Gurudwara Darbar Sahib better known as Gurudwara Dera Baba Nanak is situated in Dera Baba Naik, a small city located in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab, India. The city lies at a distance of about 1 km from the India – Pakistan border. Considered one of the most sacred cities of the Sikhs, Dera Baba Nanak is situated on the banks of the river Ravi. The city gets its name from Guru Nanak Dev, the first of the Sikh gurus. It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev settled and spent his last days in the nearby village of Kartarpur that now lies across the border in Pakistan.

Descendants of Guru Nanak Dev, the Bedis, constructed a new town and named it Dera Baba Nanak in honour of their great ancestor, the Sikh guru. Dera Baba Nanak is a town deeply soaked in history. Many of the buildings in this town can be dated back to the life and times of Guru Nanak Dev and have been preserved in their original form by the locals. An important place of pilgrimage for those who practice Sikhism, the town is littered with Sikh temples. The Gurudwara Sahib of Kartarpur, situated in Pakistan can be easily seen from this side of the border and pilgrims come in large numbers for this view to Dera Baba Nanak.

Gurudwara Sri Darbar Sahib

Descendants of Sri Guru Nanak Dev built the gurudwara Sri Darbar Sahib to commemorate their ancestor, the founding guru of the Sikhs. He is said to have come here after his first tour, known as Udasi in December 1515 AD to visit the members of his family. Devotees believe that Guru Nanak used to meditate regularly by a well that is known as “Ajita Randhawa da Khooh” to understand God.

As one enters the gurudwara, one is greeted with a stunning golden dome or “gumbad” that adorns the top of the structure. This dome was financed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji and adds to the glory of the holy site. The entire gurudwara is covered in white marble slabs, a symbol of the pure and holy nature of the place. The two storey building comprises of a larger hall at ground level that houses a stage on which Guru Nanak Dev is believed to have had a discussion with Ajita Randhawa.

The upper story of the building is bordered by a pavilion on all sides with small octagonal domes marking every corner of the gurudwara. Each of these domes has arched sun windows on all four sides and copper spires on top.

In centre, there is a main hall, with similar arches along all four of its walls and it is panelled with glass windows and doors. This hall is covered on top with the main dome of the gurudwara, a massive octagonal structure that is exceedingly beautiful. The dome is adorned with intricate brick filigree work and is entirely plated in gold. The main lotus shaped gumbad is flanked on all four sides by four smaller domes, also filigreed and covered in gold. These smaller domes are identical to the domes on the balcony of the second storey, marked by their arches and sun windows. Each of the domes, including the main lotus shaped dome made of gold is topped by a copper spire that comprises of three balls.

The main gurudwara is surrounded on all four sides by a carefully manicured garden that adds to the sense of peace that the structure gives to the visitors. Pilgrims belonging to the Sikh religion come in large numbers to pay their respects at this historical and holy site.

Best Time for Visit

The best time to visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib, Dera Baba Nanak is during the early season of winters in the months October and November, when the day temperature is pleasant and ideal for long walks.

Tips For The Visit

Remember, that the gurudwara is a sacred place for the Sikhs. While both men and women are allowed inside the gurudwara, it is important to cover your heads. So do not forget to carry a scarf with you.

How to Reach The City

The nearest railway station is at Gurdaspur which is 39 kms away from the site. The nearest airport is at Amritsar, approximately 55 kms away from the site. Dera Baba Nanak is connected by road to major cities in North India through Gurdaspur.