# Gurudwara Nanak Sar Thath – Sikh Shrine, India > Visit Gurudwara Nanak Sar Thath, a revered Nanaksar tradition gurdwara in India offering daily prayers, langar, and spiritual community services. # Gurudwara Nanak Sar Thath Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurudwara Nanak Sar Thath is a sacred Sikh house of worship associated with the venerated Nanaksar tradition of Sikhism, situated in India near coordinates 29.82°N, 73.54°E, a region that encompasses the spiritually rich plains of northwestern Rajasthan bordering Punjab. The name 'Nanak Sar' is a compound of 'Nanak' — referring to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism — and 'Sar,' meaning a holy lake or the essence of divine truth. 'Thath' denotes a spiritual branch or outpost of the parent Nanaksar institution, connecting this gurdwara to the wider Nanaksar movement that originated in Kaleran, Jagraon, Punjab. The Nanaksar Thath network, of which this gurdwara is a part, was established in the devotional lineage of Sant Nand Singh Ji Maharaj, a revered Sikh mystic of the twentieth century whose teachings emphasized deep, meditative recitation of Gurbani, the scriptural hymns of the Sikh Gurus. Nanaksar Thaths are recognized across India and the world for their disciplined spiritual atmosphere, melodious kirtan, and strict adherence to the Rehat Maryada (Sikh code of conduct). Gurudwara Nanak Sar Thath functions as a vital spiritual and community hub for the local Sikh congregation and neighboring residents. As with all gurdwaras, the institution is governed by the principle of seva (selfless service) and offers its doors to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, gender, or nationality. The langar (community kitchen) operates daily, providing free vegetarian meals as an expression of the Sikh value of equality and sharing. The gurdwara serves as the nucleus of religious life in its locality, hosting daily prayers — Nitnem — at dawn and dusk, continuous recitation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the eternal Sikh scripture), and regular kirtan (devotional singing) programs. Special congregations are held on Gurpurabs (anniversaries commemorating Sikh Gurus), Sangrand (the first day of each lunar month), and other auspicious occasions in the Sikh calendar. Beyond religious observance, Gurudwara Nanak Sar Thath plays an important social role in its community — believed to support educational initiatives, healthcare outreach, and relief efforts in times of local need. Its management, drawn from the sangat (congregation), strives to uphold the traditions of the Nanaksar lineage while remaining responsive to the needs of the modern community. The gurdwara stands as a living symbol of Sikh values: devotion, humility, equality, and service. ## Significance Gurudwara Nanak Sar Thath holds profound spiritual and cultural significance for the local Sikh community and the wider Nanaksar tradition. Within the Nanaksar framework, every Thath is considered a direct spiritual extension of the parent shrine at Kaleran — a site believed to be imbued with the blessings of the founding saints. Devotees visit not merely to offer prayers but to immerse themselves in the unique meditative atmosphere that characterizes Nanaksar institutions, marked by slow, soul-stirring kirtan and prolonged naam simran sessions. The name 'Nanak Sar' itself carries deep symbolic weight, invoking the ocean of divine grace associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose life and teachings form the bedrock of Sikhism. For Sikhs in the surrounding region, the gurdwara represents a sacred geography — a point of spiritual orientation in daily life and a destination for pilgrimage during major religious occasions. Culturally, the gurdwara reinforces Sikh identity in a region where the community lives among diverse religious groups, serving as a gathering place that sustains Punjabi language, music, and traditions. Its langar embodies the egalitarian ethos of Sikhism, drawing people of all backgrounds to sit and eat together as equals. The institution also functions as a moral and social anchor, offering guidance and support to families navigating the challenges of rural and semi-urban life in modern India. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Singh Saba Karanpur India 9.0 km away Open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to... Gurdwara Singh Sabha Karanpur is a revered Sikh place of worship situated in the town of Karanpur, Sri Ganganagar district, Rajasthan, India. The gurdwara takes its name from the historic Singh Sabha Movement, the 19th-century Sikh renaissance that sought to preserve and propagate the authentic teachings of Sikhism across the Indian subcontinent. Standing as a spiritual lighthouse in the semi-arid landscape of northern Rajasthan, the gurdwara serves the Sikh farming communities and residents of Karanpur and its surrounding villages, many of whose ancestors migrated to the region following the post-Partition canal colonisation of the Ganganagar district. The gurdwara functions as the central religious and social institution for the local Sikh Sangat (congregation). Every morning and evening, the Nitnem prayers and Kirtan (sacred hymns from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) fill its prayer hall, drawing worshippers from across the town. The institution upholds the foundational Sikh principles of Seva (selfless service), Simran (meditation on the Divine Name), and Sangat (holy congregation), welcoming visitors of all faiths without distinction of caste, creed, gender, or social standing. Located near the coordinates 29.8422376°N, 73.4545792°E, the gurdwara stands within easy reach of the town centre and is a recognisable landmark in Karanpur. Its nishan sahib — the tall saffron triangular flag bearing the Khanda symbol — is visible from a considerable distance and serves as a spiritual beacon for the community. The institution is managed by a locally elected committee of Sikh community members who oversee daily operations, religious programmes, and social welfare activities. Beyond its primary role as a house of worship, Gurdwara Singh Sabha Karanpur plays a vital role in community welfare. It operates a Langar (community kitchen) that provides free meals to all visitors without discrimination — a practice central to Sikh philosophy since the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The gurdwara also organises programmes for Sikh religious education, including weekly Gurbani classes for children and youth, ensuring that the younger generation remains connected to its spiritual heritage. During festivals such as Gurpurabs (anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus), the gurdwara becomes a hub of activity, with extended prayer sessions, Kirtan darbars, and nagar kirtans that unite the entire community in joyful devotion. Community ### Gurdwara Sahib India 14 km away Open 24 hours, with main prayer services... Gurdwara Sahib is a revered Sikh place of worship situated in the Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan, India, at coordinates 29.7769603°N, 73.6816575°E. Positioned in one of northwestern India's most historically and spiritually significant Sikh-populated regions, the gurdwara serves as a vital center for daily worship, community congregation, education, and charitable service for the local Sikh population and visitors from surrounding areas. The word 'gurdwara' derives from the Punjabi words 'gur' (a reference to the Sikh Gurus) and 'dwara' (gateway), together signifying 'the gateway through which the Guru can be reached.' The appellation 'Sahib,' an Arabic-origin honorific meaning 'companion' or 'lord,' reflects the deep reverence with which this institution is held by the faithful. Gurdwara Sahib upholds all the foundational principles of Sikhism — the belief in one formless God (Waheguru), the equality of all human beings, and the importance of selfless service (seva). At the heart of the gurdwara lies the Darbar Sahib, the main hall of congregation where the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal and living scripture of the Sikhs, is enshrined and worshipped. The continuous recitation of Gurbani (sacred hymns), the daily Nitnem prayers, and the regular Akhand Path (unbroken reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib) are among the spiritual activities that animate this sacred space day and night. The gurdwara is also home to a functioning langar, the community kitchen that provides free meals to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, or social standing — a living embodiment of the Sikh principle of equality and service. Gurdwara Sahib plays an equally important role in the social fabric of the region, offering educational support, medical assistance during community health camps, and relief services during times of need. The Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan has a substantial Sikh community, partly owing to the region's proximity to Punjab and its history as a destination for Sikh families who migrated and settled in the fertile canal-irrigated lands of northwestern Rajasthan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gurdwara Sahib stands as a symbol of that enduring heritage, keeping the traditions, language, and values of Sikhism alive for successive generations in this part of India. Its doors are open to all, welcoming Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike in the true spirit of the Guru's teachings. Community ### 15bb padampur, India 18 km away Open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to... Gurdwara 15bb is a Sikh place of worship situated in the village of 15bb, near Padampur in Sri Ganganagar district, Rajasthan, India. The name '15bb' follows the distinctive land-parcel naming convention established during the canal colony settlement of the region, where parcels were allocated using alphanumeric codes tied to irrigation channels. The gurdwara stands as a spiritual and community anchor for the predominantly Sikh agricultural families who settled this fertile belt of northwestern Rajasthan. Located at coordinates 29.7318832°N, 73.7009435°E, the gurdwara lies within the Ghaggar-Hakra plain, an area transformed by the Gang Canal and its network of distributaries into one of India's most productive agricultural zones. The Sikh community here, largely descended from settlers who migrated from undivided Punjab during the late colonial and post-independence era, brought with them deep-rooted traditions of worship, seva (selfless service), and communal solidarity. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara 15bb is open to people of all faiths, backgrounds, and nationalities. The Guru Granth Sahib — the eternal, living scripture of the Sikhs — is enshrined at the centre of the main prayer hall (Darbar Sahib) and accorded the highest reverence. Daily prayers, known as Nitnem, are observed at dawn and dusk, creating a rhythmic spiritual cadence that governs life in the surrounding village community. The gurdwara also serves as a hub for social welfare activities. Its langar (community kitchen) provides free meals to worshippers, travellers, and the needy without distinction of caste, creed, or economic standing — a practice rooted in the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. During harvest festivals such as Baisakhi and Gurpurab celebrations, the gurdwara becomes a focal point of collective joy and gratitude, drawing Sikh families from neighbouring villages and canal-colony settlements across the district. The institution plays a vital role in preserving Punjabi language, Sikh heritage, and Gurbani (sacred hymns) in a region that lies far from the historical heartland of Punjab, ensuring that the cultural identity of the settler community remains vibrant across generations. Community ### Jaloki Gurdwara India 20 km away Open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to... Jaloki Gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship situated in the village of Jaloki, located in the Padampur tehsil of Sri Ganganagar district, Rajasthan, India. Nestled in the fertile plains of northwestern Rajasthan near the Punjab border, this community gurdwara serves as a vital spiritual and social hub for the Sikh farming community that has historically settled in the Ganganagar region. The gurdwara stands as a testament to the enduring presence of Sikhism in this part of Rajasthan, where large-scale agricultural colonisation in the early twentieth century brought thousands of Sikh families from Punjab to cultivate the canal-irrigated lands of what was then the Bikaner State. As with all gurdwaras, Jaloki Gurdwara is open to people of all faiths, castes, and backgrounds without distinction. The institution is governed by the principles enshrined in the Sikh Rehat Maryada, the official Sikh code of conduct, and is believed to be managed by a local committee drawn from the sangat, or congregation, of Jaloki and surrounding villages. The Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal and living scripture of the Sikhs, is installed with full reverence at the heart of the gurdwara, and daily prayers including Nitnem — comprising Fajar, Ardas, and Rehras Sahib — are observed each morning and evening. The gurdwara fulfils multiple roles for the local community beyond spiritual worship. It functions as a community centre for gatherings, dispute resolution, and social welfare activities. Its langar, or community kitchen, provides free meals to all visitors and residents irrespective of their faith or economic status, embodying the Sikh principle of seva, or selfless service. During harvest festivals such as Baisakhi and on the anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus, the gurdwara becomes a focal point for large congregational celebrations drawing residents from neighbouring villages. Jaloki village, home to approximately 3,290 residents, lies in one of India's most agriculturally productive districts. Sri Ganganagar district was transformed through the Gang Canal system commissioned in 1927 by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, and Sikh settlers played a central role in this agricultural transformation. The gurdwara thus occupies a meaningful place not only in the religious life of its community but also in the broader social history of Rajasthan's canal colony settlements. It represents the diaspora of Punjabi Sikh culture into Rajasthan and reflects the adaptability and resilience of the Sikh faith across geographic boundaries. Community ## Detailed History The Nanaksar tradition, to which Gurudwara Nanak Sar Thath belongs, traces its spiritual lineage to Sant Nand Singh Ji Maharaj (1870–1943), a deeply revered Sikh saint from Kaleran, near Jagraon in Ludhiana district, Punjab. Sant Nand Singh Ji was known for his extraordinary spiritual discipline and his emphasis on naam simran (meditative remembrance of God) and the melodious recitation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The original Nanaksar Gurdwara he established at Kaleran became the fountainhead of a vast spiritual movement. Following the passing of Sant Nand Singh Ji, his successors — including Sant Isher Singh Ji and subsequent saints — continued to propagate the Nanaksar tradition, establishing Thaths (branches) across Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and other Indian states, as well as internationally in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. By the early twenty-first century, over 160 Nanaksar Thaths are believed to be active across India alone. Gurudwara Nanak Sar Thath in its present location is believed to have been established in the latter half of the twentieth century, as the Nanaksar movement expanded into the northwestern regions of Rajasthan to serve the growing Sikh communities that had settled in areas such as Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar following the post-Partition land resettlement programs of the 1950s and 1960s. Many Sikh farming families were allotted canal-irrigated land in these areas under Indian government agricultural schemes, and they carried their faith traditions with them. The gurdwara's founding is believed to be credited to the initiative of local Sikh sangat members acting under the spiritual guidance of Nanaksar saints, who periodically toured branch gurdwaras to conduct religious programs and strengthen the faith community. Over the decades, the institution has grown in size and services, with the sangat contributing labor and resources to expand the prayer hall, langar facilities, and accommodation for visiting pilgrims. The gurdwara has witnessed and commemorated major Sikh milestones, including the quincentenary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birth in 2019, celebrated with extended kirtan programs and langar for thousands. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed under an ornate canopy. The hall accommodates a large seated congregation and is the focal point for kirtan and daily prayers. ### Nishan Sahib Religious Monument The tall flagpole bearing the triangular Sikh flag (Nishan Sahib) with the Khanda emblem, marking the gurdwara's presence and serving as a spiritual beacon for the surrounding community. ### Langar Hall and Kitchen Community Facility A spacious hall adjacent to the main prayer building where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served daily to all visitors. The kitchen operates on the seva of volunteer congregation members. ### Sarai (Pilgrim Accommodation) Accommodation Believed to include basic lodging facilities for visiting pilgrims, sewadars, and traveling devotees, in keeping with the Sikh tradition of hospitality (mehmaan-nawazi). ### Ablution Area and Shoe Repository Ancillary Facility Designated areas near the entrance for washing hands and feet before worship, and a well-organized shoe storage space staffed by sewadars, ensuring cleanliness and orderly entry for all visitors. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head must be covered at all times (scarves/rumaals available at entrance); shoes must be removed before entering; modest, full-coverage clothing recommended ### Photography Generally permitted in outer areas; respectful photography inside the darbar sahib may require prior permission; never photograph devotees without consent ### Etiquette Bow before the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon entering; refrain from tobacco, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food on premises; maintain silence in the darbar sahib; mobile phones should be on silent ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Believed to serve hundreds of devotees daily; capacity significantly expanded during Gurpurabs and special events Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurudwara Nanak Sar Thath is believed to follow the classical North Indian Sikh gurdwara architectural style, characterized by whitewashed or marble-clad exteriors, a prominent central dome (gumbad) topped with a gilded finial (kalash), and the distinctive triangular Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) on a tall flagpole that marks the gurdwara's presence from a distance. The prayer hall (darbar sahib) is typically designed to accommodate a large congregation seated on the floor around the central palki (palanquin) on which the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji rests under a richly decorated canopy. Interior surfaces are believed to be adorned with geometric and floral motifs in marble inlay or painted plasterwork, reflecting traditional Punjabi craftsmanship. A circumambulatory passage (parikrama) allows devotees to perform respectful clockwise circuits of the sanctum. Adjacent to the main hall, the langar hall and associated kitchen are functional and spacious, designed to serve large numbers of visitors simultaneously. The complex is believed to also include a sarovar (holy tank) or ablution area, accommodation for pilgrims, and administrative offices. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed under an ornate canopy. The hall accommodates a large seated congregation and is the focal point for kirtan and daily prayers. ### Nishan Sahib Religious Monument The tall flagpole bearing the triangular Sikh flag (Nishan Sahib) with the Khanda emblem, marking the gurdwara's presence and serving as a spiritual beacon for the surrounding community. ### Langar Hall and Kitchen Community Facility A spacious hall adjacent to the main prayer building where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served daily to all visitors. The kitchen operates on the seva of volunteer congregation members. ### Sarai (Pilgrim Accommodation) Accommodation Believed to include basic lodging facilities for visiting pilgrims, sewadars, and traveling devotees, in keeping with the Sikh tradition of hospitality (mehmaan-nawazi). ### Ablution Area and Shoe Repository Ancillary Facility Designated areas near the entrance for washing hands and feet before worship, and a well-organized shoe storage space staffed by sewadars, ensuring cleanliness and orderly entry for all visitors. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Festival #### Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is celebrated with a two-day akhand path (uninterrupted reading of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji), nagar kirtan (procession), and grand langar serving thousands of devotees. #### Bandhi Chhor Divas (Sikh Diwali) Commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from Gwalior Fort, this festival is marked with illumination of the gurdwara, kirtan, and extended langar. ### Religious & Cultural Festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi commemorates the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 and is celebrated with kirtan programs, community prayers, and festive langar. It also marks the Sikh New Year and the harvest season. ### Continuous Scripture Reading #### Akhand Path Periodic akhand paths (48-hour continuous, uninterrupted recitations of the entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) are organized for major occasions and at the request of families commemorating life events. ### Monthly Religious Observance #### Sangrand On the first day of each month in the Nanakshahi calendar, a special diwan (congregation) with kirtan and ardas is held, drawing local sangat for collective worship. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### History & Significance 'Nanak Sar' combines 'Nanak' — honoring Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism — and 'Sar,' meaning the essence or a sacred lake of divine grace. 'Thath' refers to a spiritual branch of the Nanaksar tradition founded by Sant Nand Singh Ji of Kaleran. The Nanaksar tradition is a Sikh spiritual movement founded by Sant Nand Singh Ji Maharaj (1870–1943) emphasizing deep naam simran (meditative repetition of God's name) and melodious recitation of Gurbani. It has over 160 Thaths (branch gurdwaras) across India and many more worldwide. ### Visitor Information Yes. All gurdwaras, including Gurudwara Nanak Sar Thath, welcome visitors of all faiths, nationalities, and backgrounds. The only requirement is to cover one's head and remove shoes before entering. There is no entry fee, and the langar (community kitchen) provides free vegetarian meals to all visitors at any time during operating hours. Voluntary donations (seva) are appreciated. Many Nanaksar Thaths provide accommodation (sarai) for pilgrims and travelers, often free of charge or for a nominal voluntary contribution. It is advisable to contact the gurdwara management in advance for availability. ### Events The gurdwara celebrates all major Sikh festivals including Gurpurabs (Guru Nanak Dev Ji's and Guru Gobind Singh Ji's birth anniversaries), Baisakhi, Bandhi Chhor Divas (Sikh Diwali), and Maghi, with extended kirtan, langar, and community programs. ### Participation Visitors are encouraged to participate in any form of seva — assisting in the langar kitchen, serving meals, cleaning, or helping during programs. No prior experience is needed; approach any sewadar at the gurdwara for guidance. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurudwara Nanak Sar Thath Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit