From The Latest Issue: Exploring Guru Nanak’s Spiritual Journeys

Guru Nanak was only 31 when he set out to travel the world, spurred by a divine communion with the Creator in his dreams, who ushered him to make it his life’s mission to teach mankind the power and spirituality inherent in unity.Accompanied by Bhai Mardana (one of the first Sikhs and Guru Nanak's long-time companion), he is said to have travelled over 30,000 miles across 30 years, spreading the message of Ek Onkar or "One Reality" through miracles, hymns, and discourses with religious leaders worldwide. While these journeys, known as udasi, have been captured in rich detail in the "Janamsakhi" (biographical narratives about the life, travels, and teachings of Guru Nanak), several gurdwaras spread across South Asia stand as physical repositories of his all-encompassing humanist philosophy.Author Haroon Khalid, who traced Guru Nanak's travels in Pakistan by visiting gurdwaras for his book "Walking With Nanak," (2016) discovered that while some gurdwaras were well maintained, functioning as active religious sites with hundreds of devotees visiting regularly, many were dilapidated and no longer in use."And then there are gurdwaras that have been repurposed—converted into homes, schools, or Sufi shrines," said Khalid to Outlook Traveller. "What resonated with me was how closely these abandoned or remote sites mirrored Guru Nanak's practice. During his journeys, he often chose to stay outside a town or village, not fully within society, but not completely removed from it. There was a deliberate distance; a proximity without full integration."The Gurdwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, survives as a shining example. Known as the world's highest gurdwara, it is built around the cave where Nanak is said to have meditated while travelling towards Mount Kailash; this is where he interacted with siddhas from various sects, during the third udasi from 1514 to 1518.Perched at 13,000 ft, the gurdwara lies wedged between the mountain's rocky outcrops. It takes about two days to reach and ends with a steep, uphill climb. Legend even has it that during peak winter, the rock on which Nanak meditated remains dry, when a thick layer of snow covers the rest.Even in major cities, the gurdwaras at sites visited by Nanak are spartan. In Patna, a stop on Nanak's way to Bangladesh during his first udasi (1500 AD to 1506 AD), the Gurdwara Sangat Sonar Toli Patna Sahib is a simple architectural structure.The shrine's importance in Sikhism is related to the legend of Bhai Mardana's visit to the Sunaartoli Market, where he tried to sell a precious gem. Only the jeweller Salas Rai Johri recognised its value and offered token money. When Guru Nanak heard of this, he returned the money and used the moment to teach a lesson about understanding the true worth of life. Deeply moved, Salas Rai became his disciple. Nanak later visited the market, marking the site's spiritual significance.Another important place for Sikhs in Bihar is the Nanak Sheetal Kund in the ancient city of Rajgir. Known as an important pilgrimage site for Buddhist and Jain followers, Rajgir also receives a steady flow of Sikhs who pay their respects at the site where Nanak's blessing led the hot water springs to produce cool water.A similar legend echoes in Bidar, Karnataka, where Nanak stopped on his way to Sri Lanka during his second udasi from 1506 AD to 1509 AD, passing by several other prominent cities across Western and Southern India. Here, the Gurdwara Nanak Jhira Sahib draws hundreds of Sikhs to witness the natural spring of water that, according to local belief, emerged after Nanak touched a stone.The Universal SaintWhile these gurdwaras dotting the subcontinent survive as an enduring testimony of Nanak's extensive travels, the impact of his philosophy on other religions also speaks volumes about the effects of his udasis.For instance, in Jammu's Sui Simbli Temple, a 19th-century Vaishnava shrine, a mural depicts Nanak with Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana alongside scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.Buddhists consider Nanak an avatar of Guru Padmasambhava, while Muslims have embraced Nanak and his teachings to some degree."One of the more fascinating discoveries during my travels was meeting Muslims who considered Nanak a part of that same spiritual landscape. They saw him through the lens of a Sufi saint—someone deeply connected to the divine," said Khalid."Even in the absence of formal preservation, there were these quiet, almost invisible acts of love and respect that I found incredibly powerful. For instance, locals would refer to a site as Gurdwara Sahib instead of just Gurdwara—a small linguistic gesture that carried immense respect. And this came from people who didn't share a religious association with the place.""I found other stories equally moving, like instances where the gurdwaras had been informally transformed into Sufi shrines. For the communities involved, this wasn't an act of appropriation but a way of preserving the sanctity of the space. To them, these weren't abandoned religious sites—they were still sacred, still alive with meaning. People would share stories about Guru Nanak and the gurdwara, passing them down through generations, talking to visiting devotees, keeping the memory alive.”Sacred Stops Of The UdasisGuru Nanak undertook four long spiritual journeys between 1500 and 1524, travelling across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Along these routes, several gurdwaras mark key moments from his travels as sites of reflection, debate, and selfless service Gurdwara Pathar Sahib in Leh, LadakhGuru Nanak visited Ladakh during his northern udasi. A demon rolled a boulder at him, which softened on contact, imprinting his form. The rock is preserved at the gurdwara.Gurdwara Nanakwara in Puri, OdishaThis gurdwara marks Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s visit to Puri, where he shared his message against idol worship. It is also said that he turned salty water into sweet water to help the people.Gurdwara Sant Ghat in Patna, Bihar On his way to Assam and Bengal, Guru Nanak stopped in Patna, where he engaged in spiritual discourses with local mystics.Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib in Parvati Valley, Himachal PradeshGuru Nanak and Bhai Mardana visited Manikaran while travelling towards the Himalayas. As per legends, Nanak’s prayers led to the appearance of a hot spring, which is now believed to have healing properties.Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanakpuri Sahib in Nanded, MaharashtraThough primarily associated with Guru Gobind Singh, a shrine in Nanded commemorates Guru Nanak’s brief visit and dialogue with saints.Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib in Udham Singh Nagar, UttarakhandGuru Nanak visited the site during his third udasi in 1514 AD. Then known as Gorakhmata, Nanak engaged in discussions with yogis who resided there.FAQsQ1. Where did Guru Nanak travel during his lifetime?Guru Nanak undertook four major journeys (Udasis), travelling to Tibet, Mecca, Baghdad, Sri Lanka, and across South Asia, spreading the message of equality and compassion.Q2. Who accompanied Guru Nanak on his travels?Bhai Mardana, a Muslim minstrel, was Guru Nanak’s lifelong companion, playing the rabab while Guru Nanak sang hymns.Q3. Which are the lesser-known Gurdwaras associated with Guru Nanak’s journeys?Sites include Gurdwara Pathar Sahib (Leh, Ladakh), Gurdwara Nanak Lama (Arunachal Pradesh), Gurdwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib (Bidar, Karnataka), and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib (Kartarpur, Pakistan).Q4. What is the significance of these lesser-known Gurdwaras?They mark the spots where Guru Nanak delivered teachings or performed acts of compassion, making them important spiritual and cultural heritage sites.Q5. Did Guru Nanak really travel to Mecca?Yes, Sikh tradition records Guru Nanak’s journey to Mecca, where he spread his message of one God and equality.Q6. How can pilgrims follow Guru Nanak’s footsteps today?Through organised Sikh pilgrimages, visiting key Gurdwaras across India, Pakistan, and beyond, or by exploring regional sites tied to his Udasis.Q7. Why are Guru Nanak’s travels significant today?They reflect timeless lessons of interfaith harmony, social justice, and spiritual awakening, relevant across cultures and religions.Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024: Taking A Step Closer To God In Amritsar

From The Latest Issue: Exploring Guru Nanak’s Spiritual Journeys

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