Gurdwara Nanak Piao is situated on G.T. Road in Subzi Mandi (vegetable market) area in North Dilli. This Gurudwara stands in the memory of first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. During the time when Sultan Sikhander Shah Lodhi was at the authority Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Dilli in 1505 and stayed in a garden where he delivered sermons to the locals and sang his baani (kirtan) accompanied by Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana. Very soon a large number of people started to often visits him and the very garden where he was staying soon became a place of pilgrimage.
People would bring gifts for Guru Ji which he distributed among the poor. Besides this, He used to offer food and water to the hungry and thirsty, hence the name of the shrine. The word “Piao” mean to “offer liquid to drink” and refers to the offering of water to all the thirsty who visited this shrine. Even today, the water well used by the Guru Ji is preserved and one can still see the well from which Guru Ji served water at the shrine.
According to an interesting legend, during Guru Nanak’s visit to Dilli, Sikander Lodhi came to know that he had revived a dead elephant and won the admiration of both Hindu and Muslim devotees. Thus, he sent a call to him to revive one of his dead royal elephants, but Guru Ji refused to do so. The haughty ruler imprisoned him. While in prison, Guru Nanak’s kindness and virtuosity won the hearts of the prison officials. During the same time, a great earthquake shook the capital on July 3, 1505 and people thought that it was due to the curse of Guru Nanak, who was imprisoned. Thus, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was released.
The Gurudwara Nanak Piao has several ceremonies and religious rituals that people take part in. Holy offerings and the prayer sessions are conducted on auspicious days and generally takes place during the mornings and evening time. The Gurudwara Nanak Piao also observes the death anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. On this day a number of devotees visit to offer their homage to the devine Guru Ji.
As one enters the Gurudwara the impressive gate with a Mughal style and pattern immediately seeks attention and hardly ever fails to impress everyone. The place has been elevated on a four to five feet high platform and the space designated for Parikrama too is very wide and elaborate. The interior and especially the ceiling, resemble the Sheesh Mahal. A beautifully decorated Sarovar rests behind the Gurudwara and has arched verandas at its borders. On further exploring the Gurudwara one can easily find the well from where Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to serve water to the poor and the needy people.
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