Last month, I embarked on a journey that was years in the making—a pilgrimage that transcended borders, time, and even myself. Walking in the sacred footsteps of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Pakistan was not just about visiting historic sites; it was a deeply personal voyage of faith, reflection, and connection.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhi, spent His life traveling far and wide, spreading the message of Ik Onkar—One Universal Creator. Some of the most significant chapters of his journey unfolded in present-day Pakistan, where He was born, preached, and spent His final years. Setting foot in these places felt like stepping into a living history, where His presence still lingers in the air, in the earth and in the devotion of those who visit.
Our journey began at Tambu Sahib, where we were staying in the residential complex. Tambu Sahib holds deep historical significance, as it is believed to be the site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji stopped after Sacha Sauda, fearing His father’s wrath. It is said that a miraculous tree provided shade resembling a tent (tambu), offering him shelter. We felt incredibly blessed to be staying here for the duration of our yatra—to be just feet away from the sacred tree and Gurdwara Sahib, to attend Parkash every morning, and to begin each day in prayer. It was a privilege beyond words.
Gurdwara Janam Asthan is a mere 7 minutes away from Tambu Sahib and we were able to visit straight away. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. The sangat, the shabads echoing through the complex and the humility with which sewa was carried out—it all spoke of the legacy of love and service that Guru Nanak embodied.
Standing in the very place where He was born, I reflected on the timeless teachings that have shaped my life and the lives of millions around the world. It was a moment of deep connection, a reminder that His message of oneness, compassion and truth continues to resonate across generations.
From Nankana Sahib, we traveled to Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, where Guru Nanak Ji imparted one of His earliest lessons. Given money by his father to start a business, young Nanak instead used it to feed the hungry, declaring that this was the true “profitable trade.” Standing at the site of this selfless act, I couldn’t help but think about what “true wealth” means today.
In a world driven by accumulation, our Guru’s message remains as relevant as ever—wealth is in giving, not gathering.
One of the most awe-inspiring moments of my yatra was visiting Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal. The legend of the sacred handprint of Guru Nanak on the rock, left behind as a testament to his divine power, felt almost tangible. Here, I sat and observed devotees washing their hands and feet in the holy waters, seeking the same blessings that countless pilgrims have sought for centuries.
If you don’t know the story, according to Sikh history, Bhai Mardana was sent three times to Shah Wali Qandhari by Guru Nanak so that he would provide him with some water to quench his thirst. Wali Qandhari refused his request and was rude to him. In spite of this, Mardana still very politely stuck to his demand. The Wali remarked : “Why don’t you ask your Master whom you serve?”
Mardana went back to the Guru in a miserable state and said “Oh lord! I prefer death to thirst but will not approach Wali the egoist.”
The Guru replied “Oh Bhai Mardana ji! Repeat the Name of God, the Almighty; and drink the water to your heart’s content.”
The Guru put aside a big rock lying nearby and a pure fountain of water sprang up and began to flow endlessly. Bhai Mardana quenched his thirst and felt grateful to the Guru.
On the other hand, the fountain of Shah Wali Qandhari dried up. On witnessing this, the Wali in his rage threw a part of a mountain towards the Guru from the top of the hill. The Guru stopped the hurled rock. Clear, fresh spring water gushes out from somewhere behind the rock and spills over into a very large pool. An imprint of a right hand is visible while the Gurdwara was built in the Mughal style by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839).
No part of my journey was more emotional than arriving at Kartarpur Sahib, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent His final years. The serenity of this place is indescribable. Here, amidst the open fields and the flowing Ravi River, Guru Nanak cultivated both land and souls. As I bowed my head in the gurdwara, I felt an unshakable connection—not just to our Guru but to the countless pilgrims, past and present, who have walked this path with faith in their hearts.
Giani Gobind Singh, the Head Granthi here, spoke with such eloquence and love that his words moved many of us to tears. His deep wisdom and heartfelt reflections on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life and teachings resonated profoundly. I found myself sobbing in the stairwell then, overwhelmed by emotion, and now, as I type these words, I am reliving that powerful moment once again.
Walking in the footsteps of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was not just a historical or religious experience—it was deeply personal.
It reaffirmed my belief in his teachings of unity, compassion, and oneness. It reminded me that His message knows no borders, and that the values He lived by—equality, service, and love—are as necessary today as they were five centuries ago.
As I left Pakistan, I carried more than just memories; I carried a renewed sense of purpose. Guru Nanak’s journey was one of breaking barriers, questioning norms, and living in truth. In my own way, I hope to walk that path—not just on pilgrimage, but in everyday life.
To those who have ever considered this yatra, I can only say: Go. The land, the history, and the spirit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji await you. And perhaps, like me, you will find that the greatest journey is the one that leads you back to yourself.
I chose to experience this yatra with Kar Sewa Yatra, a UK-based non-profit organisation that has dedicated the past 25 years to restoring and preserving Gurdwaras in Pakistan. Their unwavering commitment to seva has ensured that these sacred sites, rich with history and spirituality, remain accessible to pilgrims from around the world.
Traveling with them was not just about visiting these places—it was about witnessing the love and devotion that goes into keeping Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s legacy alive. Highly recommend them!