# Gurdwara Haa da Naara Sahib - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Haa da Naara Sahib, Malerkotla, Punjab — commemorating Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan's historic protest against the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's sons in 1705. # Gurdwara Haa da Naara Sahib Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Haa da Naara Sahib is a historically and spiritually revered Sikh shrine located in Malerkotla, Punjab, India, situated prominently on the Ludhiana-Sangrur State Highway near Grewal Chowk. The gurdwara stands as one of the most extraordinary testaments to interfaith justice and human conscience in the Sikh tradition — not because of a Sikh Guru's actions alone, but because of the moral courage of a Muslim Nawab. The name 'Haa da Naara' translates roughly as 'the cry of anguish' or 'the voice of protest,' referring to the historic lamentation uttered by Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan of Malerkotla in 1705, when he protested the brutal execution of the two youngest sons of the Tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The gurdwara is a community-type shrine that draws Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, and visitors of all faiths, making it one of Punjab's most compelling symbols of interfaith solidarity. Unlike most gurdwaras, which are built to commemorate the visits or events of the Sikh Gurus themselves, Gurdwara Haa da Naara Sahib is uniquely constructed to honor the righteous act of a Muslim ruler who stood against injustice at great personal risk. Malerkotla is a predominantly Muslim city in Punjab, and the gurdwara sits as living proof of the extraordinary bond between the city's Muslim and Sikh communities. This bond has endured centuries of turbulence — remarkably, Malerkotla experienced no communal violence during the bloody Partition of India in 1947, a fact widely attributed to the divine blessing Guru Gobind Singh Ji bestowed upon the city following Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan's protest. The gurdwara is managed by the local Sikh community and is affiliated with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body overseeing Sikh shrines in Punjab. It serves as a pilgrimage destination for Sikh devotees who come to pay their respects, receive spiritual blessings, and reflect on the virtues of justice, courage, and interfaith harmony. The shrine also serves as a community hub, with langar (the Sikh tradition of free communal meals) served to all visitors regardless of faith — a tradition that itself echoes the spirit of the Haa da Naara. The gurdwara is a deeply moving destination for anyone interested in the history of the Sikh Gurus, the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas, and the extraordinary legacy of Malerkotla as a city of peace. ## Significance Gurdwara Haa da Naara Sahib holds a rare and profound significance in both Sikh religious tradition and in the broader narrative of interfaith harmony in South Asia. Unlike virtually every other major Sikh shrine, this gurdwara commemorates not the actions of a Sikh Guru or a Sikh martyr, but the moral courage of a Muslim Nawab who chose conscience over political expediency. This makes the gurdwara a remarkable symbol of the Sikh belief in the universal brotherhood of humanity — the concept of Sarbat da Bhala, or well-being for all. The gurdwara carries the spiritual weight of the martyrdom of the Chote Sahibzade (the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji), the most poignant episode of sacrifice in Sikh history. Devotees who visit are reminded of the supreme sacrifice made by the Guru's family and of the courage it takes to speak truth to power, regardless of personal or political consequences. For the Muslim community of Malerkotla, the gurdwara represents the validation of their forebears' righteousness and the source of the legendary blessing of peace that has protected the city for over three centuries. It is a place where Muslims have been known to offer prayers alongside Sikhs, and where the langar is shared across religious lines — a living example of the interfaith solidarity that defines Malerkotla. The gurdwara is also deeply significant as a pilgrimage site during the annual Shaheedi Jor Mela held in December, when tens of thousands of devotees gather to commemorate the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas. At this time, the gurdwara becomes a focal point of remembrance, community, and spiritual renewal, drawing pilgrims from across Punjab and beyond. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Sahib Haw Da Naara India 0 m away Open daily, approximately 4:00 AM – 10:0... Gurdwara Sahib Haw Da Naara stands as one of the most extraordinary sacred sites in Punjab, India—a Sikh gurdwara that honours not a Sikh Guru or martyr, but a Muslim ruler whose act of conscience in 1705 became one of the most celebrated examples of interfaith courage in Sikh history. Located on the Ludhiana-Sangrur Road near Grewal Chowk in the city of Malerkotla, Punjab, the gurdwara is a living monument to the principles of justice, compassion, and human dignity that transcend religious boundaries. The name 'Haw Da Naara' translates to 'the cry of anguish' or 'the rallying cry for justice'—rooted in the Punjabi word 'haa' or 'hai,' uttered in grief and moral outrage. It refers to the courageous protest of Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan, the Muslim ruler of Malerkotla, who publicly opposed the execution of the two youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, by the Mughal Governor of Sirhind in 1705. This act of defiance, performed at enormous personal risk, earned the undying reverence of the Sikh community and transformed a political moment in Mughal history into a cornerstone of Punjab's syncretic culture. Today, the gurdwara draws pilgrims and visitors from across Punjab and beyond—Sikhs who come to pay homage to this unique chapter of their history, Muslims who feel a deep ancestral connection to the site, and people of all faiths who are drawn by its extraordinary story of intercommunal solidarity. It is perhaps the only Sikh gurdwara in the world where, during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims have been known to offer namaz alongside Sikh Gurbani kirtan recited in an adjacent hall, a phenomenon documented by regional media and widely celebrated as a symbol of Punjab's pluralistic heritage. The gurdwara sits prominently along one of Malerkotla's major arterial roads, making it easily accessible to travelers passing between Ludhiana and Sangrur. Malerkotla itself is a city of remarkable communal harmony—the only Muslim-majority city in Punjab that escaped the devastating violence of the 1947 Partition—and the Gurdwara Sahib Haw Da Naara is at the spiritual heart of that legacy. As a community gurdwara, it actively embodies the Sikh principles of seva (selfless service) and langar (free community kitchen), extending hospitality to all regardless of faith. The gurdwara has served langar to students of a nearby madrassa, organised joint Iftar celebrations with local police and community organisations during Ramadan, and fed approximately a thousand needy residents during the COVID-19 lockdown. Far more than a place of worship, it functions as a bridge between communities—a space where Sikh history and Islamic moral courage are simultaneously honoured, and where the pluralism of Punjab's heritage is made tangible for every visitor. Historical ### Gurdwara Sahib India 14 m away Open 24 hours daily; main prayer service... Gurdwara Sahib is a Sikh place of worship located in Malerkotla, Punjab, India — a region of profound historical and spiritual significance in the Sikh faith. Situated in the heartland of Punjab, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the world's largest Sikh population, this gurdwara serves as a center for daily worship, congregational gatherings, and community welfare for the local Sikh sangat (congregation). The name 'Gurdwara Sahib' carries deep meaning in the Sikh tradition: derived from the Punjabi words 'Gur' (the Guru) and 'Dwara' (gateway or door), with the honorific 'Sahib' added in reverence, it translates as 'the revered gateway of the Guru' — signifying the sacred threshold between the devotee and divine wisdom. Every gurdwara, regardless of its size or historical provenance, is considered equally sanctified through the presence of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal living Guru and supreme scripture of the Sikhs. Malerkotla, where this gurdwara is located, holds a unique and celebrated place in Sikh consciousness. The town is renowned for the act of moral courage shown by Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan in 1705 CE, when he publicly protested the execution of the young Sahibzaade — the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Baba Zorawar Singh (aged 9) and Baba Fateh Singh (aged 6) — who were ordered to be bricked alive by the Mughal governor Wazir Khan of Sirhind. The Nawab's protest, known historically as the 'Haa Da Naara' (the cry of protest), so moved Guru Gobind Singh Ji that the Guru blessed Malerkotla and its people with perpetual peace. This blessing is widely believed to be the reason Malerkotla remained untouched by violence during the catastrophic Partition of India in 1947, when surrounding areas witnessed widespread communal bloodshed. Gurdwara Sahib in this setting embodies the three core Sikh principles: Naam Japo (devotion to God through recitation), Kirat Karo (honest labor), and Vand Chakko (sharing with others). The gurdwara conducts daily prayers including Nitnem (fixed daily prayers at dawn and dusk), Ardas (congregational prayer), and Kirtan (devotional singing of sacred compositions from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji). Akhand Path — the continuous, uninterrupted reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib Ji over 48 hours — is conducted during major festivals and significant occasions in the Sikh calendar. The langar (community kitchen) operates continuously, offering free meals to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, or social background — a living expression of the Sikh ideal of equality and seva (selfless service). The gurdwara also engages in broader community development through educational support initiatives, blood donation camps, and charitable outreach serving both Sikh and non-Sikh residents of the local area. On major Gurpurabs (anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus) and festivals such as Baisakhi and Hola Mohalla, the gurdwara becomes the focal point of large community celebrations drawing worshippers from surrounding villages and towns across the Malerkotla region. Community ### Gurdwara Sahib Malerkotla, India 8.4 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 ### Kutia Sahib Malerkotla, India 12 km away Kutia 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, Kutia 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 ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Haa da Naara Sahib is inseparable from one of the most heart-wrenching episodes in Sikh history. In December 1705, following the Battle of Chamkaur, the two youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji — Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (aged approximately nine years) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (aged approximately seven years) — were captured along with their grandmother, Mata Gujri Ji. They were taken to Sirhind, where Wazir Khan, the Mughal Subedar (Governor), ordered that the children be bricked alive into a wall as punishment for refusing to convert to Islam. This horrific sentence was announced in the open court of Sirhind on December 26, 1705, a date now commemorated annually as Shaheedi Jor Mela. At this fateful court, Sher Mohammad Khan — the Nawab of Malerkotla and a relative of Wazir Khan — was present. Despite being a Muslim General who had himself participated in the Mughal military campaigns against Guru Gobind Singh, Sher Mohammad Khan rose and vehemently protested the punishment of the two innocent children. He declared that the killing of small children was expressly forbidden by the tenets of Islam and was morally indefensible. He uttered a cry of anguish — 'Haa' or 'Hai' — in protest, and then walked out of the court, refusing to be complicit in what he considered a grave sin and an act of absolute injustice. This protest became known as the 'Haa da Naara' — the cry of protest. Though Sher Mohammad Khan's intervention could not save the Sahibzadas, who were martyred on December 26, 1705, the Nawab's moral stand was heard and honored by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Upon learning of the Nawab's courageous protest, the Guru blessed Malerkotla and its people with eternal peace and communal harmony, declaring that the city would always remain safe and prosperous. This blessing is believed to have been fulfilled repeatedly across centuries — most notably, during the violent Partition of 1947, when surrounding cities descended into communal bloodshed but Malerkotla remained peaceful. Gurdwara Haa da Naara Sahib was subsequently built by the Sikh community to honor and perpetuate the memory of this act of moral courage. The gurdwara construction is associated with the efforts of the late Sardar Zora Singh Chandurayia, and its establishment is connected to the work of the SGPC member from the Halka Malerkotla constituency. The shrine stands today as a permanent reminder of the values of justice, conscience, and the unity of humanity across religious boundaries. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed with full reverence. Continuous kirtan is performed by ragis (religious musicians), and ardas (communal prayers) are held in the mornings and evenings. The hall features marble flooring and traditional Sikh decorative motifs. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where free meals are served to all visitors regardless of faith. The langar embodies the Sikh principle of equality and universal service, and this gurdwara's langar has a particularly notable interfaith dimension, having served Muslim community members on several occasions. ### Nishan Sahib tower The tall triangular flagpole bearing the Khanda (Sikh insignia) on a saffron-colored triangular flag, visible from a distance on the Ludhiana-Sangrur highway and serving as a beacon for pilgrims approaching the gurdwara. ### Entrance Gateway entrance The main ceremonial gateway to the gurdwara complex, typically featuring traditional Sikh architectural motifs, with the juta ghar (shoe storage facility) at the entrance where visitors remove their footwear before proceeding to the sacred areas. ### Sarovar / Ablution Area sarovar The ritual purification area within the gurdwara complex where pilgrims perform ablutions before entering the Darbar Sahib for prayer, following traditional Sikh practice. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering (chunni or rumal) required for all visitors; shoes must be removed before entering; modest and respectful clothing recommended ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in outer areas; photography inside the Darbar Sahib (inner sanctum) should be done respectfully and with discretion ### Etiquette Bow before the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon entering; sit cross-legged on the floor; do not point feet toward the holy scripture; speak in hushed, respectful tones; refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, or consuming meat on the premises ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Serves all visitors; capacity and volume increases significantly during Gurpurabs and the annual Shaheedi Jor Mela in December Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Haa da Naara Sahib reflects the traditional Punjabi Sikh architectural style, featuring the characteristic white-washed exterior, a central prayer hall (Darbar Sahib), and a prominent gilded or decorative dome. The structure is situated on a raised platform accessible by broad steps, with the familiar nishan sahib (Sikh flag on a tall mast) marking its presence from a distance on the Ludhiana-Sangrur highway. The complex includes the main Darbar Sahib where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is reverently installed and continuous kirtan (hymn singing) is performed. A langar hall provides free meals to all visitors. The gurdwara is equipped with separate facilities for men and women, including sarovar (sacred pool) or ablution facilities as is common in Punjabi gurdwaras. The entrance is marked by a gateway typical of SGPC-managed shrines, with marble flooring throughout the sacred areas. The overall design adheres to the classical Sikh gurdwara aesthetic — combining Mughal and Rajput architectural elements — using white marble, ornamental arches, and intricate geometric patterns. The shrine has been maintained and renovated over the years to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, particularly during major Sikh religious observances. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed with full reverence. Continuous kirtan is performed by ragis (religious musicians), and ardas (communal prayers) are held in the mornings and evenings. The hall features marble flooring and traditional Sikh decorative motifs. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where free meals are served to all visitors regardless of faith. The langar embodies the Sikh principle of equality and universal service, and this gurdwara's langar has a particularly notable interfaith dimension, having served Muslim community members on several occasions. ### Nishan Sahib tower The tall triangular flagpole bearing the Khanda (Sikh insignia) on a saffron-colored triangular flag, visible from a distance on the Ludhiana-Sangrur highway and serving as a beacon for pilgrims approaching the gurdwara. ### Entrance Gateway entrance The main ceremonial gateway to the gurdwara complex, typically featuring traditional Sikh architectural motifs, with the juta ghar (shoe storage facility) at the entrance where visitors remove their footwear before proceeding to the sacred areas. ### Sarovar / Ablution Area sarovar The ritual purification area within the gurdwara complex where pilgrims perform ablutions before entering the Darbar Sahib for prayer, following traditional Sikh practice. ## Events & Celebrations ### historical #### Shaheedi Jor Mela The most significant annual event at this gurdwara, held in late December (around December 26–27) to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who were bricked alive at Sirhind in 1705. Tens of thousands of pilgrims gather for kirtans, ardas, and langar. The Haa da Naara of Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan is also specifically remembered at this occasion. #### Interfaith Harmony Events Given the gurdwara's unique status as a symbol of Muslim-Sikh brotherhood, special interfaith gatherings and prayers are periodically held at the shrine. Notably, Muslim residents of Malerkotla have offered namaz (Islamic prayers) at the gurdwara premises, reflecting the extraordinary communal bonds the Haa da Naara legacy has fostered. ### gurpurab #### Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurab (Parkash Utsav) The birth anniversary of the Tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, celebrated with great devotion at this gurdwara. The occasion includes akhand path (continuous reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, and langar, and is particularly meaningful here given the gurdwara's connection to the Guru's family. #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab The birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, celebrated in October or November (as per the Sikh lunar calendar). Special akhand path, prabhat pheris (early morning processions), and extended langar are held at the gurdwara. ### festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated on April 13–14 each year, Baisakhi marks the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. Festivities at the gurdwara include special prayers, kirtan, and community langar, with large local participation from both Sikh and non-Sikh communities of Malerkotla. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Haa da Naara Sahib is generally open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The gurdwara follows traditional Sikh practice with morning and evening ardas (prayers). Hours may be extended during major Gurpurabs and the Shaheedi Jor Mela in December. Visitors are advised to check the official Facebook page or contact the local SGPC office for the most current timings. Yes, langar (free community meals) is served to all visitors throughout the day, regardless of religion, caste, or background. This tradition of universal hospitality is central to Sikh faith. The gurdwara famously extended this hospitality even to Muslim youth at a local madrasa during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, exemplifying the interfaith spirit associated with the shrine. The most spiritually significant time to visit is during the Shaheedi Jor Mela held annually in December (around December 26–27), commemorating the martyrdom of the Chote Sahibzade. Thousands of pilgrims gather at this time. For a more peaceful visit, the October to March period offers pleasant weather. Baisakhi (April 13–14) is also a major festival celebrated here. ### history Gurdwara Haa da Naara Sahib commemorates a historic act of moral courage by Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan of Malerkotla. In December 1705, he protested in the court of Wazir Khan, the Mughal Subedar of Sirhind, against the brutal sentence of bricking alive the two young sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji — Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (aged 9) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (aged 7). The Nawab's cry of anguish ('Haa') became known as the 'Haa da Naara.' Guru Gobind Singh, upon learning of this protest, blessed Malerkotla with eternal peace. The gurdwara was subsequently built by the Sikh community to honor this event. This gurdwara is unique because it does not commemorate an act by a Sikh Guru but rather the courageous protest of a Muslim Nawab, Sher Mohammad Khan of Malerkotla, who stood against the execution of Guru Gobind Singh's young sons. It is one of the very few Sikh gurdwaras that honors the virtue of a non-Sikh, making it a powerful symbol of interfaith solidarity and the Sikh principle of Sarbat da Bhala (well-being for all). Malerkotla is famous for remaining peaceful during the 1947 Partition of India, when widespread communal violence engulfed most of Punjab. This peace is traditionally attributed to the blessing of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who blessed the city after Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan raised the Haa da Naara. Gurdwara Haa da Naara Sahib is the spiritual center of this legacy, and the city is often cited as a model of Hindu-Muslim-Sikh coexistence in India. ### transport The gurdwara is located on the Ludhiana-Sangrur State Highway near Grewal Chowk, Malerkotla, Punjab. By road, it is approximately 50 km from Ludhiana and 35 km from Sangrur. Regular Punjab Roadways and private buses connect Malerkotla to major Punjab cities. The nearest railway station is Malerkotla (MET), with Dhuri Junction (18 km) offering broader connectivity. The nearest airport is Ludhiana (Sahnewal) Airport, approximately 50 km away. Local auto-rickshaws and taxis are available within Malerkotla. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Haa da Naara Sahib Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit