# Gurdwara Hatt Sahib - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Hatt Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi – where Guru Nanak worked as Modi; home to the sacred 'Tera' miracle and 13 historic weights. Visitor guide & timings. # Gurdwara Hatt Sahib Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Hatt Sahib is one of the most historically revered Sikh shrines in India, located in the sacred town of Sultanpur Lodhi in the Kapurthala District of Punjab. It marks the precise location where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, worked as the Modi (store-keeper and accountant) of the provision stores belonging to Nawab Daulat Khan Lodhi. This gurdwara holds a unique and intimate place in the story of Sikhism's founding, as it commemorates a formative period in the Guru's early adult life when his divine qualities began to manifest publicly in remarkable ways. Sultanpur Lodhi itself is considered one of the holiest towns in the Sikh world. After Nankana Sahib (now in Pakistan), it is perhaps the city most deeply associated with the life of Guru Nanak, who spent approximately fourteen years here from around 1485. The town is home to a constellation of gurdwaras, each marking a significant moment in the Guru's life, and Gurdwara Hatt Sahib stands as one of the most visited among them. The gurdwara enshrines one of the most beloved and celebrated miracles attributed to Guru Nanak: the 'Tera' incident. While weighing out provisions and counting aloud, when the Guru reached the number thirteen—'tera' in Punjabi—he fell into divine meditation, for 'tera' also means 'thine' or 'yours,' a word of surrender to God. He continued chanting 'Tera, Tera, Tera,' losing himself in devotion. Jealous officials reported to the Nawab that the Guru was giving away grain recklessly, prompting an official inquiry. To everyone's astonishment, the stores were found not only intact but showing a surplus. The Nawab, deeply moved, apologized and offered the Guru a promotion, which was humbly declined. The gurdwara preserves thirteen polished stones of different sizes, believed to be the actual weights used by Guru Nanak during his tenure, displayed respectfully in a glass cabinet within the shrine. These artifacts draw pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike, offering a tangible connection to the Guru's earthly life. Devotees from across India and the global Sikh diaspora visit Gurdwara Hatt Sahib throughout the year, with massive congregations during Gurpurabs and especially during the 550th birth anniversary celebrations held in 2019, when Sultanpur Lodhi was developed as a heritage town. The gurdwara is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body overseeing historic Sikh shrines in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. ## Significance Gurdwara Hatt Sahib holds profound religious and cultural significance within the Sikh faith. It is directly associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first and most revered of the ten Sikh Gurus, making it a first-tier pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide. The shrine commemorates a period when the Guru's divine consciousness was made visibly manifest to the world—not through renunciation or retreat, but through honest, devoted labor in an ordinary workplace. This makes Gurdwara Hatt Sahib a powerful symbol of the Sikh teaching of 'Kirat Karo' (earn an honest living) as a form of worship. The thirteen weights preserved within the gurdwara are considered sacred relics (Nishan-e-Guru), and darshan (beholding) of these artifacts is believed by devotees to be spiritually uplifting. The 'Tera' miracle that occurred here is one of the most widely recounted episodes in Sikh oral and scriptural tradition, and is often cited in kirtan (devotional singing) and katha (religious discourse) as an illustration of the Guru's complete absorption in the divine name. Sultanpur Lodhi, home to Gurdwara Hatt Sahib and several other historic shrines, is considered the second most important Sikh pilgrimage town after Nankana Sahib (the birthplace of Guru Nanak, now in Pakistan). The town draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually. During major Gurpurabs, especially Guru Nanak's birthday (Kartik Puranmashi), the gurdwara witnesses extraordinary congregations. The SGPC administers the shrine, and langar (community meal) is served continuously, embodying the Sikh values of seva (selfless service) and equality. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Sahib Sultanpur Lodhi, India 13 m 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 ### Gurudwara Sultanpur Lodhi, India 439 m away Gurudwara is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurudwara 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 Ber Sahib India 672 m away Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Main darba... Gurdwara Sri Ber Sahib is one of the most historically and spiritually revered Sikh shrines in the world, located in the sacred town of Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala district, Punjab, India. Situated on the banks of the Kali Bein rivulet, this gurdwara marks the exact spot where Guru Nanak Dev Ji — the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus — is believed to have attained divine enlightenment in 1499 CE. The name 'Ber Sahib' derives from the ancient ber (jujube) tree that stood at the site and under whose sacred shade Guru Nanak Dev Ji meditated and received the divine revelation that would give birth to the Sikh faith. The gurdwara stands as a living monument to one of the most transformative spiritual events in human history. It was here, according to the traditional Janamsakhis (biographical accounts of the Guru's life), that Guru Nanak Dev Ji — then approximately 30 years of age — submerged himself in the Kali Bein to bathe and disappeared beneath its waters for three days. When he emerged, he spoke the founding words of Sikhism: 'There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim,' signifying the universality of the divine message he had received. The gurdwara enshrines the sacred Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal living scripture of the Sikhs, upon a pristine white marble canopied throne of remarkable craftsmanship. Every year, Gurdwara Ber Sahib draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, scholars, and tourists from across India and the world. The town of Sultanpur Lodhi, already sanctified by Guru Nanak Dev Ji's presence for nearly fifteen years of his early life, transforms into a city of spiritual light and devotion during the Gurpurab celebrations in November. The gurdwara is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body responsible for the management of historic Sikh shrines in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Beyond its spiritual function, Gurdwara Ber Sahib is an active community institution offering free langar (community kitchen), religious education, and social services to all who visit regardless of faith, caste, or background — in keeping with the egalitarian principles of Sikhism established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji himself. The Kali Bein rivulet, which flows beside the gurdwara, was cleaned and restored in the 2000s through a remarkable volunteer effort led by Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, transforming it back into a clean, flowing waterway and further enhancing the pilgrimage experience. Community ### Guruduara Kothadi Sahib India 691 m away Open daily, typically from 4:00 AM to 10... Gurudwara Kothadi Sahib is a revered Sikh place of worship situated near Sultanpur Lodhi in the Kapurthala district of Punjab, India. The town of Sultanpur Lodhi holds immense significance in Sikh history as the place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, lived and worked for approximately fourteen years during the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. The gurdwara is believed to mark the site of a small chamber or room — 'kothadi' being a Punjabi word for a small enclosed room or storehouse — associated with events from Guru Nanak's life in this sacred town. Located in the heartland of Punjab, the birthplace of Sikhism, Gurudwara Kothadi Sahib serves as both a spiritual sanctuary and a community hub for the local Sikh population and pilgrims who visit Sultanpur Lodhi from across India and abroad. The gurdwara provides all the essential services of a Sikh place of worship, including the continuous recitation of Gurbani (sacred scripture), the congregational prayer known as Ardas, and the communal kitchen — the Langar — which serves free meals to all visitors regardless of caste, creed, or religion. The management of the gurdwara falls under the broader oversight of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex elected body that administers historical Sikh shrines across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, though local management committees play a vital day-to-day role. Devotees visiting Sultanpur Lodhi typically undertake a yatra (pilgrimage circuit) that includes the cluster of sacred gurdwaras in the town, with Gurudwara Kothadi Sahib forming an important stop along this spiritual journey. The gurdwara welcomes visitors of all faiths, as is the universal tradition of Sikh shrines. It observes all major Sikh festivals, including Gurpurabs (anniversaries commemorating the lives of the Sikh Gurus), Baisakhi, and Diwali, which are celebrated with special diwan (congregation) and extended langar services. The presence of such gurdwaras in Sultanpur Lodhi contributes to the town's designation as a significant pilgrimage destination, particularly following increased government investment in religious tourism infrastructure in the region. Community ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Hatt Sahib is inseparable from the early biography of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539), the founder of Sikhism. After completing his early education and following his marriage to Mata Sulakhni in 1487, Guru Nanak came to Sultanpur Lodhi to live with his elder sister Bebe Nanaki and her husband Jai Ram, who served as a revenue official in the court of Nawab Daulat Khan Lodhi. It was Jai Ram who recommended Guru Nanak to the Nawab, and the young Guru was appointed as the Modi—the custodian and accountant of the Nawab's state granary and provision stores—around 1485–1490. For several years, Guru Nanak carried out his duties with exemplary honesty and dedication, during which time he also composed many of the hymns that would later form the core of the Guru Granth Sahib. The site of the provision store became the backdrop for the famous 'Tera' miracle. When Guru Nanak reached the count of thirteen while weighing provisions—'tera' meaning both 'thirteen' and 'thine/yours' in Punjabi—he entered a state of divine rapture, repeatedly uttering 'Tera, Tera, Tera' in surrender to the Almighty. Jealous officials lodged a complaint with the Nawab that the Guru was distributing grain without proper accounting. A thorough inspection, however, revealed the stores to be fully stocked and even in surplus, vindicating the Guru completely and deepening his reputation for both spiritual grace and miraculous power. Following this period in Sultanpur Lodhi, Guru Nanak undertook his famous four Udasis (spiritual journeys), traveling across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. He is believed to have returned to Sultanpur Lodhi thereafter, enriching the town's spiritual heritage further. The gurdwara commemorating the provision store site was established in the centuries following Guru Nanak's time, as was common with many historic shrines across the Sikh heartland. The current structure was built and renovated over time under the patronage of Sikh rulers and eventually came under the administration of the SGPC following the Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1925. The town and its gurdwaras received significant attention and infrastructure investment from the Government of Punjab during 2018–2019, on the occasion of the 550th Prakash Purab (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, when Sultanpur Lodhi was developed as a heritage and smart city, bringing Gurdwara Hatt Sahib renewed global visibility. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and venerated. The hall features a square sanctum at its center topped by a clerestory room with arched coping, culminating in a graceful lotus dome with a gold-plated finial. Continuous kirtan and path take place here throughout the day. ### Sacred Relics Cabinet museum A glass display cabinet within the main hall housing the thirteen polished stone weights traditionally believed to have been used by Guru Nanak Dev Ji during his service as Modi at Nawab Daulat Khan's provision store. This is the most venerated artifact at the gurdwara. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A dedicated hall where free community meals are prepared and served to all visitors without distinction of caste, religion, or social status. The langar embodies the Sikh principle of equality and serves hundreds of pilgrims daily, with seva (voluntary service) offered by devotees. ### Main Entrance Gateway entrance The ceremonial gateway to the gurdwara complex, marked by traditional Sikh architectural motifs. Visitors remove their shoes and cover their heads at the entrance before proceeding into the sacred precincts. A cloakroom for footwear and cloth head coverings are available here. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) sarovar While the primary sarovar in Sultanpur Lodhi is associated with Gurdwara Ber Sahib on the banks of the Kali Bein, the Hatt Sahib complex includes water facilities for ritual ablutions as is customary in Sikh shrine complexes. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering (dupatta or rumal) required for all visitors; shoes must be removed before entering; modest, respectful clothing recommended; head coverings are usually available at the entrance ### Photography Generally permitted in the outer areas; photography inside the sanctum sanctorum should be done respectfully and may be restricted during prayers ### Etiquette Bow or kneel before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering the darbar sahib; maintain silence and reverence inside; do not point feet toward the Guru Granth Sahib; partake in langar with humility; refrain from consuming tobacco, alcohol, or non-vegetarian food within the premises ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Serves hundreds of devotees daily; during major festivals and Gurpurabs, thousands of pilgrims are served Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Hatt Sahib features a refined example of traditional Sikh sacred architecture blended with Mughal-influenced elements. The main structure comprises a spacious prayer hall (darbar sahib) with a square sanctum positioned at its center, where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and revered. Above the sanctum rises a square clerestory room with wide, elegantly arched coping, which provides both light and visual grandeur to the interior. Crowning the structure is a graceful lotus dome (gumbad), a hallmark of Sikh religious architecture, topped by a gold-plated finial (kalash) that catches the sunlight and serves as a beacon of faith visible from a distance. The complex includes a langar hall for the preparation and serving of community meals, as well as facilities for pilgrims and devotees. The interior of the sanctum is decorated with traditional geometric and floral patterns. A glass display cabinet within the gurdwara houses the thirteen polished stone weights associated with Guru Nanak, serving as the primary artifact of veneration. The overall complex, while modest in scale compared to larger shrines like the Golden Temple, is maintained with great care by the SGPC and reflects the devotional aesthetic characteristic of historically significant Sikh shrines. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and venerated. The hall features a square sanctum at its center topped by a clerestory room with arched coping, culminating in a graceful lotus dome with a gold-plated finial. Continuous kirtan and path take place here throughout the day. ### Sacred Relics Cabinet museum A glass display cabinet within the main hall housing the thirteen polished stone weights traditionally believed to have been used by Guru Nanak Dev Ji during his service as Modi at Nawab Daulat Khan's provision store. This is the most venerated artifact at the gurdwara. