The first Guru Sri Nanak Dev, on his way to Kailash Parbat, passed through Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh. Here in the Tehri region, it used to be a centre of Yogis called Gurakh-Matta. Guruji came to this place in 1515, and had prolonged discussion with them. He stayed with Yogis for a few days and gave them some more lessons on true religion. The place was later called Nanak Matta in the sacred memory of his visit to this place. In the time of the sixth Guru Sri Hargobind a Sikh called Almast used to serve this shrine under the Pipal tree, sanctified by the Guru’s visit. He was pestered by Gorakh Panthis to vacate the place as they wanted to re­establish their centre there. They went to the extent of burning the holy Pipal tree in a bid to oust Almast. Meanwhile Guru Hargobind who was on a tour to Garh Mukteshwar, Moradabad, Bareilly and Pilibhit reached Nanakmatta. The Gorakh Pant his were so impressed by the presence of the Guru that they left the place for good. Thenceforth Gurudwara Nanakmatta has been sanctified by the holy feet of two Guru’s, Sri Nanak Dev and Guru Hargobind.
About 140 km from this shrine is another famous spot called Gurudwara Retha Sahib. When Guru Nanak along with companion Mardana visited this place, he rested under a Soapnut (Retha) tree. Mardana felt hungry. Guruji asked him to pluck and eat the fruit from the soapnut tree. Soapnuts are bitter in taste but there on that particular branch they are sweet even today. Pilgrims bring a soapnut or two as prasad.