# Gurdwara Bari Sangat Burhanpur - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Bari Sangat Burhanpur, MP – sacred shrine of Guru Gobind Singh with a rare handwritten Guru Granth Sahib. Timings, history & visitor guide. # Gurdwara Bari Sangat Burhanpur Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Bari Sangat (also known as Gurdwara Badi Sangat Sahib or Gurdwara Sri Badi Sangat Sahib Patshahi 10) is a historically significant Sikh shrine located in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. Situated approximately two furlongs northwest of the old walled city and about 5 kilometres from Burhanpur Railway Station, this sacred institution stands as one of the most revered Sikh pilgrimage sites in central India. Built on a sprawling complex of 16 acres, the gurdwara marks the site where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final human Guru of the Sikhs, halted during his southward journey to Nanded in 1708. Burhanpur, located along the ancient trade and pilgrimage routes connecting northern and southern India, has been a centre of Sikh religious activity for over four centuries. The gurdwara draws pilgrims, historians, and tourists from across India and beyond, united by the exceptional significance of this site in Sikh history. Among the most celebrated possessions of Gurdwara Bari Sangat is an ancient hand-written copy of the Guru Granth Sahib—the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs—whose pages are adorned with intricate multicoloured borders in gold, red, green, and blue. This priceless manuscript is said to bear an inscription made by Guru Gobind Singh himself, making it one of the most extraordinary Sikh relics preserved outside of Punjab. Devotees travel long distances to pay their respects to both the Guru Granth Sahib enshrined in the gurdwara's sanctum and to this extraordinary historical manuscript. The gurdwara is not merely a house of worship but a living monument to the spiritual journey of the Sikh Gurus through central India. Burhanpur's association with Sikhism predates even Guru Gobind Singh's visit; Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is believed to have visited the city during his extensive missionary travels, and references in the writings of the scholar Bhai Gurdas confirm the existence of a Sikh Sangat (congregation) in Burhanpur as early as the early seventeenth century. Today, the gurdwara welcomes visitors of all faiths, offering the timeless Sikh tradition of hospitality through its langar (community kitchen), which provides free meals to all who enter. The institution serves as a spiritual anchor for the local Sikh community and the broader Burhanpur population, hosting major Sikh festivals including Guru Nanak Gurpurab and Baisakhi with great devotion and ceremony. Gurdwara Bari Sangat stands as a testament to the deep historical roots of Sikhism in peninsular India and continues to be a place of profound spiritual significance, historical inquiry, and communal harmony in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. ## Significance Gurdwara Bari Sangat holds a place of exceptional religious and cultural significance in Sikhism, particularly among Sikh communities of central and southern India. The gurdwara is formally designated Patshahi 10—meaning it is associated with the tenth Patshah (Sovereign/Guru), Guru Gobind Singh—a designation that places it among the most sacred tier of Sikh historical shrines. The preservation of a handwritten Bir of the Guru Granth Sahib, bearing what is believed to be Guru Gobind Singh's own inscription and seal, elevates Gurdwara Bari Sangat to the status of a unique custodian of Sikh heritage. The Guru Granth Sahib is not merely a scripture for Sikhs but the eternal, living Guru; a copy personally associated with Guru Gobind Singh is therefore of incalculable spiritual value. Each page of this manuscript is adorned with beautifully drawn borders in gold, red, green, and blue—a testament to the artistry and devotion of its creators. The gurdwara also holds significance as a marker of the historical journey of Sikhism beyond Punjab. Burhanpur represents an important waypoint on Guru Gobind Singh's final journey to Nanded, where he breathed his last and established Takht Sri Hazur Sahib. For Sikh pilgrims traveling the circuit of southern sacred sites, Gurdwara Bari Sangat is a cherished and obligatory stop. The connection to Mata Sundri's lineage through Hathi Singh adds yet another dimension—the gurdwara complex shelters tombs of figures directly connected to the household of the Gurus. The gurdwara also serves as a vital community institution for Burhanpur's Sikh population, fostering interfaith harmony in a historically diverse city, and its langar continues to serve all regardless of faith, caste, or background. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Rajghat Sangat Pehli Patshahi Burhanpur India 2.2 km away Generally open from early morning (appro... Gurdwara Rajghat Sangat Pehli Patshahi stands on the sacred banks of the Tapti River in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, as one of the most historically evocative Sikh shrines in central India. Known formally as Gurdwara Sri Raj Ghat Sangat Guru Nanak Sahib, the name itself encodes its reverence: 'Pehli Patshahi' meaning 'First Sovereignty,' a title of devotion reserved for Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith. This gurdwara commemorates the sacred visit of Guru Nanak to Burhanpur in approximately 1511–12 CE, when he rested at this riverside ghat during his southward spiritual journey toward Omkareshwar on the Narmada River. Burhanpur, an ancient walled city on the northern bank of the Tapti, served as a crucial cultural and trade crossroads during the Mughal era, and it is in this richly layered historical setting that the Sikh faith first took root in this part of the Deccan. The gurdwara sits at the Rajghat, the riverside embankment where Guru Nanak is traditionally believed to have paused, offered prayers, and engaged with the local community—sowing the seeds of a Sangat (congregation) that would flourish over subsequent centuries. Situated approximately four kilometres from Burhanpur Railway Station on the Delhi-Mumbai railway line, the gurdwara is accessible to both pilgrims and heritage tourists exploring the city's multi-religious legacy. The shrine is one of three historic Sikh gurdwaras in Burhanpur, the others being Gurdwara Badi Sangat Sahib (associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji) and Gurdwara Charan Kamal Sahib. Together, these sites make Burhanpur an important Sikh pilgrimage circuit in Madhya Pradesh. The atmosphere at the Rajghat gurdwara is one of quiet, contemplative devotion. Managed by a resident Nihang Singh—a member of the traditional Sikh warrior-saint order—the gurdwara maintains an intimate, spiritual character distinct from larger, more ornate Sikh shrines. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal Sikh scripture, is reverently installed here, and visitors are welcomed to participate in kirtan (devotional singing) and ardas (communal prayer). The sound of the Tapti flowing nearby lends the site a meditative calm that pilgrims describe as uniquely moving. The gurdwara draws Sikh pilgrims from across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and beyond, particularly on Gurpurab celebrations marking Guru Nanak's birth anniversary. Heritage travelers visiting Burhanpur for its Mughal monuments—including the Shahi Qila and Jama Masjid—also find the Rajghat Sangat a compelling testament to the city's pluralistic spiritual history. Historical ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Bari Sangat stretches back approximately 450 years, making it one of the oldest Sikh institutions in central India. The city of Burhanpur itself has ancient roots as a gateway between northern and southern India, and it was this strategic location that brought successive Sikh Gurus and their followers to the region. The earliest chapter in the gurdwara's history is associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539), the founder of Sikhism, who is traditionally believed to have visited Burhanpur during his extensive udasis (spiritual journeys) across the Indian subcontinent. Guru Nanak's presence in the region laid the seeds of a flourishing Sikh Sangat in Burhanpur. Writings of the revered Sikh scholar Bhai Gurdas in his Vars confirm the existence of an active Sikh congregation in Burhanpur in the early seventeenth century—a remarkable testimony to the enduring Sikh presence in the Deccan region. The most historically documented episode in the gurdwara's history is the visit of Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708), the tenth and final human Guru of the Sikhs. In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh was accompanying Emperor Bahadur Shah on his southward campaign, traveling via Agra, Chittorgarh, and Ujjain. The Guru stayed in Burhanpur during May and June of 1708, before proceeding to Nanded in Maharashtra, where he would spend his final days. During his stay at what is now Gurdwara Bari Sangat, Guru Gobind Singh is said to have inscribed the precious handwritten Bir (copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib that is now preserved in the gurdwara—a relic believed to be the only copy signed personally by the Guru. In the eighteenth century, the site gained further historical prominence when Hathi Singh—son of Ajit Singh, who was himself the adopted son of Mata Sundri, the widow of Guru Gobind Singh—made his permanent home at Burhanpur. The tombs of Hathi Singh and his spouse are located within the gurdwara complex, adding another layer of historical depth to this sacred site. The gurdwara complex as it stands today, covering 16 acres and constructed in white marble, reflects renovations and expansions undertaken over the centuries by the Sikh community. The spiritual legacy of the site continues unbroken from the time of the Gurus, and the gurdwara remains one of the most important historical Sikh shrines in central and southern India. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall A spacious, high-ceilinged rectangular hall built in white marble, with a gallery at mid-height on three sides. The Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined on an ornate marble canopied seat (palki) at the centre, forming the sacred heart of the gurdwara. Two floors of square rooms rise above the sanctum, crowned by a domed pavilion. ### Precious Handwritten Bir Chamber museum A dedicated area within the gurdwara complex that houses and displays the ancient handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, whose pages are adorned with multicoloured borders in gold, red, green, and blue. This manuscript, believed to bear an inscription by Guru Gobind Singh himself, is one of the most revered relics in the gurdwara. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where free meals (langar) are served to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background—a defining tradition of Sikh hospitality. The langar hall operates daily and is expanded significantly during major festivals and gurpurabs. ### Tombs of Hathi Singh and Spouse museum Located within the gurdwara complex, these tombs commemorate Hathi Singh—son of Ajit Singh, the adopted son of Mata Sundri (widow of Guru Gobind Singh)—who made his permanent home at Burhanpur in the eighteenth century. The tombs add a direct historical connection to the household of the Sikh Gurus. ### Nishan Sahib tower The tall saffron-coloured flagpole bearing the Khanda (Sikh emblem), which is visible from considerable distances and serves as the prominent landmark of Gurdwara Bari Sangat. The Nishan Sahib symbolises the presence of the Sikh faith and guides pilgrims and visitors towards the gurdwara. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required (scarves or cloth provided at entrance); shoes must be removed before entering; modest and respectful clothing expected ### Photography Photography is not permitted inside the sanctum hall; outdoor photography may be allowed in general grounds ### Etiquette Wash hands and feet before entering; bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entry; maintain silence and reverence in the darbar hall; no photography inside the sanctum; alcohol and tobacco strictly prohibited on the premises ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Serves hundreds of devotees and visitors daily; capacity significantly expanded during major religious observances Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Bari Sangat is an impressive complex extending over 16 acres in Burhanpur. The main darbar hall is a spacious, high-ceilinged rectangular structure built in white marble, with a gallery running at mid-height along three of its four interior walls, creating a sense of grandeur and devotional space. The sanctum at the centre of the hall houses the Guru Granth Sahib on an ornate marble canopied seat (palki), which forms the devotional focal point of the complex. Above the sanctum, the structure rises through two floors of square rooms to culminate in a domed pavilion at its crown—a design characteristic of Sikh sacred architecture blending elements of Mughal and Punjabi styles. The prominent Nishan Sahib, a tall saffron-coloured flagpole bearing the Sikh emblem (Khanda), is visible from considerable distances and serves as a landmark for the gurdwara. Within the complex, three interior walls display and preserve the celebrated handwritten manuscripts of the Guru Granth Sahib. The entire complex also includes the tombs of Hathi Singh and his spouse, a langar hall serving community meals, and extensive open grounds that accommodate large congregations during festivals and gurpurabs. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall A spacious, high-ceilinged rectangular hall built in white marble, with a gallery at mid-height on three sides. The Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined on an ornate marble canopied seat (palki) at the centre, forming the sacred heart of the gurdwara. Two floors of square rooms rise above the sanctum, crowned by a domed pavilion. ### Precious Handwritten Bir Chamber museum A dedicated area within the gurdwara complex that houses and displays the ancient handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, whose pages are adorned with multicoloured borders in gold, red, green, and blue. This manuscript, believed to bear an inscription by Guru Gobind Singh himself, is one of the most revered relics in the gurdwara. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where free meals (langar) are served to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background—a defining tradition of Sikh hospitality. The langar hall operates daily and is expanded significantly during major festivals and gurpurabs. ### Tombs of Hathi Singh and Spouse museum Located within the gurdwara complex, these tombs commemorate Hathi Singh—son of Ajit Singh, the adopted son of Mata Sundri (widow of Guru Gobind Singh)—who made his permanent home at Burhanpur in the eighteenth century. The tombs add a direct historical connection to the household of the Sikh Gurus. ### Nishan Sahib tower The tall saffron-coloured flagpole bearing the Khanda (Sikh emblem), which is visible from considerable distances and serves as the prominent landmark of Gurdwara Bari Sangat. The Nishan Sahib symbolises the presence of the Sikh faith and guides pilgrims and visitors towards the gurdwara. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru who stayed at this very site in 1708, is observed with great reverence. Special akhand path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, and large-scale langar are organised. Devotees from across Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring states gather for this celebration. #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism who is believed to have visited Burhanpur, is celebrated with prabhat pheris (early morning processions), kirtan programmes, and langar. It is one of the most widely attended events at the gurdwara. ### festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi, celebrated on 13 or 14 April, marks both the harvest festival and the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Special prayers, kirtan, and community gatherings are held at the gurdwara, and the occasion carries particular significance given the gurdwara's deep association with Guru Gobind Singh. #### Hola Mohalla Hola Mohalla, established by Guru Gobind Singh as a Sikh version of Holi, is observed at the gurdwara with special prayers and community activities. The festival celebrates Sikh martial traditions and community spirit. ### historical #### Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Days) Days commemorating the martyrdom of the Sikh Gurus and Sikh martyrs are observed with special ardas (prayers) and kirtan at the gurdwara, reinforcing the site's deep connection to Guru Gobind Singh's legacy and the sacrifices of the Sikh faith. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Bari Sangat Burhanpur is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry to the gurdwara is free for all visitors. During major Sikh festivals such as Guru Nanak Gurpurab and Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab, the gurdwara may extend its hours and observe special programmes throughout the day and night. Photography is not permitted inside the sanctum hall of Gurdwara Bari Sangat, in keeping with the sanctity of the darbar. Visitors are requested to maintain reverence and refrain from using cameras or mobile phones for photography within the prayer hall. Photography may be permissible in the outer grounds of the complex. All visitors must cover their heads before entering the gurdwara. Scarves or pieces of cloth are usually available at the entrance for those who do not carry their own. Shoes must be removed at the entrance. Modest and respectful clothing is expected; sleeveless attire or shorts may be considered inappropriate. Alcohol and tobacco must not be consumed on the premises. The major festivals celebrated at Gurdwara Bari Sangat include Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab (birth anniversary of the tenth Guru, observed in January), Guru Nanak Gurpurab (birth anniversary of the first Guru, observed in November), Baisakhi (April), and Hola Mohalla. These occasions are marked by special prayers, kirtan (devotional singing), and large-scale langar (community meals). ### history Gurdwara Bari Sangat Burhanpur is approximately 450 years old and is associated with two Sikh Gurus. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is traditionally believed to have visited Burhanpur. The gurdwara is most celebrated for the stay of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, who halted here in May–June 1708 while traveling with Emperor Bahadur Shah to Nanded. A handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib bearing an inscription believed to be made by Guru Gobind Singh is preserved here. The most treasured relic at Gurdwara Bari Sangat is an ancient handwritten copy (Bir) of the Guru Granth Sahib. Its pages are adorned with beautifully drawn multicoloured borders in gold, red, green, and blue. This manuscript is believed to bear an inscription and seal of Guru Gobind Singh himself, making it one of the rarest and most sacred Sikh artefacts outside of Punjab. ### transport Gurdwara Bari Sangat is located approximately 5 km from Burhanpur Railway Station. Burhanpur lies on the Mumbai–Delhi central railway route, making it well-connected by train. The nearest airport is Indore (approximately 190 km away). By road, Burhanpur is about 190 km from Indore, 290 km from Bhopal, and 262 km from Nagpur. Local auto-rickshaws are available from the railway station to the gurdwara. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Bari Sangat Burhanpur Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. 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