# Gurdwara Sri Mattan Sahib, Mattan - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Sri Mattan Sahib, Anantnag, Kashmir — historic site of Guru Nanak's visit and discourse with Pandit Brahm Das. Free entry, daily langar. # Gurdwara Sri Mattan Sahib,Mattan Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Sri Mattan Sahib stands as one of the most revered Sikh shrines in the Kashmir Valley, situated in the ancient village of Mattan (also known as Martand), approximately four kilometres northeast of Anantnag and about 62 kilometres by road from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Nestled amid the serene landscape of the Kashmir Valley, the gurdwara marks the historic site where Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, visited during his Third Udasi (the third of his long missionary journeys undertaken to spread the message of the one formless God). The shrine is also called Gurdwara Patshahi Pehli, meaning 'Gurdwara of the First Master,' a title that underscores its direct association with Guru Nanak himself. Mattan is an ancient settlement that predates the Sikh era by many centuries, historically known as a place of sacred springs venerated by Hindus. It is also in close proximity to the famous Martand Sun Temple, a magnificent 8th-century Hindu temple complex. The convergence of multiple religious and historical layers makes Mattan an unusually rich site for spiritual heritage tourism. The gurdwara sits adjacent to the sacred twin springs of Mattan, known as Mach Bhawan, around which Guru Nanak is believed to have encamped and engaged in religious discourse. The gurdwara attracts Sikh pilgrims from across India and the global diaspora, as well as curious visitors of all faiths, who come to pay their respects to the memory of Guru Nanak and experience the peaceful environment of the Kashmir Valley. The shrine is particularly notable for the spirit of interfaith harmony it embodies — Gurpurab celebrations here traditionally draw participation from Hindus and Muslims alongside Sikhs, reflecting the universal message of brotherhood and equality that Guru Nanak championed. The facility offers langar (free community kitchen) and basic accommodation to visiting pilgrims on a round-the-clock basis. The current structure, built during the 1980s, is a modest but dignified building constructed using traditional deodar and kail wood, and features a tall 35-foot Nishan Sahib (the Sikh flagpole) that serves as a beacon for arriving pilgrims. ## Significance Gurdwara Sri Mattan Sahib holds profound religious and cultural significance within the Sikh tradition as a first-order historical shrine — one directly associated with Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. In the hierarchy of Sikh pilgrimage sites, shrines connected with the personal visits of the Gurus command the highest veneration, and Mattan Sahib's designation as Gurdwara Patshahi Pehli (Gurdwara of the First Master) places it in this elite category. For Sikh pilgrims, a visit to this site is a deeply meaningful act of devotion and historical connection to Guru Nanak's spiritual legacy. The gurdwara's significance is further elevated by the transformative encounter between Guru Nanak and Pandit Brahm Das, which has come to symbolise the Sikh principle that true knowledge lies not in the accumulation of scriptures or intellectual pride, but in the surrender to the divine Name and the teachings of the Guru. This encounter is frequently cited in Sikh religious discourses as an example of Guru Nanak's ability to transform learned but ego-driven individuals through spiritual wisdom. The shrine also embodies the ideals of interfaith harmony (sarbat da bhala) that are central to Sikhism. The fact that both a Brahmin scholar and a Muslim mystic were transformed by Guru Nanak's teachings at this site resonates deeply with the Sikh belief in the universal brotherhood of humanity beyond caste and creed. Today, the gurdwara continues this tradition: its Gurpurab celebrations draw worshippers of multiple faiths from the surrounding communities, making it a living symbol of Kashmir's composite cultural heritage. The presence of what is believed to be a 16th-century handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib at the shrine adds further sanctity and historical value to this important pilgrimage destination. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Bijbehara India 10 km away 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (approximate; v... Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Bijbehara, also known as Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Pehli Padshahi Bijbehara, is a historically revered Sikh shrine located in the town of Bijbehara in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Perched majestically on a small hillock along the left bank of the Jhelum River, close to the iconic Bijbehara bridge and flanking the Anantnag–Srinagar highway (NH 44), the gurdwara stands as a living testament to the spiritual footprint left by Guru Nanak Dev Ji — the founder of Sikhism — during his legendary missionary journeys through the Kashmir Valley in the early sixteenth century. Bijbehara, known affectionately as the "Town of Chinars" for its majestic chinar tree avenues and gardens, is a town of considerable antiquity. The name is believed to derive from the Sanskrit word "Vijayeshwar," pointing to the town's pre-Islamic identity as a centre of Shaivite worship. The town finds mention in the twelfth-century Sanskrit chronicle Rajatarangini by the historian Kalhana. Today, amid its ancient heritage and natural beauty, the gurdwara serves as the town's foremost Sikh pilgrimage destination, drawing devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir, the Punjab, and from the Sikh diaspora worldwide. The gurdwara commemorates the historic occasion on which Guru Nanak Dev Ji, accompanied by his devoted companion Bhai Mardana, visited the home of Pandit Brahm Das — a learned local scholar — and engaged him in profound spiritual discourse. This encounter, which led to a remarkable transformation in Pandit Brahm Das, is treasured in Sikh tradition as an embodiment of the Guru's universal message of humility, selfless love, and the dissolution of ego. The site was formally consecrated as a gurdwara in 1894 when Maharaja Pratap Singh of the Dogra dynasty commissioned its construction in honour of Guru Nanak's visit. Today, it is managed by the local Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Anantnag, and remains open to pilgrims and visitors throughout the year. The gurdwara complex features a central prayer hall (Darbar Sahib), a large langar hall (community kitchen), and tranquil gardens that afford a serene view of the surrounding Kashmir landscape. Visitors from all faiths are warmly welcomed. The peaceful hilltop setting, combined with the spiritually charged atmosphere of kirtan (devotional hymns) and the scent of incense, creates an experience of quiet contemplation. The gurdwara is particularly crowded during major Sikh festivals such as Guru Nanak Gurpurab and Baisakhi, when thousands of pilgrims gather for celebrations, ardas (communal prayers), and langar. As one of the few functioning Sikh shrines in the Kashmir Valley, Gurdwara Bijbehara holds a uniquely important place in the fabric of Kashmiri interfaith heritage. Historical ### Gurudwara Singh Sabha Tral, India 22 km away Gurudwara Singh Sabha 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 Singh Sabha 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 Singh Sabha, Diwer Tral, India 22 km away Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Diwer is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Tral, 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 Singh Sabha, Diwer 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 Kangloora Tral, India 24 km away Gurudawara Kangloora 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 Kangloora 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 Sri Mattan Sahib is deeply intertwined with the life and journeys of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539 CE), the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Scholars and Sikh historical records hold that Guru Nanak undertook four major udasis (extended missionary tours) to spread the message of Ik Onkar — the oneness of the divine — across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. During his Third Udasi, believed to have taken place approximately between 1514 and 1519 CE, Guru Nanak travelled through Tibet, Ladakh, and the Kashmir Valley, eventually arriving at the sacred springs of Mattan. It is traditionally said that Guru Sahib stayed at Mattan for thirteen days, residing near the twin springs known as Mach Bhawan. At Mattan, the Guru's most celebrated encounter was with Pandit Brahm Das, a proud and learned Sanskrit scholar who initially approached Guru Nanak seeking a scholarly debate. Guru Nanak responded with the profound teaching that studying thousands of volumes through a lifetime cannot equal the understanding of the divine Name (Naam). Moved and humbled by this wisdom, Pandit Brahm Das renounced his ego and embraced the Guru's path. A Muslim mystic named Kamal Faqir was similarly transformed by the Guru's teachings. Together with another devotee, Pandit Mukunda, they are credited with constructing the first memorial at this site in the Guru's honour shortly after his visit — marking the origin of the gurdwara. In 1766 CE, during the Afghan period of rule over Kashmir, Gurmukh Singh — a council member under the Afghan Governor Noor Din Khan Bambazi — erected a more substantial and 'splendid Gurdwara' at this site, giving the shrine greater prominence. The most significant phase of institutional development came in 1821 CE under the Sikh Empire. At the direction of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the celebrated Sikh general Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa constructed seven smaller gurdwaras along the twin sides of the Mattan springs, each installed with a copy of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, along with 84 associated rooms. The Sikh granthis (scripture readers) at this site were granted land deeds (pattas) for Gurdwara Nanaksar by Maharaja Ranjit Singh himself. However, after the fall of the Sikh Empire and the rise of Dogra rule over Jammu and Kashmir, the gurdwaras fell into neglect and were reportedly dismantled by Dogra rulers between 1905 and 1909. The surviving structure was rebuilt, and the present building was constructed during the 1980s, replacing the earlier remnants of Hari Singh Nalwa's construction. Remarkably, one copy of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib at this site is believed to date from approximately the 16th century, its initial pages written in golden ink, surviving as a living testament to the centuries of devotion at this sacred place. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central prayer hall of the gurdwara, constructed in the 1980s using local deodar and kail wood in the vernacular Kashmiri style. The rectangular hall houses the palki (throne) of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib at one end, with a covered verandah extending across the front. The hall accommodates congregational prayers and kirtan sessions and is open to all visitors regardless of faith. ### Nishan Sahib tower A prominent 35-foot-high saffron-coloured triangular flag on a steel mast, the Nishan Sahib is one of the most visible features of the gurdwara complex. It serves as the universally recognised symbol of a Sikh place of worship and guides pilgrims approaching from the Anantnag-Pahalgam Road and the surrounding valley. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served to all visitors round the clock, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. The langar represents the Sikh principle of equality and selfless service (seva) and is a central feature of the gurdwara's daily activity. ### Sacred Mattan Springs (Mach Bhawan) sarovar Adjacent to the gurdwara complex, the twin sacred springs of Mattan — historically known as Mach Bhawan — are inseparably linked to the gurdwara's sanctity. It is at these springs that Guru Nanak is traditionally said to have encamped during his stay of thirteen days. The springs have been venerated for centuries by both Hindus and Sikhs and form an integral part of the spiritual landscape of the Mattan Sahib site. ### Pilgrim Accommodation Block entrance A simple residential block within or adjacent to the gurdwara complex providing basic free accommodation to Sikh pilgrims and visitors. The facility is managed by the gurdwara and is available on a round-the-clock basis, consistent with the Sikh tradition of providing sarai (shelter) to all wayfarers. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required (scarves available at entrance); remove shoes before entering; modest clothing recommended ### Photography Generally permitted in the outer premises; seek permission before photographing inside the prayer hall ### Etiquette Wash hands before entering the prayer hall; bow before the Guru Granth Sahib; maintain silence and reverence inside the Darbar Sahib; refrain from smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food on the premises ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Not formally recorded; the langar serves the local community and visiting pilgrims on a daily basis Seating Capacity ## Architecture The present building of Gurdwara Sri Mattan Sahib was constructed during the 1980s, replacing the earlier structures built during the Sikh Empire era. The gurdwara's architectural character reflects the traditional vernacular style of the Kashmir Valley, making use of locally sourced deodar cedar and kail (blue pine) wood — materials long favoured for their durability and fragrance in the cold, humid Kashmiri climate. The main prayer hall (Darbar Sahib) is built as a rectangular hall, with the sanctum housing the Guru Granth Sahib positioned at one end and a covered verandah extending across the front, a layout common to historic gurdwaras in the region. A prominent feature of the complex is its 35-foot-high Nishan Sahib, the tall saffron-coloured triangular flag on a steel mast that serves as the universally recognised marker of a Sikh place of worship. The flag is visible from a distance and guides pilgrims approaching through the valley. The gurdwara is situated adjacent to the sacred twin springs of Mattan (Mach Bhawan), which form an integral part of the sacred landscape of the site. Facilities for langar (community kitchen) and basic pilgrim accommodation are also present within or adjacent to the complex. The overall setting — framed by the green slopes of the Kashmir Valley near the ancient Martand Sun Temple ruins — lends the gurdwara a contemplative and historically layered atmosphere. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central prayer hall of the gurdwara, constructed in the 1980s using local deodar and kail wood in the vernacular Kashmiri style. The rectangular hall houses the palki (throne) of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib at one end, with a covered verandah extending across the front. The hall accommodates congregational prayers and kirtan sessions and is open to all visitors regardless of faith. ### Nishan Sahib tower A prominent 35-foot-high saffron-coloured triangular flag on a steel mast, the Nishan Sahib is one of the most visible features of the gurdwara complex. It serves as the universally recognised symbol of a Sikh place of worship and guides pilgrims approaching from the Anantnag-Pahalgam Road and the surrounding valley. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served to all visitors round the clock, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. The langar represents the Sikh principle of equality and selfless service (seva) and is a central feature of the gurdwara's daily activity. ### Sacred Mattan Springs (Mach Bhawan) sarovar Adjacent to the gurdwara complex, the twin sacred springs of Mattan — historically known as Mach Bhawan — are inseparably linked to the gurdwara's sanctity. It is at these springs that Guru Nanak is traditionally said to have encamped during his stay of thirteen days. The springs have been venerated for centuries by both Hindus and Sikhs and form an integral part of the spiritual landscape of the Mattan Sahib site. ### Pilgrim Accommodation Block entrance A simple residential block within or adjacent to the gurdwara complex providing basic free accommodation to Sikh pilgrims and visitors. The facility is managed by the gurdwara and is available on a round-the-clock basis, consistent with the Sikh tradition of providing sarai (shelter) to all wayfarers. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The most significant annual celebration at the gurdwara, marking the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Festivities include a 48-hour Akhand Path (continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), Nagar Kirtan procession, devotional kirtan, and a large-scale langar open to people of all faiths. The event draws Sikh pilgrims from across Kashmir and beyond, as well as local Hindus and Muslims, symbolising the interfaith spirit of Mattan Sahib. #### Guru Granth Sahib Gurpurab (First Parkash Diwas) Observed annually in August-September, this occasion commemorates the first installation of the Guru Granth Sahib at the Harmandir Sahib in 1604. Special recitations and prayers are held, with particular significance given the presence at this gurdwara of a Guru Granth Sahib believed to date from approximately the 16th century. ### festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated on 13–14 April each year, Baisakhi marks both the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. At Gurdwara Mattan Sahib, the day is observed with special prayers, kirtan, and langar. The festival holds additional regional importance as the beginning of the harvest season in the Kashmir Valley. #### Maghi (Magh Mela) Observed in January, Maghi commemorates the sacrifice of the Forty Martyrs (Chali Mukte) and is marked with special ardas (prayers), kirtan, and langar at the gurdwara. The winter celebration draws local devotees from the Anantnag region. #### Hola Mohalla Celebrated a day after Holi, Hola Mohalla is a Sikh martial and devotional festival established by Guru Gobind Singh. At Gurdwara Mattan Sahib, the occasion is marked with prayers, kirtan, and community langar in the spirit of Sikh solidarity and festivity. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Sri Mattan Sahib is generally open daily from approximately 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Langar (free community meals) and basic pilgrim accommodation are available round the clock. It is advisable to arrive during daylight hours, particularly during winter months when access in the Kashmir Valley may be limited. Yes, langar (free vegetarian community meals) is available to all visitors at Gurdwara Sri Mattan Sahib at all times. The gurdwara also offers basic accommodation for pilgrims. No payment is required, as the provision of langar and shelter is a fundamental tradition of all Sikh gurdwaras, embodying the principle of equality and selfless service (seva). The most important festival celebrated at the gurdwara is Guru Nanak Gurpurab, marking the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (typically in October or November). The celebrations include Akhand Path (48-hour continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan (devotional music), and langar, drawing participants from multiple faiths. Baisakhi (April) and other Sikh Gurpurabs are also observed at the gurdwara. Visitors must cover their heads before entering (scarves or cloth coverings are usually provided at the entrance). Shoes must be removed and left outside. Modest clothing is required. Visitors should wash their hands before entering the prayer hall and bow respectfully before the Guru Granth Sahib. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and bringing non-vegetarian food onto the premises are strictly prohibited. Photography is generally permitted in outer areas; seek permission before taking photos inside the Darbar Sahib. ### history The gurdwara commemorates Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's visit to Mattan during his Third Udasi (missionary journey), traditionally dated to around 1514–1519 CE. At Mattan, Guru Nanak engaged in a celebrated discourse with the proud Sanskrit scholar Pandit Brahm Das, who was humbled by the Guru's spiritual wisdom and embraced his teachings, along with a Muslim mystic named Kamal Faqir. The first memorial structure was built by these converts. In 1766 CE, Gurmukh Singh rebuilt the shrine, and in 1821 CE, Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa (at Maharaja Ranjit Singh's direction) constructed seven smaller gurdwaras at the twin springs with 84 rooms. The present building dates from the 1980s. This gurdwara is classified as Gurdwara Patshahi Pehli — a shrine of the First Master — because it marks a location personally visited by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Shrines directly linked to the Sikh Gurus hold the highest degree of religious significance. The site also symbolises the transformative power of Guru Nanak's teachings, as the proud scholar Pandit Brahm Das renounced his ego here and became a follower of the Guru's path. ### transport Mattan is located approximately 62 km from Srinagar on the Anantnag-Pahalgam Road, about 4 km northeast of Anantnag town. The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar (approx. 62 km). The nearest railway station is Anantnag (ANT) on the Srinagar-Banihal line. From Anantnag, local buses, shared jeeps, and auto-rickshaws cover the short distance to Mattan in 10–15 minutes. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Sri Mattan Sahib,Mattan Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit