# Gurdwara Gangsar Pathsahi Fifth & Sixth, Kartarpur > Visit Gurdwara Gangsar Pathsahi Fifth and Sixth in Kartarpur, Punjab — a sacred Sikh shrine linked to Guru Arjun Dev Ji and Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. # Gurdwara Gangsar Pathsahi Fifth and Sixth Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Gangsar Pathsahi Fifth and Sixth is a revered Sikh shrine located in Kartarpur, approximately 16 kilometres northwest of Jalandhar city in the state of Punjab, India. The gurdwara is one of the most historically significant sites in the Kartarpur township, believed to be the very town founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, where he spent the last eighteen years of his life farming and preaching. The shrine derives its name from the sacred well — known as Gangsar — that was dug here by the Fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjun Dev Ji, in 1599 CE. The name 'Gangsar' is a combination of 'Ganga' (the sacred river) and 'sar' (a body of water), and was bestowed upon the well by Guru Arjun Dev Ji himself, who declared that its waters held a spiritual sanctity equal to or greater than that of the River Ganga. The gurdwara commemorates the presence and blessings of both the Fifth Guru, Guru Arjun Dev Ji (1563–1606), who compiled the Adi Granth and transformed the Sikh faith into an organised religion, and the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (1595–1644), who introduced the concept of Miri-Piri — the dual nature of temporal and spiritual authority — symbolised by the two swords he wore. Managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body overseeing Sikh shrines in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, Gurdwara Gangsar Pathsahi Fifth and Sixth draws thousands of pilgrims annually from across India and abroad. The gurdwara serves as a living centre for worship, daily recitation of Gurbani, and the perennial Sikh tradition of langar (community kitchen), welcoming visitors of all faiths without discrimination. The site holds particular significance during the Gurpurabs (birth and martyrdom anniversaries) of both associated Gurus, when the entire complex is illuminated and special congregations are held. As one of the important gurdwaras in Kartarpur — a town that also houses the famous Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib — this shrine enriches the spiritual landscape of a region that is considered deeply sacred to Sikhs worldwide. ## Significance Gurdwara Gangsar Pathsahi Fifth and Sixth holds profound spiritual and cultural significance within the Sikh faith. It is one of the few gurdwaras in India that is directly associated with not one but two of the ten Sikh Gurus, making it especially venerable in the Sikh tradition. The site commemorates a pivotal theological moment: Guru Arjun Dev Ji's declaration that inner faith and devotion to the Divine hold greater sanctity than ritualistic bathing in any sacred river, including the Ganga. This teaching, embedded in the very name of the gurdwara, encapsulates one of Sikhism's core principles — that God is accessible to all, regardless of caste, ritual, or geographic pilgrimage. The gurdwara is also located in Kartarpur, a township of supreme importance to Sikhs as it is believed to be the place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his final years. Being part of this sacred geography amplifies the spiritual resonance of Gurdwara Gangsar. Culturally, the shrine serves as a community anchor for local Sikhs and as a pilgrimage destination for the global Sikh diaspora. The gurdwara reinforces the living values of seva (selfless service), simran (meditation), and sangat (holy congregation) that are central to Sikh practice. It also stands as a symbol of the reformist spirit of Sikhism, challenging superstition and social inequality — values championed especially by Guru Arjun Dev Ji, who also compiled the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal scripture of the Sikhs. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Sahib Kartarpur, India 5.8 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 ### Gurdwara Bakhshish Dham Jalandhar, India 6.3 km away Open daily from early morning (approxima... Gurdwara Bakhshish Dham is a revered Sikh shrine and spiritual center situated in the village of Nussi, on the outskirts of Jalandhar, Punjab, India. The name "Bakhshish Dham" translates as "the abode of divine grace" — a title that reflects the institution's core spiritual identity as a place where seekers come to receive the blessings of Waheguru through prayer, kirtan, and the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Jalandhar is one of Punjab's most historically and spiritually significant cities, lying in the heart of the Doaba region between the Beas and Sutlej rivers. The region has been home to Sikh communities since the earliest days of the faith, and numerous gurdwaras in and around the city bear witness to centuries of devotion to the Sikh Gurus. Gurdwara Bakhshish Dham stands as a living continuation of this spiritual heritage, welcoming Sangat (congregation) from surrounding villages and the wider Jalandhar district. The gurdwara is closely associated with the spiritual guidance of Baba Daljit Singh Ji of Amritsar, whose weekly satsangs (spiritual discourses) are held at the premises every Thursday. These sabads and kathas, rooted in the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, draw devotees from across Punjab and are broadcast live on the internet, allowing the global Sikh diaspora to participate. The digital outreach of Gurdwara Bakhshish Dham has made it a point of spiritual connection for Punjabi communities in the United Kingdom, Canada, and beyond, with live broadcasts timed to accommodate audiences in England (8:00–9:00 am England time). In addition to its role as a center of worship and scriptural learning, the gurdwara is the operational home of the Bakhshish International Charitable Society, a non-profit organization that undertakes humanitarian and social welfare work in association with the gurdwara. Through this partnership, the institution extends its mission of sewa (selfless service) beyond religious ceremony and into the lives of those in need across the region. The gurdwara maintains the core Sikh institutions that define every gurdwara worldwide: the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed and reverenced as the living Guru, the Langar (community kitchen) that serves free meals to all visitors regardless of faith or background, and facilities for the Samagam — large congregational gatherings held to mark important occasions on the Sikh calendar. The monthly Naam Simran Abhyas, held on the first Thursday of each month, invites participants into hours of meditative recitation of the divine Name, a practice considered central to spiritual liberation in Sikh theology. The gurdwara can be contacted at +917481000042 and its full programs, live streams, and event details are available at its official website, bakhshishdham.org. Community ### Gurdwara Sahib Bholath, India 9.2 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 ### Gurdwara Bhagwan Pur India 10.0 km away Open daily from approximately 4:00 AM (A... Gurdwara Bhagwan Pur is a revered Sikh place of worship situated in the village of Bhagwan Pur, Punjab, India, at coordinates 31.5278°N, 75.5153°E, placing it within the heartland of the Sikh faith in northern India. As with all gurdwaras, it serves as much more than a house of prayer — it is a living community institution that embodies the core Sikh tenets of seva (selfless service), sangat (holy congregation), and pangat (communal eating). The gurdwara stands as a spiritual anchor for the residents of Bhagwan Pur and the surrounding villages, welcoming Sikhs and visitors of all faiths and backgrounds without distinction of caste, creed, gender, or social standing. The sacred complex is believed to house the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs, enshrined in the main prayer hall known as the Darbar Sahib. Daily worship follows the traditional Nitnem — the prescribed prayers recited at dawn, dusk, and before retiring — accompanied by Gurbani kirtan (devotional music). The gurdwara opens its doors before sunrise for Amrit Vela prayers and remains accessible to sangat throughout the day. Beyond its devotional function, Gurdwara Bhagwan Pur plays a vital role in the social fabric of the community. Its langar (community kitchen) operates daily, providing free meals to all who visit regardless of background — a practice instituted by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century to challenge caste hierarchy and affirm human equality. The institution also supports local education, pastoral care, and the celebration of Sikh festivals including Gurpurabs (Guru anniversary commemorations), Baisakhi, and Diwali. The gurdwara is managed by a local committee of elected volunteers, following guidelines broadly aligned with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex elected body overseeing historical Sikh shrines in Punjab. It represents the grassroots network of thousands of village gurdwaras that sustain Sikh religious and cultural life across the Punjab plains, far from the headline shrines of Amritsar and Anandpur Sahib yet no less important to the daily spiritual lives of ordinary Sikh families. Community ## Detailed History The historical origins of Gurdwara Gangsar Pathsahi Fifth and Sixth are rooted in a remarkable incident that took place in 1599 CE during the time of Guru Arjun Dev Ji. As the Fifth Sikh Guru was present in Kartarpur, he ordered the digging of a well for the use of the local sangat (congregation). According to Sikh tradition, during the digging, a small utensil (gadva) belonging to a devotee named Bhai Visakhi Ram — believed to have been lost in the River Ganga — was recovered from this very well. This miraculous event was seen as a divine sign, and Guru Arjun Dev Ji used the occasion to dispel the widespread superstition of the time that bathing in the Ganga was necessary for spiritual purification. Guru Ji blessed the well with the following words: 'Sakar Gang Yeh Naam Dharayo, Ganga Te Hum Adhik Likhayo, Jo Banchha Kar Ethe Awe, Man Banchhat Var Sak Hi Pave' — meaning that whoever comes here with a true wish in their heart shall receive it, and that this well surpasses even the Ganga in spiritual merit. Thereafter, the well and its surrounding area came to be known as Gangsar. The Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, is also believed to have visited and blessed this location, cementing its association with both Gurus. For centuries, a modest Mariji Sahib (a small memorial shrine) stood near the well, maintained by local Sikhs and their descendants. In 1975, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee undertook a major reconstruction project, replacing the older structure with the present imposing five-storey building that now marks the site. Over the decades, the gurdwara has grown in prominence as part of the broader Kartarpur pilgrimage circuit, attracting devotees who travel to this spiritually charged region of Punjab to retrace the footsteps of the early Sikh Gurus. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Sanctum) Sanctum Sanctorum The central hall of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed under an ornate canopy (palki). Located on the ground floor of the five-storey building, the darbar sahib is the focal point of worship, where devotees gather for ardas (prayer), kirtan (devotional music), and hukamnama (reading from the scripture). ### Gangsar Sacred Well Historic Site / Sacred Water Source The original sacred well dug by Guru Arjun Dev Ji in 1599 CE, preserved within the gurdwara complex. This well, named Gangsar by Guru Ji himself, is the historical and spiritual foundation of the entire gurdwara. It is revered by pilgrims as a site of divine blessing. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen The langar hall is where the Sikh tradition of free community meals is practised daily. The hall accommodates hundreds of devotees at a time and is managed by sewadars (volunteers). During major Gurpurabs, temporary extensions are set up to serve the increased number of pilgrims. ### Pilgrim Sarai (Rest House) Accommodation Accommodation facilities (sarai) are available for pilgrims visiting from out of town, maintained by the SGPC. These provide basic, clean lodging at minimal or no cost, in keeping with the Sikh tradition of hospitality. ### Five-Storey Tower and Dome Architectural Feature The distinctive five-storey structure constructed by the SGPC in 1975 dominates the skyline of the gurdwara. Topped with a traditional Sikh dome, the tower rises above the darbar sahib and is visible from a considerable distance, serving as a landmark for pilgrims approaching Kartarpur. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head must be covered at all times; shoes must be removed before entering; modest, clean clothing required; scarves/rumalas available at the entrance for visitors without head coverings ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in the outer areas; photography in the darbar sahib (main hall) should be done respectfully and may require permission ### Etiquette Bow respectfully before the Guru Granth Sahib on entering; avoid turning your back to the Guru Granth Sahib; refrain from smoking, alcohol, or non-vegetarian food within the premises; maintain silence in the darbar sahib ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall can accommodate several hundred devotees at a time; capacity increases significantly during Gurpurabs and special occasions Seating Capacity ## Architecture The present structure of Gurdwara Gangsar Pathsahi Fifth and Sixth was constructed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in 1975, replacing the earlier Mariji Sahib that had stood near the sacred well for centuries. The building rises to five storeys and is characteristic of the contemporary Punjabi-Sikh architectural style, blending traditional Mughal-influenced elements with modern construction techniques. The sanctum sanctorum (darbar sahib) is located at one end of a spacious square hall on the ground floor, where the Guru Granth Sahib is reverentially installed under a ornate canopy. The upper four storeys, including the distinctive dome that crowns the topmost level, rise directly above the sanctum, creating a vertical emphasis that draws the eye skyward in contemplation. The building is believed to be constructed in white marble and plaster, adorned with decorative arches, fluted columns, and traditional Sikh motifs. The sacred well — the original Gangsar — is preserved within the complex as a focal point of devotion. The gurdwara complex also includes a langar hall, bathing facilities, and accommodation for pilgrims. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Sanctum) Sanctum Sanctorum The central hall of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed under an ornate canopy (palki). Located on the ground floor of the five-storey building, the darbar sahib is the focal point of worship, where devotees gather for ardas (prayer), kirtan (devotional music), and hukamnama (reading from the scripture). ### Gangsar Sacred Well Historic Site / Sacred Water Source The original sacred well dug by Guru Arjun Dev Ji in 1599 CE, preserved within the gurdwara complex. This well, named Gangsar by Guru Ji himself, is the historical and spiritual foundation of the entire gurdwara. It is revered by pilgrims as a site of divine blessing. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen The langar hall is where the Sikh tradition of free community meals is practised daily. The hall accommodates hundreds of devotees at a time and is managed by sewadars (volunteers). During major Gurpurabs, temporary extensions are set up to serve the increased number of pilgrims. ### Pilgrim Sarai (Rest House) Accommodation Accommodation facilities (sarai) are available for pilgrims visiting from out of town, maintained by the SGPC. These provide basic, clean lodging at minimal or no cost, in keeping with the Sikh tradition of hospitality. ### Five-Storey Tower and Dome Architectural Feature The distinctive five-storey structure constructed by the SGPC in 1975 dominates the skyline of the gurdwara. Topped with a traditional Sikh dome, the tower rises above the darbar sahib and is visible from a considerable distance, serving as a landmark for pilgrims approaching Kartarpur. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Festival #### Gurpurab of Guru Arjun Dev Ji The martyrdom anniversary (Shaheedi Diwas) and birth anniversary (Parkash Utsav) of the Fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjun Dev Ji, are observed with great reverence. Special akhand paths (uninterrupted readings of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan programmes, nagar kirtans (processions), and extended langar are held over several days. #### Gurpurab of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji The birth anniversary of the Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, is celebrated with special congregational prayers, kirtan, and community gatherings at the gurdwara. The occasion is marked by the distribution of karah prasad and free langar for all. ### Cultural and Religious Festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi (harvest festival and the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa in 1699) is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Special prayers, kirtan, and community events are organised, drawing large crowds from the surrounding region. ### Religious Ceremony #### Akhand Path Continuous, uninterrupted readings of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Akhand Path) are organised regularly, particularly on auspicious occasions and at the request of devotee families as an act of thanksgiving or remembrance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### History The gurdwara is associated with the Fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjun Dev Ji (1563–1606), who dug the sacred Gangsar well here in 1599 CE, and the Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (1595–1644), who is also believed to have visited and blessed this site. ### Spiritual Significance The Gangsar well was dug on the orders of Guru Arjun Dev Ji in 1599. According to Sikh tradition, an utensil (gadva) lost in the River Ganga was miraculously recovered from this well. Guru Arjun Dev Ji blessed the well, declaring it spiritually equivalent to the Ganga, and used the occasion to teach that inner devotion holds greater value than ritual bathing in holy rivers. ### Visitor Information Yes, entry to Gurdwara Gangsar Pathsahi Fifth and Sixth is completely free for visitors of all faiths. The langar (community meal) is also served free of charge to all. All visitors must cover their head before entering (scarves or rumalas are usually available at the entrance). Shoes must be removed before entry. Modest and clean clothing is appropriate. Shorts and sleeveless tops are generally discouraged. The gurdwara can be visited year-round. The cooler months from October to March offer the most comfortable weather. Visiting during the Gurpurabs (anniversaries) of Guru Arjun Dev Ji or Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji offers a vibrant spiritual atmosphere with special prayers, processions, and extended langar. ### Management The gurdwara is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the statutory body that oversees historical Sikh shrines in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. ### Transport Gurdwara Gangsar Pathsahi Fifth and Sixth is located in Kartarpur, approximately 16 kilometres northwest of Jalandhar city. The journey takes roughly 30–40 minutes by road. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Gangsar Pathsahi Fifth and Sixth Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit