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| Kartarpur Corridor |
Kartarpur is a corridor (border gate) between India and Pakistan to facilitate Sikh pilgrims to visit their holy shrine Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. Gurudwara Darbar Sahib is located in the Narowal city around 4 to 5 kilometres from the international border of two countries.
The corridor is once again proposed by Prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan at his oath-taking ceremony. This corridor if opens, will give huge happiness to millions of Sikh people, who are waiting this kind of step for 75 years. But it can also be a link to build peace between India and Pakistan.
History of Kartarpur Guru dwara:
“Jo Boley sonehal sat Siri Akal” whoever says this, would reap success. Sikh believes.
Sat means Truthful, Siri means Sahab and Aqaal mean the one.
The river Ravi presenting eye-catching landscapes and natural sceneries enters Pakistan near Juicer in Tehsil Shakargarh, district Narowal Punjab Pakistan. This is a river which is a custodian of many historic events. Which holds within it the indelible rhythm of history.
It witnessed the founding of Sikhism in the 16th century.
Kartarpur a place sacred to Sikhs located in nearby the river Ravi. As one approach near Kartarpur village, a tall flagpole bearing the six flags called the Nishan Sahib is visible from a distance indicating the presence of the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. Guru Nanak the founder of Sikhism formally laid the foundation of Kartarpur meaning a city of GOD, in 1515. Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib was established by Baba Guru Nanak himself in 1521.
It was the first Gurudwara ever build.
Kartarpur thus became the first Sikh centre. Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib is one of the holiest places in SikhisGurdwararudwara is the place of worship for Sikhs. Mean gateway through which the Guru could be reached.
Guru Nanak.
Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in a village Rai Phoi de Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahib. In his early teens, Nanak Caught the attention of local landlords Rai Bular Bhatti. Who was moved by his amazing intellect divine qualities? Rai Buller Bhatti and Nanak’s sister Bibi Nanaki encouraged and supported Nanak to study and travel.
At the age of 30, Nanak began to spread the teaching of Sikhism. Guru Nanak’s followers began to be called the Sikhs, the learners. He taught them to bow only before GOD and to link themselves to the Guru The light of truth.
According to the history, at the beginning of 16th century, the then governor of the area Dhoni chat met Guru Nanak and donated 100 acres of land to Guru Sahib. This land was on the right bank of River Ravi. Guru Nanak accepted the land and decided to settle there. The Guru began to cultivate the land around his new settlement.
Irrigation well of the Guru Nanak’s time is still preserved in the compound of the Gurdwara.
Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib
Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib is located on Shakargarh Narowal Road. It is around 140 kilometres from Lahore. The shrine is located about 4 kilometres from the Indo-Pakistan border. Gurudwara is located next to a small village name Kathy Pind on the west bank of River Ravi Punjab Pakistan.
The original place founded by Guru Nanak was washed away by the floods of River Ravi. The present Gurdwara was rebuilt in his by Sardar Bhupinder Singh the Maharaja (ruler) of Patiala.
Government of Pakistan renovated the building in 1995 incurring a huge amount. After renovation, it sparkles like a jewel in the area.
Gurudwara Temple Building
The Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib is spacious and a beautiful square structure building. It is a three-story building. After crossing the entrance gate to the temple, one is impressed by a wide open area around the temple building. The building has entrances on all four sides signifying that it is open to all without any discrimination.
According to Sikh history when Guru Nanak died on September 22nd 1539. His Hindu followers wanted to cremate the remains as per Hindu tradition. But his Muslim followers wanted to bury the body as per Islamic tradition. Finally, it was decided that each group should place a garland of flowers bedside his body and the party whoes garland remains fresh after three days could dispose of his body according to their tradition.
It is said that upon raising the cloth, flowers were found fresh. Thus Hindus cremated their flowers while Muslims buried their.
Sikh devotees on arrival at Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib go straight to the Guru’s grave to offer religious rituals. The Smadi is inside the building on the ground floor. A covered passage runs around the smadi.
Darbar Sahib
Stairs lead to the second floor. It has the main hall called “Darbar Sahib” with an all-around gallery. Darbar Sahib is the most sacred place in Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib where the current and everlasting Guru of the Sikhs, the holy scripture “the Guru Granth Sahib” is placed on an elevated platform. That is resting under a gorgeously decorated canopy.
The dome and four Minarets are on the third storey. Dom is the crowning feature of the Gurudwara.
Guru Nanak started many pious deeds at Kartarpur. He started a free meal open to everyone of any faith. Guru Nanak built a “Saraya” rooms for pilgrims. The worship centre for followers to listen to the spiritual discourse.
Role of Pakistan Government
The government of Pakistan is committed to pursuing policies that are aimed at creating greater harmony and cohesion among people of different faiths.
Pakistan has always warmly welcomed the Sikh Pilgrims and make maximum arrangements to ensure the provision of maximum facilities to seek pilgrim. Pilgrims visit the Gurudwara Sahib regularly to offer religious rituals.
But because of political conditions between both countries, it was hard for many to get a visa and come over the border.
At the oath ceremony of now Prime minister Imran Khan, his close friend Navjot Singh Sidhu was invited as special guest. He is also a Sikh. Delighting him Pakistan army chief announced to open the border for maximum Sikh Pilgrims at upcoming Guru Nanak’s anniversary.
Following the promise, Pakistan Government agrees with India to open a corridor named “Kartarpur Sahib Corridor” to facilitate Sikh Pilgrims.
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