Why Is Sultanpur Lodhi Famous? Gurupurab Celebrations And Places To Visit

On the banks of the sacred Kali Bein rivulet in the Kapurthala district of Punjab, lies one of the most venerated holy towns in Sikhism: Sultanpur Lodhi. Historically, it is known as Perran Puri, which translates to the city of saints. Its significance comes from the fact that the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, spent over 14 years of his early adulthood as a householder and spiritual seeker. Gurupurab celebrates the birth anniversary of this remarkable religious and spiritual leader. To understand the significance of this place better and to know where the best Gurpurab celebrations are held, this unstumbled guide is all you need.

Why Is Sultanpur Lodhi Famous? Historical And Spiritual Legacy

As mentioned previously, this is the place where Guru Nanak lived for 14 years. He moved to Sultanpur Lodhi to live with his elder sister, Bebe Nanaki, and her husband, Bhai Jai Ram. Here, he worked as the Modi, who is a storekeeper or accountant, at the Modikhana or grain store of Nawab Daulat Khan Lodhi. During his time here, he established a reputation for absolute honesty and charity.

Guru Nanak had a strict habit of waking before dawn to bathe as well as meditate along the Kali Bein stream. One morning, when he went into the water to take a bath as per usual, he was engulfed in the water. For three days, he remained in the water. Upon returning to land on the fourth day, he revealed that he had been bestowed with divine revelation.

"Na Koi Hindu, Na Koi Musalman" (There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim; all are equal creation of one God). This was the core universal message that he emerged with. After this incident, Guru Nanak resigned from his administrative job and distributed his possessions to the poor. He then embarked on his legendary four long journeys across Asia, known as Udasis, to spread his divine message of universal oneness.

Also Read: Visit These 7 Historic Gurdwaras In Delhi This Guru Nanak Jayanti

Gurpurab Celebrations at Sultanpur Lodhi

The annual Prakash Purab or Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is celebrated during the full moon of the Kartik month. This religious event transforms Sultanpur Lodhi into a sprawling ocean of lights, devotion, and community service or Sewa.

What To Expect

Illuminated Gurdwaras

The main shrines, such as and especially Gurdwara Ber Sahib, are adorned with intricate floral arrangements and decorative lighting displays known as Deepmala. They reflect beautifully off the waters of the Kali Bein, adding to the splendour of the event.

Grand Nagar Kirtan

This is a massive religious procession led by the Panj Pyare, or the Five Beloved Ones. This procession weaves through the historic streets of Sultanpur and features displays of Gatka, which is a form of Sikh martial arts, school bands, and continuous chanting of Gurbani.

24/7 Mega Langar and Community Kitchen

During this time, there are a number of voluntary langars operating continuously across every corner of the town. They serve hot meals, tea, and sweets to hundreds of thousands of visiting pilgrims regardless of background. 

Top Places to Visit in Sultanpur Lodhi

In order to commemorate the specific milestones in Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life, Sultanpur is home to several historic Gurdwaras. 

1. Gurdwara Ber Sahib: The Principal Shrine

This Gurdwara is built right beside the ancient Ber or Jujube tree planted by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is believed that he meditated under it for more than 14 years.

2. Gurdwara Sant Ghat Sahib

Gurdwara Sant Ghat Sahib is located on the bank of the Kali Bein stream, around two km downstream from Ber Sahib. Legend has it that this is the exact site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji emerged from the waters after three days of disappearance and delivered his first divine sermon on human equality.

3. Gurdwara Guru Ka Bagh

This particular Gurdwara is where the residential home of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his wife, Mata Sulakhni Ji, was situated. It is also the place where their two sons, Baba Sri Chand Ji and Baba Lakhmi Das Ji, were born.

4. Gurdwara Hatt Sahib

This is the site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji served as the Modi of the Modikhana for Nawab Daulat Khan Lodhi. 

5. Gurdwara Bebe Nanaki Ji

This particular Gurdwara was built in honor of Bebe Nanaki, Guru Nanak's elder sister, acknowledging her vital role as the first person to recognize his divine spiritual light.

6. Gurdwara Kothri Sahib

Another significant Gurdwara, this site is where the saint was briefly detained when jealous court officials falsely accused him of accounting discrepancies at the state granary. He was later cleared of all charges when the accounts showed a surplus.

Also Read: Mumbai Gurpurab Guide: The Top 4 Gurdwaras For Divine Kirtan And Community Service

Summing Up

Gurupurab is one of the holiest festivals for Sikhs, and there is hardly a better place to celebrate it than at Sultanpur.