Stories
Guru Nanak Dev's Kartarpur Journey: Cremation or Burial? The Truth Behind the Flower Story
- •Guru Nanak Dev spent his final years in Kartarpur, a town he founded himself after his Udasis (religious journeys).
- •In Kartarpur, he embraced a householder's life, farmed, and established 'Sangat-Pangat' promoting equality among all.
- •He chose his successor, Lehna Singh (Guru Angad Dev Ji), in Kartarpur to carry forward his principles.
- •Upon his demise, a dispute arose between Hindu and Muslim followers regarding cremation or burial.
- •Guru Nanak Dev resolved the dispute with flowers; his body vanished, and both communities built memorials in his honor.
Key Questions Answered
Guru Nanak Dev moved to Kartarpur after completing his long religious journeys, known as Udasis, and founded the town to make it his spiritual stronghold. He chose this peaceful location to live as a householder, practice farming, and establish the systems of Sangat and Pangat.
Following his passing on September 22, 1539, a dispute arose because Hindu and Sikh devotees wanted to cremate him according to their rituals, while Muslim followers regarded him as a Pir and wanted to bury him.
Guru Nanak Dev proposed that both communities place fresh flowers on either side of his body overnight. By morning, his mortal body had vanished, leaving behind only fresh flowers and fragrance, which both sides divided equally to build a memorial and a mazar side by side.
