Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib-Bidar is popular because it is said that Guru Nanak had visited this place when it was suffering from drought. The Guru was moved to pity to witness the sorry state of the people. Taking Divine names he touched the hillside with his toe and removed some of the stones from that particular place. To the utter surprise of the onlookers water sprung from the hillside. Then onwards this place came to be known as Nanak Jhira. Jhira literally means `a spring of water.` This place is believed to have medicinal properties. Numerous Sikh pilgrims every year Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib-Bidar in Karnataka.
The guru stayed with his disciple in the outskirts of the town. At this place there were Muslim inhabitants who showed interest in the teachings and sermons of Guru Nanak. The news soon spread throughout Bidar and its neighboring areas. Soon people started to flock in to get a glimpse of the Guru. The teachings of Guru Nanak became very popular because of their simplicity. The poorer sections of the society quickly became attracted to his ways of life, irrespective of caste and creed. There was a shortage of drinking water in Bidar during this time. Wells were tried to dig but there was no solution to this problem. It was at this place the guru created a spring for the people.
Nanak Jhira is thus popular because of the guru. People from all walks of life come here to witness the spot where the miracle was performed. Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib-Bidar was later built to mark this place. By the side of the spring lies the Gurudwara. This is a perfect place for you to know more about the Sikh religion.
A fountain is placed beside the shrine. Water from this fountain is collected in `Amrit Khud` built in white marble. This water is used in the kitchen or guru ka langar where food is prepared for the pilgrims 24 hours. A Sikh museum has is also here in the honor of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak and the Hola Mohalla festival are celebrated with great fervor here. A large number of devotees also turn up during these festivities.
Karnataka is a land of tradition and religion. But the best part about this tourist destination is the variety it represents. The diverse demography of India is can be traced in this microcosm. Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib-Bidar in Karnataka is, thus, one of the must see places.
