# Gurdwara Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust, Domegaon, Maharashtra — home to a rare 1844 handwritten Guru Granth Sahib. Timings, history & visitor guide. # Gurdwara Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust is a historically significant Sikh place of worship situated in the village of Domegaon (also known as Domegaon-Kamalpur) in the Shrirampur Tehsil of Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra, India. Positioned on the tranquil banks of the sacred Godavari River — approximately 80 kilometres from Ahmednagar, 22 kilometres from Shrirampur, and 7 kilometres from Hokar on the Shrirampur-Aurangabad road — this community gurdwara occupies a place of deep spiritual importance in the religious landscape of western Maharashtra. The gurdwara takes its name from a revered Udasi Sikh saint known as Birdh Baba, meaning the 'respectable elder,' who is traditionally said to have arrived in this region around 1844 AD bearing a rare hand-written manuscript of the Guru Granth Sahib — the eternal living scripture of Sikhism. Over the subsequent century and a half, the manuscript and the saint's memory became the spiritual foundation around which a remarkable interfaith community grew. What distinguishes Gurdwara Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust from many gurdwaras across India is this singular legacy: the preserved, centuries-old handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, comprising 1,006 pages in meticulous Gurmukhi script, which the local Domegaon community has come to revere as their 'Dev' — a presiding divine presence — regardless of religious background. The gurdwara is managed by the Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust, a local administrative body dedicated to maintaining the sanctity of the site, organizing religious observances, and ensuring the welfare of all visitors. The Sikh congregation (sangat) from Shrirampur and surrounding towns regularly visits the gurdwara on Pooranmashi (the full moon night each month), and the annual Akhand Paath — the uninterrupted, continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib — is held on Guru Nanak Jayanti, drawing devotees from across Maharashtra. One of the most compelling aspects of the gurdwara is its position within an extraordinary landscape of interfaith coexistence. In close proximity to the gurdwara stand a Krishna temple, a mosque, a Buddhist Gompa, and a Hanuman temple, all within the same village complex. This harmonious co-existence embodies the Sikh teaching of Sarbat da Bhala — the well-being and welfare of all humanity — and has made Domegaon a quiet but remarkable example of India's syncretic spiritual traditions. The gurdwara is roughly equidistant — approximately 100 kilometres — from the major cities of Nashik, Aurangabad, and Manmad, and is accessible via the Shrirampur-Aurangabad road. Its rural setting offers pilgrims a deeply personal spiritual experience rooted in centuries of local devotion. ## Significance Gurdwara Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust holds a layered religious and cultural significance that is both Sikh and broadly spiritual. Central to its sanctity is the preservation of a hand-written Guru Granth Sahib manuscript dating to 1844 AD — believed to be one of the oldest known handwritten copies of the Sikh holy scripture in Maharashtra. For Sikh pilgrims visiting from across India, the gurdwara represents a tangible link to the Udasi missionary tradition that spread Sikhism across the subcontinent in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, carrying the Guru's teachings into every corner of India. For the local non-Sikh community of Domegaon, the gurdwara and its sacred manuscript occupy an extraordinary position of reverence. The Guru Granth Sahib enshrined here is venerated as 'Dev' — a presiding divine presence — by villagers who, though unable to read Gurmukhi, have maintained an unbroken tradition of devotion for over 165 years. This cross-community veneration is a powerful testament to the universal spiritual appeal of the Guru Granth Sahib's message, which transcends linguistic and religious boundaries. The gurdwara is emblematic of the interfaith harmony that defines Domegaon: a Krishna temple, a mosque, a Buddhist Gompa, and a Hanuman temple stand in close proximity, and local residents have historically participated collectively in each community's observances. Academically, the site has attracted scholarly attention through the research of Dr. Dalvinder Singh Grewal, who documented its traditions and the significance of the 1844 manuscript. The gurdwara thus functions not only as a Sikh pilgrimage point and community center but as a living, multi-faith heritage site of rare cultural depth in rural Maharashtra. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Domegaon Gurdwara India 86 m away Early morning to late evening daily; spe... Gurdwara Sri Birdh Baba, located in the quiet village of Domegaon in the Shrirampur Tehsil of Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra, is one of the most extraordinary and spiritually unique gurdwaras in the Deccan region of India. Situated on the serene banks of the Godavari River, approximately 80 kilometres from Ahmednagar city and 22 kilometres from Shrirampur, this sacred site draws pilgrims, historians, and interfaith seekers from across Maharashtra and beyond. What distinguishes Gurdwara Sri Birdh Baba from virtually every other gurdwara in India is the remarkable story of its congregation. Unlike most gurdwaras, Domegaon has no resident Sikh families. Its devotees are almost entirely Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist villagers who have venerated the Guru Granth Sahib housed here for well over a century and a half. The holy scripture is regarded by the local community as their presiding deity — their "Dev" — a testament to the universal spiritual message of Sikhism transcending religious boundaries. The gurdwara enshrines a rare hand-written manuscript of the Guru Granth Sahib, dated 1844 AD (inscribed as Mash Sudi 5, Samvat 1901), comprising 1,006 pages with devotional compositions written in black ink. This ancient bir (volume) is considered among the most precious relics of Sikh heritage in Maharashtra and has been the subject of archival digitisation efforts to preserve it for future generations. The setting of the gurdwara is itself a symbol of India's pluralistic heritage. Immediately adjoining the gurdwara complex stand a Krishna temple, a mosque, a Buddhist Gompa, and a Hanuman temple — five different places of worship coexisting peacefully on a single stretch of the Godavari's banks. This remarkable clustering of faiths makes Domegaon a living example of communal harmony. Visitors to the gurdwara are welcomed warmly regardless of faith or background. The site attracts pilgrims from the Sikh sangat of Shrirampur, who traditionally travel to Domegaon on every Pooranmashi (full moon night) for prayer and community gathering. The annual celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti on Kartik Poornima draws the largest congregation of the year, when an Akhand Paath (continuous, uninterrupted recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib) is performed. The gurdwara also holds a uniquely miraculous place in the collective memory of the Domegaon villagers: whenever the Godavari River swells to dangerous flood levels, the community carries the holy Guru Granth Sahib to the riverbank in a solemn procession and offers prayers, after which, according to generations of local testimony, the floodwaters have consistently receded without causing harm to the village. This living tradition of faith continues to this day. Historical ### Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Shrirampur Mh India 18 km away 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Shrirampur MH is a community Sikh place of worship located in the town of Shrirampur, situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. Shrirampur—a bustling town of approximately 89,000 residents positioned about 58 kilometres north of Ahmednagar city—is home to a vibrant Sikh community of over 1,400 faithful, representing nearly 1.6 percent of the total population. This gurdwara serves as the spiritual and social anchor for the entire Sikh sangat (congregation) of Shrirampur and the surrounding areas within the Shrirampur taluka. Bearing the name 'Sri Guru Singh Sabha,' this institution draws its identity from the historic Singh Sabha movement, a powerful Sikh reform initiative that began in Amritsar in 1873 and spread across India to establish centres of worship, education, and community service rooted in the authentic teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib. Gurdwaras bearing the Singh Sabha name embody the movement's legacy of reformation, openness, and devotion to Sikh scripture and values. The gurdwara stands as a remarkable spiritual landmark in Maharashtra—a state more commonly associated with Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Muslim places of worship. Shrirampur town itself has been described as 'sanctified' by the presence of this gurdwara, which is known to attract devotees and pilgrims not only from Shrirampur but from the broader Ahmednagar district and beyond. Visitors of all faiths are welcome to experience the peace, communal spirit, and timeless ritual of Sikh worship here. The gurdwara's central activities revolve around the daily recitation and exegesis of the Guru Granth Sahib—the eternal, living Guru of the Sikhs—along with the performance of ardas (communal prayer), kirtan (devotional singing), and the free sharing of langar (community meal) that is a hallmark of every gurdwara worldwide. These rituals draw together working-class families, professionals, and farmers who form the Sikh community of Shrirampur, many of whom trace their roots to Punjab and have settled in Maharashtra over generations. Strategically located in a region with rich religious diversity, the gurdwara occupies a meaningful place in the spiritual landscape of Shrirampur. The town lies close to the revered pilgrimage destination of Shirdi, home of Sai Baba, and within driving distance of Shani Shingnapur. This confluence of pilgrimage routes brings visitors of varied faiths to Shrirampur, and the gurdwara's open doors and langar serve all seekers regardless of religion or background. Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Shrirampur also maintains a close connection with the wider Sikh heritage of Maharashtra, particularly with the Domegaon gurdwara located approximately 22 kilometres away, which safeguards an extraordinarily rare handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib believed to be over 165 years old. Together, these two sites form part of a quiet but deeply meaningful Sikh spiritual trail across the Ahmednagar region. Historical ### Gurudwara Kopargaon Kopargaon, India 44 km away Gurudwara Kopargaon is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurudwara Kopargaon welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Yeola Gurdwara India 53 km away Typically 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily; exten... Yeola Gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship located in Yeola, a historic town in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, India. Situated at coordinates 20.024812°N, 74.494062°E, the gurdwara serves the local Sikh community of Yeola and surrounding villages within the Yevla Taluka. Yeola itself is a town of considerable historical and cultural significance — an ancient weaving centre renowned for its exquisite Paithani silk saris, located approximately 83 kilometres from Nashik city and 26 kilometres south of Manmad on the Manmad–Ahmednagar road. As a community gurdwara, it fulfils the central role that every Sikh house of worship performs: providing a sacred space for congregational prayer, communal service, and spiritual learning. The gurdwara welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds, reflecting the inclusive ethos of Sikhism established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century. Residents from the broader Nashik district — including Sikhs from Manmad, Nashik Road, and surrounding talukas — visit the gurdwara during religious observances and major Gurpurabs. Yeola lies in a historically rich part of the Deccan plateau. The town was founded in the late 17th century and rose to prominence under Maratha patronage. It sits strategically between Nashik and Aurangabad, close to Shirdi — one of Maharashtra's most visited religious destinations — and on the pilgrimage corridor that connects northern India to Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib at Nanded, the holiest Sikh site in the Deccan. This positioning has long made the Nashik-Manmad belt a resting point for Sikh pilgrims travelling south. The Sikh population of Yeola is a small but established minority, constituting part of the less than 3% of the town's population belonging to non-Hindu, non-Muslim faiths according to the 2011 census. The gurdwara stands as a focal point for this community, offering not only a place of worship but also the traditional langar — a free community kitchen open to all — and a gathering space that reinforces social bonds. Visitors to Yeola seeking a quiet, spiritually nourishing experience will find the gurdwara a welcoming complement to the town's other historic and religious landmarks, including the Yevateshwar Shiva Temple, the Raghuji Baba Temple, and the Mughal-era Yeola Fort. Historical ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust begins with the arrival of a Udasi Sikh saint, known as Birdh Baba ('the respectable elder'), in the village of Domegaon along the banks of the Godavari River in Maharashtra, believed to have occurred around 1844 AD. The Udasi order — founded by Sri Chand, the elder son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji — was historically instrumental in carrying Sikh teachings to distant corners of the Indian subcontinent, and Birdh Baba was among those dedicated missionaries who wandered far beyond Punjab to spread the Guru's message. According to traditional accounts recorded by researchers including Dr. Dalvinder Singh Grewal, Birdh Baba had prepared or obtained a hand-written copy of the Guru Granth Sahib while residing with a Raja, and brought this precious manuscript to Domegaon. The manuscript, dated 'Mash Sudi 5, Samvat 1901' — corresponding to 1844 AD — contains 1,006 pages in meticulous Gurmukhi script, larger than standard printed editions, and is believed to be one of the oldest known handwritten copies of the Sikh holy scripture in Maharashtra. In Domegaon, the saint chose the riverbank as his place of spiritual practice, reportedly spending twelve years in deep meditation on a boulder within the Godavari itself. His austere lifestyle was marked by selfless devotion: whatever food he gathered, he shared equally — one portion given to cows, one portion offered to the Godavari River, and only the remaining portion consumed by himself. Birdh Baba passed away sometime in the late nineteenth century, though the precise date of his demise is not recorded. After his death, the villagers of Domegaon — largely non-Sikhs who could not read the Gurmukhi script — preserved the Guru Granth Sahib in a thatched hut and gradually incorporated it into their communal religious life. A powerful folk tradition arose: during the Godavari River's recurring floods, villagers would carry the sacred manuscript in a reverent procession to the riverbank on Falgun Ekadashi, whereupon the waters were believed to recede and spare the village from damage. This tradition has been maintained across multiple generations and is a defining feature of the gurdwara's spiritual heritage. The formal construction of the gurdwara building was initiated on May 25, 1968, at the auspicious hands of Sriman Baba Harnam Singh Maharaj of Nanded — a prominent Sikh religious figure associated with Takht Sri Hazur Sahib. This event transformed the informal site of devotion into a properly instituted gurdwara administered by the Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust. A 1968 flood event is also noted in local records as an occasion when the tradition of the Guru Granth Sahib procession to the Godavari was observed, with the floodwaters said to have abated thereafter. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall of the gurdwara, housing the precious 1844 hand-written Guru Granth Sahib manuscript enshrined on a palki (ceremonial throne). Devotees gather here for daily prayers, kirtan, and ardas. The hall is the spiritual heart of the gurdwara and the primary focus of all religious observances. ### Sacred Meditation Boulder museum A boulder within the Godavari River, traditionally identified as the site where the Udasi saint Birdh Baba spent twelve years in deep meditation in the mid-19th century. The boulder is pointed out to visitors as a site of particular spiritual significance and is a tangible link to the gurdwara's founding saint. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall of the gurdwara, where free meals (langar) are served daily to all visitors without distinction of religion, caste, or background. The langar hall sees its highest activity during Pooranmashi nights and major festivals such as Guru Nanak Jayanti. ### Nishan Sahib tower The tall flagpole bearing the triangular saffron Nishan Sahib flag with the Khanda emblem, the universally recognized marker of a Sikh gurdwara. The Nishan Sahib at Gurdwara Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust is visible from a distance on the Godavari riverbank and guides pilgrims and visitors approaching by road. ### Riverfront Congregation Area entrance An open-air space along the Godavari riverbank adjacent to the gurdwara building, used for large congregations, the Falgun Ekadashi procession, and overflow gatherings during major festivals. The serene riverside setting enhances the spiritual atmosphere and offers views of the sacred boulder in the river. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering (dupatta or handkerchief provided at entrance) required; remove shoes before entering; modest clothing covering shoulders and legs recommended ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in the outer complex; seek permission before photographing inside the Darbar Sahib or the sacred manuscript ### Etiquette Cover your head at all times inside the complex; remove footwear at the shoe stand before entering; wash hands before entering the Darbar Sahib; do not point feet toward the Guru Granth Sahib; sit cross-legged or in a respectful posture on the floor; visitors of all faiths are warmly welcomed ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Serves the local congregation and all visitors; capacity scales with attendance during major festivals and Pooranmashi gatherings Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust presents an imposing structure on the banks of the Godavari River, near the local river bridge in Domegaon village. Built beginning in 1968, the complex reflects characteristic elements of North Indian Sikh gurdwara architecture, sympathetically adapted to the vernacular building traditions of rural Maharashtra. The exterior features white-washed walls symbolic of spiritual purity, and the tall Nishan Sahib flagpole bearing the triangular saffron flag with the Khanda emblem is visible from a distance, guiding approaching pilgrims. The central Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) houses the revered 1,006-page hand-written Guru Granth Sahib manuscript enshrined on a palki (ceremonial throne), around which all religious observances are centered. A Langar Hall provides the traditional community kitchen, where free meals are served to all visitors without distinction of religion or background. The natural setting of the Godavari River adds to the site's serene atmosphere, and a sacred boulder visible in the river — traditionally identified as Birdh Baba's meditation seat — forms an integral part of the spiritual landscape of the gurdwara complex. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall of the gurdwara, housing the precious 1844 hand-written Guru Granth Sahib manuscript enshrined on a palki (ceremonial throne). Devotees gather here for daily prayers, kirtan, and ardas. The hall is the spiritual heart of the gurdwara and the primary focus of all religious observances. ### Sacred Meditation Boulder museum A boulder within the Godavari River, traditionally identified as the site where the Udasi saint Birdh Baba spent twelve years in deep meditation in the mid-19th century. The boulder is pointed out to visitors as a site of particular spiritual significance and is a tangible link to the gurdwara's founding saint. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall of the gurdwara, where free meals (langar) are served daily to all visitors without distinction of religion, caste, or background. The langar hall sees its highest activity during Pooranmashi nights and major festivals such as Guru Nanak Jayanti. ### Nishan Sahib tower The tall flagpole bearing the triangular saffron Nishan Sahib flag with the Khanda emblem, the universally recognized marker of a Sikh gurdwara. The Nishan Sahib at Gurdwara Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust is visible from a distance on the Godavari riverbank and guides pilgrims and visitors approaching by road. ### Riverfront Congregation Area entrance An open-air space along the Godavari riverbank adjacent to the gurdwara building, used for large congregations, the Falgun Ekadashi procession, and overflow gatherings during major festivals. The serene riverside setting enhances the spiritual atmosphere and offers views of the sacred boulder in the river. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Jayanti Akhand Paath The most important annual event at the gurdwara, held on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Kartik Purnima, October/November). An Akhand Paath — the uninterrupted, continuous recitation of the complete Guru Granth Sahib — is performed over 48 hours, drawing large congregations of Sikhs and devotees from across Maharashtra. #### Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji The birth anniversary of the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Poh Sudhi Saptami, December/January), is observed with special prayers, kirtan, and langar at the gurdwara. The sangat gathers to pay homage to the Guru who gifted the Khalsa with the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal living Guru. ### weekly #### Pooranmashi Sangat (Full Moon Congregation) On every Pooranmashi (full moon night) of the month, the Sikh sangat from Shrirampur and surrounding villages gathers at the gurdwara for kirtan, ardas, and langar. This monthly congregation is one of the most consistent religious practices at the gurdwara and maintains the community bond across the region. ### historical #### Falgun Ekadashi Guru Granth Sahib Procession A distinctive centuries-old tradition unique to Domegaon, observed on the Ekadashi (eleventh day) of the Falgun month (February/March). The sacred hand-written Guru Granth Sahib of 1844 is carried in a reverent procession to the banks of the Godavari River. According to local tradition maintained for generations, this practice is believed to protect the village from flooding. ### festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi (mid-April) is celebrated as the birth of the Khalsa Panth, established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The gurdwara holds special ardas, kirtan, and langar on this day, and the occasion brings together the local Sikh community and neighbouring villages for celebrations. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust is generally open daily from approximately 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The gurdwara sees heightened activity during Pooranmashi (full moon nights) and on Guru Nanak Jayanti when the annual Akhand Paath takes place. Visitors are advised to confirm current timings locally as hours may vary on festival days. Yes, langar is available daily at the gurdwara, as is the tradition at all Sikh gurdwaras. The community kitchen serves free meals to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or background. Langar is served in greater quantity on Pooranmashi nights, Guru Nanak Jayanti, and other Sikh festivals. Visitors are also welcome to participate in langar seva (voluntary service). The best time to visit is between October and March when Maharashtra's weather is cool and pleasant. For a spiritually immersive experience, plan your visit on a Pooranmashi (full moon night), when the congregation from Shrirampur and surrounding areas gathers at the gurdwara. Guru Nanak Jayanti (typically in November) is the most significant annual event, featuring the Akhand Paath and large gatherings of devotees. ### history The gurdwara's spiritual history dates to around 1844 AD, when a Udasi Sikh saint known as Birdh Baba arrived in Domegaon village on the banks of the Godavari River carrying a rare hand-written Guru Granth Sahib manuscript. He meditated on a boulder in the river for 12 years. After his passing in the late 19th century, the villagers preserved the sacred scripture, and the formal gurdwara building was constructed beginning May 25, 1968, at the initiative of Baba Harnam Singh Maharaj of Nanded. The gurdwara enshrines an extraordinarily rare hand-written manuscript of the Guru Granth Sahib, dated Mash Sudi 5, Samvat 1901 (1844 AD), containing 1,006 pages. This manuscript was brought to Domegaon by the Udasi saint Birdh Baba and is believed to be among the oldest known handwritten copies of the Sikh scripture in Maharashtra. The local community — including non-Sikhs — venerates it as their 'Dev' (presiding divine presence), and it is central to all religious observances at the gurdwara. The Falgun Ekadashi procession is a centuries-old tradition observed at the gurdwara, in which the sacred hand-written Guru Granth Sahib is carried in a reverent procession to the banks of the Godavari River. According to local tradition, this practice originated during flood seasons when villagers carried the holy scripture to the riverbank and the Godavari's waters were believed to recede. This tradition has been maintained across generations and remains one of the most distinctive religious customs of the Domegaon community. ### transport The gurdwara is located in Domegaon village, Shrirampur Tehsil, Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra. The nearest railway station is Belapur (near Shrirampur, ~22 km away) on the Daund-Manmad broad-gauge line. The nearest airports are Shirdi Airport (~55-60 km) and Pune Airport (~110 km). By road, it is approximately 100 km from Nashik, Aurangabad, and Manmad (around 2.5 hours). Local buses or auto-rickshaws connect Shrirampur to Domegaon. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Biradhbaba Devasthan Trust Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit