# Gurdwara Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1 - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1, Sirsa, Haryana — where Guru Nanak Dev Ji meditated for 40 days. History, timings & visitor guide. # Gurdwara Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1 Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1 is one of the most historically and spiritually significant Sikh shrines in Haryana, located in the Nahoria Bazaar area of Sirsa city, on Rania Road. The name 'Chilla Sahib' derives from the Islamic concept of chilla, a forty-day period of intense spiritual meditation and fasting, referring to the forty days Guru Nanak Dev Ji — the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus — spent in deep meditation at this very site. 'Patshahi 1' in Punjabi means 'First Sovereignty' or 'First Reign,' denoting the First Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The gurdwara thus commemorates the blessed footsteps of Sikhism's founder on the soil of what is today Sirsa district. Situated at coordinates 29.5289°N, 75.0149°E, the shrine draws pilgrims from across Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, and beyond. It stands as a living testament to Guru Nanak's spiritual journeys — known as Udasis — during which he traveled vast distances to spread the message of oneness, devotion, and service to humanity. The gurdwara complex has grown considerably in recent decades, having been developed into a formal Sikh religious complex after the Sikh community reclaimed the site from the Waqf Board, on whose books it had been registered following the 1947 Partition of India. Two ancient engraved stones preserved within the shrine carry the inscription 'Chilha Bava Sahib Nanak Dervish,' which translates roughly as 'The Place of the Forty-Day Meditation of Saint Nanak, the Dervish.' These stones serve as irreplaceable physical links to the Guru's presence at this site centuries ago. Today, Gurdwara Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1 is managed by a local management committee and is a vibrant center of Sikh religious life in Sirsa. Every Sunday, Sukhmani Sahib prayers draw between 5,000 and 10,000 devotees, making it one of the most actively visited gurdwaras in the region. The complex hosts a spacious langar hall capable of feeding over one lakh (100,000) devotees during major festivals. Plans are also underway for the establishment of a charitable hospital and a dharamshala (pilgrim rest house) on the adjoining land recently transferred to the gurdwara's management by the Haryana state government. For Sikh pilgrims, this gurdwara is considered a sacred stop on any tour of historical Sikh sites in Haryana, and its blend of ancient spiritual legacy with modern infrastructure makes it a compelling destination for devotees, historians, and tourists alike. ## Significance Gurdwara Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1 holds profound religious and cultural significance within Sikhism. It is one of the few shrines in Haryana directly associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith and the first of the ten Gurus, making it a site of the highest spiritual importance for Sikhs worldwide. The gurdwara commemorates not only the physical presence of Guru Nanak at Sirsa but also the spiritual discourse and meditation he conducted there — a period that exemplified his core teachings on the futility of extreme asceticism and the importance of living a balanced, devotional life in the world. The concept of the 'chilla' — a forty-day period of intense meditation — lends this gurdwara a unique spiritual character that resonates with both Sikh and Sufi devotional traditions, reflecting Guru Nanak's inclusive, bridge-building spiritual vision. The two ancient engraved stones inscribed 'Chilha Bava Sahib Nanak Dervish' are considered sacred relics that link present-day pilgrims directly to the Guru's era. The gurdwara also holds communal significance as a major gathering point for Sikhs across Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Its large Sunday congregations — drawing tens of thousands of devotees for Sukhmani Sahib recitals — underscore its role as a living center of Sikh faith rather than merely a historical monument. For the Sikh community of Sirsa and the broader Malwa-Haryana region, Gurdwara Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1 is a source of spiritual identity, communal solidarity, and cultural pride, representing both the historical roots of Sikhism in this region and the ongoing vitality of its tradition. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Guru Gobind Singh Patshahi Dasveen India 961 m away 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (timings may va... Gurdwara Guru Gobind Singh Patshahi Dasveen is a historically revered Sikh shrine located in Sirsa, a city in the Sirsa district of Haryana, India. The name Patshahi Dasveen translates to 'of the Tenth Sovereign,' a title of profound veneration applied to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and final human Sikh Guru. The gurdwara stands on the sacred banks of the Lakkhi Talao — a historic tank (pond) — marking the precise encampment site of Guru Gobind Singh Ji during his journey from Damdama Sahib (Talvandi Sabo) toward the south in 1706 CE. This spot thus carries immense religious and emotional weight in Sikh memory as part of the Guru's extraordinary travels through Punjab in the final chapter of his earthly life. Situated at approximate coordinates 29.5328°N, 75.0238°E, the gurdwara is easily accessible from the heart of Sirsa city and draws pilgrims and devotees from across Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and beyond. As a community-type gurdwara, it serves not only as a place of prayer and kirtan but also as an active center for langar (free community kitchen), education, and social service. Within the walled compound lies the main prayer hall, the sacred Lakkhi Talao tank, a serai (rest house for pilgrims), a high school, and the samadh of Sant Baba Baghel Singh, who is credited with the modern reconstruction of the complex in the twentieth century. The gurdwara has been under the management of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) since 1928, ensuring its maintenance and administration in accordance with Sikh rehat maryada (code of conduct). The structure is a striking example of modern Punjabi-Sikh religious architecture, with a pristine white marble exterior, a ribbed lotus dome, and an atmosphere of spiritual calm. Devotees from all walks of life and all faiths are welcome to visit, as is the tradition in all gurdwaras. During major Sikh festivals — especially the Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji — the gurdwara becomes a site of great celebration, drawing thousands of devotees for akhand path (continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, and massive langar. For the Sikh community of Sirsa and surrounding districts, this gurdwara is the most important historical religious site in the region, a living connection to the legacy of the Tenth Guru. Historical ![Gurdwara Patshahi Dasvin](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=%E0%A8%97%E0%A9%81%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%A6%E0%A9%81%E0%A8%86%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%BE%20%E0%A8%AA%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%A4%E0%A8%BF%E0%A8%B8%E0%A8%BC%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%B9%E0%A9%80%20%E0%A8%A6%E0%A8%B8%E0%A8%B5%E0%A9%80%E0%A8%82%20%E0%A8%9B%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%89%E0%A8%A3%E0%A9%80%20%E0%A8%A8%E0%A8%BF%E0%A8%B9%E0%A9%B0%E0%A8%97%20%E0%A8%B8%E0%A8%BF%E0%A9%B0%E0%A8%98%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%82%20%E0%A8%AC%E0%A9%81%E0%A9%B1%E0%A8%A2%E0%A8%BE%20%E0%A8%A6%E0%A8%B2%2C%20%E0%A8%9D%E0%A9%B0%E0%A8%A1%E0%A8%BE%20%E0%A8%95%E0%A8%B2%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%82%2002.jpg&w=600) ### Gurdwara Patshahi Dasvin India 23 km away 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily; open during al... Gurdwara Patshahi Dasvin, also reverently known as Gurdwara Sri Jhanda Sahib, is a historically significant Sikh place of worship nestled in the village of Jhanda Kalan, located approximately 7 kilometres south of Sardulgarh in Mansa district, Punjab, India. The name 'Patshahi Dasvin' translates to 'Of the Tenth Sovereign,' a title of deep reverence for Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and final human Sikh Guru, who is believed to have visited and halted at this very site during his historic journey in 1706. Coordinates place the gurdwara at approximately 29.636083° N, 75.221306° E, in the fertile Malwa region of Punjab. The gurdwara stands as a tangible link to one of the most consequential periods in Sikh history — the years immediately following the Battle of Chamkaur and the great sacrifices made by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his family. Jhanda Kalan, a village of around 6,000 inhabitants according to the 2011 Census, derives a significant part of its spiritual identity from this sacred site. The village name itself — 'Jhanda' meaning flag — evokes the tradition of hoisting the Nishan Sahib (the Sikh flag) that marks every gurdwara, and 'Kalan' indicating it to be the larger of two similarly named settlements. Devotees travel from across Mansa district and beyond to seek blessings at this shrine, which commemorates the divine passage of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The gurdwara serves as both a spiritual anchor for the local Sikh community and a pilgrimage destination for visitors who wish to walk in the footsteps of the revered Guru. The present building, constructed by the Nihangs (warrior ascetics) of Budha Dal, is an architectural tribute featuring a square, high-ceilinged hall, a central sanctum, a Bhora Sahib (underground meditation chamber), and a graceful lotus dome. Special congregations are held on every Amavasya (no-moon day), drawing large gatherings of the faithful. The gurdwara operates under the broader framework of Sikh tradition, welcoming all visitors irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. The institution of langar (free community kitchen) ensures that no visitor leaves hungry. The surrounding rural landscape of the Malwa plains, with its fields of wheat and cotton, adds a serene backdrop to the spiritual atmosphere of the complex. For pilgrims tracing the sacred geography of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's journey through Punjab — a route studded with historic shrines — Gurdwara Patshahi Dasvin in Jhanda Kalan is an essential and moving stop. Historical ### ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਗਿਆਨ ਸਾਗਰ Fatta Maloka, India 39 km away ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਗਿਆਨ ਸਾਗਰ is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Fatta Maloka, India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਗਿਆਨ ਸਾਗਰ 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 ### Gurudwara Jaurkian, India 40 km away Gurudwara is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Jaurkian, 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 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 Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1 reaches back to the early sixteenth century, to the period of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's spiritual journeys across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. According to traditional accounts and Sikh historical records, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, accompanied by his devoted companion Bhai Mardana, arrived in Sirsa during his Second Udasi (spiritual journey), recorded in the Vikrami calendar year 1567 (corresponding approximately to the early 1500s CE). Sirsa at that time was a significant settlement in the region that straddled Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Upon arriving in Sirsa, Guru Nanak encountered a gathering of Muslim fakirs and Sufi saints. Among these were respected spiritual figures Pir Bahawal and Khwaja Abdul Shakur, who were known throughout the area for their ascetic practices and alleged miraculous abilities. According to local tradition and Sikh historical accounts, these holy men sought to test the spiritual stature of Guru Nanak. When asked about his religious identity, Guru Nanak is said to have replied that he was 'neither Hindu nor Muslim' — an expression of his universal spiritual vision that transcended the boundaries of organized religion. The fakirs reportedly challenged Guru Nanak through various spiritual trials, all of which he passed, demonstrating the depth and authenticity of his devotion. Following these encounters, Guru Nanak undertook a 40-day period of intense spiritual meditation at this site, a practice known in Sufi tradition as chilla. By local tradition, the Guru spent a total of four months and thirteen days in Sirsa during this visit. The place of his meditation was subsequently venerated by both Sikhs and local Muslim devotees alike. Following Guru Nanak's visit, a small shrine — originally maintained by the Muslim priests of the nearby Khanaqah (Sufi hospice) of Pahj Pirs — was established to mark the sacred site. Two engraved stones bearing the inscription 'Chilha Bava Sahib Nanak Dervish' were placed in the shrine, attesting to its interfaith reverence. Following the Partition of India in 1947, when the Muslim custodians of the shrine departed for Pakistan, the premises were transferred to the Waqf Board. In subsequent decades, the Sikh community worked to reclaim and develop the site as a proper gurdwara. A new complex, Gurdwara Chilha Sahib Patshahi 1, was developed approximately 200 metres west of the larger Gurdwara marking Guru Gobind Singh's visit to Sirsa. In a significant development in recent years, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini of Haryana announced the transfer of 70 kanals and 7 marlas of government land to the gurdwara's management committee, fulfilling a promise originally made by former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in 2019. The Sikh community hailed this transfer as a recognition of the gurdwara's historical and religious importance. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall of the gurdwara, a three-storey structure crowned with a prominent golden dome. The white marble facade and interior adorned with carvings and paintings depicting Sikh history form the spiritual heart of the complex, where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and daily prayers (nitnem) and kirtan are performed. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A large community kitchen and dining hall capable of serving over one lakh (100,000) devotees during major festivals. Traditional cooking methods using wood-fired stoves and large copper vessels are employed. The langar hall exemplifies the Sikh principle of equality and selfless service (seva), welcoming all visitors for a free vegetarian meal. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pond) sarovar A sacred bathing pool within the gurdwara complex, where devotees take a ritual dip as an act of spiritual purification. The sarovar is a traditional feature of many historic Sikh gurdwaras and adds to the spiritual ambience of the site. ### Ancient Engraved Stones Shrine museum A dedicated area within the complex housing the two ancient engraved stones bearing the inscription 'Chilha Bava Sahib Nanak Dervish.' These stones are among the oldest physical relics associated with the gurdwara and are treated with special reverence by pilgrims. They serve as a tangible link to Guru Nanak Dev Ji's historic presence at this site. ### Dharamshala (Pilgrim Rest House) entrance A pilgrim rest house (dharamshala) is planned for construction on the one-acre plot of adjoining land recently allocated by the Haryana government. When completed, it will provide accommodation for Sikh pilgrims visiting from other states, improving facilities for out-of-town devotees. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head must be covered at all times (scarves/rumaals available at entrance); shoes must be removed before entering; modest, full-covering clothing required ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in outdoor areas of the complex; photography inside the Darbar Sahib during prayers should be done respectfully and may be restricted — confirm with staff on arrival ### Etiquette Bow respectfully before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering the Darbar Sahib; maintain silence and reverence inside the prayer hall; avoid tobacco, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food on the premises; participate in langar with humility ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The large langar hall can serve more than 1,00,000 (one lakh) devotees during major annual events and festivals; daily capacity for regular visitors is substantial Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1 is a striking three-storey structure featuring a prominent golden dome crowning the main prayer hall (Darbar Sahib), set against a gleaming white marble facade — a combination that is characteristic of modern Sikh gurdwara architecture. The white marble exterior lends the complex a sense of purity and grandeur, while the interiors are believed to be adorned with intricate carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Sikh history and the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The complex includes a spacious Langar Hall capable of accommodating tens of thousands of devotees during major festivals, equipped with traditional cooking facilities. A Sarovar (sacred pool) is also part of the complex, where devotees bathe as an act of spiritual purification. The site additionally features a library and museum preserving artifacts and literature related to Sikh history. The two ancient engraved stones inscribed 'Chilha Bava Sahib Nanak Dervish' are preserved as sacred relics within the shrine. Recent land transfers from the Haryana government are expected to facilitate further expansion, including the construction of a dharamshala (pilgrim rest house) and a charitable hospital adjacent to the main complex. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall of the gurdwara, a three-storey structure crowned with a prominent golden dome. The white marble facade and interior adorned with carvings and paintings depicting Sikh history form the spiritual heart of the complex, where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and daily prayers (nitnem) and kirtan are performed. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A large community kitchen and dining hall capable of serving over one lakh (100,000) devotees during major festivals. Traditional cooking methods using wood-fired stoves and large copper vessels are employed. The langar hall exemplifies the Sikh principle of equality and selfless service (seva), welcoming all visitors for a free vegetarian meal. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pond) sarovar A sacred bathing pool within the gurdwara complex, where devotees take a ritual dip as an act of spiritual purification. The sarovar is a traditional feature of many historic Sikh gurdwaras and adds to the spiritual ambience of the site. ### Ancient Engraved Stones Shrine museum A dedicated area within the complex housing the two ancient engraved stones bearing the inscription 'Chilha Bava Sahib Nanak Dervish.' These stones are among the oldest physical relics associated with the gurdwara and are treated with special reverence by pilgrims. They serve as a tangible link to Guru Nanak Dev Ji's historic presence at this site. ### Dharamshala (Pilgrim Rest House) entrance A pilgrim rest house (dharamshala) is planned for construction on the one-acre plot of adjoining land recently allocated by the Haryana government. When completed, it will provide accommodation for Sikh pilgrims visiting from other states, improving facilities for out-of-town devotees. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab (Prakash Utsav) The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the most important festival at this gurdwara, celebrated with great devotion. Events include Akhand Path (continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), prabhat pheri (early morning processions), kirtan, and massive langar. The gurdwara sees its largest annual gathering during this festival, with over one lakh devotees attending. #### Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab The birth anniversary of the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is observed with special prayers, kirtan, and langar. Given Sirsa's association with Guru Gobind Singh as well (a nearby Gurdwara Patshahi Dasvin also marks his visit), this gurpurab holds additional resonance for the Sikh community of the city. ### festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi, the Sikh New Year and harvest festival observed on April 13–14, is celebrated with kirtan, ardas, and langar at the gurdwara. Nagar kirtan (religious procession) may be organized through the streets of Sirsa. Devotees gather to celebrate this joyful occasion in the spirit of Guru Nanak's teachings. ### weekly #### Weekly Sunday Sukhmani Sahib Path Every Sunday, a large congregation gathers at Gurdwara Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1 for the recitation of Sukhmani Sahib, a revered Sikh prayer composed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. These weekly gatherings typically draw between 5,000 and 10,000 devotees from Sirsa and surrounding areas, making them among the largest regular religious gatherings at any gurdwara in Haryana. ### historical #### Annual Chilla Mela A commemorative gathering believed to be observed annually at the gurdwara to mark Guru Nanak Dev Ji's forty-day meditation (chilla) at this site. The event brings together Sikh devotees and local community members to remember and celebrate the spiritual significance of the Guru's extended stay in Sirsa. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1 in Sirsa is generally open from approximately 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. On major festival days and gurpurabs, the gurdwara may remain open for extended hours. Visitors are advised to confirm current timings with the management committee before planning their visit. Yes, Gurdwara Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1 operates a large langar hall where free meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or background — a core Sikh tradition. The langar hall can serve over 1,00,000 (one lakh) devotees during major festivals. Langar is typically available throughout the day. Devotees are also welcome to volunteer for langar seva (service). Major festivals celebrated at the gurdwara include Guru Nanak Gurpurab (the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, observed in November), Baisakhi (April), and other Sikh gurpurabs. Additionally, every Sunday a special Sukhmani Sahib path (recitation) is held, which draws between 5,000 and 10,000 devotees from the surrounding region. ### history Gurdwara Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1 commemorates the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji — the founder of Sikhism — to Sirsa during his Second Udasi (spiritual journey) in the Vikrami year 1567. According to tradition, Guru Nanak spent 40 days in intense meditation (chilla) at this site and a total of four months and 13 days in Sirsa, during which he engaged in spiritual discourse with local Sufi saints. The original shrine was maintained by Muslim priests and later transferred to the Sikh community after the 1947 Partition. The name 'Chilla Sahib' derives from the Islamic-Sufi concept of 'chilla,' referring to a 40-day period of intense spiritual fasting and meditation. Guru Nanak Dev Ji undertook such a chilla (40-day meditation) at this very site during his visit to Sirsa, which is why the gurdwara commemorating this event is called Chilla Sahib. 'Patshahi 1' indicates it is associated with the First Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Two ancient engraved stones preserved inside the shrine carry the inscription 'Chilha Bava Sahib Nanak Dervish,' meaning 'The Place of the Forty-Day Meditation of Saint Nanak, the Dervish.' These stones are believed to date back to the period following Guru Nanak's visit and serve as physical evidence of the site's historic reverence by both Sikh and Sufi communities. They are considered among the most sacred relics within the gurdwara. ### transport The gurdwara is located in Nahoria Bazaar, Sirsa, Haryana. By rail: Sirsa Railway Station (code: SSA) is within the city, connected to Delhi, Amritsar, and Jaipur. By road: Sirsa is 255 km from Delhi via NH-9 and NH-65 (approx. 4–5 hours). By air: The nearest civilian airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, approximately 255–262 km away. Local auto-rickshaws and taxis are available from the railway and bus stations to the gurdwara. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Chilla Sahib Patshahi 1 Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. 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