Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib Gurudwara

One of the very few Sikh pilgrimage centers in south India, the Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib nestles in serene surroundings near a splendid Gurudwara complex. A natural spring feeds the Sarovara (lake) built here. A Guru-ka-langar (community kitchen) provides free food to all visitors. According to legend Guru Nanak, the famed social and religious Sikh reformer had visited Bidar while the land was in the grip of a famine. At the request of locals, Guru Nanak performed a miracle to bring about a spring of water from the laterite rock mountain. To this day, crystal clear water flows from here. It is believed that drinking this water cures many ailments.

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.

History of Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib Gurudwara

Guru Nanak, in his second missionary tour, visited South India after touring through Khandwa and Nagpur and finally reached Nanded after visiting the Hindu temple of Omkareshwara on the Narmada. The Guru then proceeded towards Golconda and Hyderabad. Here he met Muslim saints and then went to meet Yakoob Ali and Pir Jalaluddin at Bidar.

The Guru was put up at the outskirts of Bidar along with his companion Mardana. The place where the Guru temporarily resided is now the Nanak Jhira Bidar Gurudwara. The sermons and teachings of the Guru during his sojourn at Bidar attracted a lot of followers and soon people came to listen to the Guru to seek his blessings.

Architecture of Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib Gurudwara

The Gurdwara is established in a nice valley, surrounded by laterite hills on three sides. The Gurdwara comprises the Darbar Sahib, Diwan Hall, and Langar Hall. In the Sukhasan room, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is placed. There is a separate room called the Likhari room, where donations are accepted and receipts are issued.

A beautiful Gurdwara was constructed after the independence of India in 1948 by the side of the spring. The water from the spring is collected in a small Amrit Kund (a holy water tank) built opposite the front stairs of the Gurdwara. It is believed that a holy dip is enough to cleanse the body as well as the soul. There is a free community kitchen (Guru Ka Langar) where free food is given to Sikhs 24 hours a night and day. A Sikh Museum has been built in memory of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, depicting the important events of Sikh history through pictures and paintings.

Mythology of Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib Gurudwara

The people who were residing in Bidar were miserable due to a shortage of water supply in this town. The Guru was moved by their plight and decided to rescue them from their miserable condition. He touched the hillside with his toe removing some rubble in the process. A fountain of sweet water flowed out from this hillside and the place was rechristened as Nanak Jhira.

Now a beautiful gurudwara stands at the side of this water fountain. A small Amrit–Kund constructed in white marble accumulates the water flowing from this fountain.