour of Guru Nanak. Readers should consult the university’s official website for current programmes and admissions.

History of Nankana Sahib

Nankana Sahib was historically known as Rai Bhoi di Talwandi. It was renamed in honour of Guru Nanak and today serves as one of the most important centres of Sikh pilgrimage.

Gurdwara Janam Asthan marks the traditional location of Guru Nanak’s birth. The complex developed over time and received significant patronage during the Sikh Empire.

In 1921, Nankana Sahib became the site of a major tragedy during the gurdwara reform movement, when Sikh reformers were killed at Janam Asthan. The event became an important turning point in the movement for Sikh control of gurdwaras.

Principal gurdwaras of Nankana Sahib

As Gurdwara is normally built where Baba Guru Nanak stayed, preached, or medicated, naturally there are a total of seven Gurdwara in his birthplace.

Gurdwara Janam Asthan
The principal shrine marking the traditional birthplace of Guru Nanak.

Gurdwara Bal Lila Sahib
Associated through Sikh tradition with Guru Nanak’s childhood activities.

Gurdwara Patti Sahib
Commemorates the place where Guru Nanak is traditionally believed to have received his early education.

Gurdwara Kiara Sahib
Associated with the traditional account of damaged crops being restored after cattle entered a field.

Gurdwara Mal Ji Sahib
Commemorates the tradition of a tree shading Guru Nanak while he rested.

Gurdwara Panjvin Chhevin Patshahi
Associated with the fifth and sixth Sikh Gurus.

Gurdwara Tambu Sahib
Associated with the Sacha Sauda episode in Guru Nanak’s early life.

These sites are located within and around Nankana Sahib, but current access arrangements should be confirmed locally.

Where is Nankana Sahib Located in Pakistan?

Nankana Sahib town in Pakistan is located 75 km South-West of Lahore and 40 Kms South-West of Sheikhupura. The Google Maps location pin of Nankana Sahib is placed here for your reference.

Is Nankana Sahib a District?

Nankana Sahib, once a part of the Sheikhupura district but since 2005 is a separate district now.

Nankana Sahib to Lahore route map

The total distance from Nankana Sahib town to Lahore ring road is 77 Kms on a dual carriage Lahore-Multan motorway.

Nankana Sahib to Wagah Atari Border map;

The total distance of Nankana Sahib from Wagah Atari Border of India is just 98 km and it will take you 1.5hrs to get there on a perfect dual carriage motorway road.

My Road travel to Baba Guru Nanak Birth place Nankana Sahib Pakistan

I took off early on a Saturday morning on a 5 hours journey on the M-2 motorway towards Nankana Sahib. I got off the exit ramp at Khanqah Dogran and drove to Salar Bhattian, took a sharp left, and then on to Farooqabad.

From Farooqabad I took a sharp right and drove all the way to Nankana Sahib.

The road was in very good condition, except maybe the last 15 minutes.

There is plenty to eat and drink on the way, so no need to take stuff with you.

I went straight to the end of the old town Nankana sahib that has been recently renovated. The roads are metaled now and the sewerage is working.

At the center of Nankana town is the Asthan Janam of Guru Nanak.

I got a great parking space near the Gurdwara and walked into the main compound.

Security there is very tight since some hired goons tried to bring Pakistan a bad name by indulging in stone-pelting there.

Looking at the peaceful atmosphere there, it’s very hard to believe anyone except a psycho would want to disturb someone else’s religious site.

Immediately entering the Gurdwara, I felt an environment that is different from any other religious site in Pakistan – I was welcomed.

Young, educated Sikh migrants from KhyberPakhtoonKhwa were centered on this complex, helping out in its daily functioning for visitors.

Right in front was a lush green lawn; on the right were offices and hostels for visitors. In the center of the hostels was the old administrative building of the Gurdwara complex, built in the arched designs that were typical of Mughal times.

On the left was the purification pond with fishes meandering about peacefully.

Straight ahead was the pure white Guru Nanak Janam Asthan Gurdwara with its several pointed minarets pointing skywards as if a testament to the oneness of God.

Visiting respectfully

Nankana Sahib is an active pilgrimage centre rather than an ordinary tourist attraction. Cover your head, remove your shoes, wash your feet where required and dress modestly. Ask before photographing worshippers or religious ceremonies.

Langar is offered as an expression of equality and service. Visitors may respectfully accept it while following the directions of the gurdwara staff.

The main courtyard has the old home of Guru Nanak preserved and there is the worship place beside it.

Sacred water well is still functional for devotees.

Several Sikh devotees were reciting their hymns and they didn’t let us come into the glass inner sanctum, but I had seen enough.

There is also a tree and monument to the sacrifices of the Akali Sikh who had wrestled control back from the oppressive Hindu Mahant Udasi clergy.

I went to the Langar to have some free food, but couldn’t get myself to eat a more deserved person’s meal.

The Sikh there were very humble and accommodating – I wonder why they left in the first place. Politics left to criminally minded rulers only divides and kills people.

I paid some tips to the helpers there and drove to see the other seven Gurdwara in the town.

Each one of them is being renovated and enhanced, to pay homage to the ultimate humanitarian Guru Nanak.

I then went to Golden Restaurant, which I am told is the one with the best food in Nankana Sahib and had Makhni mutton with tandoor waali roti – and got indigestion later that day.

The town is encircled with fencing and concertina wire like it is a military barrack.

I hope people in Pakistan realize that security comes from equality and justice, not building walls higher.

While driving back, I read about the great man and realized not everyone wants power, prestige, money, women, and fame. Sometimes, people are God sent just to lessen the pain and suffering of this meaningless existence – Guru Nanak Ji was just that kind of person.

I also realized, the Sikh Guru was more Pakistani than Indian.

If you have any point to make, please do comment below and share my account on your social media.

Thanks for reading.

Why Nankana Sahib matters

Nankana Sahib preserves the landscape of Guru Nanak’s early life and remains one of the most important destinations in Sikhism. Its gurdwaras connect religious tradition, architecture and the history of Punjab.

Continue the journey through our guides to Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur and the complete collection of Sikh gurdwaras in Pakistan.