Gurudwara Nanaksar Sahib – Thakarwal

This Gurdwara is situated at a distance of 8 Km from Ludhiana City in Village Thakarwal. The First Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji during his Preaching tours visited this place, while coming from the place where Gurdwara Gau Ghat Sahib is situated in Ludhiana City. Guru Ji with his disciples Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana stayed here for 3-4 Days. The Villagers did not care for the presence of Guru Ji. When Guru Ji was about to leave the Village, an old man came taking milk and offered it to them. Guru Ji, Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana took the milk. The old man apologized for the behaviour of the Villagers. It is said that Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji came to this place from Gurdwara Sri Gau Ghat Sahib Ludhiana. Guru Nanak stayed at this place with Bhai Mardana for 3-4 days. It is said that there was a man by the name of Mahant Thakkar Das who lived here with his followers. Thakkar Das was very arrogant. When Guru Nanak arrived Thakkar Das hid himself. Guru Nanak settled himself nearby and sat on the floor with his back to where Thakkar Das was. Guru Nanak asked Bhai Mardana to play with his rabab and said the Gurbani had come. Guru Nanak sang Gurbani contained on Ang 228 in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. When Thakkar Das heard the Gurbani he approached Guru Nanak and said, 'Hare Ram'. Guru Nanak responded with, 'Sat Kartar'. Thakkar Das asked what 'Sat Kartar' what the difference between 'Hare Ram' and 'Sat Kartar' was. Guru Nanak explained that Hare Ram referred to Hari Krishan and Ram who were sent by God (Kartar). Hari Krishan and Ram came and they went at God's will. Sat Kartar refers to the one true god. Thakkar Das fell at Guru Nanak's feet, his arrogance had been removed. He asked Guru Nanak to stay and have food. Guru Nanak encouraged Thakkar Das to pray to God. Afterwards Guru Nanak continued his journey to Sultanpur Lodhi to meet his beloved sister, Bebe Nanaki. Thakkar Das established the Thakkarwal village which is why it is known as Thakkarwal. The growth of Ludhiana has brought the city to the village. Gurdwara Sri Nanaksar Sahib Thakkarwal was rebuilt in 1928 and in 1998. This Gurdwara Sahib has a large complex with adequate space around it. All Gurpurabs are celebrated here.