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[[Image:Baghdad.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Gurdwara in Baghdad]]
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After having travelled to Madina, [[Guru Nanak]] Dev ji soon arrived in Baghdad and took up a position, along with Mardana, outside the city. Guru Nanak Dev ji shouted the call to prayer, on which the whole population became wrapt in silent astonishment – the Guru omitted the usual words ''Muhammad ar Rasul Allah'', and substituted Arabic words of a similar sound to express his own ideas, hence the astonishment.  
After travelling to {{w|Madina}}, [[Guru Nanak Dev]] soon arrived in [[Baghdad]] and took up a position, along with [[Mardana]], outside of the city. Guru Nanak Dev Ji shouted the call to prayer, a gesture upon which the whole population became wrapped in silent astonishment as the Guru had omitted the usual words ''Muhammad ar Rasul Allah'', and substituted Arabic words of a similar sound to express his own ideas.  


The pir (saint) of Baghdad, Bahlol Dana on meeting face to face with the enthusiastic stranger, inquired who he was and to what sect he belonged. The Guru greeted him with his customary ‘Sat Kartar’ and replied, “I have appeared in this age to indicate the way unto men. I reject all sects, and only know one God, whom I recognise in the earth, the heavens, and in all directions.”
In [[Iraq]], it is said, "Even today there are several disciples of Guru Nanak in Iraq. These people live on the banks of the [[Tigris]] river, particularly in the cities of [[Al Kut]] and [[Baghdad]]. They are called [[Sobi]] and generally they are gold-smiths by occupation. They are experts in their trade. They keep long hair and do not cut their beards and remember the Guru by names of Baba Nanak or Baba Nana."


Upon this the Guru began to repeat the [[Japji]]. As the pir listened to his doctrines he said, “This is a very impious fakir. He is working miracles here, and informing us, contrary to the authority of our Holy Quran, that there are hundreds of nether and upper regions, and that at last men grow weary of searching for them.”
<center>'''[[Guru Nanak in Baghdad|Baghdad]]'''<br></center>


==The Guru's visit and shrine ==
[[Image:Gurunanak_shrine_baghdad_map.jpg|250px|thumb|location of shrine,  map of Baghdad|Map of Baghdad in 1931 shows the location of Guru Nanak's shrine. It is one mile to the right of the Tigris River and a mile-and-half from Baghdad Railway Station West, between two railway lines.Image rotated 90 degree form source document |left]]


*''There are nether worlds beneath nether worlds, and hundreds of thousands of heavenly worlds above.''
The shrine of Guru Nanak the founder of the [[Sikh]] faith is located in Karkh District in Sheikh Maaruf Neighbourhood. This shrine can be reached from a road that goes from Sheikh Maruf Cemetary towards 14 July Road. In the shrine, the following inscription is engraved: "Guru Nanak headed for Baghdad as a traveler, and there he took a house for himself at its gates." On the 23rd of November, 1969, his followers celebrated his 500th birthday by erecting a memorial statue at his tomb.


*''The Vedas say that you can search and search for them all, until you grow weary.''
Karkh, or Al-Karkh, is historically the name of the western half of Baghdad in Iraq, or, alternatively, the western shore of the Tigris River as it runs through Baghdad. The eastern shore is known as [[Al-Rasafa]].[1] Today, it is also a neighborhood between the international zone and the Tigris. Karkh is one of nine administrative districts in Baghdad.


*''The scriptures say that there are 18,000 worlds, but in reality, there is only One Universe.''
==Meeting Bahlol, the Pir from Baghdad==


*''If you try to write an account of this, you will surely finish yourself before you finish writing it.''
The Pir (saint) of Baghdad, [[Bahlol Dana]], on a face-to-face meeting with the enthusiastic stranger, inquired who he was and to what sect he belonged. The Guru greeted him with his customary ‘Sat Kartar’ and replied, “I have appeared in this age to indicate the way unto men. I reject all sects, and only know one God, whom I recognize in the earth, the heavens, and in all directions.”


*''O Nanak, call Him Great! He Himself knows Himself. ||22||''
Upon this the Guru began to repeat the [[Japji]]. As the pir listened to his doctrines, he said, “This is a very impious fakir. He is working miracles here, and informing us, contrary to the authority of our [[Holy Qur'an]], that there are hundreds of nether and upper regions, and that at last men grow weary of searching for them.” Guru Ji spoke:


''"There are nether worlds and more nether worlds below them and hundreds of thousands of skies above them.
The [[Veda]]s (religious texts) pronounce that people are tired of searching Gods limits and boundaries.
The saints, puranas, religious texts of Christians and Jews conclude that God is limitless.
If there is any account of God, then a lone mortal can write the same.
His account does not finish but the mortal succumbs to death,
Nanak says that only the Almighty knows his limits."''
== Pir Bahlol is impressed==
[[Image:Baghdad-from-air.gif|thumb|250px|right|<small>Possible  location of  [http://wikimapia.org/#y=33371610&x=44325848&z=18&l=23&m=a&v=2  Gurudwara in Baghdad] from the air. (image from wikimapia.org)*[http://www.panoramio.com/photo/68079666 this link shows exact location of Guru Nanak's visiting place on panoramio site with photo]  </small>]]
(This was well before [[Galileo]] looked into the night sky. In other sections of Japji Sahib, Guru Nanak speaks of infinite brahmands (universes/galaxies), planets, suns, moons, oceans, and continents. One does not have to wonder if there are earth-like planets, but that in fact there are so many planets like ours that harbor oceans and continents.)
Guru Ji speaks of limitless religious texts and saints (like the [[Buddha]]) throughout the entire expanse of the cosmos, countless languages, and earth-like regions. Yes, there is life out there and many more religions than we can imagine! (www.sikhs.org , Japji Sahib translation)''


The pir then called upon the Guru to give a manifestation of his power. Upon this, it is said, the Guru laid his hand on the high priest’s son and showed him the upper and lower regions described in the Japji.
The pir then called upon the Guru to give a manifestation of his power. Upon this, it is said, the Guru laid his hand on the high priest’s son and showed him the upper and lower regions described in the Japji.
[[Image:Baghdad-from-air.gif|thumb|250px|right|<small>Possible location of [http://wikimapia.org/#y=33371610&x=44325848&z=18&l=23&m=a&v=2 Gurdwara in Baghdad] from the air. (image from wikimapia.org) </small>]]


==Bhai Gurdas Ji's Var==
==Bhai Gurdas Ji's Var==
[[Image:Guru nanaks shrine in baghdad.jpg|250px|thumb|Guru Nanak Dev ji's Shrine, Baghdad|right]]


Bhai Gurdas Ji says the following of Guru Nanak Dev ji's visit to Baghdad:
Bhai Gurdas Ji says the following of Guru Nanak Dev ji's visit to Baghdad:
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[http://www.sikhitothemax.com/Page.asp?SourceID=B&PageNo=01&ShabadID=5575&Format=2 Read at SikhiToTheMax]
[http://www.sikhitothemax.com/Page.asp?SourceID=B&PageNo=01&ShabadID=5575&Format=2 Read at SikhiToTheMax]


''From Mecca Baba went to Baghdad and stayed outside the city.''
''From Mecca, Baba went to Baghdad and stayed outside the city.''


''Firstly, Baba himself was in the form of Timeless and secondly, he had his companion Mardana, the rebeck player.''
''Firstly, Baba himself was in the form of Timeless and secondly, he had his companion Mardana, the rebeck player.''
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''For namaz (in his own style), Baba gave call, listening to which the whole world went into absolute silence.''
''For namaz (in his own style), Baba gave call, listening to which the whole world went into absolute silence.''


''The whole city became quiet and lo! to behold it, the pir (of the town) also got wonderstruck.''
''The whole city became quiet and lo! to behold it, the Pir (of the town) also got wonder-struck.''
 
''Observing minutely he found (in the form of Baba Nanak) an exhilerated faquir.''
 
''Pir Dastegir asked him, which category of faquir you belong to and what is your parentage.''
 
''(Mardana told) He is Nanak, who has come into kaliyug, and, he recognises God and His faquirs as one.''
 
''He is known in all the directions besides earth and sky.''
 
 
Who is Pir Dastgir? The Persian word “Dastgir” literally means holder of hand but is interpreted as “one who rescues or leads by the hand.” This was the appellation applied to Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani by which his successors would not unnaturally be referred to.
 
==Guru Nanak Dev ji's Shrine in Baghdad==
 
[[Image:Gurunanak_shrine_baghdad_map.jpg|250px|thumb|location of shrine, map of Baghdad|Map of Baghdad in 1931 shows the location of Guru Nanak's shrine. It is one mile to the right of river Tigris and a mile-and-half from Baghdad Railway Station West, between two railway lines.Image rotated 90 degree form source document |left]]
 
During the Great War, when the British and Indian armies conquered Baghdad, they discovered the place where Guru Nanak had his discourse with Bahlol. It lies to the west of the town and between the old graveyard to the north and the present Baghdad-Samara railway line to the south. Dr. Kirpal Singh, then a Captain in the Indian Medical Service, also saw it during the War, and he, in his letter, dated October 15, 1918, described it as follows:
 
"It is really a humble looking building and known to very few people except Sikhs. To some Arabs it is known as well by the name of tomb of Bahlol. You enter the building by a small door, on which something is written in Arabic, not visible to a casual visitor. Even with attention it is difficult to read. I could not read it hence could not copy it. I have taken the photograph of the outside, which I shall forward to you in due course. Entering the building, you come to a brick paved passage going to your right straight into the room (with a verandah), wherein you find the tomb and the raised platform. In the courtyard there are a few trees, mostly pomegranates.
 
