Pakistan: Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara Partially Submerged In Floodwater of Ravi River

Floodwaters from the Ravi River have partially submerged Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan, prompting local authorities to safeguard sacred items. The site, linked to Guru Nanak Dev, underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage amidst natural challenges.

Floodwaters from the Ravi River have partially submerged the historic Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, a revered site believed to be Guru Nanak Dev's final resting place.

Reports on Wednesday highlighted the situation at this holy shrine in Pakistan's Narowal district, which is linked to India through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.

The corridor, located at the Zero Point on the International Boundary in Gurdaspur district, has also been affected by floodwaters. Consequently, local authorities have halted its operations temporarily. Visuals depict water entering the sanctum of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, with three to four feet of water covering parts of the complex.

Kartarpur Sahib's Historical Significance

Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, originally known as Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, marks where Guru Nanak settled after his missionary work. He lived there for 18 years until his death in 1539. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) notes that Guru Nanak adopted a householder's attire during his time here.

Over time, the Ravi River changed course, placing part of Guru Nanak's farm on Pakistan's side and Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak on India's side. A chola gifted to Guru Nanak during his Mecca visit is preserved in the gurdwara.

Efforts to Safeguard Sacred Items

Media reports confirm that the sacred Saroop of Guru Granth Sahib-ji and "sevadars" have been moved safely to the first floor of Darbar Sahib. Local authorities are prepared to evacuate "sevadars" if conditions worsen further.

Despite fields and villages near Kartarpur Sahib Corridor being submerged, officials assure that residential areas remain unaffected. The original structure of Kartarpur Sahib was once destroyed by floods but was rebuilt by Bhupinder Singh, Patiala's then scion.

Recent Discoveries and Pilgrimages

A 500-year-old well believed to date back to Guru Nanak Dev's lifetime was found near Kartarpur gurdwara in April during excavation work. Sikh 'jathas' from India visit Pakistan four times annually for Baisakhi, Guru Arjan Dev's martyrdom day, Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death anniversary, and Guru Nanak Dev's birthday.

The shrine reopened in 1999 after repairs post-partition closure in 1947. Sikh jathas have since made regular pilgrimages. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor in November 2019 with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh leading 550 Indian pilgrims across the border for its opening ceremony.

The founder of Sikhism was born on April 15, 1469, at Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in Pakistan’s Shekhupura district, now known as Nankana Sahib. This historical context adds depth to understanding why preserving these sites is crucial for cultural heritage and religious significance.

With inputs from agencies