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A dedicated hall where free community meals are prepared and served to all visitors without distinction of caste, religion, or social status. The langar embodies the Sikh principle of equality and serves hundreds of pilgrims daily, with seva (voluntary service) offered by devotees. ### Main Entrance Gateway entrance The ceremonial gateway to the gurdwara complex, marked by traditional Sikh architectural motifs. Visitors remove their shoes and cover their heads at the entrance before proceeding into the sacred precincts. A cloakroom for footwear and cloth head coverings are available here. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) sarovar While the primary sarovar in Sultanpur Lodhi is associated with Gurdwara Ber Sahib on the banks of the Kali Bein, the Hatt Sahib complex includes water facilities for ritual ablutions as is customary in Sikh shrine complexes. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab (Prakash Purab) The most important annual celebration at Gurdwara Hatt Sahib and across Sultanpur Lodhi, commemorating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The town becomes the center of massive Sikh pilgrimages, with continuous kirtan, akhand path (uninterrupted reading of Guru Granth Sahib), nagar kirtan processions, and langar serving thousands. Sultanpur Lodhi hosted especially grand 550th anniversary celebrations in November 2019. #### Gurpurabs of the Ten Gurus The martyrdom days and birth anniversaries of all ten Sikh Gurus are observed with special ardas (prayers), akhand paths, and kirtan sessions throughout the year at Gurdwara Hatt Sahib, with the granthi and sangat (congregation) gathering for extended religious programs. ### festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated on April 13–14 each year, Baisakhi marks the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The gurdwara sees special prayers, kirtan, and langar on this occasion, drawing large numbers of local and visiting devotees. #### Hola Mohalla Celebrated the day after Holi, Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival established by Guru Gobind Singh. Special kirtan darbars and langars are held at Gurdwara Hatt Sahib and across Sultanpur Lodhi during this festival. ### historical #### Maghi (Magh Mela) Celebrated in January to commemorate the sacrifice of the Forty Liberated Ones (Chali Mukte), Maghi is observed with special prayer gatherings at the gurdwara. It is an important occasion in the Sikh religious calendar observed across Punjab. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Hatt Sahib is generally open from approximately 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. During major Gurpurabs such as Guru Nanak Jayanti, the gurdwara may remain open through the night for continuous kirtan and langar service. Yes, entry to Gurdwara Hatt Sahib is completely free, as is the tradition at all Sikh gurdwaras. Free langar (community meals) is also available to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or background. The best time to visit is October to March when the weather in Punjab is cool and pleasant. The most spiritually vibrant time is during Guru Nanak Gurpurab (usually in October or November), when Sultanpur Lodhi hosts grand celebrations attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Baisakhi in April is another excellent time to visit. ### history Gurdwara Hatt Sahib commemorates the site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji worked as the Modi (store-keeper) of Nawab Daulat Khan Lodhi's provision stores in Sultanpur Lodhi. It was here that the famous 'Tera' miracle occurred: when Guru Nanak reached the count of thirteen while weighing grain—'tera' meaning both 'thirteen' and 'thine/yours' in Punjabi—he entered divine meditation. Despite accusations of recklessness, the stores were found fully stocked and in surplus, vindicating the Guru. The most significant relics at Gurdwara Hatt Sahib are thirteen polished stones of different sizes, traditionally believed to be the weights used by Guru Nanak Dev Ji during his tenure as Modi at Nawab Daulat Khan's provision store. These are displayed in a glass cabinet within the gurdwara and are considered precious artifacts of Sikh heritage. Gurdwara Hatt Sahib is significant because it marks a formative period in Guru Nanak's life when his divine nature was publicly revealed through the 'Tera' miracle. It also embodies the core Sikh teaching of 'Kirat Karo'—earning an honest living as a form of worship—as the Guru served as a humble store-keeper before beginning his great spiritual journeys. ### transport Gurdwara Hatt Sahib is located in Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala District, Punjab. The nearest airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, approximately 71 km away. Sultanpur Lodhi has its own railway station (code: SQR) with connections to Firozpur and Jalandhar. By road, the gurdwara is about 45 km from Jalandhar and 71 km from Amritsar. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are available within the town. 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