Gurdwara Ber Sahib

The Gurudwara Ber Sahib in Sultanpur Lodi city in Kapurthala district is highly significant in the lives of the Sikh community. This shrine is dedicated to Guru Nanak Sahib Ji who spent over 14 years meditating under a Ber tree (jujuba tree). It was here he had his direct communion with the divine that enlightened him and set him on the path of preaching brotherhood, resulting in laying the foundation of Sikhism some 540 years ago.

Gurudwara Ber Sahib foundation stone was laid on 25 February 1938 by Bhai Arjan Singh of Bagarian and the construction was completed on 26 January 1942. The Gurudwara was built by the side of a very old Ber tree, believed to be the same tree under which Guru Nanak Sahib Ji used to meditate.

History

Guru Nanak Ji came to Sultanpur Lodhi with his elder sister Bibi Nanaki who was married to Jai Ram in 1475. According to the Janamsakhis (recorded life accounts of Guru Ji), Guru Nanak as a child and a young adult was different from others of his age in intelligence and his understanding of religious and traditional knowledge was commendable. He was endowed with divine qualities and later on his sister Bibi Nanaki realized and encouraged him to study and travel to widen his horizon.

The Janamsākhīs tells us that it was a daily routine of the Guru to perform morning ablutions in the Kali Bein stream and then mediate under a Ber tree. He did so for 14 years, nine months and 13 days. It was during one such morning that Guru Nanak Ji entered the stream and didn't return for three days. People around thought he had drowned. But he had not, he returned three days later. The spot is now known as Sant Ghat.

On his return he said, "There is neither a Hindu nor Muslim so whose path should I follow? I shall pursue God's path. God is neither a Hindu nor a Mussulman and the path that I follow is that of God."Guru Nanak Ji said that he received a direct communion with the divine. He was also offered Amrit (nectar) in a cup and commanded to preach oneness and equality in the name of God. It was from here that Guru Nanak Ji embarked on his teaching journey known as Udasi.

Architecture and Covered Area

The Gurudwara has entrances on all its four sides as an essential part of the Sikh architecture representing oneness and Omni presence of God. The Gurudwara is built on a high plinth. The entrance is through a portico supported by octagonal shaped columns. A marble floored high ceiling small entrance gallery leads one towards the sanctum sanctorum where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a white marble throne with a canopy above it. The sanctum sanctorum’s high archway is decorated with floral designs. The Gurudwara has the Amrit (nectar) filled Sarovar, a large water lake in its compound.

Surrounding Attractions

Other historical Gurudwaras in the vicinity are Shree Guru Ka Bagh, Shree Bebe Nanki Ji, Shree Hatt Sahib, Gurudwara Shree Kothri Sahib, Shree Antaryamta, Shree Sehra Sahib and Shree Sant Ghat.

Celebrations

The biggest celebrations at Gurudwara Ber Sahib are the Sikh New Year and Guru Nanak Sahebji's birthday. Baisakhi, also known as Baisakhi is the Sikh New Year as well as the harvest festival celebrated in the second week of April, usually on the 13th or the 14th. Guru Nanak's birthday known as Gurupurab is celebrated in November on a large scale with devotees in attendance on Kartik Poornima. It is the day of the full moon in the month of Kartik. Other special days such as the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Bandi Chhorhe Diwas and birthdays of other Gurus are also celebrated with Kirtan and Langars.

Travelling to Sultanpur Lodhi

By Air

The closest airports to Sultanpur Lodhi are the Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar and the Chandigarh Airport. Amritsar Airport has numerous domestic as well as international carriers while Chandigarh Airport serves only domestic operators. Both have wide air links. From the airports one can avail buses or taxi services to reach Sultanpur Lodhi.

By Train

It is well-connected through railway station on the Jalandhar-Ferozepur Rail line of the Northern Railways as many trains pass through this station. From the station, state buses, taxis and autos can be used to reach the Gurudwara.

By Road

Sultanpur Lodhi is in close proximity to Jalandhar and Kapurthala which has a number of state and private buses plying on it.

Services

Langar where free food is served, keeping in mind the Guru’s teaching, as all are welcomed to have the food irrespective of their faith.

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