Gurudwara Shri Nankana Sahib, Kashipur

Gurdwara Sri Nankana Sahib in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, holds a deep connection with the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. After visiting the holy places of Nanakmatta and Nanakpuri Tanda, Guru Nanak Dev Ji arrived in Kashipur. It was a time when the Dhela River frequently caused devastating floods in the region, creating great hardship for the local people.

The Miracle of Guru Nanak and the Dhela River

At that time, the people of Kashipur were on the brink of leaving their homes due to the constant threat of flooding. When Guru Nanak Dev Ji arrived, he reassured the people, urging them to remain patient and trust in the divine. Guru Nanak then began singing kirtan (devotional hymns) by the banks of the Dhela River. As the kirtan continued, the river began to rise, threatening to flood the town.

With divine intervention, Guru Nanak Dev Ji performed an ardas (prayer), and miraculously, the river, after touching Guru Nanak’s feet, receded and moved away from the town, sparing it from destruction. It is said that from that day onwards, the Dhela River has never flooded the city again. Legend also states that the river, once known as the Swaran River, was renamed to Dhela River after Guru Nanak threw a clod (dhela) into it.

The Travels of Guru Nanak

During his third Udasi (1514–1517), Guru Nanak Dev Ji traveled across India and beyond, spreading his teachings of peace, unity, and devotion. His journey took him to numerous important locations, including Lahore, Talwandi, Ahmedabad, Haridwar, Gorkhmata (now Nanakmatta), Ayodhya, Prayag, Banaras, Gaya, Gohati, Dhaka, Jagannathpuri, Koddameel, Palipur, Rameshwaram, Sri Lanka, Mumbai, Rajasthan, Delhi, Kurukshetra, and many more.

As part of this journey, Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Kashipur in Uttarakhand. His journey began from Nanakmatta, accompanied by Nagnath, a follower of Gorkhnath who later became a disciple of Guru Nanak. It was at Kashipur that Guru Nanak performed his spiritual teachings by the riverside, creating a lasting impact on the local people.

Gurpurabs and Celebrations

Gurdwara Sri Nankana Sahib is an important pilgrimage site for Sikhs, where several significant Gurpurabs are celebrated, including:

• Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Birthday
• The Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
• Vaisakhi

These occasions are celebrated with immense reverence, with prayers, kirtan, and langar (community meal) served to all devotees who visit the Gurudwara.

Gurdwara Sri Nankana Sahib is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the miracle and compassion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who protected the city and its people from the ravages of the river, ensuring their safety and peace.