Gurudwara
Address
Shiva Nagar, Bidar, Karnataka 585402
Open Hours
3:00 AM–9:00 PM (Temple hall open, Langar served at specific times)
Weather
Warm to hot for most of the year, pleasant during winter months (October to February) with cool breezes in the evenings.
Crowd Level
Medium
According to the History, Guru Nanak Devji along with his disciple Mardana visited Bidar during his second Udasi around 1512 AD. While he was visiting this place, Guru Nanak sat on the outskirts of the village on the foot of a hill. When people came to know about Guru Sahib, they started gathering here. They told Guru Nanak about the scarcity of water and also that the water available in Bidar was salty and unfit for drinking. It is believed that after hearing the plight of the residents, Guru Nanak touched a stone and rolled it with his foot. To the surprise of the people, a spring of clean water started gushing out. That water source is still preserved here and it still serves the people of Bidar for the last 500 years. A large beautiful Gurudwara is constructed close to the spring, known as Gurudwara Nanak Jhira (Jhira meaning spring of water).
The water from the spring is collected in a small water tank called Amrit Kund, built opposite to Gurudwara. It is believed that a holy dip in the tank is enough to cleanse the body and soul of the devotees. There is a free community kitchen where free food is given to pilgrims. A Sikh museum has been built in the memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur, depicting the important events of Sikh history through pictures and paintings.
Devotees throng to the Nanak Jhira Gurudwara especially during Guru Nanak Jayanti, which is one of the major festivals of the Sikhs. About 4 to 5 lakh pilgrims and tourists visit Gurdwara Nanak Jhira every year. Holi and Dussehra are also celebrated in grand manner.
Visitor Information
Famous For
Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib, miraculous natural spring (Nanak Jhira) created by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, free Langar (community kitchen), Sikh museum, and a serene spiritual atmosphere.
Visit Duration
2–3 hours
Best Time
October to March for pleasant weather. Guru Nanak Jayanti (November) for special festivities and a vibrant atmosphere.
Route Options
Bidar is well-connected by road and rail. From Bidar city center, autos and taxis are readily available. The Gurudwara is approximately 3-4 km from Bidar Railway Station and Bus Stand. State highways connect Bidar to major cities in Karnataka and neighboring states.
Parking
Large, designated parking areas are available near the Gurudwara complex for both two-wheelers and cars.
Entry Fee
Free entry for all visitors.
Camera Fee
Free for general photography outside. Photography inside the Darbar Sahib may be restricted; please check on arrival.
Restaurants Nearby
Besides the free Langar, local eateries, dhaba-style restaurants, and a few multi-cuisine restaurants are available in Bidar city.
Toilets
Clean and well-maintained public toilet facilities are available within the Gurudwara complex for pilgrims.
Drinking Water
Abundant filtered drinking water is available from the miraculous Nanak Jhira spring and other water stations within the complex.
Wheelchair Access
The Gurudwara complex is generally wheelchair-friendly with ramps leading to the main halls and accessible pathways.
Medical Facilities
First aid facilities are available within the Gurudwara premises. Larger hospitals and clinics are located in Bidar city, within a 5-10 km drive.
Weather Alerts
Summers (April-June) can be very hot; carry water and stay hydrated. Monsoons (July-September) bring heavy rains, making some outdoor areas slippery.
Pilgrim Information
Darshan Timings
The Gurudwara remains open from 3:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily for darshan (viewing of Guru Granth Sahib and prayers). Morning Kirtan and Ardaas begin early, and evening Rehras Sahib is performed before closure.
Special Poojas
Daily programs include Asa Di Vaar Kirtan (morning hymns), Path (reading of Gurbani), Ardaas (congregational prayer), and Rehras Sahib (evening prayer). Special Akhand Path (continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib) and Kirtan Darbars are organized during festivals. Devotees can request personalized Paths or Ardaas by contacting the Gurudwara office.
Prasadam
Karah Parshad (sweet semolina pudding) is offered to all devotees after prayers throughout the day, typically from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
Free Meals (Bhojan)
The free community kitchen (Langar) serves fresh, vegetarian meals to all visitors. Langar timings are generally from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for lunch and 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM for dinner. Light refreshments may be available at other times.
Temple History
Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib was built in 1948, commemorating the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Bidar around 1512 AD. It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji miraculously created a spring of fresh water, known as Nanak Jhira, to alleviate the water scarcity of the local community. This historical event makes it one of the most significant Sikh pilgrimage sites in South India.
Nearby Sacred Places
Other significant religious sites in Bidar include the Papnash Shiva Temple (known for its spring), Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple (a cave temple with a water spring), and various Sufi shrines like Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah.