Gurdwara Sahib in Bhari is a sacred Sikh shrine that stands as a beacon of spiritual devotion and community service in the region. This historic gurdwara has served as a center of Sikh faith and practice for generations, attracting devotees from across India and beyond. The gurdwara embodies the core Sikh principles of equality, social service, and devotion to the Divine.
The name 'Gurdwara' literally means 'the gateway to the Guru,' reflecting its significance as a place where Sikhs gather to connect with the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. Gurdwara Sahib is believed to be connected to the spiritual legacy of the Sikh faith, serving not just as a place of worship but as a community institution that upholds the values of service, justice, and inclusivity.
The gurdwara's prominence in the local community stems from its commitment to langar (community kitchen), free hospitality, and spiritual guidance. Thousands of visitors partake in the langar daily, receiving meals prepared and served by volunteer sevadars (volunteers). This practice of sangat (congregation) and pangat (communal dining) represents the democratic principles embedded in Sikhism.
The architectural layout follows traditional Sikh design principles, with the main prayer hall, ornamental decorations, and the sarovar (pool) creating a serene atmosphere conducive to meditation and prayer. The gurdwara complex includes administrative offices, educational facilities, and accommodation for pilgrims, making it a comprehensive spiritual and social hub.
Gurdwara Sahib maintains a library and learning center where visitors can study Sikh scriptures and philosophy. Regular classes on Gurbani (Sikh hymns) and Gurmukhi script are conducted for children and adults. The gurdwara also organizes kirtan (devotional singing) and katha (discourse) sessions that draw large audiences seeking spiritual nourishment and understanding of the Gurus' teachings.
Community ## Detailed History The historical roots of Gurdwara Nanaklama are traced to the Third Udasi of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion, undertaken around 1516 CE. During this extended spiritual journey across the Himalayan region, Guru Nanak is believed to have traversed vast territories including Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh, engaging in discourse with sages, lamas, and spiritual leaders of various traditions. His visit to Chungthang left a profound mark on the local landscape and spiritual consciousness, giving rise to a cluster of sacred sites that have been venerated by successive generations. According to tradition, during his sojourn at Chungthang, Guru Nanak planted his walking stick in the ground, from which a tree is said to have grown — a living memorial that continues to stand near the gurdwara premises. The Guru is also believed to have blessed the local spring water and rice fields, and his footprints are venerated at the site. Notably, local historical accounts suggest that the head lama of the Karma pa Nyingma pa sect became a follower of Guru Nanak after being deeply impressed by the Guru's spiritual discourses with the Sidhas in the Kailash Mansarovar area. The formal establishment of a gurdwara at this sacred site took place in 1969, when the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with Tasa Tangey Lepcha — the then Member of the Legislative Assembly of the region — constructed a small gurdwara in remembrance of Guru Nanak's visit. This initial structure was modest in scale but served as an important spiritual anchor for Sikh soldiers and officers posted in the region. In the early 1980s, officers and personnel of the 17th Assam Rifles, along with members of the Indian Army, undertook a more substantial construction effort with active assistance from the local Lepcha tribal community. This effort gave rise to the present gurdwara structure, which is more capacious and fittingly designed for congregational worship. Because Chungthang lies in a sensitive zone near the international border with China, the gurdwara remained inaccessible to the general public for several decades. After sustained advocacy by the Sikh community and local leaders, and following research corroborated by Buddhist monastery heads and community organizations, the gurdwara was officially opened to public pilgrims and devotees on 24 April 2005. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Hall Prayer Hall The central hall of the gurdwara complex where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and daily prayers and kirtan are conducted. Built by Assam Rifles personnel and the local Lepcha community in the early 1980s, the hall is designed to withstand the high-altitude Himalayan climate. ### Sacred Tree of Guru Nanak Sacred Natural Monument A tree believed to have grown from the spot where Guru Nanak Dev Ji planted his walking stick during his visit around 1516 CE. The tree is one of the most revered natural relics at the gurdwara complex and is a focal point of pilgrimage. ### Amrit Kund Sacred Water Pool A sacred water pool associated with Guru Nanak's visit, believed to have been blessed by the Guru during his Third Udasi. Devotees consider the waters of the kund to have spiritual and healing properties. ### Guru's Footprints Shrine Sacred Monument A dedicated shrine preserving what local tradition holds to be the footprints of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, commemorating his physical presence at Chungthang. The shrine is an important site of veneration for pilgrims. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen The langar hall provides free vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of faith, upholding the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service) and equality. It serves pilgrims, local community members, and army personnel. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head must be covered at all times; remove shoes before entering the premises; modest clothing covering arms and legs is required ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in the outer premises and surrounding natural areas; seek permission before photographing inside the Darbar Hall ### Etiquette Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entry; refrain from smoking, consuming alcohol, or bringing non-vegetarian food; maintain silence and reverence within the Darbar Hall ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Modest capacity suitable for visiting pilgrims and army personnel; larger gatherings managed during Gurpurab and special occasions Seating Capacity ## Architecture The present structure of Gurdwara Nanaklama Sahib was built in the early 1980s by officers and personnel of the 17th Assam Rifles and the Indian Army, with significant support from the local Lepcha community. The gurdwara reflects a functional Himalayan architectural style adapted to the demands of the high-altitude environment and the challenging climatic conditions of North Sikkim, which experiences heavy snowfall for approximately six months each year. The complex is believed to include a central Darbar Hall where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and congregational prayers are held, a langar hall for the community kitchen, and a dedicated area preserving the sacred tree believed to have grown from Guru Nanak's walking stick. An amrit kund (sacred water pool) and a shrine marking the Guru's footprints are also associated with the complex. The nishan sahib (Sikh flag) stands prominently at the site, marking its identity as a Gurdwara. Given the remote and militarily sensitive location of the gurdwara, the construction materials and design were adapted to suit local conditions, incorporating durable elements suited to high-altitude Himalayan construction. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Hall Prayer Hall The central hall of the gurdwara complex where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and daily prayers and kirtan are conducted. Built by Assam Rifles personnel and the local Lepcha community in the early 1980s, the hall is designed to withstand the high-altitude Himalayan climate. ### Sacred Tree of Guru Nanak Sacred Natural Monument A tree believed to have grown from the spot where Guru Nanak Dev Ji planted his walking stick during his visit around 1516 CE. The tree is one of the most revered natural relics at the gurdwara complex and is a focal point of pilgrimage. ### Amrit Kund Sacred Water Pool A sacred water pool associated with Guru Nanak's visit, believed to have been blessed by the Guru during his Third Udasi. Devotees consider the waters of the kund to have spiritual and healing properties. ### Guru's Footprints Shrine Sacred Monument A dedicated shrine preserving what local tradition holds to be the footprints of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, commemorating his physical presence at Chungthang. The shrine is an important site of veneration for pilgrims. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen The langar hall provides free vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of faith, upholding the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service) and equality. It serves pilgrims, local community members, and army personnel. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Festival #### Gurpurab — Guru Nanak Jayanti The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the most important annual event at Gurdwara Nanaklama Sahib. Celebrated with akhand path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan (devotional hymns), and langar, it draws pilgrims from across Sikkim and beyond. #### Baisakhi Baisakhi, celebrated on 13 or 14 April each year, marks the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa in 1699. Special prayers, kirtan, and langar are held at the gurdwara. #### Hola Mohalla Held the day after Holi, Hola Mohalla is observed with congregational prayers and community langar, celebrating the martial and devotional spirit of the Sikh tradition. ### Religious Observance #### Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is observed with special prayers and kirtan at the gurdwara. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Location Gurdwara Nanaklama Sahib is located in Chungthang, North Sikkim, India, at the confluence of the Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu rivers, approximately 95 kilometres from Gangtok, at an altitude of about 1,700 metres. ### Significance The gurdwara commemorates the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, who is believed to have visited Chungthang around 1516 CE during his Third Udasi (spiritual journey). Several sacred relics including a tree grown from his walking stick, footprints, and an amrit kund mark his presence. Yes. Local lamas from the Karma pa Nyingma pa Buddhist sect hold deep reverence for Guru Nanak, and some followers are believed to have become disciples of the Guru during his Himalayan travels. This tradition of interfaith respect is a defining feature of the gurdwara's heritage. ### History A small gurdwara was first constructed in 1969 by the Assam Rifles in collaboration with local MLA Tasa Tangey Lepcha. The current, larger structure was built in the early 1980s by the 17th Assam Rifles and Indian Army personnel with help from the local Lepcha community. Due to its proximity to the India–China border, the gurdwara was restricted to the public for many years. It was officially opened to pilgrims and general visitors on 24 April 2005. ### Visitor Information The best times to visit are from March to May and September to November, when the weather is relatively clear and mountain roads are accessible. Winter months (November to February) can bring heavy snowfall that may make travel to Chungthang difficult. ### Transport The gurdwara is approximately 95 km from Gangtok. Visitors can travel by taxi or shared jeep via the mountain roads. The nearest airport is Bagdogra (approximately 170 km) and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (approximately 175 km). Suggest an Edit Upload Photos  Gurdwara Nanaklama Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit