# Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund, Rajgir, Bihar — sacred site of Guru Nanak's miracle, cool spring, free langar & pilgrim stay. Plan your visit. # Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund is a sacred Sikh shrine located in the ancient city of Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar, India. Situated in the village of Nimal, Rajgir (coordinates: 25.0124°N, 85.4203°E), this gurdwara commemorates one of the most celebrated miracles associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder and first Guru of Sikhism. The name 'Sheetal Kund' translates to 'cool pond' in Hindi and Sanskrit, directly referencing the miraculous transformation of a naturally occurring hot sulphurous spring into a cool, pure water source — a transformation believed to have been brought about by Guru Nanak's divine blessing during his visit to Rajgir around 1506 CE. Rajgir is itself a city of profound spiritual importance, revered across multiple faiths. Known in antiquity as Rajagriha — 'City of Kings' — it is mentioned in both Hindu epics and Buddhist scriptures as a location where the historical Buddha spent several monsoon seasons and where the First Buddhist Council was convened after his passing. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, also spent significant time in Rajgir. This multi-faith heritage makes Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund part of an extraordinary spiritual landscape where the legacies of Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Sikhism converge in a single valley encircled by five ancient hills. The principal attraction within the complex is the Sheetal Kund itself — a cool-water spring or pond that contrasts strikingly with the numerous hot sulphurous thermal springs for which Rajgir has been historically famous. According to tradition, all 22 natural springs in the area once ran hot with high sulphur content, and Guru Nanak's blessing transformed one into this cool, clear source, which continues to flow cold to this day even as neighbouring springs remain hot. The kund is registered in local revenue records at Khata No. 332, Khatauni No. 7690 of Mauza Rajgir, District Nalanda. In recent years, the gurdwara has undergone significant development. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone for a new, larger gurdwara complex at the site, planned on 1.25 acres at an estimated cost of approximately ₹3 crore — recognition at the highest levels of state government of the site's historical and religious importance. The existing complex includes a darbar sahib, langar hall, and about ten air-conditioned rooms for pilgrim accommodation. Holding a Google rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on over 332 reviews, the gurdwara is widely celebrated as a spiritually enriching destination, drawing Sikh pilgrims from across Bihar, eastern India, and the wider Sikh diaspora, especially during Gurpurab celebrations and Baisakhi. The surrounding mountain landscape and serene atmosphere make it a profoundly peaceful place of worship and reflection. ## Significance Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund holds layered religious and cultural significance that extends beyond the Sikh faith alone. At its theological core, the site commemorates a miracle attributed to Guru Nanak Dev Ji — the transformation of a hot sulphurous spring into cool, pure water — which serves as a tangible symbol of the Guru's divine grace and his deep compassion for ordinary people. The miracle is entirely consistent with the central message of Guru Nanak's spiritual life: that the divine manifests through selfless service, compassion, and the alleviation of human suffering. For Sikh pilgrims, the gurdwara represents a living, physical connection to Guru Nanak's second Udasi, believed to have traversed large parts of eastern India around 1506 CE. Bihar is home to several sites connected to this sacred journey, and Rajgir's Sheetal Kund is among the most evocative — a pilgrimage destination where devotees can directly encounter the miraculous legacy of the first Guru in the form of the cool spring water that has flowed for over five centuries. The site also carries powerful significance within Rajgir's extraordinary multi-faith identity. Rajgir stands as one of a small number of places in India where the spiritual legacies of Buddhism (Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Saptaparni Caves, site of First Buddhist Council), Jainism (Vipula Hill), Hinduism (Brahma Kund), and Sikhism (Sheetal Kund) genuinely coexist and are actively venerated. This makes the gurdwara not merely a Sikh pilgrimage destination but a symbol of India's composite spiritual culture. The site receives visitors from Buddhist and Jain traditions as well, drawn by Rajgir's shared spiritual heritage. For the regional Sikh community in Bihar, the gurdwara functions as a central gathering point for Gurpurab celebrations, community service (seva), and year-round religious observance. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Sangat Rajauli, India 42 km away Sangat 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, Sangat 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 ### Gurdwar Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gaya India 48 km away 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (approximate, a... Gurdwar Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gaya is a community Sikh gurdwara located in Gaya, Bihar, India — one of the most spiritually significant cities in the Indian subcontinent. Situated at coordinates 24.801813°N, 85.002938°E, the gurdwara stands in a city that holds deep religious meaning for Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs alike, positioned near the sacred Phalgu River and in proximity to the celebrated Vishnupad Temple. As a Guru Singh Sabha institution, it is part of a global network of Sikh congregational bodies inspired by the reformist Singh Sabha movement of the 19th century, which sought to revitalize Sikh identity and practice. The gurdwara serves as the spiritual and social hub for the Sikh community in and around Gaya. It fulfills all the essential functions of a traditional gurdwara: hosting daily prayers and kirtan (devotional singing), administering the Guru Granth Sahib (the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs), and serving the community through the institution of langar — the free communal kitchen that feeds all visitors regardless of caste, creed, or social background. Gaya itself is one of Bihar's most historically layered cities, known as a premier pilgrimage destination. It sits approximately 100 km south of Patna, the state capital, and just 15 km from Bodh Gaya, the UNESCO World Heritage Site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. For the Sikh faithful, Gaya carries particular resonance as a city visited by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, during his extensive Udasi (spiritual journeys) in eastern India, and later by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru. The gurdwara welcomes Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike. Pilgrims visiting the broader Gaya-Bodh Gaya religious circuit frequently include it in their itinerary. The institution embodies the Sikh principles of sewa (selfless service), sangat (congregation), and pangat (eating together in equality). It plays a vital role in preserving Punjabi Sikh culture and heritage in a region of Bihar where the Sikh community, though relatively small, has maintained a living tradition of faith for generations. The gurdwara also participates in inter-faith harmony initiatives, reflecting Gaya's broader identity as a multi-faith pilgrimage city. Historical ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund is rooted in the legendary visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Rajgir, believed to have taken place around 1506 CE during one of his four great Udasis (spiritual missionary journeys). Guru Nanak, born in 1469 at Nankana Sahib in present-day Pakistan, undertook extensive journeys across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, visiting religious sites, engaging in inter-faith discourse, and spreading his message of universal brotherhood, equality, and devotion to the one God. His second Udasi is traditionally believed to have traversed large swaths of northern, eastern, and central India, bringing him through the spiritually significant terrain of what is today Bihar. When Guru Nanak arrived in Rajgir — already a city of great antiquity and multi-faith significance — he encountered a settlement dominated by hot, sulphurous thermal springs. The city had approximately 22 such natural springs, all characterised by high sulphur content arising from local geology that made the water warm and pungent. His first stop was Brahma Kund, the central hot spring. Upon interacting with local residents, who appealed to him regarding the difficult state of the water, Guru Nanak, according to Janam Sakhi (traditional biography) accounts, compassionately pointed to one of the 22 springs and declared that henceforth the water there would flow cool and pure. The spring transformed miraculously, earning the name 'Nanak Kund' or 'Sheetal Kund' — the cool pool. This transformation became the defining legend of the site and has been observed continuously in the centuries since, with the spring flowing cold to this day while its neighbours remain hot. The kund is formally recorded in state revenue records at Khata No. 332, Khatauni No. 7690 of Mauza Rajgir, District Nalanda, attesting to its long-standing official recognition. The origins of a formal gurdwara structure at the sacred site are not precisely documented in available historical sources, but the kund has served as a place of Sikh devotion for several centuries following Guru Nanak's visit. The modern development of the gurdwara complex is largely credited to the tireless efforts of Bhai Ajaib Singh, who over approximately four decades dedicated himself to maintaining and expanding the site. Under his stewardship, a complex of about ten residential rooms was constructed using funds provided by the local Prabandhak Committee, transporters, and the Sangat (congregation) of Gaya. A significant milestone in the gurdwara's recent history was the visit of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who laid the foundation stone for a new, significantly expanded gurdwara complex at the site. The new complex, planned on 1.25 acres around the kund, with an estimated cost of ₹3 crore, is intended to be the largest gurdwara in Bihar. This state-level recognition firmly situates Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund within the fabric of Bihar's multi-faith spiritual heritage alongside its celebrated Buddhist and Jain monuments. ## Structures in the Complex ### Sheetal Kund sarovar The sacred cool-water spring or pond that is the spiritual heart and raison d'être of the entire gurdwara complex. According to Sikh tradition, this spring was blessed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji around 1506 CE, transforming from a hot sulphurous spring to cool, pure water. It continues to flow cold to this day, even as neighbouring springs in Rajgir remain hot. The kund is the central pilgrimage focus of the site. ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The main prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Sikh scripture, is installed and venerated. The darbar sahib hosts daily prayers (nitnem), kirtan (devotional singing), and congregational worship (sangat). All visitors are required to cover their heads and remove shoes before entering this sanctum. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served to all visitors without distinction of religion, caste, or background. The langar hall embodies the Sikh principle of equality (seva) and is funded through community donations. A self-cleaning utensil system maintains hygiene standards. ### Pilgrim Accommodation (Niwas) museum A residential complex of approximately ten air-conditioned rooms constructed through funds from the Prabandhak Committee, transporters, and the Sangat of Gaya. Rooms are available at nominal charges (₹1,000–₹2,000 depending on occupancy) and include basic furnishings. This facility enables overnight stays for pilgrims traveling from distant locations. ### Entrance Complex entrance The entrance gateway and forecourt of the gurdwara where visitors remove footwear and cover their heads before entering the sacred precinct. The entrance area is the starting point for the visitor experience and opens onto the main complex, including the darbar sahib and the sacred Sheetal Kund. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required for all visitors; remove shoes before entering the darbar sahib; modest clothing covering shoulders and knees recommended ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in the outer complex and at the Sheetal Kund; refrain from photography inside the darbar sahib during prayers ### Etiquette Cover head with a scarf or use the complimentary head covers provided at entrance; remove footwear at the designated area; refrain from smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food within the premises; maintain silence and reverence in the darbar sahib ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Serves all visiting pilgrims and locals without restriction; capacity for several dozen diners at a time in the current facility Seating Capacity ## Architecture The Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund complex, while undergoing significant expansion under a government-supported development project, currently presents a functional and serene complex. The spiritual heart of the entire site is the Sheetal Kund — the sacred cool-water spring or pond around which the whole complex is organised and which gives the gurdwara its identity. The main darbar sahib (prayer hall) houses the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Sikh scripture, and provides space for congregational worship, kirtan (devotional singing), and Ardas (prayer). The langar hall, a feature essential to all gurdwaras in keeping with the Sikh principle of equality and community service, adjoins the main prayer area and serves free meals to all visitors regardless of faith or background. Pilgrim accommodation consisting of approximately ten air-conditioned rooms provides comfortable lodging for visiting devotees. The complex is set within a naturally spectacular landscape — Rajgir lies in a valley encircled by five forested hills — lending the gurdwara a particularly tranquil and picturesque mountain backdrop. The new development planned on 1.25 acres is anticipated to introduce a more substantial gurdwara structure with traditional Sikh architectural elements, including a prominent dome and decorated facade befitting its intended status as the largest gurdwara in Bihar. ## Structures in the Complex ### Sheetal Kund sarovar The sacred cool-water spring or pond that is the spiritual heart and raison d'être of the entire gurdwara complex. According to Sikh tradition, this spring was blessed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji around 1506 CE, transforming from a hot sulphurous spring to cool, pure water. It continues to flow cold to this day, even as neighbouring springs in Rajgir remain hot. The kund is the central pilgrimage focus of the site. ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The main prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Sikh scripture, is installed and venerated. The darbar sahib hosts daily prayers (nitnem), kirtan (devotional singing), and congregational worship (sangat). All visitors are required to cover their heads and remove shoes before entering this sanctum. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served to all visitors without distinction of religion, caste, or background. The langar hall embodies the Sikh principle of equality (seva) and is funded through community donations. A self-cleaning utensil system maintains hygiene standards. ### Pilgrim Accommodation (Niwas) museum A residential complex of approximately ten air-conditioned rooms constructed through funds from the Prabandhak Committee, transporters, and the Sangat of Gaya. Rooms are available at nominal charges (₹1,000–₹2,000 depending on occupancy) and include basic furnishings. This facility enables overnight stays for pilgrims traveling from distant locations. ### Entrance Complex entrance The entrance gateway and forecourt of the gurdwara where visitors remove footwear and cover their heads before entering the sacred precinct. The entrance area is the starting point for the visitor experience and opens onto the main complex, including the darbar sahib and the sacred Sheetal Kund. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The most important annual celebration at the gurdwara, commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Special akhand path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, and extended langar are organised. Pilgrims from across Bihar and beyond converge at the site, which has a special significance as a place directly associated with Guru Nanak's visit and miracle. #### Parkash Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is observed with special prayers, kirtan, and community langar. As the founder of the Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh Ji holds special reverence, and his Gurpurab is among the most widely observed in Bihar's Sikh community. ### festival #### Baisakhi The harvest festival of Baisakhi (approximately April 13–14) is celebrated at the gurdwara with special prayers, kirtan, and community langar. Baisakhi also marks the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699 and is among the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar. #### Hola Mohalla Hola Mohalla, celebrated a day after Holi, is observed with special congregational prayers and kirtan. The festival, initiated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is marked at the gurdwara with community gatherings and langar. ### weekly #### Weekly Sangat and Kirtan Regular weekly congregational prayers and kirtan sessions are held at the gurdwara, bringing together the local Sikh community and visitors for collective worship, ardas, and langar. These sessions strengthen the gurdwara's role as a living community centre for Sikhs in the Rajgir and Nalanda region. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund is generally open daily from early morning to late evening, with typical hours of approximately 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. As the gurdwara complex is currently under expansion, it is advisable to confirm current timings locally or contact the Prabandhak Committee before visiting. The gurdwara remains accessible to pilgrims and visitors throughout the year. Yes, the gurdwara complex offers pilgrim accommodation in approximately ten air-conditioned rooms, funded by the Prabandhak Committee and community donations. Rooms are available at reasonable rates — approximately ₹1,000 for two persons, ₹1,500 for three persons, and ₹2,000 for five to six persons. Rooms include basic furnishings. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during Gurpurab season and Baisakhi when the gurdwara attracts larger numbers of pilgrims. Yes, Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund serves free langar (community meal) to all visitors without any discrimination of faith, caste, or background, in keeping with the foundational Sikh principle of equality. Langar is available throughout the day and includes simple vegetarian meals. Visitors are also warmly welcomed to participate in langar seva (voluntary service) by helping with food preparation, serving, or cleaning. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather in Bihar is cool and pleasant. Visiting during Guru Nanak Gurpurab (typically in October or November) offers the most vibrant spiritual atmosphere, with special prayers, kirtan, and extended langar. Baisakhi in April is another major occasion. Avoid peak summer months (April to June) when temperatures in Bihar can be extreme. The gurdwara can be combined with a visit to nearby Nalanda University ruins and other Rajgir attractions for a multi-day pilgrimage and heritage tour. No, entry to Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund is completely free, as is the tradition at all gurdwaras worldwide. Langar (community meal) is also provided free of charge to all visitors. Donations to the Prabandhak Committee are welcome to support the maintenance and ongoing development of the gurdwara complex. ### history The gurdwara commemorates the legendary visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Rajgir around 1506 CE during his second Udasi (spiritual journey). Rajgir had approximately 22 hot sulphurous springs, and according to Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak pointed to one spring and declared it would henceforth flow cool and pure. The spring, known as Sheetal Kund or Nanak Kund, continues to flow cold to this day. In recent decades, the gurdwara was developed largely through the efforts of Bhai Ajaib Singh and community donations. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone for a new expanded complex, recognising the site as historically significant. The Sheetal Kund (cool pond or cool spring) is the miraculous water source that gives the gurdwara its name and identity. According to Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak Dev Ji blessed this spring around 1506 CE, transforming it from a hot sulphurous spring — like the other 21 springs in Rajgir — into a cool, pure water source. The spring continues to flow cold to this day, while the neighbouring springs in Rajgir remain hot, making it a tangible symbol of the Guru's divine grace. The kund is formally recorded in state revenue records at Khata No. 332, Khatauni No. 7690 of Mauza Rajgir, District Nalanda. ### transport The gurdwara is located in Nimal, Rajgir, Nalanda district, Bihar. By air, the nearest airport is Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna, approximately 100 km away (about 2.5–3 hours by road). By rail, Rajgir has its own railway station about 2–3 km from the gurdwara, connected to Patna and other major cities. By road, take NH 431 from Patna to Rajgir, approximately 93.7 km taking about 2 hours 25 minutes. Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are available within Rajgir for the final stretch to the gurdwara. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit