Nanakmatta is a historic town in the state of Uttarakhand named after Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji after his visit here in 1514. Previously, it was known as Gorakhmata as the followers of Gorakhnath were staying here. Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji also visited Nanakmatta. There are 8 Historic Sikh Gurdwaras at Nanakmatta. Gurdwara Sri Nanak Matta Sahib When Guru Nanak first arrived, the yogis received him with great courtesy and invited Guru Nanak to adopt their cult, wear their garb and join them as a yogi. Guru Nanak explained to them that a life of seclusion, which does not help their fellow beings, was worthless. Guru Nanak sat near the present location of the Gurdwara meditating under a Pipal tree (sacred fig or Ficus religiosa tree). The yogis were surprised to see him there as this place was quite inaccessible, especially during the winter months. The weather being cold, Bhai Mardana asked the yogis for help creating a fire. However, they refused to help Bhai Mardana. The yogis, instead, taunted him and told him that he should go and ask his Guru. At this, Guru Nanak looked at a pile of firewood nearby and it instantly ignited. Bhai Mardana was thus able to keep warm and enjoy the fire. Suddenly, the weather changed for the worse and it began to rain. As a result, the fires lit by the yogis were extinguished but the one lit by Guru Ji was not affected at all. The yogis realized their mistake and fell at the feet of the Guru. The next morning, they all gathered together and came to Guru Ji for a religious discussion. They again used their occult powers and tried to lift the pipal tree under which Guru Ji was sitting out of the ground. When the tree had risen by a few feet, Guru Ji simply placed his hand on it and it stopped rising. The same tree can be seen in the Gurdwara compound. Guru Ji explained to the yogis the path of true meditation and salvation. The yogis learnt from the Guru and gained valuable knowledge (‘Matt’). This place then came to be known as ‘Nanak Mata’ and became a major centre of the udasi. Accommodation A 100 room sarai (bedroom complex), Guru Hargobind Niwas, has been constructed within the Gurdwara complex. Of these, 50 rooms have attached bathrooms. Additionally, a government-run rest house, the Kumaon Vikas Nigam Rest House, is also located nearby. Karsewa Before 1937, this gurdwara was maintained by mahants. A small gurdwara was constructed by the local people. The land for the gurdwara was donated by Nawab Mehndi Ali Khan. Karsewa began in 1975. The gurdwara building is magnificent and has marble all over. There are vast open spaces all around and it is all available for future expansion. The complex consists of the main hall, the langar hall, the parikarama, the sarai, offices, etc.