Table of Contents For 'Nankana Sahib & Sikh Shrines In Pakistan' Ranjodh Singh 

Introduction To Book 'Nankana Sahib & Sikh Shrines In Pakistan' Ranjodh Singh

Like the progress of a pilgrim, this book as a spiritual odyssey reveals the religio-historic shrines in Pakistan which have been associated with the Sikh Gurus.  Over the years, these gurdwaras have gained temporal significance and spatial dignity. Due to the partition in 1947, the Sikhs lost many sacred places of religious  importance on the other side of the border. Anyone who desires to visit shrines has to cross many hurdles, particularly that of obtaining visa. So only on certain occasions the devotees can visit these places of religious importance and that too for a short period. This book  provides a glimpse of almost all the gurdwaras in Pakistan and that too for all the times to come.

Luckily the narrator in this book got the chance of visiting Nankana Sahib, along with an official delegation, in the first ever direct bus from Amritsar to Nankana Sahib. It being an historic event, the bus was flagged off by the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Friday, the 24th of March, 2006. The journey started after paying obeisance to Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar in the early hours of dawn. The bus journey was an exhilarating experience as the pilgrims were brimming over with joy, devotion and enthusiasm. Once at Nankana Sahib, the devotees got an opportunity to visit all the gurdwaras associated with the birth, childhood and boyhood of Guru Nanak.

The rare opportunity of visiting, holy  places in Pakistan illumined, with divine effulgence, the minds of the devotees and provided a fillip to their hearts to look forward to such occasion in the future also. 

Guru Nanak (1469-1539 AD), the founder of the Sikh faith, was born on 15th April, 1469 AD at Rai Bhoe ki Talwandi, Distt. Sheikhupura, now in Pakistan. Pilgrims were deprived of free access to his birthplace, Sri Nankana Sahib, due to the creation of Pakistan, a country formed in the aftermath of the partition of India in 1947. When the British left the Indian soil to set India free as a Democratic Republic, they divided into two countries. Though innumerable lives and immeasurable property was lost in the aftermath of the partition in 1947 when people migrated on the basis of religion, our biggest loss has been free access to 'Sri Nankana Sahib' -- the holiest of holy shrines for Sikhs worldwide.

After years of limited access and border controls, we saw a light of cheer and happiness when the 'first ever' direct bus service was started on 22 March, 2006. Being a member of the group travelling from India to Pakistan, I penned down my memoirs and clicked several pictures to record my first hand experience of this unique pilgrimage. The outcome is this illustrated book about the history of Sri Nankana Sahib and Sikh shrines in Pakistan.

My earlier work published last year, 'Japuji Sahib-Prayer of the Soul -- a photographic rendering of Guru Nanak's celestial poem with Punjabi and English translations has been well received and duly recognized as a pioneering work of art and literature. It promised me to pursue my dream project, 'The Spiritual Odyssey- Sri Nankana Sahib and Sikh Shrines in Pakistan.'

By His Grace, this monumental work has been accomplished. It is a maiden effort to illustrate history, art and culture of Sikh Shrines of Western Punjab, with text in English, Punjabi & Hindi. Being a first of its kind book. I duly recognize my shortcomings, knowing well that I am only an amateur writer with a keen interest in photography. I hope to give a comprehensive illustration of the Gurdwaras to the interested reader, and this daunting task has been made possible by His Blessings.

To err is human, To forgive divine

Ranjodh Singh

About The Author of 'Nankana Sahib & Sikh Shrines In Pakistan

Ranjodh Singh wasborn on 3 June, 1965 in Ludhiana, India and had his schooling at Mussoorie and later in Ludhiana. In due course of time, he received his degree in arts, along with Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently involved in multifaceted activities, such as Managing Director, GST Group comprising GS Radiators Ltd. , GS Engitech Pvt.Ltd. & GS DistributionInc., President of Ramgarhia Educational Council (Regd.) Ludhiana and President of Punjab Lalit Kala Academy, Chandigarh. His keen interest in photography and visual arts has enable him to produce his earlier work 'Desk book of Vision & Wisdom', wherein the visuals merge with philosophical thoughts throughout the calendar year with10 major photo-exhibitions to his credit over the last decade, under Drishtikon banner, he has moved forward with his major visual book, 'Japuji Sahib-Prayer of the Soul' - a magnum opus, which conveys the meaning of Guru Nanak's Japuji in fluid and simplified words and attractive visuals in English and Punjabi. 

From The Back Cover of 'Nankana Sahib & Sikh Shrines In Pakistan' By Ranjodh Singh

The Spiritual Odyssey - Nankana Sahib and Sikh Shrines in Pakistan

is a first coffee table book on the birth place of Guru Nanak - Nankana Sahib and covers the pictorial history of foremost Sikh Shrines in Pakistan. It is a maiden effort to illustrate history, art and culture of the Sikh Shrines with text in English, Punjabi & Hindi duly enlivened with stunning photographs & paintings.