# Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib, Uttarakhand > Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib in Nanakmatta, Uttarakhand — a historic Sikh pilgrimage site associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Third Udasi, c. 1514 CE. # Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib, also known as Gurdwara Nanakmatta Sahib, is one of the most revered Sikh pilgrimage sites in northern India, situated in the town of Nanakmatta in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand. The town itself derives its name from this sacred shrine, a testament to the spiritual gravity the gurdwara commands in the region. Nestled on the banks of the Deoha stream — now part of the scenic Nanak Sagar reservoir — the gurdwara stands as one of three major Sikh holy sites in Uttarakhand, alongside Gurdwara Hemkunt Sahib and Gurdwara Reetha Sahib. The site is believed to mark the ground upon which Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, rested and engaged in profound spiritual discourse during his Third Udasi (journey) around 1514 CE. Before the arrival of Guru Nanak, the location was known as Gorakhmata — a prominent centre of Siddh-yogis who followed the traditions of the great yogi Gorakhnath. The transformation of this place from a Gorakhpanthi stronghold to a Sikh shrine is central to its historical and spiritual identity. Located approximately 15 kilometres west of Khatima Railway Station and 12 kilometres from Sitarganj town, Nanakmatta Sahib is accessible to pilgrims from across India. The gurdwara complex is expansive, encompassing the main prayer hall, the langar hall (community kitchen), a parikrama (circumambulatory path), a sarovar (sacred pool), and several subsidiary shrines that commemorate specific events and personages connected to the site's storied history. A 100-room sarai known as Guru Hargobind Niwas — with 50 rooms featuring attached bathrooms — provides comfortable accommodation for the thousands of pilgrims who visit throughout the year. The gurdwara is managed by the Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Nanakmatta Sahib, which oversees day-to-day administration, the running of the langar, and the upkeep of the complex. Throughout the year, the shrine draws devotees especially during Gurpurabs — Sikh festivals commemorating the anniversaries of the Gurus — as well as Baisakhi and other major Sikh occasions. The sarovar at Nanakmatta Sahib is notable for housing a population of colourful fish considered sacred by pilgrims, and ritual bathing in its waters is regarded as spiritually purifying. Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib holds a distinguished place within both mainstream Sikh and Udasi tradition. The ancient pipal tree under which Guru Nanak Dev Ji is believed to have sat during his visit remains an object of great reverence, standing between the main building and the Gurdwara Patshahi Sixth. This living link to Sikh antiquity makes the gurdwara not merely a house of worship but a living museum of Sikh heritage, drawing historians, scholars, and pilgrims alike. ## Significance Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib occupies a position of exceptional spiritual and historical significance within Sikhism, representing one of the earliest sites directly associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the religion's founder. The gurdwara is one of the three principal Sikh holy places in Uttarakhand — the other two being Gurdwara Hemkunt Sahib and Gurdwara Reetha Sahib — and its importance in the Sikh religious geography of northern India is firmly established. The site's significance is rooted in its connection to the Siddh-Gost, the composition in the Guru Granth Sahib that records the spiritual dialogue between Guru Nanak and the Siddh-yogis. This makes Nanakmatta Sahib not merely a place of pilgrimage but a living connection to one of the Guru Granth Sahib's most philosophically profound texts. The very transformation of the site — from a stronghold of Gorakhpanthi asceticism to a Sikh shrine — embodies the central message of the Siddh-Gost: that truth prevails through divine grace, active engagement with the world, and service to humanity. For the Udasi sect, a monastic order within the broader Sikh tradition believed to have been founded by Sri Chand, the elder son of Guru Nanak, Nanakmatta Sahib has historically served as a major centre of spiritual learning. The subsequent restoration of the shrine by Guru Hargobind Sahib adds another layer of significance, linking it to the formative period of Sikh institutional development in the seventeenth century. Pilgrims visit year-round, with particular fervour during Guru Nanak's Gurpurab (birth anniversary) and Baisakhi, drawn by the belief that prayers offered at this sacred site carry special spiritual efficacy. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata India 899 m away Open daily from early morning (approxima... Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata is a historically revered Sikh shrine located within the sacred complex of Nanakmatta in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, northern India. Positioned approximately one to one-and-a-half kilometres from the main Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib, it forms an integral part of one of the most spiritually significant Sikh pilgrimage sites in the entire Himalayan foothills region. The name 'Chhevin Patshahi' translates literally to 'Sixth Reign' or 'Sixth Throne,' directly commemorating a visit by the Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who came to Nanakmatta to restore the shrine from the hands of rival yogic sects in the early seventeenth century. Nanakmatta itself is a small but deeply sacred town that takes its name from Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith, who visited the site during his third Udasi (spiritual journey) around 1514 AD. This rich dual association with both the First and the Sixth Gurus makes Nanakmatta — and each of the eight historic gurdwaras within its broader complex — exceptionally important to Sikhs across the world. Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata stands as a living monument to Guru Hargobind's courage and devotion, marking the precise spot where the Guru is traditionally said to have tethered his horse before undertaking his mission to reclaim the site for the Sikh panth (community). The gurdwara draws thousands of pilgrims and devout Sikhs throughout the year, with major surges of visitors during Sikh festivals including Guru Nanak Gurpurab, Baisakhi, and the Gurpurab of Guru Hargobind Sahib. The broader Nanakmatta complex is recognised as one of three principal Sikh holy shrines in Uttarakhand, alongside the iconic Gurdwara Hemkunt Sahib and Gurdwara Reetha Sahib. Beyond purely Sikh pilgrims, the site attracts spiritual seekers and tourists drawn by the extraordinary natural beauty of the Terai region, the serene Nanak Sagar reservoir that borders the township, and the timeless atmosphere of collective prayer and community service. As with all gurdwaras, no pilgrim is ever turned away, and the tradition of langar — a free community kitchen serving meals to all visitors regardless of caste, creed, or social standing — operates here as a living expression of the Sikh values of equality and selfless service. The gurdwara is managed under the broader administration of the Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, Nanakmatta Sahib, which oversees the entire cluster of eight historic shrines in the area. Situated on the road between Khatima and Sitarganj and accessible from major north Indian cities, Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Nanak Mata offers both the devout and the curious a profound encounter with one of Sikhism's most layered and storied sacred landscapes. Historical ### Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Barapura U.p. India 20 km away Approximately 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (... Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Barapura is a Sikh place of worship located in Barapura village, Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh, India, situated at coordinates 28.788437°N, 79.720812°E. It is a community gurdwara affiliated with the Nanaksar tradition — a deeply devotional branch of Sikhism founded by Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji of Kaleran, Punjab, in the early twentieth century. The Nanaksar movement is renowned for its emphasis on intense meditation, strict vegetarianism, Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), and an unwavering focus on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith. Pilibhit district holds a distinctive place in the story of Sikhism in Uttar Pradesh. Known locally as 'Mini Punjab,' the district received thousands of Sikh refugees and farmers following the Partition of India in 1947, when the government allocated agricultural land in the fertile Terai belt to displaced families from West Punjab. Today, Sikhs constitute approximately 4.17% of Pilibhit's population of over two million — one of the highest concentrations of Sikhs in any district of Uttar Pradesh — and the community has established dozens of gurdwaras across the district to serve its spiritual and social needs. Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Barapura stands as a beacon of the Nanaksar sampradaya (tradition) in this region, offering the congregation a serene environment for kirtan, prayer, and reflection. Like all Nanaksar gurdwaras, it observes a strict code of conduct (maryada) that includes continuous recitation of Gurbani, vegetarian langar, and an atmosphere of quiet devotion. The gurdwara serves not only as a place of worship for the local Sikh community but also as a spiritual refuge for pilgrims and visitors travelling through the Pilibhit region. The gurdwara is open to people of all faiths, as is the tradition in Sikhism, and welcomes visitors who come to partake in the langar (community kitchen), listen to kirtan (devotional music), and seek the blessings of the Guru Granth Sahib. Its location in the Terai foothills region of northern Uttar Pradesh, not far from the more celebrated Gurdwara Nanakmata Sahib, places it within a corridor of significant Sikh religious heritage in this part of India. The gurdwara plays a vital role in preserving Sikh identity and culture in the diaspora communities of western Uttar Pradesh. Historical ### Gurdwara Sahib Lalkuan, India 31 km away Gurdwara Sahib is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Gurudawara Guru Singh Sabha , Bigwara Rudrapur, India 37 km away Gurudawara Guru Singh Sabha , bigwara is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurudawara Guru Singh Sabha , bigwara welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib stretches back to the early sixteenth century, deeply intertwined with the life and journeys of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. According to Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak visited the site during his Third Udasi (spiritual journey), believed to have taken place around 1514 CE. At that time, the location was known as Gorakhmata — a thriving centre of the Gorakhpanthi Siddh-yogis, followers of the great yogi Gorakhnath. These ascetics held the site as their own sacred ground and wielded significant influence in the region. Guru Nanak's visit to Gorakhmata is recorded in Sikh hagiography as an occasion of momentous spiritual encounter. He is believed to have engaged in extended theological discourse with the Siddh-yogis, the substance of which is enshrined in the Siddh-Gost, a composition included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs. Through these exchanges, Guru Nanak Dev Ji impressed upon the yogis the importance of active engagement with the world, nam simran (remembrance of the divine name), and selfless service — in contrast to the path of renunciation practised by the Siddhs. Acknowledged by the yogis as a figure of supreme spiritual authority, the site subsequently came to be known as Nanakmatta — 'the mat (resting place) of Nanak.' Approximately a century after Guru Nanak's visit, the Udasi saint Baba Almast came to Nanakmatta and found that the Gorakhpanthi yogis had reclaimed the site. Unable to dislodge them alone, Baba Almast sent an appeal for assistance to Guru Hargobind Sahib, the Sixth Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Hargobind Sahib journeyed to Nanakmatta and, through his personal presence and spiritual authority, successfully reasserted the site as a Sikh shrine. A separate shrine — Gurdwara Patshahi Sixth — was subsequently established within the complex to commemorate this momentous intervention. Over subsequent centuries, Nanakmatta Sahib grew as a major centre of both Sikh pilgrimage and the Udasi monastic tradition. The construction of the Nanak Sagar dam in the twentieth century transformed the surrounding landscape, with the Deoha stream becoming part of the reservoir. Today, the gurdwara complex has been substantially developed under the administration of the Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, with modern facilities — including an extensive sarai, expanded langar hall, and well-maintained sarovar — added to accommodate the growing influx of pilgrims from across India and the world. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib Prayer Hall The principal prayer hall housing the Guru Granth Sahib under a central palki. Crowned by a white dome flanked by decorative minarets, the darbar sahib is the spiritual heart of the complex, where continuous kirtan and daily ardas are performed. ### Gurdwara Patshahi Sixth Memorial Shrine A separate shrine built within the complex to commemorate the visit of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the Sixth Guru, who travelled to Nanakmatta and restored it as a Sikh place of worship after the Gorakhpanthi yogis had reclaimed it in the early seventeenth century. ### Bhandara Sahib Memorial Shrine A shrine commemorating the miracle tradition associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji's visit, according to which a variety of foods fell from the branches of a tree to feed the assembled yogis. The structure holds deep symbolic importance regarding divine abundance. ### Panja Sahib and Sacred Pipal Tree Sacred Site The ancient pipal tree believed to be the one under which Guru Nanak Dev Ji sat during his visit is preserved at this spot. The exposed roots of the tree are visible and venerated by pilgrims. The Panja Sahib marks this sacred arboreal site within the complex grounds. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) Sacred Water Body The sacred pool within the gurdwara complex, bordered by marble ghats and fed by the waters of the Nanak Sagar reservoir system. The sarovar is home to colourful fish regarded as sacred by pilgrims. Ritual bathing in its waters is considered spiritually meritorious. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head must be covered at all times; remove footwear before entering the gurdwara premises; modest, full-body clothing required ### Photography Photography permitted in the outer complex and gardens; typically not allowed inside the main darbar sahib — please check with gurdwara management ### Etiquette Wash hands and feet before entering; bow respectfully before the Guru Granth Sahib; refrain from smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food on the premises; maintain silence in the darbar sahib ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall can accommodate several hundred pilgrims at a time; during major festivals capacity is significantly expanded Seating Capacity ## Architecture The architecture of Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib reflects the classical North Indian gurdwara style, characterised by white-rendered facades, gilded domes, and ornate decorative work that blends Mughal and Sikh architectural motifs. The main prayer hall (darbar sahib) is crowned with a prominent white dome flanked by decorative minarets, lending the structure a distinctive skyline profile visible from a considerable distance. The interior features traditional marble flooring, intricate geometric tilework, and a central palki (palanquin) under which the Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined. The complex encompasses multiple subsidiary shrines — including Gurdwara Patshahi Sixth, Bhandara Sahib, and Panja Sahib — each architecturally coherent with the main building through shared use of white-painted masonry and arched entranceways. The parikrama (circumambulatory pathway) encircling the sacred sarovar is paved with marble, and the pool is bordered by ghats (bathing steps) in a manner characteristic of North Indian sacred tank architecture. The ancient pipal tree preserved within the complex grounds serves as a natural focal point, organically integrated into the built environment of the gurdwara. The 100-room sarai, Guru Hargobind Niwas, represents a more contemporary addition to the complex, constructed to modern standards for pilgrim accommodation. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib Prayer Hall The principal prayer hall housing the Guru Granth Sahib under a central palki. Crowned by a white dome flanked by decorative minarets, the darbar sahib is the spiritual heart of the complex, where continuous kirtan and daily ardas are performed. ### Gurdwara Patshahi Sixth Memorial Shrine A separate shrine built within the complex to commemorate the visit of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the Sixth Guru, who travelled to Nanakmatta and restored it as a Sikh place of worship after the Gorakhpanthi yogis had reclaimed it in the early seventeenth century. ### Bhandara Sahib Memorial Shrine A shrine commemorating the miracle tradition associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji's visit, according to which a variety of foods fell from the branches of a tree to feed the assembled yogis. The structure holds deep symbolic importance regarding divine abundance. ### Panja Sahib and Sacred Pipal Tree Sacred Site The ancient pipal tree believed to be the one under which Guru Nanak Dev Ji sat during his visit is preserved at this spot. The exposed roots of the tree are visible and venerated by pilgrims. The Panja Sahib marks this sacred arboreal site within the complex grounds. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) Sacred Water Body The sacred pool within the gurdwara complex, bordered by marble ghats and fed by the waters of the Nanak Sagar reservoir system. The sarovar is home to colourful fish regarded as sacred by pilgrims. Ritual bathing in its waters is considered spiritually meritorious. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Festival #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is celebrated with great fervour at Nanakmatta Sahib, given the Guru's direct association with the site. Celebrations include akhand path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan (devotional music), nagar kirtan (procession), and extended langar. #### Baisakhi Baisakhi, celebrated in April, is a major occasion at Nanakmatta Sahib. The festival commemorates the Khalsa's founding in 1699 CE and is marked by special ardas, kirtan, and large community langars drawing pilgrims from across Uttarakhand and neighbouring states. #### Guru Hargobind Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Hargobind Sahib is observed with particular reverence at Nanakmatta Sahib, as the Sixth Guru personally visited and restored the shrine. Special prayers and kirtan are held at Gurdwara Patshahi Sixth within the complex. #### Hola Mohalla Hola Mohalla, the Sikh festival of martial arts and community celebration established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is observed at the gurdwara. Pilgrims gather for kirtan, langar, and community events during this occasion. ### Pilgrimage Event #### Annual Sarovar Snan Utsav Pilgrims gather at the sarovar (sacred pool) for ritual bathing during auspicious occasions in the Sikh and Hindu calendars. The colourful fish in the sarovar are considered sacred, and bathing in its waters is believed to be spiritually purifying. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### History The name 'Nanakmatta' translates to 'the mat or resting place of Nanak.' According to Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak Dev Ji rested and meditated here during his Third Udasi around 1514 CE, transforming the site — previously known as Gorakhmata — into a Sikh sacred place. The site was originally called Gorakhmata, a prominent centre of the Gorakhpanthi Siddh-yogis, followers of the yogi Gorakhnath. After Guru Nanak's visit and spiritual discourse with the yogis, it was renamed Nanakmatta. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (the First Guru) is the primary figure associated with the site, having visited during his Third Udasi around 1514 CE. Guru Hargobind Sahib (the Sixth Guru) also visited and restored the shrine as a Sikh place of worship after Gorakhpanthi yogis had reclaimed it. ### Significance The ancient pipal tree at the complex is believed to be the very tree under which Guru Nanak Dev Ji sat during his visit. It stands between the main building and Gurdwara Patshahi Sixth and is venerated by pilgrims as a living symbol of the Guru's presence at the site. ### Visitor Information Yes. The gurdwara operates a 100-room sarai called Guru Hargobind Niwas, of which 50 rooms have attached bathrooms. Accommodation is typically available at nominal or no charge for pilgrims. Contact the Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee for current availability and booking. The gurdwara can be visited year-round. October to March offers the most pleasant weather. The most spiritually vibrant time to visit is during Guru Nanak Gurpurab (October/November) and Baisakhi (April), when large congregations gather for celebrations. Yes. Langar is served throughout the day at the gurdwara and is open to all visitors, regardless of religion, caste, or background. Pilgrims are also welcome to participate in langar seva (voluntary kitchen service). ### Travel The gurdwara is located approximately 12 km from Sitarganj, 15 km from Khatima, and around 100 km from Haldwani. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 80 km away. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit