Gurudwara Nanak Piao Sahib
Amidst the lively environment of the contemporary metropolis of Delhi there is a calm and sacred place – Gurudwara Nanak Piao Sahib Ji. This place is much more than an important religious shrine; it is the incarnation of the values upheld by the great Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion.
The moment you enter the premises of a Gurudwara there is a feeling of peace and devotion which continues to prevail due to the teachings of the Guru of the masses.
Suggested Tour: Hemkund Sahib Tour
The Historical Roots: A Sacred Journey
Gurudwara Nanak Piao Sahib Ji has its root in the travelling of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the initial part of sixteenth century and his preaching of equality, love, and divine virtues of the Almighty Allah. It was on one of these trips in 1505 that the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, visited Delhi which was a cosmopolitan city at that time.
Historically, it is said that Guru Nanak Dev Ji deliberately decided to sit under a tree on the outskirts of Delhi and start his missionary activities. He had the crowd around him from every social stratum that was attracted to his heavenly appearance and deep knowledge.
As the eternal doer of charity, Guru Nanak Dev Ji gave water and food to the hungry and the thirsty irrespective of their being high or low, Hindu or Muslim. This particular act of humanity that the Guru offered water (Piao) to the travellers resulting in a name of this holy place as Nanak Piao.
Suggested Tour: Panj Takht Sahib Tour
Architectural Marvel: A Blend of Devotion and Simplicity
In as much as you are welcomed to the premises Gurudwara Nanak Piao Sahib by exceptionally done lawns, the first sight on entering the premises is a well designed courtyard as a relief to the busy world. The tree under which Guru Nanak Dev Ji is believed to have rested is still there and the testimony of present day’s faceless people who seek solace here.
The main prayer hall which contains the Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the holy book of the Sikh religion is calm and sacred. The fragrance of many flowers combined with the sound of Gurbani being recited in the air makes the devotees to bow their heads and listen to what the Guru has to say.
This architectural layout guarantees that what should be noticed is the spirituality; block and uncomplicated interior designs help people in praying.
It is not just an archaeologically important place but it was, is and will remain the symbol of the principles for which Guru Nanak Dev Ji stood for – the principles of love, peace and equality that he brought into this world.
The principles are reflected in the Gurudwara’s daily schedule, where the community kitchen known as the Langar is one of the main activities of the Sikh community.
Suggested Tour: Damdama Sahib with Golden Temple
Spiritual Significance: A Place of Universal Compassion
Langar at Gurudwara Nanak Piao Sahib Ji is a form of a kitchen that offers food to all people without any discrimination of caste, creed or economically and financially weak. The practice started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji himself is a strong manifestation of the Sikhism concept of equality and charity.
The people who cook and distribute the Langar known as Sewadars do so without expecting anything in return and feel privileged to be able to serve the society and the Guru.
The Gurudwara also has an important function of imparting religious knowledge to the people who visit the place. Sikh Devotional Music, Gurbani recitation and discourses on the teachings of the Sikh Gurus are held where people get an opportunity to get better acquainted with the message of the Sikh Gurus.
To many people a visit to the Gurudwara Nanak Piao Sahib Ji is as they are visiting a place of worship that spiritually re-energises them.
Thus, the Gurudwara Nanak Piao Sahib Ji is active throughout the year and celebrates many events of the Sikhs, which is indeed the part of vibrant culture of the Sikhs. Out of these, the largest is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji known as Prakash Utsav which is most joyously celebrated by the Sikh fraternity.
Suggested Tour: Sri Hazur Sahib Ji Gurudwara
Festivals and Celebrations: A Vibrant Display of Devotion
On this auspicious occasion the Gurudwara is decorated with lights and flowers and a programme of Kirtan is arranged. Lakhs of devotees from all over the country, and sometimes from other countries, come forward to attend the occasions involving Rath Yatra, darshan, prayer, and distribution of Langar.
There is a strong spiritual presence as the people sing hymns in appreciation of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his enlightening doctrines.
Other major festivals that are celebrated include Baisakhi which also coincides with harvest and is the birth of Khalsa or the collective entity of the Sikhs and birthdays of other Sikh Gurus. Every festival is a platform for the people to unite and pray together, and as a result, they inevitably strengthen their bearings towards the principles of Sikhism.
A Spiritual Heaven in the Heart of Delhi
Gurudwara Nanak Piao Sahib Ji is not only a religious place but it centres the people and give them a chance to have a break from the vices and complexities of the world we live in. For those who want to find peace the Gurudwara is a perfect place to visit as it is quiet and people can pray, meditate or just sit in contemplation.
The Gurudwara welcomes everyone and does not discriminate against a person’s faith or color as was the vision and ideals of the first Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The visitors have made it a point to mention that there prevails some sort of peace and satisfaction here as the aura of the Gurudwara is supremely soothing and spiritually overwhelming that leaves a positive impact on the mind and the heart.
Conclusion: Embracing the Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Gurudwara Nanak Piao Sahib Ji is a strong message of present day importance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s preaching’s. The message of the Gurudwara is particularly relevant in today’s fractured society; it speaks of unity and tells the people to rise beyond the barriers of caste, color, and creed and embrace love, compassion, and the desire to serve mankind.
We live in an age that is historical in the sense of the word and sociological in the sense of the word it is a place where the traditions and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji still hold true.
