Gurdwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib

Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib is a Sikh historical shrine situated in Bidar, Karnataka. Gurdwara Nanak Jhira Sahib was built in 1948 and is dedicated to the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak. Bidar has a very long association with Sikhism as this is the home town of Bhai Sahib Singh, one of the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones), who offered to sacrifice their heads and were later baptised as the first members of the Khalsa.

Significance

## Significance It may be recalled that Bhai Sahib Singh, one of The Panj Piaras (five beloved of Guru Gobind Singh), hailed from Bidar where he was once a barber. He was the son of Gurunarayana and Ankamma from Bidar. The spring is flowing since more than 500 years and has never dried out. Devotees throng to the Nanak Jhira Bidar Gurudwara especially during Guru Nanak Jayanti. Volunteers make elaborate preparations to celebrate the Guru Nanak Jayanti, which is one of the major festivals of the Sikhs. Preparations include cleaning the gurudwara, guarding the shoes of visitors and helping out in the kitchen. The gurudwara is especially adorned with flags, banners and lights for this occasion. In respect of Gurudwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib, It will not be out of place to mention that this Gurudwara is the second supernatural occurrence of Guru Nanak, whereas the first one was Sri Punja Sahib (now in Pakistan and strictly prohibited for free visits); hence, Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib is the Second Punja Sahib of India. Nearly four to five lakh pilgrims visit this gurudwara every year. Part of the town's business comes from these crowds, who gather at the spot built around water. It stands to reason therefore that special attention is paid to the spring and great care is taken of this water resource. The Gurudwara itself has organized the tunnel and the point where the spring emerges very well. A glass panel enables viewing, yet protects the spring from desecration. Visitors and Pilgrims carry the "holy" water from the spring in bottles and water-cans.

Nearby Gurdwaras

Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib

India

122 m away

Historical

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Gurdwara Sahib

India

2.4 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

Detailed History

During his second udasi (missionary tour) of south India between 1510 and 1514 A.D., Guru Nanak after sojourning through Nagpur and Khandwa visited the ancient Hindu temple of Omkareshwar on the Narmada and reached Nanded (where 200 years later Guru Gobind Singh spent his last days). From Nanded he proceeded towards Hyderabad and Golconda where he met Muslim saints and then arrived at Bidar to meet Pir Jalaluddin and Yakoob Ali. According to the Janamsakhis, the Guru accompanied by his companion Mardana stayed in the outskirts of the Bidar. Nearby were the huts of Muslim fakirs, who took keen interest in the sermons and teachings of the great guru. The news soon spread throughout Bidar and its surrounding areas about the holy saint of the north and large number of people started coming to him to have his darshan and seek his blessings. There used to be acute shortage of drinking water in Bidar. All efforts of the people to dig wells were of no avail. Even when wells produced water the water was found to be unfit for drinking. The guru was greatly moved by the miserable condition of the people, and while uttering Sat Kartar, shifted a stone and removed some rubble from the place with his wooden sandal. To the utter surprise of all, a spring of cool and fresh water that has flowed to this day. This is how the place soon came to be known as Nanak Jhira (Jhira=Stream). The crystal clear stream that still flows out of a rock near the Gurudwara is believed to be God's answer to the Guru's prayers. Another version of Guru Nanak's visit to Bidar has him visiting a Sufi saint who lived with his family and followers here amidst a source of fresh, sweet water and that is where the Gurudwara eventually came to be.

Visitor Information

Dress Code

Modest clothing covering arms and legs. Head must be covered at all times inside the Gurdwara.

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Head Covering

Free head coverings (rumaals) are available at the entrance for all visitors.

Shoe Storage

Remove shoes before entering. Free shoe storage (Jora Ghar) is available at the entrance.

Photography

Photography is generally permitted in the outer premises. Please be respectful inside the main prayer hall.

Etiquette

Wash hands and feet before entering. Sit on the floor facing the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Do not point feet towards the Guru Granth Sahib.

Climate & Best Time to Visit

Langar (Free Community Kitchen)

The Gurdwara operates a free community kitchen (Langar) serving vegetarian meals to all visitors. Langar embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Everyone sits together on the floor (Pangat) regardless of background.

Events & Celebrations

gurpurab

Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi marks the birth of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This major Sikh festival celebrates the creation of the Sikh community of initiated men and women. Special prayers, processions (Nagar Kirtan), and extended Langar are organized.

April 14

Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurab

Celebrates the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru who created the Khalsa. Special prayers, Kirtan, Akhand Path, and community celebrations mark this important day.

January (varies by lunar calendar)

Maghi

Commemorates the martyrdom of the Chali Mukte (40 Liberated Ones) who sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Muktsar in 1705. Special Kirtan and prayers honour these brave Sikhs who returned to fight alongside Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

January 14

Hola Mohalla

A Sikh festival of martial arts and valor, established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji as an alternative to the Hindu festival of Holi. Features martial arts displays (Gatka), mock battles, music, poetry, and community feasts.

March (day after Holi)

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab

Celebrates the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Akhand Path (48-hour continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji) is held, followed by Nagar Kirtan, special Kirtan Darbars, and extended Langar Seva.

November (varies by lunar calendar)

Bandi Chhor Divas

The Sikh Festival of Liberation, celebrated on the same day as Diwali. It commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 Hindu kings from Gwalior Fort. The Gurdwara is illuminated with lights and candles.

October/November (varies by lunar calendar)

Frequently Asked Questions

visiting

Is there an entry fee at Gurdwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib?

What should I wear when visiting Gurdwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib?

Can non-Sikhs visit Gurdwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib?

Can I take photos at Gurdwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib?

What are the visiting hours of Gurdwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib?

langar

Is free food available at Gurdwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib?

logistics

Where can I park at Gurdwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib?

How do I reach Gurdwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib?

accessibility

Is Gurdwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib wheelchair accessible?

accommodation

Is accommodation available at Gurdwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib?