Gurdwara Darbar Sahib

Gurdwara Darbar Sahib – most of us have heard about the place, isn’t it? Well, despite knowing pretty much about the place, there are things and facts most of us are still unaware of and honestly, these facts are quite interesting. Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is actually located on the river Ravi in Pakistan and is almost four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. It was initially opened back in 1999 after the repair was completed. However, recently the deal was also signed among the two countries (India and Pakistan) which allowed the Sikh pilgrims to cross the border without any Visa. The border termed as the Kartarpur border is now the new entry which gave access to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.  

   The main thing that makes the place notable is its location. Since it is located near the border of Pakistan and India therefore most of the Sikhs often migrate from India during their cultural events and festivals for Darshan. The shrine is also visible from across the border (India). The Gurduwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur is also known as the largest Gurdwara in the world because of which it holds great significance among the Sikhs. 

History:

It is considered one of the holiest places for the Sikhs. During the partition, most of the Sikhs had to migrate to India because of which visiting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib became difficult. Since India and Pakistan had developed a bitter relationship, therefore, crossing the border was quite difficult for the Sikh community. The Gurduwara was initially opened for the Sikh community back in 1999 after the restoration and repairs. However, the pilgrims required the Visa for a visit. 

Recently, the Prime Minister of Pakistan opened the Kartarpur Corridor on the 9^th of November,2019. This not only made the relations among the countries stronger but also made access to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib easier because of the visa-free entry. 

Geography:

Gurduwara Kartarpur Sahib is situated in the Shakargarh Tehsil in the Narowal District in Pakistan’s Punjab. It is basically near the Ravi river almost four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak Shrine, which makes it almost 120 kilometres Northeast of Lahore. The shrine, however, is located almost five kilometres from the border of India and Pakistan.  

Climate:

The climate is approximately the same as the rest of Punjab. Longer summers than winters for a few months like the rest of Punjab. However, the place is accessible all year since there are no limitations because of the weather. 

People:

The Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is one of the most significant places for the Sikh community. Since we’ve already discussed that it is considered as the largest one around the world, therefore most of the Sikhs visit the place for Darshan every year. The place is now also open for the tourists as well as the Sikhs across the border for Darshan and worshipping on different occasions, events, and festivals. 

Architecture:

The shrine and the rest of the Gurdwars Darbar Sahib is designed with exquisite Sikh architecture. The white marble is used across the place that enhances the beauty of the shrine. The wide marble Floor along with the white temple, perfectly coordinate making the temple a perfect tourist spot. It includes secular forts and bungalows.  Not only this, the enormous tombs adds to the beauty and magnificence of the place.

Tourist spot:

Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is also a tourist spot because of which numerous locals as well as foreign tourists visit. People from all over the world admire the beautiful shrine and the architecture of the place which is constantly repaired in order to keep it fresh looking and restored for the tourists. 

Different Sikh festivals are often held here as well. After the Kartarpur border was opened for the Sikhs recently the access here became even easier. The shrine, as well as the building, is designed with perfection. Private cars are not allowed when you are heading towards the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, therefore, an arrangement is made beforehand to make the experience for the tourists as convenient as possible. You can park the private cars outside and get into the shuttles which take you to the Darbar. 

Restaurants:

Even though, there are no restaurants within the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib however, there are a number of restaurants that are situated some miles away from the actual spot. You can easily find numerous desi eating spots that include a number of scrumptious Pakistani dishes. You won’t find any fast-food restaurant chains here since the place (Narowal) isn’t quite developed. 

Health and Shopping:

There are no big marketplaces around, however you will find some medical and general stores for grocery items and snacks. There are several small shops as well where you can stop by for things you might need urgently. 

There are no shops within the shrine and the darbar. You may find some stores outside of the temple in the Narowal city nearby. You can also find some shopping markets in the city from where you can purchase normal stuff like shoes, clothes, and accessories, etc. ,

Transport: 

Since there are no private cars allowed when you are heading towards the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, therefore, an arrangement is made beforehand to make the experience for the tourists easy. You can park the private cars outside and get into the shuttles which take you to the Darbar.