# Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata, Uttarakhand — sacred site of Guru Hargobind Sahib's historic visit. Free entry, langar & pilgrimage guide. # Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata is a historically revered Sikh shrine located within the sacred complex of Nanakmatta in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, northern India. Positioned approximately one to one-and-a-half kilometres from the main Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib, it forms an integral part of one of the most spiritually significant Sikh pilgrimage sites in the entire Himalayan foothills region. The name 'Chhevin Patshahi' translates literally to 'Sixth Reign' or 'Sixth Throne,' directly commemorating a visit by the Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who came to Nanakmatta to restore the shrine from the hands of rival yogic sects in the early seventeenth century. Nanakmatta itself is a small but deeply sacred town that takes its name from Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith, who visited the site during his third Udasi (spiritual journey) around 1514 AD. This rich dual association with both the First and the Sixth Gurus makes Nanakmatta — and each of the eight historic gurdwaras within its broader complex — exceptionally important to Sikhs across the world. Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata stands as a living monument to Guru Hargobind's courage and devotion, marking the precise spot where the Guru is traditionally said to have tethered his horse before undertaking his mission to reclaim the site for the Sikh panth (community). The gurdwara draws thousands of pilgrims and devout Sikhs throughout the year, with major surges of visitors during Sikh festivals including Guru Nanak Gurpurab, Baisakhi, and the Gurpurab of Guru Hargobind Sahib. The broader Nanakmatta complex is recognised as one of three principal Sikh holy shrines in Uttarakhand, alongside the iconic Gurdwara Hemkunt Sahib and Gurdwara Reetha Sahib. Beyond purely Sikh pilgrims, the site attracts spiritual seekers and tourists drawn by the extraordinary natural beauty of the Terai region, the serene Nanak Sagar reservoir that borders the township, and the timeless atmosphere of collective prayer and community service. As with all gurdwaras, no pilgrim is ever turned away, and the tradition of langar — a free community kitchen serving meals to all visitors regardless of caste, creed, or social standing — operates here as a living expression of the Sikh values of equality and selfless service. The gurdwara is managed under the broader administration of the Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, Nanakmatta Sahib, which oversees the entire cluster of eight historic shrines in the area. Situated on the road between Khatima and Sitarganj and accessible from major north Indian cities, Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata offers both the devout and the curious a profound encounter with one of Sikhism's most layered and storied sacred landscapes. ## Significance Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata occupies a uniquely powerful place in the spiritual geography of Sikhism. As one of eight historic gurdwaras within the Nanakmatta complex, it commemorates the personal visit of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji — the Sixth of the Ten Gurus — and the miraculous events associated with his stay. The gurdwara is directly linked to one of the most celebrated episodes of Sikh history: the Guru's restoration of the Nanakmatta shrine from the grip of the Gorakh Panthis, an act that cemented the site's identity as unequivocally Sikh sacred ground. The doctrine of Miri-Piri, which Guru Hargobind embodied through his wearing of two swords symbolising spiritual and worldly authority, finds vivid physical expression at this gurdwara. His willingness to deploy armed force in defence of a sacred site — and of a devoted servant like Baba Almast — resonates deeply with Sikhs who revere the Guru as the founder of a tradition of righteous resistance. The miracle of the dry horse-tethering post sprouting into a living tree is part of the living oral and devotional tradition associated with the site. Nanakmatta as a whole is ranked among the three principal Sikh pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, alongside Hemkunt Sahib and Reetha Sahib, and Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi is an essential component of any complete pilgrimage to the complex. Visiting this gurdwara is considered an act of deep spiritual merit, connecting the devotee with a Guru who embodied both saint and soldier. The gurdwara also reinforces the Sikh value of seva (selfless service), as Baba Almast's decades of devoted guardianship of the site — and the Guru's response to his plea — stand as a model for faithful service. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib India 899 m away Open all days, 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM; main... Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib, also known as Gurdwara Nanakmatta Sahib, is one of the most revered Sikh pilgrimage sites in northern India, situated in the town of Nanakmatta in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand. The town itself derives its name from this sacred shrine, a testament to the spiritual gravity the gurdwara commands in the region. Nestled on the banks of the Deoha stream — now part of the scenic Nanak Sagar reservoir — the gurdwara stands as one of three major Sikh holy sites in Uttarakhand, alongside Gurdwara Hemkunt Sahib and Gurdwara Reetha Sahib. The site is believed to mark the ground upon which Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, rested and engaged in profound spiritual discourse during his Third Udasi (journey) around 1514 CE. Before the arrival of Guru Nanak, the location was known as Gorakhmata — a prominent centre of Siddh-yogis who followed the traditions of the great yogi Gorakhnath. The transformation of this place from a Gorakhpanthi stronghold to a Sikh shrine is central to its historical and spiritual identity. Located approximately 15 kilometres west of Khatima Railway Station and 12 kilometres from Sitarganj town, Nanakmatta Sahib is accessible to pilgrims from across India. The gurdwara complex is expansive, encompassing the main prayer hall, the langar hall (community kitchen), a parikrama (circumambulatory path), a sarovar (sacred pool), and several subsidiary shrines that commemorate specific events and personages connected to the site's storied history. A 100-room sarai known as Guru Hargobind Niwas — with 50 rooms featuring attached bathrooms — provides comfortable accommodation for the thousands of pilgrims who visit throughout the year. The gurdwara is managed by the Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Nanakmatta Sahib, which oversees day-to-day administration, the running of the langar, and the upkeep of the complex. Throughout the year, the shrine draws devotees especially during Gurpurabs — Sikh festivals commemorating the anniversaries of the Gurus — as well as Baisakhi and other major Sikh occasions. The sarovar at Nanakmatta Sahib is notable for housing a population of colourful fish considered sacred by pilgrims, and ritual bathing in its waters is regarded as spiritually purifying. Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib holds a distinguished place within both mainstream Sikh and Udasi tradition. The ancient pipal tree under which Guru Nanak Dev Ji is believed to have sat during his visit remains an object of great reverence, standing between the main building and the Gurdwara Patshahi Sixth. This living link to Sikh antiquity makes the gurdwara not merely a house of worship but a living museum of Sikh heritage, drawing historians, scholars, and pilgrims alike. Historical ### Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Barapura U.p. India 19 km away Approximately 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (... Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Barapura is a Sikh place of worship located in Barapura village, Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh, India, situated at coordinates 28.788437°N, 79.720812°E. It is a community gurdwara affiliated with the Nanaksar tradition — a deeply devotional branch of Sikhism founded by Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji of Kaleran, Punjab, in the early twentieth century. The Nanaksar movement is renowned for its emphasis on intense meditation, strict vegetarianism, Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), and an unwavering focus on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith. Pilibhit district holds a distinctive place in the story of Sikhism in Uttar Pradesh. Known locally as 'Mini Punjab,' the district received thousands of Sikh refugees and farmers following the Partition of India in 1947, when the government allocated agricultural land in the fertile Terai belt to displaced families from West Punjab. Today, Sikhs constitute approximately 4.17% of Pilibhit's population of over two million — one of the highest concentrations of Sikhs in any district of Uttar Pradesh — and the community has established dozens of gurdwaras across the district to serve its spiritual and social needs. Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Barapura stands as a beacon of the Nanaksar sampradaya (tradition) in this region, offering the congregation a serene environment for kirtan, prayer, and reflection. Like all Nanaksar gurdwaras, it observes a strict code of conduct (maryada) that includes continuous recitation of Gurbani, vegetarian langar, and an atmosphere of quiet devotion. The gurdwara serves not only as a place of worship for the local Sikh community but also as a spiritual refuge for pilgrims and visitors travelling through the Pilibhit region. The gurdwara is open to people of all faiths, as is the tradition in Sikhism, and welcomes visitors who come to partake in the langar (community kitchen), listen to kirtan (devotional music), and seek the blessings of the Guru Granth Sahib. Its location in the Terai foothills region of northern Uttar Pradesh, not far from the more celebrated Gurdwara Nanakmata Sahib, places it within a corridor of significant Sikh religious heritage in this part of India. The gurdwara plays a vital role in preserving Sikh identity and culture in the diaspora communities of western Uttar Pradesh. Historical ### Gurdwara Sahib Lalkuan, India 31 km away Gurdwara Sahib 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, Gurdwara Sahib 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 ### Gurudawara Guru Singh Sabha , Bigwara Rudrapur, India 37 km away Gurudawara Guru Singh Sabha , bigwara 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, Gurudawara Guru Singh Sabha , bigwara 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 ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata is inseparably intertwined with the broader sacred narrative of Nanakmatta. Long before it became a Sikh shrine, the site was known as Gorakhmata — a powerful centre of the Siddh-jogi tradition dedicated to Gorakhnath, the founder of the Nath yogic order. It was to this place that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru and founder of the faith, journeyed during his third Udasi (spiritual sojourn) around 1514 AD on his way to Mount Kailash. During his stay, he engaged the Siddhas in profound philosophical discourse on the nature of God, liberation, and the householder's path. The yogis, deeply impressed by his spiritual insight, acknowledged his wisdom. The place was renamed 'Nanakmatta' — 'the wisdom of Nanak' — in memory of this transformative encounter. Following Guru Nanak's visit, the site was cared for by Udasi saints and Sikh devotees. However, in the era of the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (1595–1644), a crisis arose. Baba Almast, a devoted Sikh who had been preaching at Nanakmatta and tending to the sacred pipal tree under which Guru Nanak had meditated, was forcibly expelled by the Gorakh Panthis — followers of the Nath yogic tradition — who wished to reclaim the site as their own. The yogis also burnt the sacred pipal tree. Baba Almast sent an urgent message to Guru Hargobind pleading for help. Guru Hargobind, the 'Warrior Saint' who had introduced the doctrine of Miri-Piri (the dual sovereignty of spiritual and temporal authority) to Sikhism, responded decisively. He assembled a body of armed retainers and journeyed to Nanakmatta. Arriving at the site, he first halted and tethered his horse at a spot approximately one to one-and-a-half kilometres from the main shrine — the very spot that would later be consecrated as Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata. Tradition records that Guru Hargobind tethered his horse to a dry post (qila) driven into the ground, which miraculously grew into a tree. The five other qilas where his companions tethered their horses are also said to have blossomed into living trees. Proceeding onward, Guru Hargobind confronted the yogis, whose attempts to intimidate him with a display of supernatural powers had no effect on the Guru. He restored possession of the shrine to Baba Almast and the Sikh sangat. To mark the restoration of the sacred pipal tree, the Guru sprinkled saffron water upon it, and the tree is traditionally said to have come back to full bloom. From that time forward, the spot where the Guru had halted and tied his horse was commemorated as Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata, enshrining the memory of his courage and his role as the protector of the faith. The gurdwara has been maintained and managed as part of the Nanakmatta complex ever since. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Chhevin Patshahi) prayer_hall The central prayer hall of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed. Devotees gather here for ardas, kirtan, and recitation of holy scripture. The hall commemorates the arrival of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji at this spot during his historic visit to Nanakmatta. ### Sacred Qila Trees tower A distinctive and rare feature of this gurdwara: the site traditionally associated with the miraculously sprouted trees that grew from the iron qilas (tethering posts) used by Guru Hargobind and his retainers when they halted here. These living trees are venerated as sacred relics of the Guru's visit. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining facility serving free meals to all visitors throughout the day. The langar operates as an expression of the Sikh principles of equality and selfless service, feeding pilgrims, travellers, and the local community without distinction. ### Main Entrance Gateway entrance The main gateway to the gurdwara complex, marked by traditional Sikh nishan sahibs (tall flagpoles bearing the Khanda emblem) identifying it as a place of Sikh worship. The gateway connects the gurdwara to the main pilgrimage circuit linking all eight historic shrines at Nanakmatta. ### Sarai (Pilgrim Rest House) museum Accommodation facility within the broader Nanakmatta Sahib complex for overnight pilgrim stays, allowing devotees travelling from distant locations to remain for multiple days of worship and participation in the full pilgrimage circuit of all eight historic gurdwaras. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering is mandatory (scarves and rumaals available at the entrance); shoes must be removed before entering; modest, respectful clothing required ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in the outer complex and grounds; photography inside the darbar sahib (main prayer hall) should be done respectfully and only if permitted by the management ### Etiquette Maintain silence and reverence inside the prayer hall; do not point feet toward the Guru Granth Sahib; avoid alcohol, tobacco, and non-vegetarian food within the complex; bow respectfully before the Guru Granth Sahib ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall at Nanakmatta Sahib serves a large number of pilgrims; capacity increases significantly during major festivals when thousands of devotees visit Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata follows the traditional style of Sikh religious architecture characteristic of historic shrines in the Uttarakhand foothills. The complex is believed to feature a whitewashed darbar sahib (main prayer hall) topped with characteristic domes, reflecting the broader architectural vocabulary of Sikh gurdwaras across northern India. The complex includes a parikarama (circumambulatory walkway) allowing devotees to perform pradakshina around the main sanctum. The sacred site is associated with several living trees believed to have grown from the qilas (tethering posts) used by Guru Hargobind and his retainers — these trees serve as living architectural and spiritual elements unique to this gurdwara, embedded within the grounds and deeply venerated by pilgrims. The broader Nanakmatta complex, with which this gurdwara shares an administrative identity, features a large sarovar (sacred pool) filled with coloured fish, the historic centuries-old pipal tree with dramatically exposed elevated roots, the Bhora Sahib meditation pit enclosed in glass, and the Dhooni Sahib sacred fire site. A langar hall and sarai (pilgrim rest house) serve the needs of visiting devotees within the wider campus. The main Nanakmatta Sahib gurdwara displays mirror-work arches, floral motifs, and golden dome cupolas representing the region's devotional building tradition. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Chhevin Patshahi) prayer_hall The central prayer hall of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed. Devotees gather here for ardas, kirtan, and recitation of holy scripture. The hall commemorates the arrival of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji at this spot during his historic visit to Nanakmatta. ### Sacred Qila Trees tower A distinctive and rare feature of this gurdwara: the site traditionally associated with the miraculously sprouted trees that grew from the iron qilas (tethering posts) used by Guru Hargobind and his retainers when they halted here. These living trees are venerated as sacred relics of the Guru's visit. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining facility serving free meals to all visitors throughout the day. The langar operates as an expression of the Sikh principles of equality and selfless service, feeding pilgrims, travellers, and the local community without distinction. ### Main Entrance Gateway entrance The main gateway to the gurdwara complex, marked by traditional Sikh nishan sahibs (tall flagpoles bearing the Khanda emblem) identifying it as a place of Sikh worship. The gateway connects the gurdwara to the main pilgrimage circuit linking all eight historic shrines at Nanakmatta. ### Sarai (Pilgrim Rest House) museum Accommodation facility within the broader Nanakmatta Sahib complex for overnight pilgrim stays, allowing devotees travelling from distant locations to remain for multiple days of worship and participation in the full pilgrimage circuit of all eight historic gurdwaras. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first Guru directly associated with Nanakmatta, is celebrated with great fervour at the entire complex including Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi. Special akhand path (continuous recitation of Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan (devotional music), and extended langar operations draw thousands of pilgrims. Nanakmatta is considered one of the most significant places in India to celebrate this occasion given its direct historical connection to Guru Nanak. #### Guru Hargobind Sahib Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the Sixth Guru specifically commemorated at this gurdwara, is observed with special prayers, kirtan, and processions. This occasion holds particular significance at Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi given the gurdwara's direct association with the Sixth Guru's historic visit to Nanakmatta. ### festival #### Baisakhi The harvest festival of Baisakhi, celebrated on 13–14 April each year, is observed at the Nanakmatta complex with great enthusiasm. It also commemorates the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Nagar kirtans (religious processions), extended langar, and community gatherings take place at all eight gurdwaras in the complex including Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi. #### Hola Mohalla Hola Mohalla, the Sikh festival instituted by Guru Gobind Singh as a gathering of martial arts and poetry, is observed at the complex in the days following Holi. Devotees participate in kirtan, gatka (traditional Sikh martial art) demonstrations, and communal worship. ### historical #### Gurpurab of Baba Almast Sahib The memory of Baba Almast, the devoted Sikh guardian of Nanakmatta whose appeal to Guru Hargobind directly led to the events commemorated by this gurdwara, is honoured at the complex. Special prayers and seva activities recall his decades of faithful service to the shrine. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata, as part of the Nanakmatta Sahib complex, is generally open to devotees from early morning (around 4:00 AM) until late evening (around 10:00 PM) daily. The gurdwara is open throughout the year without exception. It is recommended to contact the Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, Nanakmatta Sahib, or visit the official website nanakmattasahib.com for the most current timings, especially during festivals when schedules may change. Yes. As part of the Nanakmatta Sahib complex, free langar (community meals) is served to all visitors throughout the day regardless of religion, caste, or background. This is a central Sikh tradition expressing the values of equality and seva (selfless service). Devotees are also welcome to participate in langar seva — helping cook, serve, or clean — as an act of voluntary service. Nanakmatta is home to eight historic Sikh gurdwaras. Beyond Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi, these include the main Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib (associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji), Gurdwara Bhandara Sahib, Gurdwara Baba Almast Sahib, Gurdwara Qila Sahib Patshahi Chevin, and sites such as Doodhwala Kuan, Bhora Sahib, and Dhooni Sahib. Together they form one of the most historically rich Sikh pilgrimage complexes in Uttarakhand. The best time to visit is between October and March, when the weather in the Uttarakhand Terai is cool and pleasant. Major Sikh festivals bring the largest gatherings: Guru Nanak Gurpurab (typically November) and Baisakhi (April) are especially vibrant times to visit. The monsoon season (July–September) brings heavy rains that can make travel to the area more difficult, so it is best avoided by most visitors. Yes. Entry to this gurdwara — as with all Sikh gurdwaras worldwide — is completely free of charge. There are no entry fees for the main prayer hall, the sarovar, or any area within the complex. Free langar (meals) is also provided. The gurdwara welcomes all people regardless of faith, nationality, or background. ### history Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata commemorates the visit of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru, to Nanakmatta in the early seventeenth century. The Guru came to the site to restore it to the Sikh community after devotee Baba Almast was expelled by Gorakh Panthi yogis who had also burned the sacred pipal tree associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Hargobind arrived with armed retainers, confronted the yogis, and reclaimed the shrine. The gurdwara marks the spot where the Guru tethered his horse — a post that is traditionally said to have miraculously grown into a tree. The gurdwara is associated with Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru (1595–1644). 'Chhevin Patshahi' means 'Sixth Reign,' directly referencing the Sixth Guru. Guru Hargobind visited Nanakmatta to reclaim the site from rival yogis at the request of devoted Sikh Baba Almast. The gurdwara marks the spot where the Guru halted and tethered his horse during this historic visit. ### transport The gurdwara is located in Nanakmatta, Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand. The nearest railway station is Khatima (15 km away) on the Tanakpur–Pilibhit line, from where taxis and buses are available. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 55 km away. By road, Nanakmatta is about 294 km from Delhi via national highway. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available from Khatima and the nearby town of Sitarganj. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit