Gurdwara Nanakmatta Sahib is one of the most important Sikh shrines in Uttarakhand. It stands in the flat, green Terai of Udham Singh Nagar district, about 15 km from Khatima, beside the wide Nanak Sagar reservoir. White domes, a large sarovar and a busy langar hall make it a place of both prayer and community.
It is also an easy stop for anyone driving between the plains and the Champawat hills, and a calm place to watch the sun set over the water.
The story of Nanakmatta
Long ago this place was called Gorakhmata, a centre of the Nath yogis, followers of Guru Gorakhnath. In the early 1500s, during his travels, Guru Nanak Dev stopped here and sat under a peepal tree. The yogis tried to impress and scare him with their powers, but he stayed calm and spoke with them about a simple, honest life of work and remembering God. Their discussions are linked with the Siddh Gosht in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Sikh tradition says that later, when the yogis tried to drive out the caretaker Bhai Almast and even burned the sacred peepal, Guru Hargobind came here, restored the shrine, and the tree grew green again. That tree is honoured today as Peepal Sahib, and the place became Nanakmatta, 'Nanak's seat'.
Why go to Nanakmatta
A historic gurdwara
Linked to the visits of Guru Nanak and Guru Hargobind.
Langar for all
Free community meals served all day to everyone.
Nanak Sagar
A huge reservoir next door, lovely at sunset.
Main things to see
Main gurdwara and sarovar
Join the kirtan, walk around the sarovar and pay respects in the main hall.
Peepal Sahib
The sacred peepal tree where Guru Nanak is believed to have sat.
Langar hall
Sit in rows on the floor and share a simple meal with pilgrims from everywhere.
Nanak Sagar dam
A short drive away. Boats, open water and big sunsets.
Distances from Nanakmatta
Before you go
- Cover your head and remove your shoes inside the gurdwara complex.
- No smoking, alcohol or tobacco anywhere on the premises.
- The biggest crowds come around Diwali and on Guru Nanak's birth anniversary (Gurpurab).
- The Terai is hot from April to June and humid in the monsoon.
Nanakmatta Sahib FAQs
Why is Nanakmatta Sahib famous?
Guru Nanak Dev visited this place in the early 1500s and met the Nath yogis here. It is one of the most important Sikh shrines in Uttarakhand.
What is Peepal Sahib?
The sacred peepal tree inside the complex, linked to Guru Nanak's stay and to Guru Hargobind's later visit.
Can non-Sikhs visit Nanakmatta Sahib?
Yes. Everyone is welcome. Just cover your head, remove your shoes and follow the gurdwara's rules.
Is there a place to stay at Nanakmatta?
Yes, the gurdwara sarai has simple rooms for pilgrims. Khatima and Rudrapur have hotels.
Which is the nearest railway station to Nanakmatta?
Khatima, about 15 km away.
