Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Chandigarh – Things to know when visiting here

April 7, 2025April 8, 2025 thetravelsaga

Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Chandigarh is a famous religious cum tourist place situated in Panchkula. It is a beautifully built Gurudwara located on the banks of Ghagghar River near the IT park of Panchkula. It has a great peaceful ambiance which makes you visit here again and again.

The famous history of Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Chandigarh

Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Chandigarh gets its name from Nadu Shah, a Lobana Sikh. As per the history, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji had come to this place after he fought the Battle of Bhangani in 1688. This place was an intermediate stay for him while travelling from Paonta Sahib to Anandpur Sahib.

During his stay, Nadu Shah took great care of Shri Guru Gobind Singh and his army. Pleased with his efforts, Guru Ji blessed Nadu Shah and said that the place would be called Nada Sahib to remember Nadu Shah’s efforts. Guru Ji also said that all the devotees coming to this place would get what they wish and desire.

Since then, Gurudwara Nada Sahib in Chandigarh has become a popular destination amongst Sikh devotees. Not only Sikhs, but people from different religions come to visit this beautiful place in large numbers.

How to reach Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Chandigarh

The distance of Nada Sahib Gurudwara form New Delhi is approximately 250 Km and from Chandigarh railway station is 9 Km. To reach this place, you need to go towards Morni Hills from Chandigarh. Gurudwara Nada Sahib is situated in the foothills of the Shivalik range and is easily approachable by all types of big and small road vehicles.

Parking at Nada Sahib

Nada Sahib Gurudwara complex has a large two storey parking facility to tackle the rush of festive seasons. During regular days, you can easily find parking on the ground floor itself, which is close to the entrance. During festive times, you can park your vehicle on the first floor, or by the roadside in case of the parking being full.

Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Chandigarh Timings and Entry fees

Nada Sahib Gurudwara is open from 4 AM till 8 PM for performing prayers. Entry to Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Chandigarh is free of cost along with other free services such as Rooms, Langar, and Prasad. It takes around 2 hours to visit inside the Gurudwara and offer prayers.

Nada Sahib Gurudwara Complex

Shoe Complex

Once you park your vehicle in the parking complex, you can proceed towards the Shoe House, where you can keep your shoes for free before entering the Gurudwara.

The beautiful entrance

Next, you can enter the Gurudwara through a beautiful and massive door. If you are non-Sikh, you need to cover your head with a cloth before entering the Gurudwara premise. For this, there are several clothes available for free at the entrance of the Gurudwara.

The holy flag

When you enter the Gurudwara premise, on your left, you will see a holy flag, which is 105 feet high. This flag is placed near the old shrine of Manji Sahib and is considered sacred by the devotees.

The prayer hall in Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Chandigarh

Straight from the entrance is the main two storeys domed structure, which is called the prayer hall. Here, you can sit and listen to the prayers and chant along to feel the divinity of the place. There are several swords and other weapons on display, and usually, a live telecast of the prayers keep going on.

Prasad

Once you have performed your prayers and enjoyed sitting inside the prayer hall, you can move outside the hall to take the Prasad. You can also purchase Prasad from an outlet in case you want more.

Nada Sahib Langar

There is a Langar Hall near the exit gate of Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Chandigarh. In the Langar Hall, you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner for free, and can have free tea as well. A lot of educated and well-off men and women give their free services here to cook the food and wash the dishes.

Gurudwara Nada Sahib rooms bookings

There are 130 rooms available inside the Sarai of Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Chandigarh. Gurudwara Nada Sahib room bookings can be done either online or offline for free. You can visit Nada Sahib Gurudwara and ask for a room booking in the Sarai available there, or you can book a room online.

Hotels near Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Chandigarh

If you do not wish to visit inside the Sarai of Nada Sahib, you can stay in the hotels nearby. Two good hotels near Nada Sahib are Bella Vista in Sector 5 Panchkula, and Holiday Inn Sector 3 Panchkula.

Places to visit near Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Chandigarh

If you are new to Chandigarh, you must check out these places to visit in and near Chandigarh. You must also plan a trip to Morni Fort, which is around 40 Km from Nada Sahib Gurudwara and is an excellent place to visit.

The Nada Sahib Gurudwara is a prominent Sikh shrine located in Chandigarh, India. Situated near the town of Panchkula, it is one of the most revered Sikh pilgrimage sites in the region. The Gurudwara holds significant spiritual importance and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. If you’re planning to visit Nada Sahib Gurudwara, here are some important things to know to make your experience smooth and enriching.

1. Historical Significance

Nada Sahib Gurudwara is known for its association with Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh Ji, after having a battle with the Mughal forces at Chandani Chowk, passed through the area during his journey towards Nahan (Himachal Pradesh). The site is said to be where the Guru rested before continuing his travels. Over time, a Gurudwara was built at the location, commemorating this historical event.

The name “Nada Sahib” is derived from a local legend. “Nada” is said to be the name of a local person who offered hospitality to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and “Sahib” is an honorific for a revered individual, reflecting the respect given to the Guru.

2. Location

Address: Nada Sahib Gurudwara, Sector 37, Panchkula, Chandigarh.
Distance: It is approximately 15 km from Chandigarh city center and can be easily accessed by car, taxi, or local transport.
Access: The Gurudwara is located near the Shivalik Hills, so the area offers a beautiful backdrop of greenery and tranquility, making it a peaceful visit.

3. Architecture

The architecture of Nada Sahib Gurudwara is traditional Sikh style, with a simple yet majestic structure that is serene and peaceful. The white marble exterior, the golden dome, and the spacious courtyard make it visually appealing and create a welcoming atmosphere for all devotees.

Main Prayer Hall: The central prayer hall is where Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhs, is kept and read. It is adorned with Sikh symbols and large windows that allow natural light to illuminate the space.
Water Tank (Sarovar): Like most Gurudwaras, there is a Sarovar (holy water tank) for devotees to take a dip before entering the prayer hall, symbolizing the purification of the mind and body.

4. Visiting Etiquette

When visiting any Gurudwara, including Nada Sahib, it is important to follow certain customs to show respect for the religious space and its traditions. Here are some key things to remember:

Cover Your Head: It is customary to cover your head before entering the Gurudwara. A simple cloth or headscarf is provided at the entrance if you do not have one.
Remove Shoes: As a sign of respect, you must remove your shoes before entering the Gurudwara. There are designated areas to leave your footwear.
Dress Modestly: While there’s no strict dress code, it’s recommended to wear modest and simple clothes. Avoid wearing shorts or skirts that are too short, especially for women.
Maintain Silence: Once inside the Gurudwara, it’s important to maintain silence and respect the sanctity of the place.
Respect the Langar Tradition: The Gurudwara provides free meals (known as Langar) to all visitors. It’s customary to participate in the Langar service if you are able to, as this is a key part of Sikh tradition. It also fosters a sense of community and equality.

5. Langar (Community Kitchen)

One of the highlights of any visit to a Gurudwara is the Langar, a tradition of offering free meals to all visitors, regardless of their background or social status. At Nada Sahib Gurudwara:

Timing: Langar is served every day. It usually starts in the morning and continues through the day.
Food: The meal is simple but nutritious, often consisting of dal (lentils), roti (flatbread), rice, and vegetable curry.
Volunteers: Langar is prepared and served by volunteers, and if you wish, you can even participate in preparing food or cleaning the dishes, embodying the spirit of Seva (selfless service).

6. Timings of the Gurudwara

Opening Hours: The Gurudwara is open to visitors all day, but the primary prayer sessions are typically in the morning (around 5:00 AM) and evening (around 7:00 PM).
Akhand Path: Special prayers, including Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), are held regularly at the Gurudwara. It’s an opportunity for devotees to experience spiritual immersion.

7. Best Time to Visit

Weather: The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to March, when the weather in Chandigarh and Panchkula is pleasant.
Weekdays: To avoid large crowds, visiting on weekdays or early in the morning is recommended.

8. Nearby Attractions

While visiting Nada Sahib Gurudwara, you can also explore some nearby attractions:

Sukhna Lake: Located around 12 km from Nada Sahib, it’s a man-made lake perfect for a boat ride and evening walks.
Rock Garden of Chandigarh: This famous tourist spot is known for its unique sculptures made from recycled materials, and it’s just a short drive away.
ChattBir Zoo: A good option for animal lovers, located about 15 km from Nada Sahib Gurudwara.

9. Accessibility

By Car: Nada Sahib Gurudwara is easily accessible by car or taxi from Chandigarh or Panchkula. There’s ample parking space at the Gurudwara.
Public Transport: The Gurudwara is well-connected by public transport from Chandigarh and Panchkula. Local buses and auto-rickshaws are also available.
By Train: The Chandigarh Railway Station is about 16 km away from the Gurudwara, and taxis are readily available from the station.

10. Special Events

Guru Nanak Jayanti: Like most Gurudwaras, Nada Sahib celebrates important Sikh festivals like Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday, Baisakhi, and Gurpurabs with special prayers, processions, and community celebrations.
Maghi Mela: A religious fair held in January, attracting large crowds from all over the region.

Conclusion

Nada Sahib Gurudwara offers a peaceful and spiritually enriching experience for visitors, whether you are there for prayer, reflection, or to witness the Sikh way of life. The tranquil setting, coupled with its historical significance and community-oriented traditions, makes it a must-visit spot in the Chandigarh-Panchkula region.

Remember to approach the visit with respect for the traditions and customs of the Sikh faith, and you’ll have a fulfilling experience. If you need help planning your trip or more details, feel free to ask!