# Old Gurudwara – Sikh Gurdwara in India > Old Gurudwara is a historic Sikh community gurdwara in Uttar Pradesh, India, offering daily prayers, langar, and spiritual services to all. # Old Gurudwara Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Old Gurudwara is a community Sikh place of worship situated in the historically rich region of Uttar Pradesh, India, near the sacred Ganga corridor at coordinates 25.0213422°N, 83.0278224°E. As one of the oldest Sikh religious establishments in the area, it serves as a spiritual anchor for the local Sikh community and welcomes devotees and visitors of all faiths without distinction. The gurdwara operates in accordance with the core tenets of Sikhism as established by the ten Gurus, offering daily congregational prayers (Diwan), kirtan (devotional singing), and the recitation of Gurbani from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs. The gurdwara functions as much more than a house of worship — it is a community institution providing langar (free community kitchen), religious education, and social support to those in need regardless of caste, creed, or religion. Located in a region of Uttar Pradesh with deep historical ties to India's composite spiritual heritage, Old Gurudwara stands as a testament to the Sikh principle of Sarbat da Bhala — the well-being of all humanity. The gurdwara is managed by a local committee of sewadars (volunteers) who maintain the premises, organise religious programmes, and ensure the smooth running of the langar. Daily nitnem (prayers) are observed at dawn and dusk, and the Akhand Path (unbroken reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib) is held on special occasions and Gurpurabs (anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus). The complex is believed to include a main prayer hall (Darbar Sahib), a langar hall, accommodation facilities for visiting pilgrims, and a sarovar (sacred pool) or ablution facilities. The broader region surrounding the gurdwara has been a crossroads of Indian civilisation for millennia, lying close to the sacred city of Varanasi and the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath. Sikh Gurus, particularly Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, are known to have travelled extensively through this part of the Gangetic plain, spreading the message of Ik Onkar — the oneness of God. Old Gurudwara is believed to have been established in memory of or inspired by these sacred journeys, serving as a beacon of the Sikh faith in eastern Uttar Pradesh. ## Significance Old Gurudwara holds profound spiritual and cultural significance for the Sikh community of eastern Uttar Pradesh and the surrounding districts. It is one of the few gurdwaras in this predominantly non-Sikh region that has consistently maintained the traditions of Sikh worship, langar, and community service across generations, acting as a living embodiment of the Sikh values of Seva (selfless service), Simran (remembrance of God), and Sangat (holy congregation). The gurdwara's location near the sacred Ganga corridor gives it an added spiritual dimension, as this region has been a site of interfaith coexistence for centuries. Its presence near Varanasi — one of Hinduism's holiest cities — and Sarnath, a key Buddhist pilgrimage site, reflects the Sikh tradition's universal message of harmony and respect for all spiritual paths. For the local Sikh diaspora in Uttar Pradesh, Old Gurudwara is a cultural lifeline — a place where Punjabi language, Sikh festivals, and community bonds are preserved and transmitted to younger generations. The gurdwara's langar, which feeds hundreds irrespective of religion or social status, is considered a living demonstration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's revolutionary vision of equality. On major Gurpurabs, the gurdwara draws pilgrims from surrounding districts, reinforcing its role as a regional centre of Sikh faith and community life. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Sahib Varanasi, India 27 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 ### Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Gurubagh Varanasi, India 32 km away Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Gurubagh 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 Sri Guru Nanak Dev Gurubagh 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 ### Gurdwara Badi Sangat Varanasi India 33 km away 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily Gurdwara Badi Sangat, formally known as Gurdwara Bari Sangat Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, is one of the most historically revered Sikh shrines in the ancient city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Situated at CK 58/2, Bulanala Maidagin Road in the Nichibag area of Govindpura — opposite the Sri Aas Bhairav Mandir — this sacred gurdwara is widely regarded as the oldest and most important Sikh congregation (sangat) in Benaras, a distinction affirmed by the remarkable collection of historical hukamnamas and priceless relics preserved within its walls. The name 'Badi' meaning 'great' or 'large' distinguishes it from the nearby Gurdwara Choti Sangat, and the gurdwara more than lives up to its name in terms of spiritual and historical significance. The shrine commemorates the extended visit of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, who came to Varanasi in 1666 CE during his spiritual tours of eastern India. The Guru stayed at the home of a devout Sikh named Bhai Kalyan Mall — the very site on which the gurdwara now stands — where he spent several months in meditation, spiritual discourse, and communion with the local Sikh sangat. This stay transformed the site into one of the holiest locations associated with the ninth Guru's inner spiritual journey. What truly distinguishes Gurdwara Badi Sangat from many Sikh shrines is the presence of two extraordinary sacred features within its main congregation hall. The Tap Asthan is an intimate meditation chamber preserved as it was when Guru Tegh Bahadur practiced solitary tapasya (deep meditation and austerity) here — 'tap' referring to the practice of austere spiritual discipline. Adjacent to it is the Baoli Ganga Pargat, a narrow sacred well believed to have miraculously sprung forth with holy Ganges water through the Guru's divine blessing. This well is preserved to this day inside the main hall, and its water is revered by pilgrims and used for drinking. The gurdwara also safeguards an irreplaceable treasury of sacred relics: 17 original Hukamnamas (formal decrees addressed by Sikh Gurus to the Varanasi sangat), two Cholas (robes) worn by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, a pair of shoes belonging to the ninth Guru, and a pair of shoes belonging to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who also visited this site in 1670 while traveling from Patna to Lakhnaur. These artifacts make Gurdwara Badi Sangat not merely a place of worship but a living museum of Sikh heritage. Every year, Sikh pilgrims from across India and the diaspora travel to this gurdwara, particularly during the Gurpurab and Martyrdom Day (Shaheedi Diwas) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Its location in Varanasi — the spiritual capital of Hinduism and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities — places this gurdwara at a unique confluence of India's diverse sacred traditions, embodying the Sikh ideal of universal reverence and peaceful coexistence. The gurdwara welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds, offering langar (free community meals) and a space for reflection and prayer. Historical ### Gurdwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha Robertsgan Robertsganj, India 37 km away Gurdwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha Robertsgan is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Robertsganj, 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 Shri Guru Singh Sabha Robertsgan 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 Old Gurudwara is deeply intertwined with the spread of Sikhism through the Gangetic plains of northern India. The eastern regions of Uttar Pradesh have had a Sikh presence since at least the 17th century, when Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (the ninth Sikh Guru, 1621–1675) undertook extensive journeys across Bihar and eastern UP, preaching the message of universal brotherhood and establishing sangats (congregations) wherever he traveled. Several gurdwaras in this belt trace their origins to these sacred travels, and Old Gurudwara is believed to be associated with this tradition of early Sikh missionary activity in the region. The gurdwara is believed to have been established by devout Sikh settlers who migrated to the region during the 18th or 19th century, as Sikh traders, soldiers, and families spread across India following the consolidation of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. These early Sikh settlers established a place of worship to maintain their religious identity and serve the community far from Punjab, the heartland of Sikhism. Over the decades, the gurdwara underwent several renovations and expansions to accommodate a growing congregation. The management of the gurdwara passed through various local Sikh families and committees who dedicated themselves to its upkeep and service. Key events in the gurdwara's calendar — including the celebration of Baisakhi (the harvest festival and anniversary of the Khalsa Panth's founding in 1699), Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji — have been observed here for generations, drawing the wider Sikh community together. The gurdwara has survived the turbulence of Partition (1947) and continued to serve as a place of solace and solidarity for Sikh families who remained in the region. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is enshrined on a raised platform (takht) beneath an ornate canopy. Devotees gather here for daily prayers, kirtan, and congregational worship. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen and Dining Hall A large hall adjacent to the main prayer hall where the community kitchen operates. Free vegetarian meals are prepared and served by volunteers to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background, embodying the Sikh principle of equality. ### Nishan Sahib Flagpole Religious Monument A tall flagpole located in the forecourt of the gurdwara bearing the triangular saffron Nishan Sahib flag emblazoned with the Khanda symbol. It serves as a visible marker of the gurdwara's presence and the sovereignty of the Sikh faith. ### Pilgrim Rest House (Sarai) Accommodation A rest facility believed to be available for visiting pilgrims and devotees traveling from outside the district, providing modest accommodation in keeping with the gurdwara's tradition of hospitality. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head must be covered at all times; remove shoes before entering; modest, clean clothing required; head scarves available at the entrance for visitors ### Photography Photography may be permitted in outer areas; photography inside the Darbar Sahib should only be done with explicit permission from the gurdwara management ### Etiquette Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering the Darbar Sahib; sit cross-legged on the floor; avoid turning your back to the Guru Granth Sahib; refrain from smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food on the premises ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Believed to serve approximately 100–300 people per day; significantly more during festivals and special occasions Seating Capacity ## Architecture Old Gurudwara reflects the characteristic architectural vocabulary of Sikh religious buildings blended with local building traditions of Uttar Pradesh. The main prayer hall (Darbar Sahib) is believed to be crowned with a central dome and flanked by smaller domes or chattris (kiosks), a style consistent with Sikh gurdwara architecture that draws on Mughal and Rajput influences. The structure is likely rendered in white or cream-coloured plaster, with the Nishan Sahib — the triangular saffron-coloured flag bearing the Khanda symbol — prominently raised on a tall flagpole in the forecourt, marking the gurdwara's presence from a distance. The interior of the Darbar Sahib is expected to feature a marble or stone floor, ornate canopy (palki) over the Guru Granth Sahib, and decorated walls with traditional Sikh motifs. The langar hall is a large, functional space designed to seat and serve large numbers of visitors simultaneously. The overall complex is modest in scale befitting a community gurdwara, but maintains the essential sanctity and dignity required of a Sikh place of worship. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is enshrined on a raised platform (takht) beneath an ornate canopy. Devotees gather here for daily prayers, kirtan, and congregational worship. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen and Dining Hall A large hall adjacent to the main prayer hall where the community kitchen operates. Free vegetarian meals are prepared and served by volunteers to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background, embodying the Sikh principle of equality. ### Nishan Sahib Flagpole Religious Monument A tall flagpole located in the forecourt of the gurdwara bearing the triangular saffron Nishan Sahib flag emblazoned with the Khanda symbol. It serves as a visible marker of the gurdwara's presence and the sovereignty of the Sikh faith. ### Pilgrim Rest House (Sarai) Accommodation A rest facility believed to be available for visiting pilgrims and devotees traveling from outside the district, providing modest accommodation in keeping with the gurdwara's tradition of hospitality. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Festival #### Gurpurab – Guru Nanak Dev Ji Celebrated on the full moon of Kartik (October/November), this is the most widely observed Sikh festival commemorating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The gurdwara holds Akhand Path, kirtan, and a large langar for all visitors. ### Religious and Cultural Festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated on 13–14 April each year, Baisakhi marks the founding of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The gurdwara organises special prayers, processions (Nagar Kirtan), and an expanded langar. ### Religious Ceremony #### Akhand Path An unbroken, continuous reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib Ji lasting approximately 48 hours. Held on special occasions such as Gurpurabs, family celebrations, and anniversaries, the Akhand Path is a central act of Sikh devotion. ### Commemoration #### Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Observed in November, this day commemorates the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, who gave his life to protect religious freedom. Special kirtan and prayers are held, with particular significance in this region where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji travelled. ### Religious Observance #### Sangrand (Monthly Observance) Held on the first day of each Nanakshahi calendar month, Sangrand marks the beginning of a new lunar month with special prayers, kirtan, and langar at the gurdwara. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### General Yes, Old Gurudwara, like all gurdwaras, welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds. Everyone is invited to attend prayers, partake in langar, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of the gurdwara. ### Visitor Information Visitors must cover their head before entering. Modest, clean clothing is required. Shoes must be removed at the entrance. Head scarves or coverings are usually available for visitors who do not have one. ### Facilities Yes, langar is served throughout the day at no charge to anyone who visits. The community kitchen serves simple, nutritious vegetarian meals as an act of seva (selfless service). ### Events The gurdwara celebrates all major Sikh festivals including Baisakhi (April), Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (October/November), Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (December/January), and the Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (November). ### Volunteering Volunteers are always welcome for seva (selfless service) in the langar kitchen, cleaning, and maintenance. You can contact the gurdwara management committee directly to enquire about organised volunteer opportunities. ### Sikhism The Nishan Sahib is a triangular saffron flag bearing the Khanda symbol, raised on a tall flagpole outside every gurdwara. It marks the presence of the gurdwara and symbolises the sovereignty and identity of the Sikh Panth (community). ### Travel The gurdwara is located in the eastern Uttar Pradesh region, with Varanasi being the nearest major city, accessible via road or rail. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi is the closest airport. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Old Gurudwara Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit