Several Gurdwaras in Sultanpur Lodhi are connected with events from Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life.
Sultanpur Lodhi, located in the Kapurthala district of Punjab, is one of the most closely connected places in the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The town lies on the southern bank of the Kali Bein rivulet, not far from where the Beas and Sutlej rivers meet. In earlier times, it stood on an important route between Delhi and Lahore and was known for its markets, learning centres, and religious activity.
For Sikhs, Sultanpur Lodhi is remembered as the place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent many years before beginning his journeys.
Arrival and early life in the town
Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to Sultanpur Lodhi through his elder sister, Bebe Nanaki. She was married to Bhai Jai Ram, who worked under Daulat Khan Lodhi. In 1483, Guru Nanak Dev Ji moved to Sultanpur Lodhi and stayed with them.
With Bhai Jai Ram’s support, Guru Nanak Dev Ji began working as a Modi, managing the Nawab’s provision stores. This work required careful handling of goods and dealing with different people. He carried out his duties with honesty and fairness, which became well known.
During this period, he also got married to Bibi Sulakhni. His family life continued alongside his regular work, and he later had two sons, Sri Chand and Lakhmi Chand.
Daily routine and spiritual practice
Guru Nanak Dev Ji followed a simple and disciplined routine. He would wake early, bathe in the Kali Bein, and spend time in meditation. A ber tree near the river became his regular place for sitting in silence. This site is now known as Gurdwara Ber Sahib.
He spent more than fourteen years in Sultanpur Lodhi. During this time, he lived as a householder while remaining deeply engaged in spiritual thought. His life in the town showed that spiritual practice could exist alongside daily responsibilities.
The Event at the Kali Bein
One day, during his usual visit to the Kali Bein, Guru Nanak Dev Ji entered the water and did not return for three days. When he reappeared, he spoke the words: “No one is Hindu, no one is Musalman.”
These words addressed the divisions among people and pointed towards the idea that all human beings are equal before one Creator. After this, Guru Nanak Dev Ji began speaking openly about his understanding of God and life. Soon after, he left his job and prepared to travel to different regions.
Important sites in Sultanpur Lodhi
Several Gurdwaras in Sultanpur Lodhi are connected with events from Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life. Let’s look at their significance and reverence:
Gurdwara Ber Sahib: Located near the Kali Bein, this gurudwara marks the place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji meditated and where the well-known event of his disappearance is associated.
Gurdwara Hatt Sahib: The gurudwara stands at the place where he worked as a Modi. Stones believed to have been used as weights are preserved here.
Gurdwara Antaryatma Sahib: The gurudwara is linked with an incident where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spoke about the importance of true attention during prayer.
Gurdwara Guru Ka Bagh: This gurudwara marks the place where he lived with his family. A covered well from that time remains.
Gurdwara Bebe Nanaki Ji: This gurdwara honours Bebe Nanaki and her role in Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life. These sites continue to preserve memories of his daily life, work, and spiritual practice.
Sultanpur Lodhi as a historic town
In earlier centuries, Sultanpur Lodhi was a large and active town. It had many markets and shops and served as a key point on the trade route between Delhi and Lahore. The Kali Bein flowed through the town and supported settlement and activity.
The town also had a strong connection with learning. It was known for its madrasas, where students studied religious texts. Historical accounts mention that Mughal princes like Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb studied here.
Sultanpur Lodhi is also mentioned in the Ain-i-Akbari, showing its importance during the Mughal period. Royal gardens and buildings once existed in the area. One such structure, known as Hadera, was used as a resting place for members of the royal family. Today, it stands in a neglected condition.
The town was also known as “Perran Puri,” meaning the city of saints, because many religious figures lived or visited here.
Beginning of the Udasis
After the event at the Kali Bein, Guru Nanak Dev Ji gradually left his settled life in Sultanpur Lodhi. He began travelling to different parts of India and beyond. These journeys, known as Udasis, took his message to people of different regions and backgrounds. Sultanpur Lodhi is remembered as the place from where these journeys began.
Importance of Sultanpur Lodhi in the present day
Today, Sultanpur Lodhi remains an important place for devotees. During Guru Nanak Gurpurab, large numbers of people gather in the town. Processions, kirtan, and langar are organised across the Gurdwaras.
The town saw major development during the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 2019. Roads, public spaces, and religious sites were improved to accommodate visitors. Local communities and organisations continue to maintain the Gurdwaras and preserve the town’s history through regular activities and events.
Sultanpur Lodhi holds a close connection with the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He lived here for many years, worked, raised a family, and shared teachings that continue to guide people. The town remains an important place for understanding his life and the beginning of his journeys.
References:
Sultanpur Lodhi - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanpur_Lodhi
A general overview of the town’s location, history, cultural and religious importance, along with details about its demographics, institutions, and key sites.
Sultanpur Lodhi - Sikhdharma
https://www.sikhdharma.org/sultanpur-lodhi/
Showcases the historical and spiritual importance of Sultanpur Lodhi, focusing on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s time there, his daily life, the event at the Kali Bein, and the Gurdwaras associated with key moments of his life.
Sultanpur Lodhi - Dasvandhnetwork
https://dvnetwork.org/page/sultanpur-lodhi
An overview of Sultanpur Lodhi, covering its historical background, religious importance in Sikhism, and its connection with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, along with details about its development as a trade, cultural, and spiritual centre