Attain The Divine Blessings Of Guru Nanak Dev Ji At “Nanak Matta Sahib” In Uttarakhand

In Nanakmatta, there are numerous excellently carved shrines that are the best examples of the architectural beauty of Uttarakhand. Moreover, these beautiful shrines are the epitome of the religious belief in this state as well.

The sanctum sanctorum of the main Gurudwara encompasses a center stage that shines like a beautiful pearl. On both sides of this center stage there are huge courtyards that are lined up with arched passageways with exquisite mirror embellishments. Moreover, the main entrance of the Gurudwara is magical in itself with three arches having intricate floral patterns adorning the doorway. Flanking the doorway on both sides are two golden structures shaped like domed cupola. The actual doorway is an alluring piece of art work made in gold engraved with the scene of Guru Nanakji on it, in a posture of him debating under the Peepal tree.

Before Guru Nanak Dev visited the Gurdwara Sri Nanakmatta Sahib, it was called “Gorakhmata” as then it was the abode of the devotees of Guru Gorakhnath. But, after the first Sikh Guru, visited the Nanak Matta Sahib in 1514 during his visit to Mount Kailash, it got its current name. Guru Nanak visited this place to meditate and he even taught the true path of meditation to the yogis residing there. Baba Almast Sahib ji, Guru Har Gobind Singh Ji and Shri Guru Nanak ji visited this historical place in different times and therefore, this place got the importance due to the association with these great personalities.

After a century of Guru Nanak’s visit another guru named “Bhai Almast” came to visit this gurudwara and preached the message of his Gurus in the eastern provinces of the Nanak Matta Gurudwara. However, he found that Nanak Matta had again been occupied by the Nath Yogis and they tried to dismiss Almast Ji from his shrine. They burnt the holy pipal tree under which Guru Nanak Ji had a debate with the followers of Guru Gorakh Nath and did his meditation. Almast ji tried to persuade these Yogis to evacuate the shrine but he couldn’t expel them. He sent a word to Guru Hargobind Sahib for help.

At that time Guru Hargobind Ji was residing at Darauli Bhai. He came to the rescue of Almast ji and sent the Yogis away. Retaking the possession of Gurudwara Nanak Matta Sahib, he sprinkled saffron on that burnt pipal tree making it come back to its full bloom again.

Bhai Almast Sahib decided to stay here for the rest of his life and made this Gurudwara his major preaching centre. The Udasi priests continued to serve in this Gurudwara after his death.

Nanak Matta Sahib has various areas of interest that reflect the legendary grace of the place.

The Main Gurdwara: Here, you are greeted by the melodious sound of Gurbani as the magical beauty of the gurudwara leaves you spellbound. The sanctum sanctorum is majestic and grand where the holy book of the Sikhs the “Guru Granth Sahib” is kept in the centre under a golden canopy.

Bhora Sahib: Inside the Gurdwara and just behind the golden canopy, is the Bhora Sahib known for its fascinating history.  It is a large rectangular pit covered by glass.

Since Nanakmatta was earlier controlled by siddhas or the yogis who were pupils of Baba Gorakhnath before the advent of Guru Nanak, they were disturbed by the presence of Guru Nanak and hatched a plan to drive him away. They hid a small boy in a pit and trained him to answer in their favor when they would pretend to ask the earth itself that whom the land is to be entitled.

And as per the plan, they asked the earth, “Whom does this land belong to?” in the presence of Guru Nanak. Twice the boy answered “Siddhas”. However, the third time the question was asked by Guru Nanak ji and before the boy could speak, a sound emanated from the earth “Nanakmatta, Nanakmatta, Nanakmatta…” And since then this place came to be known as Nanakmatta.

Boali Sahib: Located on the banks of the famous river called Ghagghar near Nanak Sagar Dam in Nanak Matta town this destination is famous due to the small baoli of water which was brought there by Bhai Mardana as per the spiritual powers of Guru Nanak ji. It is situated at a distance of one and a half km from the main Nanakmata Sahib Gurudwara. 

Gurudwara Bhandara Sahib: This Gurudwara is just at the distance of 400 Mtrs from the Main Nanak Matta Sahib Gurudwara. It was the place where the yogis demanded a variety of foods from Guru Nanak Sahib during his visit who satiated their hunger by instructing Bhai Mardana to shake a nearby Banyan tree from which different kinds of food fell down. Thereafter a Gurudwara called Sri Bhandara Sahib Ji was constructed at this place.

The Sarovar: There is a large Sarovar situated behind the main Gurudwara area where people come and take bath in the spiritual water and enjoy watching the beautiful colored fish. The expansive Sarovar is a beautiful sight to enjoy with arched pathways surrounding it.

Dhooni Sahib: The dhooni sahib is another place with an interesting story about Guru Nanak Ji. During the visit of Guru Nanak Ji, when he sat under a Peepal tree it was quite cold and Bhai Mardana who was travelling with him wanted to light up a fire near him. The yogis refused to give him firewood. Gurunanak ji aware of his dilemma glanced at a pile of firewood nearby and it lit up miraculously. However, the weather changed suddenly and it started raining. All the fires lit up by the yogis previously were doused immediately except the one miraculously lit up by Guru Ji and it continued burning till the next sunrise. And then, the Siddhas realized purity of the soul of Guru Nanak Ji and accepted his powers. The story of fire is associated with this place and therefore, it has been named as Dhooni sahib.

Panja Sahib or the Historical Pipal Tree: A pipal tree also known panja sahib stands in the main campus of Gurudwara Nanak Matta Sahib. Guru Nanak Dev ji meditated under this tree that was dry at that time but with the holy sangat of Guru ji it became green and full of life. The yogis residing in the Gurudwara were surprised to see the Guru Nanak Sahib there because this place was not much known and accessible. And to disturb Guru Nanak Ji during his meditation, the yogis tried to pull the tree from the earth to make it fly in the air with their supernatural powers. However, Guru Nanak ji gripped the tree from its roots with his hand or panja and stopped it from flying. It was miraculous and till today the roots of the tree can be seen above the ground.

Gurudwara Almast Sahib Ji: This gurudwara is next to the main Gurudwara. Though simple, it possesses enormous beauty as it stands in reverence, a silent testimony to the dedication of Baba Al Mast Sahib Ji.

Gurudwara Chatvi Patshashi: On the way to Nanakmatta, is a Gurudwara situated at a distance of about one and a half km. It was established by Guru Govind Singh and named “Gurudwara Chatvi Patshahi” in memory of Guru Har Gobind Sahib Ji who was the sixth Guru of Sikhs who visited and tied his horses at this holy place enroute to Nanakmatta when he was called by Baba Almast ji.

Doodh Wala Kuan: Dhoodh Wala Kuan literally means the well of Milk. The yogis who were living at this place had several cows. Once, Bhai Mardana wanted to have milk. When he expressed his desire to Guru Nanakji, he told him to ask the yogis living there to give some milk.  However, the yogis refused and taunted him to get it from Guru Nanak. Hence, Guru Ji drew milk from all the cows of the Yogis and put into a well with his spiritual powers. The water in this well tastes like milk and who so ever takes bath with this water and prays to Guru Nanak is blessed with a son and gets enough milk. A Gurudwara called Doodh Wala Kuan was later constructed near the well attracting devotees from all over.

So, take a break from the hustle bustle routine and indulge into a fulfilling mystic tour to Gurudwara Nanak Matta Sahib and satiate your spiritual self.