Nankana Sahib is city and capital of Nankana Sahib District, Punjab, Pakistan. The place is named so after the name of first Guru of Sikhs- Guru Nanak Dev Ji as he was born at this place and initiated his preaching here. The Sikh religion’s most significant holy site is Nankana Sahib. It’s around 91 kilometres (57 miles) west of Lahore and 75 kilometres (47 miles) east of Faisalabad. Currently, the city has a population of more than 80,000 inhabitants.
The city was earlier known as Rai Bhoi di Talwandi and was founded by Rai Bhoi. After the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, it was renamed as Nankana Sahib by the great-grand son of Rai Bhoi- Rai Bular Bhatti. The Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, which was built in 1600 CE, was restored by Gian-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1819–20 CE.
Nankana Sahib and its surroundings used to be a tehsil in the Sheikhupura District. In May 2005, the province administration elevated Nankana Sahib to the status of a district in order to encourage development in the area. District Nankana Sahib currently comprises three tehsils: Nankana Sahib, Shah Kot, and Sangla Hill. Before December 2008, Safdarabad Tehsil was part of District Nankana Sahib.
One of the major attractions of the city is Gurdwara Janam Asthan (also called Nankana Sahib Gurdwara). Maharaja Ranjit Singh built the Janam Asthan shrine after visiting Nankana Sahib in 1818-19 on his way back from the Battle of Multan. The shrine is built over the place where Guru ji was born.
Apart from Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib is home to a number of major shrines, including Gurdwara Patti Sahib, Gurdwara Bal Leela, Gurdwara Mal Ji Sahib, Gurdwara Kiara Sahib, and Gurdwara Tambu Sahib, all of which are devoted to different phases in the life of the first Guru. In addition, there is a Gurdwara dedicated to Guru Arjan (5th Guru) and Guru Hargobind (6th Guru). In 1621-22, Guru Hargobind is said to have paid tribute to the town.
Nankana Sahib is a place known for religious and historical importance. Devotees from all across the globe visit Gurdwaras and pay obeisance to Almighty!
