# Gurdwara Nanak Shahi | Principal Sikh Temple, Bangladesh > Explore Gurdwara Nanak Shahi in Dhaka, Bangladesh — a historic Sikh temple on the University of Dhaka campus, linked to Guru Nanak and Guru Tegh Bahadur. ![Gurdwara Nanak Shahi](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara_NanakShahi_Dhaka_by_Ragib_Hasan.jpg&w=1200) Historical regional # Gurdwara Nanak Shahi Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Nanak Shahi (Bengali: গুরুদুয়ারা নানকশাহী, Punjabi: ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਸ਼ਾਹੀ) is the principal Sikh gurdwara in Bangladesh, situated at Nilkhet within the campus of the University of Dhaka. As the largest and most historically significant of the estimated nine to ten gurdwaras in the country, it stands as a living testament to the centuries-old Sikh presence in the Bengal region. The gurdwara is named in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, who is believed to have visited the site during his third udasi (spiritual journey) through Bengal around 1506–1507 CE. The institution occupies a revered place not only within Bangladesh but across the broader Sikh world. Its historic and religious importance outside India is considered second only to the Gurdwaras of Nankana Sahib in present-day Pakistan and Panja Sahib, owing to its direct association with both Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs. The complex is managed by the Bangladesh Gurdwara Management Committee, a body that includes both local and international members who oversee the spiritual, administrative, and preservation functions of the institution. Situated near the arts faculty building on the University of Dhaka campus, the gurdwara is easily accessible from central Dhaka. Despite Bangladesh's very small Sikh population—estimated at approximately 100 individuals as of recent years—the gurdwara continues to receive devotees and pilgrims from across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, particularly during major Sikh festivals such as Gurpurabs. The institution is funded through a combination of donations from devotees, contributions from foreign visitors, private donors, and grants from the Government of Bangladesh. The gurdwara maintains daily religious practices including twice-daily scripture readings (paath) and kirtan (devotional singing). On Fridays, a weekly congregational assembly (sangat) is held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., drawing approximately 300 participants. The complex also includes a langar-khana (communal kitchen) that serves free vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or social background—in keeping with one of Sikhism's most cherished traditions of seva (selfless service) and equality. A musafir-khana (rest house for travellers and pilgrims) is also part of the complex, offering accommodation to visiting devotees. Among the most prized possessions of the gurdwara are several significant religious artefacts, including an ancient handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib believed to date from the 17th century, a portrait of Guru Tegh Bahadur reportedly painted during his sojourn in Dhaka, and a pair of wooden sandals attributed to the ninth Guru. These relics draw pilgrims and historians alike, reinforcing the gurdwara's importance as both a place of active worship and a repository of Sikh heritage in South Asia. ## Significance Gurdwara Nanak Shahi holds a place of extraordinary spiritual and cultural significance within both the Sikh tradition and the broader religious landscape of Bangladesh. It is one of the very few gurdwaras in the world directly associated with two major Sikh Gurus—Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji—making it a site of deep veneration for Sikh pilgrims worldwide. Within the Sikh tradition, the gurdwara's importance outside the Indian subcontinent is considered second only to that of the historic gurdwaras at Nankana Sahib (the birthplace of Guru Nanak in present-day Pakistan) and Panja Sahib. This elevated status draws international pilgrims, scholars, and researchers to the site each year, reinforcing its role as a major node in the global Sikh pilgrimage network. For the Sikh diaspora and the small but devout Sikh community of Bangladesh, the gurdwara functions as a vital spiritual anchor. It represents the enduring legacy of Sikhism in the Bengal region and serves as a bridge connecting Sikhs of South Asia with a shared history that transcends modern national boundaries. The receipt of the news of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's birth at this very site—a pivotal moment in Sikh history—lends the institution an additional dimension of historical reverence. Beyond its religious function, the gurdwara is recognised as a cultural heritage site by the Government of Bangladesh. It actively promotes interfaith harmony and goodwill, welcoming visitors of all religious backgrounds who come to learn, pray, or reflect. The institution's langar tradition of offering free meals to all visitors embodies the Sikh values of equality and compassion that resonate universally across faiths. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurudwara Sangat Tola Dhaka Dhaka, India 3.6 km away Open daily, typically from early morning... Gurudwara Sangat Tola Dhaka is one of the most historically significant Sikh shrines in Bangladesh, located in the Bangla Bazar area of Dhaka at 14 Sreesh Das Lane. This sacred gurdwara stands as an enduring testament to the spiritual journey of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who visited and resided in Dhaka between approximately 1666 and 1668 during his extensive missionary travels through eastern India, Bengal, and Assam. The gurdwara is among the oldest Sikh places of worship in the Bengal region, with a history spanning over three centuries. The shrine holds a place of singular importance in Sikh religious memory because it was here, during Guru Tegh Bahadur's sojourn in Dhaka, that the Guru received the joyous news of the birth of his son, Gobind Rai — who would later become Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final human Sikh Guru and the founder of the Khalsa Panth. This profound event elevates Gurudwara Sangat Tola to a revered status among Sikhs worldwide, making it a site of deep