# Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Niwas, Fazilka, Punjab > Visit Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Niwas in Fazilka — India's first wooden gurdwara, built in 2023 with Finnish Deodhar wood in Fazilka Police Lines, Punjab. # Guru Nanak Niwas Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Niwas, situated within the Police Lines campus in Fazilka, Punjab, India, stands as a singular landmark in the landscape of Sikh religious architecture. Inaugurated on February 16, 2023, this sacred shrine holds the remarkable distinction of being India's first gurdwara constructed entirely from wood — a feat of devotion, craftsmanship, and cultural vision that has drawn pilgrims and curious visitors from across the region and beyond. The gurdwara is located in the border district of Fazilka, a historically significant town in the Ferozepur division of Punjab, a land that has been the heartland of Sikh civilisation for centuries. The structure is built using Finnish Deodhar wood, a premium imported timber prized for its exceptional durability, natural resistance to insects, moisture, and prolonged exposure to sunlight and rain. According to the head granthi of the shrine, the building is believed to be capable of enduring for well over a century without significant structural degradation, making it not only a place of worship for the present generation but a lasting heritage for generations to come. The gurdwara opens its doors to the Sangat (congregation) at 5:30 in the morning, when Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs — is ceremonially installed in the darbar hall. Services continue throughout the day with Nitnem (daily prayers), kirtan (devotional hymns), and ardas (supplication), concluding with the Sukhasan ceremony in the evening at 8:00 PM when the holy scripture is respectfully placed to rest. The gurdwara regularly hosts Anand Karaj (Sikh wedding ceremonies) and annual Sri Akhand Path Sahib, a continuous, uninterrupted reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib that typically spans 48 hours. As a community institution, Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Niwas serves the spiritual needs of police personnel stationed within Fazilka's police lines as well as the broader civilian Sikh community of the town. The langar (community kitchen) operates daily, providing free meals to all who visit regardless of faith, caste, or social standing — a tradition rooted in the egalitarian teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the gurdwara's namesake. The shrine draws hundreds of devotees every week and has quickly become a notable pilgrimage destination within Fazilka district, celebrated as much for its architectural novelty as for its spiritual atmosphere. Its construction represents a harmonious blend of ancient Sikh values and contemporary craftsmanship, and it continues to inspire wonder among all who visit. ## Significance Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Niwas in Fazilka carries profound spiritual and cultural significance on multiple levels. First and foremost, it stands as India's first gurdwara constructed entirely of wood — a pioneering achievement that places Fazilka on the map of significant Sikh religious sites in Punjab and beyond. In a tradition where gurdwaras are most commonly built of marble, concrete, and gilded metal, this wooden sanctuary represents a remarkable departure that honours the organic, humble origins of Sikh congregational worship. The gurdwara's four entrances — one on each cardinal side — are a direct architectural expression of one of Sikhism's most cherished principles: that the house of the Guru is open to all people without distinction of religion, caste, gender, or social status. This symbolic openness, first institutionalised by Guru Ram Das Ji at Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, is reaffirmed here in Fazilka, reiterating the universal and egalitarian character of the Sikh faith. Named after Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism whose birth in 1469 CE marked the beginning of a spiritual revolution in the Indian subcontinent, the gurdwara serves as a daily reminder of his teachings of Ik Onkar (One Universal Creator), Seva (selfless service), and Sangat (holy congregation). For the police personnel and their families living within the Lines, the gurdwara provides an essential spiritual anchor, fostering community cohesion and collective identity in an otherwise institutional environment. Its langar embodies Guru Nanak's vision of a world without hunger or hierarchy. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Sahib India 12 km away Open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to... Gurdwara Sahib is a revered Sikh place of worship situated in the heartland of Punjab, India — the birthplace of Sikhism and home to its largest community of practitioners. Standing as a beacon of faith, fellowship, and service, the gurdwara anchors the spiritual and social life of its surrounding community, offering a sacred space for daily prayer, scripture recitation, and congregational worship in accordance with the teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus and the eternal living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The gurdwara is open to all, irrespective of religion, caste, gender, or nationality, embodying the Sikh principle of universal brotherhood — Ik Onkar, the oneness of creation. The main prayer hall, or Darbar Sahib, houses the Guru Granth Sahib Ji under a decorative canopy (Palki Sahib), where Granthi Singhs perform continuous kirtan — the devotional singing of shabads (hymns) — at appointed hours throughout the day. The atmosphere inside is one of serene contemplation, punctuated by the melodic strains of the harmonium, tabla, and the resonant recitation of Gurbani. Beyond worship, Gurdwara Sahib serves as a vibrant community centre. Its langar hall operates daily, providing free, vegetarian meals prepared and served by volunteers (sevadars) to all who arrive — a living expression of the Sikh value of seva (selfless service) and equality. Hundreds of devotees and visitors partake in langar each day, sitting together on the floor as equals regardless of social standing. The gurdwara also maintains facilities for religious education, including classes in Gurmukhi script and Gurbani recitation for children and young adults, ensuring the transmission of Sikh heritage to coming generations. Special programmes are held to commemorate the Gurpurabs — birth and martyrdom anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus — as well as festivals such as Baisakhi, Diwali (celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas), and Hola Mohalla. During these occasions the gurdwara becomes a hub of community celebration, nagar kirtans, and expanded langar service. Located in Punjab — a state whose very name means 'Land of Five Rivers' — the gurdwara exists within a region saturated with Sikh history and culture. Punjab has been the cradle of Sikhism since the fifteenth century, and its gurdwaras, large and small, form an unbroken chain of living spiritual tradition stretching across the landscape. Gurdwara Sahib is one such link in that chain: a local sanctuary that gives tangible form to the timeless values of Naam Japo (meditate on God), Kirat Karo (earn an honest living), and Vand Chhako (share with others). Community ### Gurdwara Sahib Jalalabad Tahsil, India 21 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 ### Bhai Mati Das Ji India 30 km away Open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to... Gurdwara Bhai Mati Das Ji is a revered Sikh place of worship located in Punjab, India, dedicated to the memory and martyrdom of Bhai Mati Das Ji, one of the most celebrated Sikh martyrs of the seventeenth century. Situated at coordinates 30.5936024°N, 74.2597017°E in the heartland of Punjab — the spiritual and cultural homeland of Sikhism — this gurdwara stands as a living testimony to the courage, faith, and sacrifice that define the Sikh tradition. The gurdwara serves the local Sikh community as a center for daily worship (nitnem), congregational prayer (sangat), and community service (seva), while also drawing pilgrims and devotees from across the region who come to honor the memory of Bhai Mati Das Ji. Bhai Mati Das Ji, born into a Mohyal Brahmin family of the Chhibber clan, was a devoted Sikh of the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. He accompanied the Guru to Delhi in 1675 CE, where the Guru and his companions were arrested on the orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. When offered the choice between conversion to Islam or death, Bhai Mati Das Ji chose martyrdom without hesitation. He was executed in the most brutal manner — sawn alive from head to loins — while reciting the Japji Sahib, the sacred prayer composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. His steadfast devotion in the face of extreme persecution made him an enduring symbol of Sikh resilience and unwavering faith. Gurdwaras dedicated to Bhai Mati Das Ji across Punjab serve not only as places of worship but as institutions of community upliftment. This gurdwara operates the sacred institution of Langar — the community kitchen offering free meals to all visitors regardless of caste, religion, or economic status — embodying the Sikh principles of equality (samanta) and selfless service (seva). The gurdwara is believed to have been established by the local Sikh community to preserve the memory of the martyr and provide a spiritual anchor for the surrounding villages and towns. Regular programmes of kirtan (devotional music), katha (discourse on Sikh scripture), and paath (recitation of Gurbani) are conducted throughout the week, with special events held on Gurpurab occasions, particularly on the shaheedi (martyrdom) anniversary of Bhai Mati Das Ji observed on 24 November each year according to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Community ### Baba Deep Singh Ji India 30 km away Open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to... Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Ji stands as a revered Sikh place of worship located in Punjab, India, one of the holiest regions in the Sikh faith. Named in honor of Baba Deep Singh Ji — one of Sikhism's most celebrated martyrs and scholars — this gurdwara serves as a spiritual anchor for the surrounding community, providing a space for daily prayer, congregational worship, and social upliftment in accordance with the timeless teachings of the Sikh Gurus. The gurdwara operates as a living institution of Sikh values. It houses the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs, enshrined in the main Darbar Hall. Devotees gather each morning and evening for Nitnem (daily prayers), Kirtan (devotional hymn singing), and Ardas (communal supplication). The rhythmic recitation of Gurbani permeates the halls and creates an atmosphere of deep spiritual calm and communal unity that draws Sikhs and curious visitors alike. As a community gurdwara, it fulfills multiple roles beyond worship. The institution actively supports local residents through its Langar (community kitchen), which provides free meals to all — regardless of faith, caste, or economic background — embodying the Sikh principle of Seva (selfless service). Social programs, religious education for youth, and celebrations of Gurpurabs (Sikh holy days) are integral parts of the gurdwara's calendar. The gurdwara is named after Baba Deep Singh Ji (1682–1757), who is venerated across the Sikh world as a supreme example of devotion, scholarship, and martial courage. Baba Deep Singh Ji was a head Granthi at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib and is celebrated for his extraordinary act of martyrdom in 1757 when he led a force to defend the sanctity of Sri Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) against the Afghan invaders led by Jahan Khan. Tradition holds that even mortally wounded, he continued fighting to fulfill his vow of reaching Darbar Sahib. Gurdwaras across Punjab and the world bear his name to perpetuate his legacy of fearless devotion. Situated in the heartland of Punjab — the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest concentration of Sikhs in the world — this gurdwara carries the spiritual heritage of a region deeply intertwined with Sikh history. The surrounding countryside and towns of Punjab have been shaped by centuries of Sikh culture, tradition, and sacrifice, making every gurdwara in this region a repository of living history and communal memory. Community ## Detailed History The origins of Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Niwas in Fazilka are rooted in a simple yet profound act of personal faith. The project was conceived and initiated by SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, who observed that the families residing in the Fazilka Police Lines lacked a dedicated place of worship for Sikh prayer and congregation. Motivated by this gap, SSP Sidhu envisioned not merely a functional prayer hall but a structure that would stand as a meaningful tribute to Guru Nanak Dev Ji — the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, whose teachings of compassion, equality, and devotion to the One Universal Creator form the bedrock of Sikhism. The project took shape remarkably quickly. Construction began in late 2022 and was completed in approximately three months — a testament to the dedication of the craftsmen and the community's commitment to the endeavour. The construction was entrusted to Iqbal Singh, an experienced master carpenter from Ludhiana with an established reputation for building intricate wooden structures both within India and internationally. Iqbal Singh brought considerable expertise to the project, applying traditional joinery and carpentry techniques alongside thoughtful engineering considerations suited to Punjab's climate. The choice of Finnish Deodhar wood as the primary building material was deliberate and carefully considered. The imported timber was selected for its proven longevity and its ability to withstand the punishing heat of Punjab summers, the region's monsoon humidity, and the threat of insect infestation — conditions that have historically compromised wooden structures in the subcontinent. The wood was imported from Finland and worked on-site by Iqbal Singh's team into arches, domes, and decorative panels that reflect classical Sikh architectural motifs. Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Niwas was inaugurated on February 16, 2023, with religious ceremonies befitting the occasion. The event was attended by members of the local Sikh Sangat, police personnel, and officials, and was marked by kirtan, ardas, and the first installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the new darbar hall. Since its opening, the gurdwara has grown steadily in prominence, attracting not only local devotees but also visitors from neighbouring districts who come to witness India's first wooden gurdwara and offer their prayers. The shrine is believed to represent a new chapter in Sikh religious architecture in the region. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Hall (Main Prayer Hall) Religious Hall The central prayer hall where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed each morning at 5:30 AM and rested each evening at 8:00 PM. The hall is constructed entirely of Finnish Deodhar wood, with carved mehrabs, a decorated palki (canopied throne) for the holy scripture, and natural ventilation provided by the domed roof structure. ### Langar Hall (Community Kitchen and Dining) Community Kitchen The langar hall is where free meals are prepared and served daily to all visitors. In keeping with Sikh tradition, the hall is arranged in pangat (rows) where all eat together as equals, without distinction of caste, creed, or social standing. ### Four-Entrance Gateway (Chaar Dwaar) Architectural Feature The gurdwara features four entrances, one on each side of the structure. This architectural hallmark, common to major Sikh shrines, symbolises the openness of the Guru's house to people from all four directions and all walks of life. ### Wooden Domes Architectural Feature The roof of the gurdwara is crowned by ventilated wooden domes crafted from Finnish Deodhar wood. The domes are oriented to reduce wind flow and provide natural ventilation to the prayer hall below, combining functional engineering with aesthetic grace. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head must be covered at all times; remove footwear before entering the gurdwara premises; clean and modest attire expected ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in outdoor areas; seek permission from the granthi before photographing inside the darbar hall ### Etiquette Wash hands before entering the darbar hall; bow before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon entry; refrain from smoking, alcohol, or consumption of meat on the premises; maintain silence and reverence inside the darbar hall ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall accommodates congregational sittings; capacity scales on special occasions and Gurpurabs Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Niwas is a remarkable example of contemporary Sikh sacred architecture executed entirely in timber. The structure measures 40 feet by 40 feet, a compact yet dignified footprint that maximises the visual and spiritual impact of the wooden medium. It is constructed from Finnish Deodhar wood, chosen for its grain strength, dimensional stability, and natural resistance to the elements — properties that are expected to preserve the structure for over a century. The building features four entrances aligned along the cardinal directions, a traditional Sikh architectural principle symbolising universal welcome. The facade is adorned with mehrabs (arched openings) crafted from hand-worked timber, lending the structure an elegance that echoes Mughal and Sikh architectural vocabulary while remaining entirely in wood. Ventilated domes crown the roof, providing natural airflow to the prayer hall below. The north-south orientation of key entrances has been thoughtfully designed to reduce the impact of prevailing winds, a practical consideration that also reflects the careful environmental thinking embedded in the building's design. The interior houses the darbar hall where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed, draped in regal rumallas (coverings) upon a decorated palki (palanquin). ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Hall (Main Prayer Hall) Religious Hall The central prayer hall where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed each morning at 5:30 AM and rested each evening at 8:00 PM. The hall is constructed entirely of Finnish Deodhar wood, with carved mehrabs, a decorated palki (canopied throne) for the holy scripture, and natural ventilation provided by the domed roof structure. ### Langar Hall (Community Kitchen and Dining) Community Kitchen The langar hall is where free meals are prepared and served daily to all visitors. In keeping with Sikh tradition, the hall is arranged in pangat (rows) where all eat together as equals, without distinction of caste, creed, or social standing. ### Four-Entrance Gateway (Chaar Dwaar) Architectural Feature The gurdwara features four entrances, one on each side of the structure. This architectural hallmark, common to major Sikh shrines, symbolises the openness of the Guru's house to people from all four directions and all walks of life. ### Wooden Domes Architectural Feature The roof of the gurdwara is crowned by ventilated wooden domes crafted from Finnish Deodhar wood. The domes are oriented to reduce wind flow and provide natural ventilation to the prayer hall below, combining functional engineering with aesthetic grace. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Festival #### Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the gurdwara's namesake, is celebrated with special kirtan, akhand path, nagar kirtan processions, and extended langar service. This is the most significant annual celebration at the gurdwara. #### Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, celebrated with morning kirtan, akhand path, and langar. Special programmes are organised for youth and families within the police lines community. ### Scriptural Reading #### Sri Akhand Path Sahib An annual continuous, uninterrupted reading of the entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, spanning 48 hours. The congregation participates in relay reading, and special langar is served throughout the event to all attendees. ### Religious and Cultural Festival #### Baisakhi Celebrations Baisakhi, observed on April 13 or 14, marks the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The gurdwara hosts special ardas, kirtan, and community gathering on this day. ### Religious Ceremony #### Anand Karaj Ceremonies The gurdwara hosts Anand Karaj, the Sikh wedding ceremony, in which the couple takes four pheras (circumambulations) around Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The ceremony is conducted by the granthi in the presence of the Sangat. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### General It is believed to be India's first gurdwara constructed entirely from wood — specifically Finnish Deodhar wood imported for its exceptional durability. The structure was built in approximately three months and opened in February 2023. ### History The project was conceived and initiated by SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, who wanted to provide a dedicated place of Sikh worship for families residing in the Fazilka Police Lines campus. ### Architecture Finnish Deodhar wood was used because of its proven resistance to insects, moisture, sunlight, and rain. The head granthi has stated the structure is expected to last over a hundred years. ### Visitor Information The gurdwara opens at 5:30 AM with the ceremonial installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and closes at 8:00 PM with the Sukhasan ceremony. It is open every day of the year. ### Langar Yes, langar is served daily free of charge to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background, in keeping with the Sikh tradition of equality and selfless service. ### Ceremonies Yes, the gurdwara conducts Anand Karaj (Sikh wedding ceremonies) as well as Sri Akhand Path Sahib (continuous scriptural reading). Interested families should contact the gurdwara management in advance. ### Transport The gurdwara is located within the Fazilka Police Lines. Fazilka is accessible by road and rail from Ferozepur (~70 km), Abohar (~50 km), and Bathinda. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available from Fazilka city centre to Police Lines. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Guru Nanak Niwas Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit