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It is said that the first gurdwara ever built was constructed on this site in 1600 CE, in the 19th century under the rule of Ranjit Singh. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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Gurdwara Janam Asthan was built around the site where followers of Sikhism believe the first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak, was born. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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Aa colorful guest house designed with the aesthetics of the gurdwara in mind. Guests are always welcome to come and stay free of charge at the gurdwara. Through their numerous lodgings and daily langar, the gurdwara is a steadfast part of community building and relations. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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The gurdwara is itself a marvel of construction. Marble and slate work is decorated with mosaics, including this one depicting an elephant and two lions on the entry path separating the entrance and the floor of the gurdwara. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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Shoes are left behind and all people entering must walk through a path of water to wash their feet before stepping on to the grounds where worship takes place. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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The gurdwara is constructed as a massive courtyard and the center is the main place of worship. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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Details along the walls of the gurdwara entrance, including the Khanda emblem, a symbol of the Sikh faith. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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The Holy Book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is housed within the center building of the courtyard. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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The entrance into the room where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is kept. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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Home of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. As with other religions and traditions, women and men must cover their heads when entering a gurdwara to show respect. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is fanned by the Chaur Sahib, a feathered fan often decorated in jewels. The fanning is a sign of respect for the holy book, which is held dear to all Sikhs. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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Columns and arches known as “arcades” within the building which houses the book. Worshippers sit throughout the building and it is common for numbers to be so many that worshippers sit outside in the courtyard as well. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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A monument honoring the 1921 massacre in Nankana Sahib which led to the death of 86 Sikhs. A confrontation between those running the gurdwara and an opposing party led to the bloodshed. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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One of seven gurdwaras in the Nankana Sahib district. Gurdwaras, as in many Sikh communities around the world, play the role of not only a house of worship but a place to congregate with one's neighbors and community and play a role in both religious and education studies. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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A view of the courtyard from the center Mandap. On this day a wedding took place from the surrounding Sikh community where attendees sat under the Mandap and out on carpets to enjoy the ceremony. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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A manager for the gurdwara opens the door to the room for Guru Nanak. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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A room is kept on premises in honor and respect for the religion's first guru, Guru Nanak. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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A list of Pakistan’s gurdwaras, all stunning in stature and structure, is on a wall connecting the guru’s room to the other residences present on the site. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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Wedding guest attendees talking in the courtyard after the ceremony. Nankana Sahib has a population of about 70,000 people, with a large minority being Sikhs. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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Through the arches, the saravor at Gurdwara Janam Asthan. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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Saravor, which is the punjabi term for pool, is an iconic part of many gurdwaras worldwide. The pool, which is used for bathing and purifying, is kept sparkling with worshippers removing water with buckets. The sight, when catching the sun, leads to glittering waters. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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Archways decorated in gold paint over checkered floors surround the saravor. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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Gurdwara Janam Asthan. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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The sites langar hall. Langar is a free meal given out at all gurdwaras. Always vegetarian to respect all dietary restrictions, the meal is open to people of all faiths who may need one. Traditionally volunteers cook massive quantities of meals that can be served all day long. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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A 15-minute drive away from the gurdwara sits Nankana Sahib resort, a quaint and colorful privately owned space that has been refurbished and become open to the public. The land, which includes grain crops, flora and assorted fruit, also includes impressive banana trees like this one. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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The resort has become a popular attraction for locals and tourists. Another Sikh wedding from the area had the bride and groom come to the resort for bridal photos along the canal and among the flowers. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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The canal winding around the resort. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
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From blue to orange to yellow, different species of flowers are being encouraged to take residence around the region to bring about more tourism. A family enjoys a ride around the resort's canal. (AN photo by Sabah Bano Malik)
