# Thath Nanaksar (13 Manzilan) Gurdwara, Jhorran > Thath Nanaksar (13 Manzilan) in Jhorran, Punjab, India — a revered Nanaksar tradition gurdwara offering worship, langar, and Sikh spiritual heritage. # Thath Nanaksar (13 Manzilan) Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Thath Nanaksar (13 Manzilan) is a revered Sikh gurdwara located in the village of Jhorran in Punjab, India, associated with the Nanaksar tradition — a devotional lineage of Sikhism inspired by the teachings and spiritual legacy of Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj (1870–1943). The word 'Thath' denotes a sacred seat or establishment of a saint, and 'Nanaksar' translates to 'the abode of Nanak,' reflecting the deep reverence this tradition holds for Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The distinctive epithet '13 Manzilan,' meaning '13 stories' or '13 floors,' is believed to refer to the gurdwara's remarkable multi-storied tower or central sanctum structure, which stands as a prominent landmark in the surrounding landscape of rural Punjab. Situated in the heartland of Punjab — the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the world's largest Sikh population — this gurdwara serves as a spiritual and community hub for the residents of Jhorran and surrounding villages. It functions as a place of daily worship (Nitnem), congregational prayer (Sangat), and community service (Seva), embodying the core Sikh values of devotion, equality, and selfless service. The Nanaksar tradition is known for its intense emphasis on Naam Simran (meditative recitation of God's name), Gurbani kirtan (hymn singing), and rigorous spiritual discipline. Gurdwaras affiliated with this tradition are often characterized by an atmosphere of deep contemplative calm, strict adherence to Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct), and a strong culture of voluntary service. The gurdwara operates under the Nanaksar Thath institutional framework and upholds the legacy passed down through successive saints of the lineage. Pilgrims and devotees travel from across Punjab and beyond to seek blessings, attend special congregations, and participate in the langar (community kitchen) that feeds all visitors without distinction of caste, creed, or religion. The gurdwara also plays a vital role in preserving Punjabi Sikh culture, offering religious education and a space for community gatherings during major Sikh festivals. ## Significance Thath Nanaksar (13 Manzilan) holds considerable spiritual significance as a representative of the Nanaksar tradition, one of the most respected devotional lineages within Sikhism. The gurdwara is considered a sacred space where the spiritual energy and teachings of the Nanaksar saints are preserved and transmitted to future generations. For the Sikh community of Jhorran and surrounding villages, this gurdwara is the center of religious and social life. It reinforces the foundational Sikh principles of Seva (selfless service), Simran (remembrance of God), and Sangat (holy congregation). The langar here is especially significant as a living expression of the Sikh ideal of equality, providing free meals to all regardless of background. The '13 Manzilan' structure is believed to carry symbolic resonance, with the height of the building serving as both a physical beacon for the community and a metaphorical representation of spiritual elevation. In the Nanaksar tradition, the atmosphere of a Thath is considered particularly conducive to deep meditation and Naam Abhyaas (spiritual practice), making this gurdwara an important destination for seekers on the Sikh spiritual path. The gurdwara also contributes to the cultural continuity of Punjabi Sikh heritage in rural India, offering a gathering place for the community during Gurpurabs (Guru anniversaries), Baisakhi, and other significant occasions. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Thath Nanaksar (13 Manzil) Jhorran, India 185 m away Thath Nanaksar (13 Manzil) is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Jhorran, India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Thath Nanaksar (13 Manzil) 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 ### Thath Nanaksar ( Damdama Sahib ) Jhorran, India 970 m away Thath Nanaksar ( Damdama Sahib ) is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Jhorran, India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Thath Nanaksar ( Damdama 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 Sahib Jhorran, India 1.6 km away Open daily from early morning (approxima... Gurudwara Sahib, located in the village of Jhorran in Punjab, India, is a cherished community shrine that stands as a beacon of faith, fellowship, and service for the local Sikh population. Situated in the heartland of Punjab at coordinates approximately 30.64°N, 75.48°E — an area falling within the Barnala–Moga region — this gurdwara occupies a central place in the spiritual and social fabric of Jhorran and its surrounding villages. Punjab is regarded as the sacred homeland of the Sikh faith, home to the largest Sikh population in the world and dotted with countless gurdwaras — from grand historical shrines to modest community centers. Gurudwara Sahib, Jhorran, belongs to this rich tapestry of local gurdwaras that have served generations of Sikh families, providing them with a space for daily prayer, congregational worship, and the practice of sewa (selfless service). The gurdwara houses the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs, which is treated with the utmost reverence by the sangat (congregation). Daily prayers, known as nitnem, are conducted during the early morning Amrit Vela and again in the evening, anchoring the spiritual rhythm of the community. The Granthi (resident priest) leads the congregation in kirtan — the devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib — which forms the cornerstone of worship at this sacred space. Like all gurdwaras, Gurudwara Sahib, Jhorran, practices the principle of langar, the community kitchen that offers free meals to all visitors without distinction of caste, creed, religion, or socioeconomic status. This institution, established by the Sikh Gurus, is a living embodiment of the values of equality, humility, and generosity that define the Sikh way of life. The langar is maintained by devoted volunteers from the local community who donate their time and resources in the spirit of sewa. The gurdwara serves not only as a place of worship but also as a vibrant community hub. It hosts celebrations of major Sikh festivals including Gurpurabs (birth and death anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus), Baisakhi, and Hola Mohalla, drawing visitors from neighboring villages and towns. Beyond religious functions, it provides a gathering space for community meetings, religious education for children through Punjabi language and Gurbani classes, and support for those in need — embodying the Sikh tenets of Naam Japo (meditate on God's name), Kirat Karo (earn an honest living), and Vand Chhako (share with others). For the people of Jhorran, it is not merely a building but the spiritual heart of the village. Community ### Gurudwara Sahib Shahjahanpur, India 2.3 km away Gurudwara Sahib is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Shahjahanpur, 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 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 ## Detailed History The Nanaksar tradition, to which Thath Nanaksar (13 Manzilan) in Jhorran belongs, traces its spiritual origins to Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj, a highly revered Sikh saint born in 1870 in the village of Sherpur Kalan in Ludhiana district, Punjab. Baba Nand Singh Ji was a devoted follower of the Gurbani and is celebrated for his extraordinary commitment to Naam Simran and his unwavering reverence for Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He established the first Nanaksar Thath at Nanaksar Kaleran near Jagraon, which became the fountainhead of the Nanaksar lineage. Following Baba Nand Singh Ji's passing in 1943, the mission was carried forward by Sant Baba Ishar Singh Ji Maharaj (1905–1963), who expanded the Nanaksar movement significantly, establishing numerous Thaths across Punjab and beyond. Under subsequent spiritual heads, the Nanaksar tradition continued to grow, with affiliated gurdwaras being established in villages, towns, and eventually in Sikh diaspora communities worldwide. The Thath Nanaksar at Jhorran is believed to have been established during the expansion of the Nanaksar movement in the latter half of the twentieth century, likely founded by a local saint or appointed head in service to the community of Jhorran and its neighboring areas. The '13 Manzilan' structure is believed to have been constructed or completed in stages over several decades, with contributions from the local Sikh sangat (congregation) and support from the wider Nanaksar network. Over the years, the gurdwara is believed to have grown from a modest prayer hall into the multi-storied complex it is today, owing to the dedication of local sevadar (volunteer) communities and the guidance of the Nanaksar institutional leadership. It has served as a witness to Punjab's turbulent and resilient history, continuing its spiritual mission through all seasons. ## Structures in the Complex ### 13 Manzilan Tower (Main Shikhara) Tower/Shikhara The defining architectural feature of the gurdwara — a multi-storied tower believed to rise thirteen stories high, visible from a considerable distance across the flat Punjab landscape. This towering structure gives the gurdwara its distinctive name and serves as a spiritual beacon for the surrounding community. ### Darbar Sahib (Main Sanctum) Prayer Hall The primary prayer hall housing the Palki Sahib and the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Designed in the Nanaksar Thath tradition with marble flooring, ornate decorations, and a serene atmosphere conducive to Naam Simran and congregational worship. Accommodates a large Sangat for daily prayers and special events. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen A spacious hall dedicated to the preparation and serving of free community meals to all visitors. In keeping with the Sikh tradition of equality and Seva, the langar operates continuously and serves hundreds of devotees and visitors each day, with capacity greatly expanded during festivals. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) Sacred Water Body Many Nanaksar Thaths feature a sacred pool or Sarovar in keeping with the tradition's emphasis on spiritual purification and devotion to Guru Nanak's legacy. The presence of a Sarovar at this gurdwara is believed to provide an additional space for prayer and circumambulation by devotees. ### Pilgrim Sarai (Rest House) Accommodation Accommodation facilities for pilgrims and visiting Sangat members, offering simple and clean lodging free of charge or at nominal cost. The Sarai enables devotees traveling from distant places to stay overnight and participate in early morning Amritvela prayers and extended congregational events. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Modest, full-coverage clothing required; head must be covered at all times (head coverings available at entrance); shoes must be removed before entering ### Photography Photography is generally not permitted inside the Darbar Sahib; permitted in outer courtyards with respectful discretion — confirm with gurdwara management ### Etiquette Maintain silence and respectful demeanor inside the Darbar Sahib; alcohol, tobacco, and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited on the premises; bow before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon entering; walk around the Palki Sahib clockwise ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall is believed to accommodate several hundred Sangat members at a time; capacity increases significantly during major festivals and Gurpurabs Seating Capacity ## Architecture Thath Nanaksar (13 Manzilan) is distinguished by its multi-storied tower structure, from which it derives the name '13 Manzilan' — believed to refer to its thirteen levels or stories. This towering edifice is a hallmark of the gurdwara's skyline and is visible from considerable distance across the flat agricultural landscape of Punjab. The complex is believed to follow the architectural conventions typical of Nanaksar Thaths, characterized by white-marble or lime-plastered facades, golden domes (Shikhars), and ornate decorative elements incorporating Sikh motifs. The main Darbar Sahib (sanctum sanctorum) is designed to accommodate a large congregation, with the Palki Sahib (ceremonial canopy) housing the Guru Granth Sahib Ji at its center. The complex is likely to include a spacious langar hall, administrative quarters, accommodation for pilgrims and sevadar volunteers, and open courtyards (Parikrama) for circumambulation. Decorative elements such as intricate tile work, stained glass, and carved stonework are believed to adorn the prayer halls, reflecting the devotion of the sangat who contributed to its construction. ## Structures in the Complex ### 13 Manzilan Tower (Main Shikhara) Tower/Shikhara The defining architectural feature of the gurdwara — a multi-storied tower believed to rise thirteen stories high, visible from a considerable distance across the flat Punjab landscape. This towering structure gives the gurdwara its distinctive name and serves as a spiritual beacon for the surrounding community. ### Darbar Sahib (Main Sanctum) Prayer Hall The primary prayer hall housing the Palki Sahib and the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Designed in the Nanaksar Thath tradition with marble flooring, ornate decorations, and a serene atmosphere conducive to Naam Simran and congregational worship. Accommodates a large Sangat for daily prayers and special events. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen A spacious hall dedicated to the preparation and serving of free community meals to all visitors. In keeping with the Sikh tradition of equality and Seva, the langar operates continuously and serves hundreds of devotees and visitors each day, with capacity greatly expanded during festivals. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) Sacred Water Body Many Nanaksar Thaths feature a sacred pool or Sarovar in keeping with the tradition's emphasis on spiritual purification and devotion to Guru Nanak's legacy. The presence of a Sarovar at this gurdwara is believed to provide an additional space for prayer and circumambulation by devotees. ### Pilgrim Sarai (Rest House) Accommodation Accommodation facilities for pilgrims and visiting Sangat members, offering simple and clean lodging free of charge or at nominal cost. The Sarai enables devotees traveling from distant places to stay overnight and participate in early morning Amritvela prayers and extended congregational events. ## Events & Celebrations ### Gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Parkash Purab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, celebrated with extended Akhand Path (continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji), kirtan darbar, nagar kirtan processions, and enhanced langar service. One of the most sacred and widely attended events at the gurdwara. #### Guru Gobind Singh Ji Parkash Purab The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, celebrated with nightlong kirtan, recitation of Gurbani, and special langar. Devotees gather to commemorate the founder of the Khalsa and his spiritual teachings. ### Sikh Festival #### Baisakhi Celebration The harvest festival and Sikh New Year, marking the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Celebrated with special congregational prayers, kirtan, and community feasting in the langar. Draws large gatherings from the surrounding villages. ### Commemorative Congregation #### Barsi of Nanaksar Saints Annual death anniversaries (Barsi) of the founding and successive saints of the Nanaksar lineage, including Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji and Sant Baba Ishar Singh Ji, observed with special Akhand Path, devotional kirtan, and large-scale langar. A significant event for followers of the Nanaksar tradition. ### Religious Ceremony #### Amrit Sanchar (Khande di Pahul) Periodic ceremonies for initiation into the Khalsa order, conducted in accordance with Sikh Rehat Maryada. Devotees from the local community and neighboring villages receive Amrit (the Sikh initiation nectar) and commit to the Khalsa way of life. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### General 'Thath' refers to a sacred seat or spiritual establishment associated with a Sikh saint. 'Nanaksar' means 'the abode of Nanak,' reflecting the deep reverence for Guru Nanak Dev Ji central to this tradition. '13 Manzilan' translates to '13 stories' or '13 floors,' believed to refer to the gurdwara's distinctive multi-storied tower structure. ### History The Nanaksar tradition was founded by Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj (1870–1943), a deeply revered Sikh saint from Sherpur Kalan in Ludhiana district, Punjab. He established the first Nanaksar Thath at Nanaksar Kaleran near Jagraon, which became the spiritual headquarters of the lineage. ### Visitor Information Yes, langar at Thath Nanaksar (13 Manzilan) is free for all visitors without distinction of religion, caste, or background. This is in keeping with the Sikh tradition of Seva and equality. Visitors are also welcome to volunteer in the langar. All visitors must cover their heads and remove their shoes before entering the gurdwara premises. Modest, full-coverage clothing is required. Head coverings are typically available at the entrance for visitors who do not have one. ### Spirituality Naam Simran is the Sikh practice of meditating on and continuously repeating God's name (Waheguru). The Nanaksar tradition places exceptional emphasis on this practice, following the spiritual discipline established by Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji. At Nanaksar Thaths, the atmosphere is deliberately maintained as deeply meditative and conducive to this practice. ### Events Major Gurpurabs such as the Parkash Purab (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji, as well as Baisakhi (the Sikh New Year) and the annual commemorations of Nanaksar saints, are times of special congregations, extended kirtan, and enhanced langar service. The early morning Amritvela hours are considered especially spiritually powerful for daily visits. ### Transport Jhorran is accessible from the nearby towns of Barnala and Ludhiana via Punjab Roadways buses and private vehicles. The nearest major airport is Sahnewal Airport in Ludhiana. GPS coordinates 30.6398519, 75.5009876 can be used for navigation. Local auto-rickshaws and shared taxis are available from nearby towns. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Thath Nanaksar (13 Manzilan) Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit