It was our last stop in the voyage of discovery that we had embarked upon in the pristine Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. Nanakmatta, a small village situated in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, India. After a week of hectic exploration in the hills of Kumaon, it was time for some quiet tranquillity, before we headed back to the urban jungles that we lived in. So what better place for some relaxing serenity than the Nanakmatta Sahib Gurdwara in the pristine village of Nanakmatta.
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Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara | Nanakmatta Gurdwara
The village of Nanakmatta Uttarakhand is the hallowed land which was sanctified by the feet of Guru Nanak Sahib who is the founder of the Sikh religion and also the first of the Sikh Gurus. His teachings are enshrined in the holy book of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar is to Sikhs what Mecca is to Muslims.
Nanakmatta too is a sacred place for the Sikhs as Guru Nanak Sahib visited the place sometime in the early 16th century during his third Udasi. Udasis were the long journeys that Guru Nanak undertook to spread his message of truth, love, and peace. More than a century later Nanakmatta was also visited by the sixth Guru Hargobind Ji.
Inside the Precincts of the Gurudwara Shri Nanakmatta Sahib
We passed green paddy fields shining in the sun and spotted with the presence of flocks of egrets flying gracefully in tandem.
Shops selling pots, pans, and scary looking clay faces ostensibly used for warding off evil, lined the street that led to the main gate of the Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib.
Nanakmatta Sahib – The Main Gurdwara
The mellifluous strains of Gurbani greeted us as we approached the facade of the Nanakmatta Gurudwara, behind which we could see the dome of the main Gurdwara. As we entered the precincts of the Gurdwara from the main gate we were awed by the majestic nature and sheer beauty of the place. The sanctum sanctorum occupied the centre stage and shone like a pearl. It was flanked on either side by massive courtyards lined with arched passageways.
Three arches with exquisite floral motifs framed the main doorway to the Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib. while two golden-domed cupola like structures flanked it. The doorway itself was a beautiful work of art in gold, with an engraving of the scene of Guru Nanakji debating beneath the Peepal tree on it.
Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara – Inside the Sanctum Sanctorum
The inner sanctum of the Nanakmatta Gurudwara looked stunning. In the centre was the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs being reverently worshipped beneath a golden canopy. The room was ringed with arches which shimmered with exquisite mirror work, a few moments of silent meditation, losing oneself in the ambience and drowning in the sweet tones of Gurbani was an experience that lingers like the fragrance of an incense stick.
Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara – Bhora Sahib
Inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib and just behind the golden canopy in which the Guru Granth Sahib is kept is a glass-covered rectangular hole. This is known as Bhora Sahib and has a fascinating history. In fact, the Nanakmatta Gurudwara is a treasure trove of history.
Nanakmatta history – Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara history is a fascinating subject both for the casual explorer as well as those with purely academic interests. It is believed that before the advent of Guru Nanak, the region was inhabited and controlled by Siddhas who were Yogis and disciples of Baba Gorakhnath. In fact, the place too was known as Gorakhmata.
The Siddhas wanted Guru Nanak out of the region and tried many devious means to oust him from the area, without success. Finally, they hatched a conspiracy and dug a pit in which they hid a small boy. The plan was that they would pretend to ask the earth itself as to who was entitled to the land and the boy would answer. In the presence of Guru Nanak, the Siddhas asked of the earth, “To whom does this land belong?” and the answer came from the boy, Siddhas!
The question was asked twice and both times the boy answered as, Siddhas. The third time Guru Nanak himself asked the question, and before the boy could open his mouth, the voice of earth itself emanated from the pit, saying, Nanakmatta, Nanakmatta, Nananakmatta. From that day the place has been known as Nanakmatta.
Nanamkatta Sahib Gurudwara – Dhooni Sahib
Another place that has a fascinating story of Guru Nanak associated with it is the Dhooni Sahib within the main Gurdwara. Legend has it that when Guru Nanakji first arrived at the place which was then known as Gorakhmatta, he sat underneath a Peepal tree for meditation.
It was quite cold and Bhai Mardana who was accompanying him wanted to start a fire to warm his Guru. He requested the Siddhas who lived in the vicinity for firewood but was taunted by them and told to ask his own Guru.
Guru Nanak Ji who was aware of this glanced at a heap of firewood in the vicinity which miraculously lit up. Soon the weather changed drastically and rain started pouring heavily and all the fires got doused except the fire that was miraculously lit by Guru Nanak Ji which continued to burn till the next morning. The Siddhas realized the power and purity of Guru Nanak Ji and fell at his feet.
Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara – The Peepal Tree or Panja Sahib
A lush Peepal tree with very dense branches stands silently very near the main Gurdwara. The tree would have a thousand stories to tell, if only it could speak, the leaves of the Peepal tree seem to whisper the message of truth and love as they flutter to the ground.
This tree which is so green and full of life today was once a dried apparition of itself when Guru Nanak Ji came to the place and sat under it for meditation in the early 16th century. It bloomed with life in the benign presence of Guru Nanak Ji.
The Siddhas wanted to disturb Nanakji’s meditation and hence used their occult powers to pull the tree from the ground and make it fly. However, Guru Nanak Ji extended his hand(Panja in the local dialect) and gripped the roots of the tree, preventing it from flying off. The tree stopped in that position miraculously. Even to this day, the roots of the Peepal tree can be seen above the ground.
Another popular myth associated with the Peepal Tree dates back to a century after Guru Nanak Ji visited here. Bhai Almast Sahib Ji visited the place and the Siddhas were again at their games and to disturb him, burnt the Peepal Tree. Bhai Almast Sahib Ji called the Sixth Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who sprinkled saffron on the burnt tree, which blossomed into life once again. It is believed that the leaves of the Peepal tree bear the stain of saffron to this day.
Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara – Gurdwara Baba Al Mast Sahib Ji
Next to the main Gurudwara, beautiful in its simplicity stands the Gurdwara Baba Al Mast Sahib Ji in splendid silence. This Gurudwara stands as a paean in stone to the dedication of Baba Al Mast Sahib Ji.
Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara – The Sarovar
At the rear of the Nanakmatta Gurdwara is situated a pond, known as Sarovar which is filled with colorful fish that seem to swim to the strains of the Gurbani emanating from the Gurudwara. The expansive Sarovar is surrounded by arched pathways and is a beautiful sight to behold. The few minutes that we spent sitting by the side of the Sarovar and watching the fish gliding magically in the waters was blissful and filled our beings with a strange and lingering calm.
We were reminded of another day, another time, and another place, when we were similarly immersed in the serenity of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The minutes ticked away and so lost were we in those precious moments of bliss that we did not want to leave the place, but alas practicalities brought our soaring spirits back to earth and we reluctantly left the banks of the Sarovar.
We made our way out of the Nanakmatta Gurudwara filled with a sense of euphoric well being, but not before sipping some steaming hot tea at the langar, a community kitchen that serves free food to all without any distinction and is run and maintained by volunteers.
Watch our Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara video here:
Gurudwara Nanakmatta Sahib Map
Nanakmatta Sahib map
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
Practical Information About Gurudwara Nanakmatta Sahib, Sitarganj
- Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib is located in Nanakmatta, a village in the district of Uddham Singh Nagar District of Uttarakhand State in Northern India
- The nearest railway station to Nanakmatta is Khatima which is about 15 kilometres away
- The nearest airport to Nanakmatta is Pantnagar at a distance of about 55 kilometres
- Nanakmatta is about 294 kilometres from Delhi
- The distance of Nanakmatta from Rudrapur is about 55 kilometres
- The distance of Nanakmatta from Bareilly is about 95 kilometres
- Nanakmatta is one of three historical and important pilgrimage centres of the Sikhs in Uttarakhand, the others being Reetha Sahib and Hemkund Sahib
- The distance from Nanakmatta Sahib to Reetha Sahib is about 180 kilometres
- The distance from Nanakmatta Sahib to Hemkund Sahib is about 196 kilometers
- Entry inside the Nanakmatta Gurudwara is allowed only on bare feet and with head covered
- Headscarves are provided for covering the head and there is a place to deposit your footwear before entering the precincts of the Gurudwara
- It is advised to dress modestly while visiting the Gurudwara, low pants, shorts, Capris, skirts, hats, and caps are now allowed
- For more details and to book Akhand Path refer to the official site of the Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee, Nanakmatta Sahib
- Nanakmatta weather – The best time to visit Nanakmatta Sahib is between November to December and February to March
- The Nanak Sagar dam – Nanakmatta dam is about 31 kilometers from Nanakmatta
Watch this interesting video on Gurdwara Sri Nanak Matta Sahib
The video is in the Punjabi language. Video Credit akaalchannel
Uttarakhand Tourism
How To Get To Nanakmatta Sahib, Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand, India
Book cheap flights through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline. You can also get there by self-drive car or cab or bus.
Where To Stay When Visiting Nanakmatta, Uttarakhand, India
Nanakmatta hotels – If you are planning to visit Nanakmatta, Uttarakhand, India, then you must be wondering where to stay in Nanakmatta, Uttarakhand, India or the best hotels in Nanakmatta, Uttarakhand, India. For the best accommodation, we suggest you stay at Sitārganj, Uttarakhand, India which is just 12 kilometres from Nanakmatta, Uttarakhand, India.
Best hotels in Sitārganj, Uttarakhand, India can be booked through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline to save huge and get best deals on booking your stay in Sitārganj, Uttarakhand, India. One should plan for a minimum of 1-2 days itinerary for Nanakmatta as there are a few attractions to be experienced apart from the Gurudwara Shri Nanakmatta Sahib, Nanakmatta, Uttarakhand, India. We stayed at KMVN Tourist Rest House, Nanakmatta.
Driving around Uttarakhand, India
If you are looking at getting the best deals on car rental in Uttarakhand, India, then look no further. You can rent a car in Delhi to explore and experience amazing Uttarakhand, and in and around areas and embark on a road trip of exploration and discovery of heavenly Uttarakhand. If you have a valid Indian driving license then you could rent a self-drive car from Delhi or Chandigarh.
You could also travel by bus and reach Nanakmatta or go around Uttarakhand region. Book your bus tickets here.
Have you visited Nanakmatta Sahib? Have you been to the beautiful state of Uttarakhand which is simply heaven? If yes, then what is your favourite destination in the state? Do let us know your thoughts on Uttarakhand and the Kumaon region through our comments section, we await your thoughts on this post to enable us to strive for perfection in our endeavour of bringing travel stories from around the world.
We were hosted by Uttarakhand Tourism. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.
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Wow, India is a place I have yet to travel, but I can’t wait to! The inner sanctum of the Nanakmatta Gurudwara is simply beautiful! I love the bright colors!
I think exploring other countries is one of the best ways to get a education. At some point I would love to explore India. There’s so many different things they have there and I love all the colors they have.
The outside of that temple is just beautiful. Even the tiles on the grounds surrounding it are lovely too!
Nanakmatta sounds really beautiful, another reason for me to plan a visit to Uttarakhand. Loving the lush green fields, the wonderful market, especially of the terracotta pots, and of course the Gurudwara itself.
Thank you for this fascinating post about Nanakmatta Gurudwara, Uttarakhand. I’ve not yet been to India, but this region certainly looks like it is worth exploring.
The Uttarakhand region sounds very interesting and I would love to experience visiting here one day. The inside of Nanakmatta Gurudwara looks divine. And also the history sounds quite interesting. I do love all the deep greens of the region and looks so beautiful. Would be such a photogenic trip!
What a beautiful city to visit in India. It’s so important to teach our children about the cultures around the world, and I’d love to take my daughter here one day.
Oh, wow! The gurudwara looks so beautiful! 🙂
Loved reading this post with its many stories!
It looks and sounds so beautiful especially with some of the legends and stories about the area. You have to hold on to those in this changing world.
Posts about India always captivate me. I would love to experience the place and culture one day.
Beautiful photos and interesting tales behind all this beauty! Would love to visit someday! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
This looks like such a wonderful place and culture to be a part of! I would really enjoy a trip over there!
This looks like a beautiful destination. I would love to take my family on a vacation here.
I have heard already about the Uttarakhand region and in general India is still on my list of favourite countries to visit. I can imagine the spirituality of these places like Nanakmatta must be really fascinating, not only for Sikh Gurus. To see such holy places with such an important meaning is something truly unique while travelling. The Sarovar looks really beautiful, I could easily spend hours there just by sitting and watching the magic.
This seems to be a very peaceful and historical place.
The sight of the rice field makes me miss home. I grew up in a farm with a vast rice field, thanks for igniting the memories.
Great photos, the place looks very interesting but the best part for me is the tree – I had never heard of it before! Thanks for the detailed information!
Nanakmatta Gurudwara seems huge. I have visited Gurudwaras quite a few times with my Sikh friends but none of them are so grand as compared to the Nanakmatta gurudwara. I am sure you must have found lots of peace having visited there.
Wow, that place is absolutely gorgeous! I would love to visit India, it has some of the most stunning architecture!
What a gorgeous place and unfortunately I’ve never made it there yet. My son went with our neighbor’s son who is from there when they were seniors in high school and he had the best time.
This is a great post! The area does indeed look very serene and peaceful. Would love to visit here someday and see the architecture and the natural beauty of the area.
Nanakmatta looks like a beautiful place. So serene! Thank you for including the tips on things to know – I wouldn’t have known about the need for head covering otherwise.
Such an interesting legend attached to the Gurudwara. The serenity that it oozes comes through in your write up and the images. I can almost feel as if I am there. Love that shot of the sarovar.
Although I am not a religious person at all, this gurudwara is beautiful. Your photos reminded me of Golden Temple – the main building, the sarovar – I had to go back and ensure I was reading about a site in Uttarakhand. Never heard of this until now, but it a lovely site I would like to visit.
This place looks amazing! Definitely adding it to my India bucket-list. Can’t wait to see those floral arches!
aGGGHHHH another pretty place in India to put on my list. I have to admit, I am a sucker for temples/palace-like buildings next to pools or rivers. I find them very photogentic and cant keep my camera done. Nanakmatta Gurudwara looks like it has quite a bit going on and maybe needs a few days I believe. Cant wait to get to India soon,
I had no idea about Nanakmatta Gurudwara until I read your blog. It indeed is a gem of a destination. You have successfully evoked its atmosphere with your words, pictures and video. Gurudwara anywhere are such peaceful places. The history of Nanakmatta Gurudwara is fascinating.
Nanakmatta Gurudwara looks like it is steeped in history and cultural value. We would love to visit these locations one day. We will refer back to this post when we get to India on our adventures.
Thanks for sharing. Keep travel blogging. Adventure is better shared with friends!
I really like visiting Gurudwaras for the sense of peace and serenity that I receive there. I admit that before reading this post I was not aware of Nanakmatta Sahib but it sounds lovely. Thank you for sharing!
Besides being a place of worship, the Nanakmatta Gurudwara seems to have a lot of stories and legends to tell. The story of the peepal tree is very interesting. I guess one must not miss it’s sight when visiting the Gurudwara
Indeed every site you featured is a picture of tranquility. Either it’s because they are not yet inundated by tourists or they are sanctified by the feet of the founder if the Sikh religion.
Uttarakhand is so on my bucket list! It definitely looks impressive…especially the Main Gurdwara and the Sarovar. I also love your helpful tidbits at the end – such practical info!
This looks so peaceful
I am a regular one at Gurudwaras and I like them for their calmness, the Guru vaani, Karah prasad and Langar that is open for all. I am yet to visit Nanakmatta and your pictures definitely tell me that it is a must visit in Uttarakhand.
I love the story of Guru Nanakji and his fire:) For me, it’s the kind of thing which really intrigues me about a location. You are right, Nanakmatta does have a sense of tranquility – that photo of the temple reflected in the water is stunning. Definitely somewhere to remember!
This area of India sounds lovely and a must see. I love the story of the Peepal Tree. the tree is magnificent I must admit. Great info on how to get there, very useful.
Wow, that is an interesting story about Nanamkatta and Guru Nanak. Gurudwaras are such peaceful places. I saw a picture of some masks. Are they made there?
WOW! What a place…truly magnificent! The Peepal tree would be so glorious to see in person. I loved the architecture and how the locals were friendly to pose for photos. Great Read!
I had never heard of this Gurudwara till now. It was interesting to read all the stories associated with this place. The peepal tree is really beautiful and so are the pictures of the paddy fields.
Nanakmatta looks gorgeous and so lush as well. It’s a town that I have not come across before, but then there is just so much to see and do in India that’s not surprising really.
I love your photos (and the video, too) that depict the temple and its beautiful reflection in the pool — what an inspired building. I am often amazed at the devotion and sacrifice portrayed by followers in building, visiting, and maintaining such pilgrimage sites.
This was a grand virtual tour of Nanakmatta. Interesting story about the origin of its name. The architectural details are stunning.
Nanakmatta Sahib, Sitarganj, and India itself has so much history. So Headscarves are provided in entering here, that is nice, it’s a good piece of information for anyone planning to visit here. India indeed has a lot of historical sites! Isn’t it?
I cant believe I havent been to India! This country really has a lot to offer! It’s so sad that social media always has videos of crowded places of India and horrific stories of how hard it is to commute there but this country is so much more than that! I hope the government does something to boost their tourism because it is just a really spectacular country!
Some really beautiful buildings here! Nice detailed guide that would be helpful if and when we visit.
Nanakmatta looks so serene. I’d love to visit. Thank you for sharing all those folklores and legends with us. I love listening to them. When I was younger, my grandparents would tell me stories of the many miracles that Sri Ramakrishna had caused.
I am not sure if its your photography or the place that’s so beautiful! Uttrakhand has some really cool hill stations but I have never heard of Nanakmatta Gurudwara, not only is the gurudwara very lovely (sort of Golden Temple like setting) but the area around it, the fields also, look lovely! So calm.
It really does seem serene, especially the green paddy fields. I’d love to visit India one day, there are so many beautiful places to discover!
This is a fascinating post and I’m embarrassed to say that I knew so little about Sikhism until I read it. Nanakmatta Gurudwara looks a beautiful place and I appreciate how much history you included in this. When I finally get around to visiting India, this is a place that will definitely be on my list.
I always love reading your post, as you describe different cultures and religion of India so well. I would love to visit this Nanakmatta Gurudwara in Uttarakhand as visiting Gurudwara is always a bliss for me. The whole atmosphere in Gurudwara is really very serene and no words can describe it.