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Home Temples & Religious Places Imli Sahib Gurudwara Indore

Imli Sahib Gurudwara Indore

imli sahib gurudwara indore

Originally published: 9 February 2024   |   Last editorial review: 24 September 2026

Gurudwara Imli Sahib Indore is a historic Sikh place of worship at Guru Nanak Chowk on Prince Yashwant Road in central Indore. Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore associates the site with a visit by Guru Nanak Dev Ji around 1510–11, when Sikh tradition holds that he stayed beneath a tamarind tree and shared teachings with the local sangat.

Current Visitor Note

The official Shri Guru Singh Sabha website confirms the address, phone number and current management, but does not publish a daily opening-hours or langar timetable. Contact the gurdwara before a special journey for kirtan, langar, Gurpurab programmes or accessibility arrangements.

Imli Sahib Gurudwara Indore: Quick Visitor Guide

Official/common nameGurudwara Imli Sahib / Gurudwara Shri Imli Sahib
Religious traditionSikhism
Historical associationGuru Nanak Dev Ji
Traditional visit periodAround 1510–11, according to Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore
Name originAssociated with an imli, or tamarind, tree at the site
Official address18, Prince Yashwant Road, near Imli Sahib Gurudwara, Guru Nanak Chowk / Rajwada area, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452001
Official phone0731-4029820
Official emailinfo@sgssin.com
Opening hoursNot currently published on the official Shri Guru Singh Sabha website; confirm directly
Langar scheduleConfirm directly with the gurdwara
Best forWorship, Sikh heritage, prayer, Gurbani and respectful learning

Why Is Imli Sahib Gurudwara Important?

Gurudwara Imli Sahib is important because it preserves the local Sikh memory of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s journey through the Malwa region. Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore states that Guru Nanak came to Indore during his second Udasi around 1510–11 and stayed beneath an imli tree while speaking with the sangat and sadhus about spiritual life.

The gurdwara is also a living place of worship. Its importance comes not only from history but from regular Gurbani, prayer, seva, community activity and Sikh religious life in Indore.

Correction from the old article: the previous page said Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to Indore in 1568 CE. That date is impossible because Guru Nanak lived from 1469 to 1539. The official Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore website instead places the visit around 1510–11.

History of Gurudwara Imli Sahib

According to Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore, Sikh tradition remembers Guru Nanak Dev Ji visiting the site during his second Udasi around 1510–11. The name Imli Sahib recalls the tamarind tree under which he is believed to have stayed.

The official Sabha history says Sikh soldiers from Punjab cared for the place around 1900 during the Holkar period. The site was improved in stages, with a permanent ground-floor gurdwara built between 1936 and 1941.

Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore was formed in 1944 as an organisation for managing the gurdwara and serving the Sikh community. The official history says the upper portion of the present gurdwara building was completed in 1959.

Around 1510–11Traditional visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji during the second Udasi
Around 1900Sikh soldiers from Punjab began caring for the site, according to the Sabha history
1936–1941Permanent construction and ground-floor gurdwara developed
1944Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore formed
1959Upper part of the present gurdwara building completed

Why Is It Called Imli Sahib?

Imli means tamarind. Sikh tradition associates the site with a tamarind tree beneath which Guru Nanak Dev Ji stayed and taught.

Historical Sikh accounts say the original tamarind tree no longer survives after later expansion of the gurdwara complex, but the name Imli Sahib remained as a memorial to that tradition.

Respectful wording: the tree association is part of Sikh historical tradition. Visitors should avoid presenting unverified relic claims or touching any memorial feature unless the gurdwara identifies it for visitors.

The Present Gurudwara

Today, Gurudwara Imli Sahib is managed by Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore. The Sabha’s current website lists the gurdwara at Guru Nanak Chowk on Prince Yashwant Road and describes ongoing work in education, healthcare, Gurmat and Sikh community service.

The official website also states that the historic gurdwara is currently undergoing renovation. This means some visitor routes, facilities or sections may change temporarily.

Imli Sahib Gurudwara Timings

The official Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore website does not currently publish a daily opening-and-closing timetable for visitors.

Several commercial directories list the gurdwara as open 24 hours, but IndoreCity should not treat directory hours as an official religious schedule. Prayer-hall access, office hours, kirtan programmes, langar and festival arrangements can follow different timings.

  • Call the official number before travelling specifically for kirtan.
  • Confirm langar timing separately.
  • Ask about Gurpurab or special-programme schedules.
  • Check whether renovation work affects access.
  • If visiting late at night or very early morning, confirm visitor entry directly.

Is There an Entry Fee?

Gurdwaras generally welcome visitors for darshan and worship without a sightseeing admission fee. No compulsory general-entry ticket is published on the official Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore website.

Donations are voluntary. They should not be described as a mandatory entrance charge.

Langar at Imli Sahib Gurudwara

Langar is the Sikh tradition of a shared community meal based on equality and seva. Sikh heritage sources associate langar with Gurudwara Imli Sahib, but the current daily langar schedule is not published on the official Sabha website.

  1. Cover your head before entering.
  2. Remove footwear where directed.
  3. Wash or sanitise your hands.
  4. Sit where sevadars guide you.
  5. Take only as much food as you can finish.
  6. Follow local serving and clean-up instructions.
Do not describe langar as a free restaurant. It is a religious and community service rooted in equality, humility and seva.

Visitor Etiquette at Imli Sahib

  1. Remove shoes before entering the prayer area.
  2. Cover your head with a clean scarf, rumal or covering provided by the gurdwara.
  3. Wear modest clothing.
  4. Do not bring tobacco, alcohol or intoxicants onto the premises.
  5. Wash your hands before entering the prayer hall where facilities are provided.
  6. Keep your phone silent.
  7. Do not sit with your feet pointing towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
  8. Ask before taking photographs or video.
  9. Do not photograph people during prayer without permission.
  10. Follow guidance from granthis, staff and sevadars.

Can Non-Sikhs Visit?

Yes. Gurdwaras generally welcome respectful visitors regardless of religion or background. Visitors unfamiliar with Sikh practice can politely ask a sevadar how to cover their head, where to leave footwear and how to enter the prayer hall respectfully.

Official Address and Contact Details

Address18, Prince Yashwant Road, near Imli Sahib Gurudwara, Guru Nanak Chowk / Rajwada area, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452001
Phone0731-4029820
Emailinfo@sgssin.com
ManagementShri Guru Singh Sabha Indore

Older Sikh directories sometimes use addresses such as 83, P.Y. Road. For current publication and navigation, this guide uses the address listed on the official Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore website.

How to Reach Imli Sahib Gurudwara

  • From Rajwada Palace: the gurdwara is in the same central Old Indore area; use a current walking route or short auto ride depending on traffic and mobility.
  • From Indore Junction: auto-rickshaw, taxi or app cab is practical.
  • From the airport: use a cab towards Rajwada / Prince Yashwant Road and allow additional time during busy market hours.
  • Private vehicle: central-city parking can be limited, so confirm nearby parking rather than assuming space at the entrance.

Parking and Accessibility

The gurdwara stands in a dense central-city area where parking and movement can be affected by market traffic, religious programmes and renovation work.

The official website does not currently provide enough public detail to verify the full accessibility route. Before visiting with an older adult, wheelchair user or someone with limited mobility, call the gurdwara and confirm:

  • Vehicle drop-off point
  • Parking availability
  • Lift availability
  • Step-free access
  • Wheelchair movement to the prayer hall
  • Accessible toilet availability
  • Seating arrangements
  • Any renovation-related restrictions

Best Time to Visit

For a quieter visit, ask the gurdwara about normal morning or evening prayer periods. For a larger community experience, visit during a Gurpurab or major Sikh programme after checking the current schedule.

For Prayer & ReflectionChoose a normal day and confirm a suitable morning or evening period.
For Sikh HeritageVisit when a knowledgeable member or sevadar can explain the site without interrupting worship.
For GurpurabsExpect larger congregations, kirtan, community activity and heavier traffic.
During RenovationCall ahead because visitor movement or facilities may temporarily change.

Gurpurabs and Religious Programmes

Major Sikh occasions can bring large congregations to Imli Sahib and other Indore gurdwaras. Programme dates, Nagar Kirtan routes, langar arrangements and traffic diversions change from year to year.

Do not reuse an old Gurpurab timetable. Check the current Shri Guru Singh Sabha announcement before publishing or travelling for a specific event.

Imli Sahib and Betma Sahib Are Different

Gurudwara Imli Sahib is in central Indore. Gurudwara Charan Paduka Sahib at Betma is a separate Sikh heritage site in Indore district.

Both are associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Sikh tradition, but they have different locations, histories, visitor arrangements and contact details.

The old article mixed too much Betma Sahib material into this page. The final version keeps this article focused on Imli Sahib.

Nearby Places to Visit

Rajwada PalaceA major Holkar heritage landmark in Old Indore. Read the Rajwada guide.
Krishnapura ChhatrisHistoric Holkar cenotaphs close to Rajwada. Read the Krishnapura guide.
Sarafa BazaarVisit later for Old Indore’s famous night-food market. Read the Sarafa guide.
More Places in IndoreContinue planning with our places to visit in Indore guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Imli Sahib Gurudwara famous?

It is known for the Sikh historical tradition that Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited the site around 1510–11 and stayed beneath a tamarind tree while sharing spiritual teachings.

When did Guru Nanak Dev Ji visit Indore?

Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore places the visit around 1510–11 during Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s second Udasi.

What are the timings of Imli Sahib Gurudwara?

The official Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore website does not currently publish a daily opening-and-closing schedule. Call the gurdwara before travelling specifically for prayer, kirtan, langar or a late-night visit.

What is the official contact number?

The official Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore website lists 0731-4029820.

Where is Imli Sahib Gurudwara located?

The official Sabha website lists 18, Prince Yashwant Road, near Imli Sahib Gurudwara, Guru Nanak Chowk / Rajwada area, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452001.

Can non-Sikhs visit Imli Sahib Gurudwara?

Yes. Visitors of all backgrounds can visit respectfully. Remove footwear, cover your head, wear modest clothing and follow guidance from sevadars.

Is langar available?

Langar is associated with the gurdwara, but the current daily schedule is not published on the official Sabha website. Confirm directly before planning around it.

Is Imli Sahib the same as Betma Sahib?

No. Imli Sahib is in central Indore, while Gurudwara Charan Paduka Sahib is at Betma in Indore district. They are separate Sikh heritage sites.

Sources and Editorial Verification

The current address, phone number, management details and construction-history sequence are based primarily on the official Shri Guru Singh Sabha Indore website. The Guru Nanak visit is presented using the Sabha’s own traditional chronology of around 1510–11. Older directory details are used only for secondary context and not for current timings.

Editorial note: This final article corrects the old 1568 CE error, removes the claim that Guru Nanak “inaugurated” the present building, removes unsupported statements about “various Sikh Gurus” visiting Indore, replaces uncertain address details with the official Sabha address and does not publish directory-based 24-hour opening as an official schedule.

Explore More of Old Indore

Combine Imli Sahib Gurudwara with Rajwada Palace, Krishnapura Chhatris and Sarafa Bazaar while keeping the gurdwara visit respectful and separate from sightseeing activity.

Explore Rajwada Palace
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