The room that has the tomb and the platform, has two doors, one of which is open whilst the other is barred. As you enter the room, you come face to face with the platform, which is roughly 2 to 2.5 feet high and about 3' by 4' in dimensions. It is now covered with handkerchiefs of various colors presented by Sikhs. In the center close to the wall you find a picture of Sri Guru Nanak, presented by some energetic Sikh, above which you find the slab with the writing which I reproduced in this letter for you. The name of the man in charge is Sayed Yusuf."
 
To the northwest is an old and extensive graveyard, extending from the town of Zubaida Khatum. To its east stands a magnificent edifice (118 feet by 55 feet) commemorating the famous Jewish saint, Nabiullah Usha, and to the northeast is the shrine of Sheikh Ibrahim forming a square of 27 feet. It is believed that during his stay in Baghdad Guru Nanak had a large following including the successors of Sheikh Bahlol Dana (the Wise) and those of Sheikh Muhy-ud-din Abdul Qadir Jilani.
 
A front view photograph of the shrine was taken in December 1931. On the platform where the Guru sat is a plaque in Arabic. The tomb of Bahlol is toward the west. Another tomb is in the center and the platform is 7 feet by 4 feet. In the mausoleum of Bahlol is a small rectangular garden (26 feet 5 inches by 12 feet 5 inches) in the center of the courtyard with a masonary pavement round it. There are a few tut (mulberry) and palm trees.
 
The plan of the Guru’s shrine shows that it is situated within a walled square, with the gateway in the southeast corner. It measures 54 feet and 4 inches on the east and west; 54 feet, 6 inches on the north and 56 feet, 7 inches on the south.
 
[[Image:Floor plans of baghdad shrine.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Floor plan of the shrine]]
 
The platform on which the Guru sat is in the northeast corner with a plaque on which some words were written in Arabic. The tomb of Bahlol Dana stands to the west. Another tomb is in the center and the platform is about 7 feet by 4 feet to the east with an inscribed slab in the wall to the north about 4 feet above the ground. The slab made of sandstone, measures 21 inches by 15 inches.
 
People of Baghdad depend on river Tigris for water. Wells, in and around Baghad, are brackish. It is said that the Guru’s disciples together with others who visited the takia complained to the Guru about the difficulty in procuring drinking water. Guru Nanak got a well dug in the southeast corner and it produced sweet water. Even now, it is the only well with sweet drinking water.
 
Its diameter is about 21 feet and the date of its construction is 917 Hijri as given on the plaque. The well and the compound were reinforced in 1320 A.H. (1942 AD) by Qasim Pasha, Beg-Bashi, son of Mohammad Beg.
 
The inscribed stone slab was found in 1931. It measures 21 feet 14 inches. Its inscription was slightly damaged during the collapse of the building after 1920. The text of the inscription, is:
 
''"Behold! How a wish has been fulfilled by Holy and High Providence. That the building of Baba Nanak has been newly built with the help of seven autat (great valis). That the happy murad of God (Baba Nanak) has started a fountain of grace issuing new water in the land. 917 Hijri"''
 
The date given as 917 is supported by the Abjad system. 917 Hijri is equivalent to 1511 A.D. and 1568 Sammat Bikarmi. [[http://www.rabiah.com/convert/convert.php3 To Convert Hijri to Gregorian]]
 
The mutvali in charge of the shrine told Sardar Kartar Singh Kartar that he had an old Arabic manuscript containing an account of Guru Nanak’s visit, but unfortunately it was stolen in 1920. In the same year, another stone inscription related to the Guru’s visit was found in the wall to the east of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani’s shrine near Baghdad Railway Station East. It had been seen by many, but was missing in 1926, when the wall collapsed. It is possible that similar relics may be found there. It is also quite possible that Swami Ananda Acharya saw these inscriptions.
 
A small quantity of poetry was sent by S. Kartar Singh to S.S. Khazan Singh and these contain a statement by one Rukan Din about “Nanak Fakir”. This statement, which The Sikh Review had got independently translated gives a portrayal of the Guru that is strikingly in keeping with his popular historical image. As per Professor Masoumi’s translation, the statement reads :
 
''“He acquired different sciences. In particular he acquired proficiency in Islamic lore, the interpretation of the Holy Quran, the knowledge of religious cults and Arabic and Persian literature. He made remarkable headway in these. He carried on a struggle to end oppression and repression that prevailed in different countries. He raised the banner of justice and destroyed untruth and hypocrisyl; so long as the weak did not obtain their right he stood by them and regarded the powerful who lost their head in their arrogance as dastardly. He was the best specimen of piety and hunger for travel.”''
 
The author of this statement, quite obviously knew Guru Nanak intimately. In fact a statement in Arabic, ostensibly by Guru Nanak, which was printed with its translation as part of the Oct. 1969 article indicates that Guru Nanak and Rukun Din left Baghdad for Hindustan together.
 
[[Image:Inscription on stone slab.jpg|250px|thumb|left|"Behold! How a wish has been fulfilled by Holy and High Providence. That the building of Baba Nanak has been newly built with the help of seven autat (great valis). That the happy murad of God (Baba Nanak) has started a fountain of grace issuing new water in the land. 917 Hijri (1511 AD)"]]
 
Bahlol Dana’s tomb and other buildings were in a sad state of disrepair, but in 1120 Hijri, Qazim Pasha practically rebuilt the tomb. The roof and verandah of Guru Nanak’s shrine had also collapsed.
 
On 6 August 1932, Sardar Kartar Singh Kartar, the late president of Central Sikh Committee, Baghdad wrote to S. Manjeet Singh:
 
''“Sikhs desired to rebuild [the shrine]. Once the Central Sikh Committee applied to the Auqaf Department for repair of the shrine but no reply was received. At last the Central Sikh Committee, Baghdad again sent an application to His Excellency the High Commissioner of Iraq in 1931, who, I have come to know from a very reliable source, has very kindly given sanction to carry out the repairs at the expense of the Committee.”''
 
Again on 1 February 1952, S. Kartar Singh wrote to S. Manjeet Singh:
 
''“The Sikh Committee, Baghdad was very anxious to repair Guru Nanak Dev’s shrine as early as possible, but it was not an easy job to approach the Iraqi Government for the purpose. All such buildings are under the control of Ministry of Auqaf whose sanction was absolutely necessary to carry out the necessary repairs. At last the Iraqi Government was kind enough to give the sanction during 1934 and repairs were done." ''
 
''"In addition to the repairs of the existing building a room is also added in front of the room where Bahlol Dana’s tomb exists. It is really gratifying to note that the Sikh community in Iraq has done a splendid job in repairing the shrine of their Guru who is well known among Arabs as Baba Nanak or Hindu Pir."''
 
''"I returned from Iraq early in 1932. As I was much interested in this matter, I therefore had to remind the Central Sikh Committee, Baghdad a number of times to accomplish this work as early as possible. At last in 1934 I was glad to receive the information that repairs to the Guru’s shrine in Baghdad had been completed. The Central Sikh Committee, Baghdad was kind enough to allow me to publish this news in the papers. I did this work with the greatest pleasure."''
 
==Swami Ananda Acharya's visit==
[[Image:Inscription on outside of gurastahn.jpg|thumb|right|This worn out inscription was on the outside of the gurastahn]]
 
In 1917, Macmillans published a collection of Swami Ananda Acharya's poems under the title 'Snow Birds'. In this collection there was a poem entitled: "On reading an Arabic inscription in a shrine outside the town of Baghdad, dated 912 Hejira" and is as below:
 
''Upon this simple slab of granite did thou sit, discoursing of fraternal love and holy light, O Guru Nanak, Prince among India’s holy sons.''
 
''What song from the source of Seven Waters thou didst sing to charm the soul of Iran!''
 
''What place from Himalaya’s lonely caves and forests thou didst carry to the vinegroves and rose-gardens of Baghdad?''


''What light from Badrinath’s snowy peak thou didst bear to illumine the heart of Bahlol, thy saintly Persian disciple?''
''Observing minutely he found (in the form of Baba Nanak) an exhilarated fakir.''


''Eighty-four nights Bahlol hearkened to thy words of Life and the Path and Spring Eternal, while the moon waxed and waned in the pomegranate grove beside the grassy desert of the dead.''
''Pir Dastegir asked him, which category of fakir you belong to and what is your parentage.''


''And after thou hast left him to return to thy beloved Bharat’s land, the fakir, it is said, would speak to none nor listen to the voice of man or angel;''
''(Mardana told) He is Nanak, who has come into kaliyug, and, he recognizes God and His fakirs as one.''


''His fame spread far and wide and the Shah came to pay his homage, but the holy man would take no earthly treasures nor hear the praise of kings and courtiers.''
''He is known in all the directions besides just earth and sky.''


''Thus lived he - lonely, devoted, thoughtful - sixty winters, sitting before the stone whereon thy sacred feet had rested.''


''And ere he left this house of Ignorance he wrote these words on the stone: “Here spake the Hindu Guru Nanak to Fakir Bahlol, and for these sixty winters since the Guru left Iran, the soul of Bahlol has rested on the Master’s word, like a bee poised on a dawnlit honey-rose."''
Who is [[Pir Dastgir]]? The Persian word “Dastgir” literally means holder of hand but is interpreted as “one who rescues or leads by the hand.” This was the appellation applied to [[Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani]] by which his successors would not unnaturally be referred to.


It is generally believed that Acharya visted the site before November 1914, and that we was probably led there by anecdotes from the local people.
==Guru Nanak Dev's Shrine in Baghdad==
{{coord 2|33.3361125|||N|44.3637969|||E}}
[[Image:Guru nanaks shrine in baghdad.jpg|250px|thumb|Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Shrine, Baghdad|right]]


The story Ananda Acharya relates in his poem is not found on the tablets in existence, and so it's possible that he either saw on some other tablets, or was told the story by local people according to their tradition.
{{main|Gurudwara in Baghdad}}
==PANTH RATAN GIANI SANT SINGH JI MASKEEN'S VISIT IN LATE SIXTYS==


[[Image:Maskeenjisbaghdadvisit1966.JPG|thumb|right]]
During the [[Great War]], when the British and Indian armies conquered Baghdad, they discovered the place where Guru Nanak had his discourse with Bahlol. It lies to the west of the town and between the old graveyard to the north and the present Baghdad-Samara railway line to the south. [[Dr. Kirpal Singh]], then a Captain in the [[Indian Medical Service]], also saw it during the war, and he, in his letter, dated October 15, 1918, described it as follows:
Maskeen Ji visited the place in 1966 as is described on site link placed below.Photograph of their witness to site is reproduced alongside.


== Quotes from News Items ==
"It is really a humble looking building and known to very few people except Sikhs. To some Arabs it is known as well by the name of tomb of Bahlol. You enter the building by a small door, on which something is written in Arabic, not visible to a casual visitor. Even with attention it is difficult to read. I could not read it hence could not copy it. I have taken the photograph of the outside, which I shall forward to you in due course. Entering the building, you come to a brick paved passage going to your right straight into the room (with a veranda), wherein you find the tomb and the raised platform. In the courtyard there are a few trees, mostly pomegranates.
==See also==
* [[Baghdad]]
* [[Gurudwara in Baghdad]]
* [[News about Gurudwara in Baghdad]]


In April 2003, it was reported that the Shrine in Baghdad had been damaged in the military hostilities of Iraq.
{|
|width=25%|
* [[Guru Nanak at Hassan Abdal]]
* [[Guru Nanak at Eminabad]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Baghdad]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Tibet]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Nepal]]
* [[Guru Nanak In Sri Lanka]]
* [[Guru Nanak in East India]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Mecca]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Saudi Arabia]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Pakpattan]]
|width=25%|
* [[Guru Nanak in Greece]]
* [[Guru Nanak at Gaya]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Maharashtra]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Iran]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Azerbaijan]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Uzbekistan]]
* [[Guru Nanak In Bangladesh]]
* [[Guru Nanak at Puri]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Manipur]]
|width=25%|
* [[Guru Nanak in Rome]]
* [[Guru Nanak at Medina]]
* [[Guru Nanak at Shikarpur]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Italy]]
* [[Guru Nanak In Syria]]
* [[Guru Nanak In Bhutan]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Afghanistan]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Egypt]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Uganda]]
* [[Guru Nanak in Africa]]
|}


Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh took up the matter with the US seeking details about the condition of the gurudwara. He wrote to the US Ambassador Robert Blackwill, proposing that former Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry be allowed to visit Iraq for an assessment of the situation.
Currently there are no reports as to the condition of the shrine in Baghdad.
*As reported in punjab heritage news on 25.05.2007
===Sikh Shrine destroyed 2007===
[http://www.punjabheritage.org News Source:punjabheritage.org]
Iraq is keen to rebuild a historic Sikh shrine commemorating Guru Nanak's visit to Baghdad, which had been destroyed by 'fanatics' after the invasion of the country by US-led coalition forces, a top leader said on Friday.
Iraqi National Congress chief Ahmed Chalabi, one of Iraq's prominent leaders, who drove down through the desolate streets of Baghdad to the sacred Sikh site last night under heavy military protection, said 'it has unfortunately been wiped out by fanatics because they thought it was against Islam'.
"It's shameful they cannot respect someone who has millions of followers," he said at the gurdwara site along the river Tigris.
Iraqi officials escorting Chalabi informed him about the original design of the gurdwara that was built alongside the tomb of a Muslim religious leader, which has suffered no damage.
"We will rebuild it," Chalabi said even as he admitted he did not know that a Sikh shrine had ever existed in Baghdad, which houses the Indian embassy.
The Iraqi leader, seen as close to the Bush administration, ruled out the possibility of the gurdwara being destroyed in military fire.
"It was a mortar attack by some fanatic," he said, adding he believed it would have happened after the fall of Saddam Hussein.
News reports during the Iraq war had suggested the gurdwara had suffered damage in the attack, but there has been no official confirmation until now from Iraq about its condition.
The visit to the site revealed complete destruction of the shrine.
Chalabi, who broke the lock at the gate of the shrine's compound to inspect the site, pointed out that the shrine's marble floor had been pulled out and its roof razed to the ground.
Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who accompanied him, also requested immediate rebuilding of the gurdwara.
According to Sikh history, Guru Nanak, the founder of the faith, visited Baghdad and had a discourse with Bahlol Dana, a sufi teacher.
The gurdwara commemorating the Guru's visit lies near what is now a devastated railway station in Baghdad.
"The Sikh community has contributed a lot to Iraq. They have worked here in railways, construction and a lot of other activities. We respect them and will see to it that this is rebuilt," Chalabi said.
Written by DNA India
=== Tribune 2003 ===
With thanks to Tribune: [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030725/mailbag.htm www.tribuneindia.com]
Much has been written about Guru Nanak’s Gurdwara in Baghdad. I would like to add a little more. During his third great travel (1518-1521-Tiji Udasis), Guru Nanak visited some Arabic Muslim countries along with Bhai Mardana. On his way back from Mecca, Guruji came to Baghdad via Medina, Khuram Shahr (Iran), Basra and Karbla. After Mecca, Madina and Karbla are the two other holy shrines of Muslims.
In Baghdad (1520), Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana put their camp in a graveyard, outside Baghdad town. Here Guruji had religious discourse with Pir Dasat Gir successor and Seikh Behlol and his son. Guru Nanak convinced Pir Behlol, his son and others that there are so many patals (earths) and Akashs (sky). Pir Behlol and his son were so much impressed by Guru Nanak that they became his true devotees along with others.
Swami Anadacharya also mentioned Guru Nanak’s visit to Baghdad and religious discourse with Pir Behlol long ago in his famous book “The Snow Bird” published in 1918 from London. Later, a Punjabi poet translated Swami Anadacharya’s poem in Punjabi entitled “Sil Te Betha Faquir” (a saint sitting on a big stone). Pir Behlol and his son soon started living there with Guruji. They requested Guru Nanak to stay there for some more time. Guruji and Mardana stayed at Baghdad for 4-6 months.
The Queen of Baghdad had no child. By the blessings of Guru Nanak, a son was born to the Queen and she offered a chola (robe) to Guru Nanak prepared by herself, having the hymns of Quaran on it. That chola is still lying in Gurdwara Chola Sahib at Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur district, Punjab. From Baghdad, Guruji came back to India in 1521 A.D. via Kabul, Jalalabad, Turkey; through Khyber Pass to Peshawar and Panga Sahib (Hassan Ibdal) near Rawalpindi in West Punjab.
Guru Nanak visited many other places in Arabic and South East Asian countries such as Tibet, Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand. Nobody bothered to preserve these holy places. I had a chance to visit Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand and a few Arab countries, especially those visited by Guru Nanak and Guru Teg Bahadur. All are in a bad shape. Only a few local people offer some prayers there. Even the SGPC officials may not know those places; some historic shrines have vanished. We need to take care of them to spread Guru Nanak Dev’s message of universal fatherhood or oneness of God. International brotherhood of mankind, love, peace and harmony can also be spread.
MALKIAT SINGH SAINI, Ropar
=== Guru Nanak Meets Bahlol===
from [http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Guru_Nanak/id/50430 www.experiencefestival.com]
Baghdad was, in Nanak's time, a centre of Muslim culture - it was home to pirs and sufi fakirs. Guru Nanak stayed in Baghdad for four months and interacted with the holy men there, one of whom was Bahlol.
Guru Nanak sang of the infinity of God and His infinite creation. Bahlol said that the Qur'an had mentioned seven earths and seven heavens only. Guru Nanak urged that the universe was not confined to seven earths and seven heavens but had millions and millions of planets and worlds and the Guru greeted all in the name of Sat Kartar.
==External Links==
==External Links==
* http://www.sikhism.com/gurdwara/baghdad_gurdwara.htm
* http://www.sikhism.com/gurdwara/baghdad_gurdwara.htm
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* [http://www.sacred-texts.com/skh/tsr1/tsr118.htm www.sacred-texts.com]
* [http://www.sacred-texts.com/skh/tsr1/tsr118.htm www.sacred-texts.com]
* [http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/12/12/stories/2001121200601000.htm www.hinduonnet.com]
* [http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/12/12/stories/2001121200601000.htm www.hinduonnet.com]
* [http://www.sikhreview.org/november2006/history2.htm sikhreview.org]
* [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/47702459.cms indiatimes.com]
* [http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Guru_Nanak/id/50430 experiencefestival.com]
* [https://youtu.be/gAIcpmaZHH0 united sikhs year 2021 report and service to place of Gurdwara in Baghdad]
* [https://www.google.co.in/search?q=Sikh%20shrine%20in%20Baghdad%20lives%20on%20in%20memories.%20anwar%20faruqi%20AFP&tbm=isch&client=safari&cs=1&hl=en-GB&sa=X&ved=0CAEQv7IFahcKEwjY-I_1gOT5AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBg&biw=1121&bih=1311&dpr=2#imgrc=nFM6PXlowTAfNM&imgdii=O6d9cbChUsOltM. Some historic photos of shrine by Amardeep film maker of Allegary of Travels of Guru Nanak An others]


==References==
==References==
*[http://assyriatimes.com/engine/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3074 Guru Nanak & Karkh]
*{{Book reference | Author=Macauliffe, M.A | Title=The Sikh Religion: Its Gurus Sacred Writings and Authors| Publisher=Low Price Publications | Year=1909 | ID=ISBN 8175361328}}
*{{Book reference | Author=Macauliffe, M.A | Title=The Sikh Religion: Its Gurus Sacred Writings and Authors| Publisher=Low Price Publications | Year=1909 | ID=ISBN 8175361328}}


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*{{Web reference | title=Gurdwara in Baghdad | work=New light on Guru Nanak's Visit to Baghdad (Prof.Kulraj Singh) | URL=http://www.punjabilok.com/faith/gurudwara/gurdwara_in_baghadad.htm | date=May 22 | year=2005}}
*{{Web reference | title=Gurdwara in Baghdad | work=New light on Guru Nanak's Visit to Baghdad (Prof.Kulraj Singh) | URL=http://www.punjabilok.com/faith/gurudwara/gurdwara_in_baghadad.htm | date=May 22 | year=2005}}
*{{Book reference | Author=Bhai Bala (Sandhu)| Title=Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji Janamsakhi Pages: 671-675| Publisher=CSJS- Chittar Singh Jeevan Singh | Year=2010| ID=ISBN 81-7601-000-6| Pages=671-675}}
'''* [https://sikhdigitallibrary.blogspot.com/2019/06/guru-nanak-sahib-da-arab-deshan-da.html Guru Nanak Sahib da Arab Deshan da Safarnama - Dr. Jasbir Singh Sarna]'''
{{Sakhis of Guru Nanak}}


[[category:In the times of the Gurus (1469 - 1708)]]
[[category:In the times of the Gurus (1469 - 1708)]]
[[Category:History]]

Latest revision as of 03:05, 26 August 2022

Gurdwara in Baghdad

After travelling to Madina, Guru Nanak Dev soon arrived in Baghdad and took up a position, along with Mardana, outside of the city. Guru Nanak Dev Ji shouted the call to prayer, a gesture upon which the whole population became wrapped in silent astonishment as the Guru had omitted the usual words Muhammad ar Rasul Allah, and substituted Arabic words of a similar sound to express his own ideas.

In Iraq, it is said, "Even today there are several disciples of Guru Nanak in Iraq. These people live on the banks of the Tigris river, particularly in the cities of Al Kut and Baghdad. They are called Sobi and generally they are gold-smiths by occupation. They are experts in their trade. They keep long hair and do not cut their beards and remember the Guru by names of Baba Nanak or Baba Nana."

Baghdad

The Guru's visit and shrine

Map of Baghdad in 1931 shows the location of Guru Nanak's shrine. It is one mile to the right of the Tigris River and a mile-and-half from Baghdad Railway Station West, between two railway lines.Image rotated 90 degree form source document

The shrine of Guru Nanak the founder of the Sikh faith is located in Karkh District in Sheikh Maaruf Neighbourhood. This shrine can be reached from a road that goes from Sheikh Maruf Cemetary towards 14 July Road. In the shrine, the following inscription is engraved: "Guru Nanak headed for Baghdad as a traveler, and there he took a house for himself at its gates." On the 23rd of November, 1969, his followers celebrated his 500th birthday by erecting a memorial statue at his tomb.

Karkh, or Al-Karkh, is historically the name of the western half of Baghdad in Iraq, or, alternatively, the western shore of the Tigris River as it runs through Baghdad. The eastern shore is known as Al-Rasafa.[1] Today, it is also a neighborhood between the international zone and the Tigris. Karkh is one of nine administrative districts in Baghdad.

Meeting Bahlol, the Pir from Baghdad

The Pir (saint) of Baghdad, Bahlol Dana, on a face-to-face meeting with the enthusiastic stranger, inquired who he was and to what sect he belonged. The Guru greeted him with his customary ‘Sat Kartar’ and replied, “I have appeared in this age to indicate the way unto men. I reject all sects, and only know one God, whom I recognize in the earth, the heavens, and in all directions.”

Upon this the Guru began to repeat the Japji. As the pir listened to his doctrines, he said, “This is a very impious fakir. He is working miracles here, and informing us, contrary to the authority of our Holy Qur'an, that there are hundreds of nether and upper regions, and that at last men grow weary of searching for them.” Guru Ji spoke:

"There are nether worlds and more nether worlds below them and hundreds of thousands of skies above them. The Vedas (religious texts) pronounce that people are tired of searching Gods limits and boundaries. The saints, puranas, religious texts of Christians and Jews conclude that God is limitless. If there is any account of God, then a lone mortal can write the same. His account does not finish but the mortal succumbs to death, Nanak says that only the Almighty knows his limits."

Pir Bahlol is impressed

Possible location of Gurudwara in Baghdad from the air. (image from wikimapia.org)*this link shows exact location of Guru Nanak's visiting place on panoramio site with photo

(This was well before Galileo looked into the night sky. In other sections of Japji Sahib, Guru Nanak speaks of infinite brahmands (universes/galaxies), planets, suns, moons, oceans, and continents. One does not have to wonder if there are earth-like planets, but that in fact there are so many planets like ours that harbor oceans and continents.)

Guru Ji speaks of limitless religious texts and saints (like the Buddha) throughout the entire expanse of the cosmos, countless languages, and earth-like regions. Yes, there is life out there and many more religions than we can imagine! (www.sikhs.org , Japji Sahib translation)

The pir then called upon the Guru to give a manifestation of his power. Upon this, it is said, the Guru laid his hand on the high priest’s son and showed him the upper and lower regions described in the Japji.

Bhai Gurdas Ji's Var

Bhai Gurdas Ji says the following of Guru Nanak Dev ji's visit to Baghdad:

Read at SikhiToTheMax

From Mecca, Baba went to Baghdad and stayed outside the city.

Firstly, Baba himself was in the form of Timeless and secondly, he had his companion Mardana, the rebeck player.

For namaz (in his own style), Baba gave call, listening to which the whole world went into absolute silence.

The whole city became quiet and lo! to behold it, the Pir (of the town) also got wonder-struck.

Observing minutely he found (in the form of Baba Nanak) an exhilarated fakir.

Pir Dastegir asked him, which category of fakir you belong to and what is your parentage.

(Mardana told) He is Nanak, who has come into kaliyug, and, he recognizes God and His fakirs as one.

He is known in all the directions besides just earth and sky.


Who is Pir Dastgir? The Persian word “Dastgir” literally means holder of hand but is interpreted as “one who rescues or leads by the hand.” This was the appellation applied to Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani by which his successors would not unnaturally be referred to.

Guru Nanak Dev's Shrine in Baghdad

(33.3361125°N44.3637969°E)

Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Shrine, Baghdad
Main article: Gurudwara in Baghdad

During the Great War, when the British and Indian armies conquered Baghdad, they discovered the place where Guru Nanak had his discourse with Bahlol. It lies to the west of the town and between the old graveyard to the north and the present Baghdad-Samara railway line to the south. Dr. Kirpal Singh, then a Captain in the Indian Medical Service, also saw it during the war, and he, in his letter, dated October 15, 1918, described it as follows:

"It is really a humble looking building and known to very few people except Sikhs. To some Arabs it is known as well by the name of tomb of Bahlol. You enter the building by a small door, on which something is written in Arabic, not visible to a casual visitor. Even with attention it is difficult to read. I could not read it hence could not copy it. I have taken the photograph of the outside, which I shall forward to you in due course. Entering the building, you come to a brick paved passage going to your right straight into the room (with a veranda), wherein you find the tomb and the raised platform. In the courtyard there are a few trees, mostly pomegranates.

See also

External Links

References

  • Macauliffe, M.A (1909). The Sikh Religion: Its Gurus Sacred Writings and Authors. Low Price Publications. ISBN 8175361328.
  • Singh, Manjeet (Oct-Nov 1969). "Past and Present and Guru Nanak's Visit to Baghdad". The Sikh Review ': .
  • Bhai Bala (Sandhu) (2010). Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji Janamsakhi Pages: 671-675. CSJS- Chittar Singh Jeevan Singh. ISBN 81-7601-000-6.

* Guru Nanak Sahib da Arab Deshan da Safarnama - Dr. Jasbir Singh Sarna

Sakhis of Guru Nanak
Bhai Lalo's honesty Darshan The Guru always blesses all Durga worshipper from Khadur Sahib
Dukh Sukh Duni Chand Establishment of Kartarpur Nanak in Sikkim,Ladakh & Tibet
First Udasi Second Udasi Third Udasi The Udasis of Guru Nanak
Fourth Udasi Fifth Udasi Guru Ji's Sickness Guru Nanak and the Vaishno ascetic
Guru Nanak Grazing Buffaloes Guru Nanak and Duni Chand Guru Nanak and Moola Sacha Souda
Guru Nanak and the Sacred Thread Guru Nanak and two students Guru Nanak at Hassan Abdal Sajan the Robber
Guru Nanak at School Guru Nanak at Shikarpur Guru Nanak in Baghdad The Birth of the Guru
Guru Nanak in Mecca Guru Nanak in Nepal Mian Mitha The Two Villages
Guru Nanak in Tibet Guru Nanak in Tibet Quotes Guru Nanak's history Guru Nanak & The Doctor
Iron Clad Soldiers One God for the rich and... Janam Sakhis There is no Hindu and no Musalman
Janamsakhis Kauda the cannibal Mardana and the ants Three Days in the River
Mardana and the stone Mardana gives away clothes and food Watering the Crops Village of Children
Guru Nanak and the Brahman Guru Nanak and the Pandit Guru Nanak and the Millionaire Guru Nanak and Sheikh Brahm
Guru Nanak & the dried up river Bhai Bhoomiya Bhai Mardana Ji And Charity Bhai Sayt And Guru Nanak Dev
Daulat Khan Sakhis of Guru Nanak Stories of Guru Nanak Sakhis
Baba Wali Kandhari Durga worshipper from Khadur Sahib Guru Nanak In Syria Guru Nanak in Turkey
Hamza Gaus Heals the Physician How many Sikhs did Guru Nanak have? Raja Shivnabh And Guru Nanak Dev
Sheikh Brahm Mata Sulakhni
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