Gurdwara Nanak Shahi is a place of worship of Sikh religion located near Kala Bhawan of Dhaka University campus. Legend has it that the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, stayed for some time at the site of this largest Gurudwara in Bangladesh in the 16th century. He then gave instructions on monotheism and brotherhood and observance of various ceremonies of Sikhism. Although there is disagreement about the construction date of Gurudwara Nanakshahi, the construction of the Gurudwara was completed in 1830 AD.
From 1915 to 1947, a Sikh saint named Srichandra Jyoti served as the priest of Nanakshahi. After 1947, this temple was abandoned for about 25 years. Later in 1972 and 1988 Gurudwara Nanakshahi was extensively renovated and several structures including balconies were constructed. Then in 2011, a two-storied building near the main building of the Gurudwara was constructed and used as office space, Sikh Research Center and guest room for foreign visitors. While Gurudwara Nanakshahi had a lot of property in the past, the present place of worship has been built on a limited scale, a reflection of repeated renovations.
There is a green lawn in front of the walled Gurudwara Nanakshahi. In the center of the main building is a large room with 4 entrance doors. There is also a pair of kharams used by the Sikh scripture Granth Sahib, the ninth Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur Singh. At present Bhai Azadwinder Singh is serving as the Chief Granthi. Every morning and evening, Granthsahib is read and prayed here. And weekly gatherings and prayers are held every Friday from 12 noon to 2 am.
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