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| Gurudwara Singh Saba Kishtwar |
Kishtwar district carries a profound and rarely told chapter of Sikh history — one that begins with Guru Nanak Dev Ji's own footsteps in the Himalayan valleys, and lives on today in the sacred light of the Singh Sabha Gurudwara at the heart of the city.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Sacred Visit to Kishtwar
During his historic Udasis (spiritual journeys), Guru Nanak Dev Ji — the founder of Sikhism, born in 1469 AD at Talwandi Rai Bhoe in Punjab — travelled extensively across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, spreading the message of the One Eternal God, equality, and compassion. His journeys took him through Kashmir, Ladakh, and the mountain territories of Jammu — including the sacred land of Kishtwar.
After visiting Ladakh, Kashmir, and the Amarnath Shrine, Guru Nanak Sahib entered Kishtwar and stayed at the sacred garden of the Sidhas known as 'Sidhian di Bagichi'. Here, Guru Sahib held profound spiritual discourses with the Sidhas — sages and ascetics who had long dwelled in these Himalayan forests — sharing the divine message of Waheguru and the path of truth, compassion, and Naam Simran.
From Kishtwar, Guru Sahib proceeded to Bhaderwah, where he asked the people to pray to one Akal Purakh (the Timeless God). He later visited Jammu city as well, leaving behind a trail of spiritual awakening across the Himalayan belt. His journey then continued towards Kailash Parbat via Chamba, crossing the hills of Chatargala.
Sidhian di Bagichi — The Sacred Garden of Kishtwar
The 'Sidhian di Bagichi' — literally the Garden of the Sidhas — is one of the most historically and spiritually significant sites in Kishtwar. This sacred garden was the dwelling place of ascetics and sages (Sidhas) who had renounced the world in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. It is here that Guru Nanak Dev Ji chose to rest and hold his deeply meaningful spiritual dialogues.
These discourses between Guru Ji and the Sidhas are a recurring theme across Guru Nanak's Udasis — conversations in which Guru Sahib challenged the Sidhas' path of withdrawal from the world and presented the Sikh ideal of living a truthful, family-oriented life while remaining connected to the Divine. The name Bhaderwah's Sidh di Bageechi is also directly synonymous with Guru Ji's visit, confirming the sacred route through both towns.
"At Kishtwar, Guru Nanak Sahib stayed at the garden of the Sidhas known as 'Sidhian di Bagichi' and had profound discourses with the Sidhas — spreading the sacred message of one Waheguru across the valleys of the Himalayas."
The Sacred Footprints at Dolanga
One of the most remarkable reminders of Guru Nanak's presence in Kishtwar is preserved near the Dolanga site — where the footprints of Guru Ji's horse are still preserved in stone to this day. This sacred imprint serves as a living testimony to the Guru's passage through the Kishtwar valley, and has been a site of reverence for Sikh devotees, Sahajdhari Sikhs, Brahmans, and even Muslim Sayeeds who visit the Gurudwara for blessings.
🐾 Dolanga — Sacred Hoofprints
The footprints of Guru Nanak's horse, preserved in stone near the Dolanga site in Kishtwar — a living reminder of the Guru's sacred journey through the Himalayan valley.
🛕 Gurudwara Built — 1936–37
A small Gurudwara was constructed in 1936–37 by devoted Sikhs including S. Narian Singh of Salambad, S. Gurmukh Singh, S. Damodar Singh (Engineer), and other Gursikhs.
🤝 Interfaith Harmony
The Gurudwara is visited by Sahajdhari Sikhs, Brahmans, and Muslim Sayeeds alike — a shining example of Kishtwar's tradition of communal harmony and shared faith.
How the Gurudwaras of Kishtwar & Bhaderwah Were Built
The Gurudwaras of both Kishtwar and Bhaderwah were constructed later by the devotion and initiative of Bhai Sahib Sher Singh (M.Sc.) Kashmir — a dedicated Sikh scholar and community leader who played a pivotal role in establishing permanent places of Sikh worship in the mountain districts of Jammu & Kashmir.
The initial small Gurudwara at Kishtwar was constructed in 1936–37 AD through the collective effort of devoted Gursikhs: S. Narian Singh of Salambad, S. Gurmukh Singh, S. Damodar Singh (Engineer), and other members of the Sikh community. A small bridge was also constructed on the river Jehlum in 1970–71, which helped connect the Gurudwara more easily to the surrounding area.
These Gurudwaras stand today as Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib, Kishtwar — a historic Sikh shrine commemorating the Guru's own visit — listed among the significant Sikh shrines of Jammu & Kashmir. The shrine is situated on the left side of the River Chenab, embraced by the natural beauty of the Himalayan landscape.
Celebrations & Festivals at the Gurudwara
The Gurudwara of Kishtwar is a vibrant centre of Sikh worship and community life throughout the year. Two festivals are celebrated with particular joy and enthusiasm:
🌾 Baisakhi
The harvest festival and Sikh New Year — celebrated with great enthusiasm, devotion, and community gatherings at the Kishtwar Gurudwara every year.
🙏 Guru Hargobind Sahib's Birthday
The birthday of the sixth Sikh Guru — Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji — is observed with religious fervour and special prayers at the Gurudwara every year.
💡 Did you know? The Singh Sabha Gurudwara Kishtwar is visited not just by Sikhs, but also by Sahajdhari Sikhs, Brahmans, and Muslim Sayeeds — making it one of the finest symbols of Kishtwar's legendary tradition of communal harmony and interfaith brotherhood.
Singh Sabha Gurudwara Kishtwar — Visit & Sarai Booking
The Singh Sabha Gurudwara Kishtwar welcomes all devotees, pilgrims, and visitors. A Sarai (rest house) with 4 rooms is available for pilgrims and travellers who wish to stay near the Gurudwara. For bookings or more information, please use the contact details below.
🙏 Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa · Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh 🙏
Heritage & Culture Series | mykishtwar.com · Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, India