spiritual pilgrimage for the Sikh diaspora and the local community alike. The gurdwara is situated in Bangla Bazar, one of the oldest commercial and residential quarters of old Dhaka. The name 'Sangat Tola' refers to the congregation — sangat — that gathered around the Guru during his stay, reflecting the tradition of collective worship and community solidarity that lies at the heart of Sikh practice. The area around the gurdwara still bears the layered character of old Dhaka, with narrow lanes and centuries-old markets echoing the region's rich cultural exchange between Mughal, Hindu, and Sikh traditions. Over the centuries, Gurudwara Sangat Tola has served as a gathering place for the Sikh community of Bangladesh. Though the Sikh population of Bangladesh is relatively small, it maintains a vibrant presence in Dhaka. The gurdwara functions as a place of daily worship and recitation of Gurbani (Sikh scripture), as well as a community hub where religious festivals, kirtan (devotional music), and langar (community kitchen) services are conducted. Consistent with the Sikh principle of universal brotherhood and equality, the gurdwara warmly welcomes people of all faiths. In recent years, the gurdwara has benefited from restoration and refurbishment efforts aimed at preserving its aging structure. The building, believed to be over 300 years old, had suffered from neglect and the passage of time, but renewed attention from the Sikh community, international heritage advocates, and the Gurpuri documentary project helped mobilize support and resources for its revival. For Sikh pilgrims visiting Bangladesh, Gurudwara Sangat Tola is an essential stop alongside the nearby Gurdwara Nanak Shahi — another historic Sikh shrine in Dhaka associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism — together forming the spiritual heart of Sikh heritage in Bangladesh. Community ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Nanak Shahi stretches back to the early sixteenth century, when Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is believed to have visited the Bengal region during his third udasi (spiritual journey) around 1506–1507 CE. According to tradition, the Guru rested at the site that would later bear his name, and a modest place of congregational worship was established in memory of this sacred visit. The institution was formerly known as the Sujatpur Sikh Sangat and is believed to have been first organised by Udasi missionaries—followers of Sri Chand, Guru Nanak's elder son—who were instrumental in spreading Sikhism across Bengal. Some accounts attribute the early establishment of the sangat to the missionary Almast, believed to have acted under the patronage of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, in the early seventeenth century. The gurdwara's historical significance deepened considerably when Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, is recorded to have resided in Dhaka for over two years in the late 1660s. During this extended stay, the Guru received the momentous news of the birth of his only son, Gobind Rai—who would later become Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and final human Guru of the Sikhs—born at Patna Sahib in 1666. This pivotal moment in Sikh history, received at this very location, lent the gurdwara an additional and enduring layer of sacred significance. The current structure was built in 1830 by Bhai Natha, with repairs carried out in 1833. Alongside the main shrine, auxiliary buildings including a langar-khana and a musafir-khana were constructed around the same time to support the needs of pilgrims and the congregation. The building underwent major renovations between 1988 and 1989, funded by international Sikh donors and contributions facilitated through the Indian High Commission. Supervised by Harban Singh, these renovations introduced significant changes to the exterior façade while consciously preserving the original interior craftsmanship and character. The gurdwara stands today as a well-maintained heritage structure that continues to serve the Sikh community of Bangladesh and visiting pilgrims from across the world. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central hall of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and regular paath (scripture reading) and kirtan (devotional singing) take place. Accessible from all four sides, it reflects the Sikh principle of equality and inclusivity. It houses important relics including an ancient handwritten 17th-century Guru Granth Sahib and a portrait of Guru Tegh Bahadur. ### Langar-khana (Communal Kitchen) Kitchen and Dining Hall The communal kitchen and dining hall where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served daily to all visitors regardless of faith or background. Built around 1830 alongside the main gurdwara, it embodies the Sikh tradition of seva and was central to the original design of the complex. ### Musafir-khana (Pilgrim Rest House) Rest House A rest house providing accommodation for visiting pilgrims and devotees, constructed around 1830 as part of the original gurdwara complex. It has historically served travellers undertaking the pilgrimage to this sacred site. ### Central Dome Architectural Feature The principal dome of the main prayer hall, distinguished by its characteristic blue detailing. A prominent visual element of the Indo-Mughal architectural style in which the 1830 structure was built, the dome survived the 1988–1989 renovations largely intact and remains the most recognisable exterior feature of the gurdwara. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head must be covered at all times (scarves and head coverings are typically available at the entrance); shoes must be removed before entering the premises. ### Photography Permitted in the outer and courtyard areas with discretion. Photography inside the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) should be undertaken respectfully and, where possible, with prior permission from the management. ### Etiquette Visitors should maintain a respectful and quiet demeanour. Tobacco, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are not permitted within the gurdwara complex. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Approximately 300 participants are served during the weekly Friday congregational gathering. Seating Capacity ## Architecture The current structure of Gurdwara Nanak Shahi, built in 1830, reflects the Indo-Mughal architectural tradition that was prevalent across the Bengal region during the nineteenth century. The building is constructed using burnt clay bricks and lime mortar, materials characteristic of the period, and features a central prayer hall (Darbar Sahib) accessible from all four sides—a deliberate architectural expression of the Sikh principle of inclusivity and equality before the Guru. The main hall is crowned by a dome with distinctive blue detailing, which lends the structure a visual grandeur appropriate to its spiritual stature. The interior has been carefully preserved through successive renovations, retaining much of its original character and historic craftsmanship. The exterior underwent considerable modification during the 1988–1989 renovation supervised by Harban Singh, while the essential integrity of the historic interior was consciously maintained. Adjoining the main shrine are the langar-khana (communal kitchen) and musafir-khana (rest house for pilgrims), both constructed around 1830 as integral elements of the traditional gurdwara complex. The ensemble as a whole presents a harmonious blend of religious functionality, Mughal-influenced decorative sensibility, and the understated solemnity characteristic of significant Sikh sacred architecture. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central hall of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and regular paath (scripture reading) and kirtan (devotional singing) take place. Accessible from all four sides, it reflects the Sikh principle of equality and inclusivity. It houses important relics including an ancient handwritten 17th-century Guru Granth Sahib and a portrait of Guru Tegh Bahadur. ### Langar-khana (Communal Kitchen) Kitchen and Dining Hall The communal kitchen and dining hall where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served daily to all visitors regardless of faith or background. Built around 1830 alongside the main gurdwara, it embodies the Sikh tradition of seva and was central to the original design of the complex. ### Musafir-khana (Pilgrim Rest House) Rest House A rest house providing accommodation for visiting pilgrims and devotees, constructed around 1830 as part of the original gurdwara complex. It has historically served travellers undertaking the pilgrimage to this sacred site. ### Central Dome Architectural Feature The principal dome of the main prayer hall, distinguished by its characteristic blue detailing. A prominent visual element of the Indo-Mughal architectural style in which the 1830 structure was built, the dome survived the 1988–1989 renovations largely intact and remains the most recognisable exterior feature of the gurdwara. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Festival #### Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji The most important annual celebration at the gurdwara, marking the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji on Kartik Purnima (October–November). The occasion draws Sikh pilgrims from across Bangladesh and neighbouring countries for special prayers, kirtan, and an extended langar. #### Hola Mohalla Sikh festival observed in the month of Phagan (February–March), commemorated with congregation, devotional singing, and community service activities at the gurdwara. ### Religious Observance #### Gurpurab of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Annual observance of the martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, who resided in Dhaka for over two years. Commemorated with special prayers, scripture readings, and kirtan, this event holds particular resonance at this gurdwara given the Guru's historic connection to the site. ### Cultural and Religious Festival #### Baisakhi Annual harvest festival and celebration of the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. Observed at the gurdwara with prayers, kirtan, community gatherings, and extended langar services. ### Congregational Gathering #### Weekly Friday Sangat A weekly congregation held every Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., attended by approximately 300 devotees from across Dhaka. Includes scripture reading, kirtan, and communal langar, serving as the primary weekly gathering of the Sikh community. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### History The gurdwara is named after Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, who is believed to have visited the site during his third udasi (spiritual journey) through Bengal around 1506–1507 CE. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, resided in Dhaka for over two years in the late 1660s. It was here that he received the news of the birth of his son Gobind Rai—later Guru Gobind Singh Ji—at Patna Sahib in 1666, making this site witness to one of the most significant moments in Sikh history. The current structure was built in 1830 by Bhai Natha, with repairs in 1833. It underwent major renovations between 1988 and 1989, which modernised the exterior while carefully preserving the original interior. ### Visitor Information It is located on Nilkhet Road within the campus of the University of Dhaka, near the arts faculty building, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Coordinates: 23.7336°N, 90.3936°E. Yes, entry to Gurdwara Nanak Shahi is free of charge. All visitors, regardless of faith, are warmly welcome to enter and participate in the community. Visitors must cover their heads before entering (scarves or head coverings are typically available at the entrance) and remove their shoes. Modest, respectful attire is expected throughout the premises. Yes. The gurdwara welcomes visitors of all faiths. The langar (free communal kitchen) serves vegetarian meals to every visitor regardless of religion, caste, or background, in keeping with the Sikh tradition of equality and seva. ### Administration The gurdwara is managed by the Bangladesh Gurdwara Management Committee, which includes both local and international members and is funded through donations, foreign visitor contributions, and grants from the Government of Bangladesh. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Nanak Shahi Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit