Gurudwara Nanak Shahi

Gurudwara Nanak Shahi, located on the campus of the University of Dhaka in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is the principal Gurudwara in the country. It is considered the largest among the 9 to 10 Gurudwaras present in Bangladesh and holds great religious and historical significance for the Sikh community. The Gurudwara commemorates the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who is believed to have stayed in Dhaka during his travels between 1506 and 1507.

The Gurudwara was originally established by Bhai Natha Ji, a Sikh missionary who arrived in Dhaka during the time of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. The construction of the building was completed in 1830. Over the years, the Gurudwara became an important place of worship and gathering for Sikhs living in the region.

Between 1988 and 1989, the Gurudwara underwent significant renovation to preserve and strengthen the historic structure. During this restoration, a parkarma verandah was constructed around all four sides of the original building to provide additional protection. The renovation work was carried out under the guidance of Sardar Harban Singh and was supported by contributions from devotees of Guru Nanak Dev Ji living in Bangladesh and other countries.

The building houses the historic Shri Darbar Sahib inside and is regarded as a valuable religious and cultural heritage site. It serves as the main gathering place for the Sikh community in Bangladesh and is an important symbol of Sikh history in the country.

Today, Gurudwara Nanak Shahi remains well maintained. The entire structure is painted white, giving it a peaceful and dignified appearance. The Gurudwara is currently managed and cared for by the Bangladesh Gurdwara Management Committee, which continues to preserve this historic place of worship.

How to Reach

To reach Gurudwara Nanak Shahi, you can use different modes of transportation depending on your location and preference. Here are some common travel options you may consider:

By Car: Gurudwara Nanak Shahi is located within the campus of the University of Dhaka in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Gurudwara is easily accessible by road from different parts of the city. You can reach the university area by taxi, ride-sharing services, or private car. Once inside the campus, locals can easily guide you to the Gurudwara.

By Train: The nearest major railway station is Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka. It is well connected to many cities across Bangladesh. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or use ride-sharing services to reach the University of Dhaka campus.

By Bus: Dhaka has an extensive bus network connecting various parts of the city. Several buses stop near the University of Dhaka area. After getting down at a nearby stop, you can take a short rickshaw or walk to reach Gurudwara Nanak Shahi.

By Air: The nearest airport is Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, located about 15 km from the Gurudwara. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services to reach the University of Dhaka campus.

Before setting out, it’s recommended to check the current transportation schedules and availability based on your location. Additionally, once you arrive in Dhaka, feel free to ask locals for guidance, as the Gurudwara is a well-known site in the area.