Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Visit to Kashmir during His Third Udasi (1516–1518)
In 1516, Guru Nanak Dev Ji embarked on his Third Udasi (missionary journey), traveling through regions such as Mansarovar, Tibet, China, Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir. During this spiritual expedition, Guru Ji visited Srinagar, Anantnag, and finally reached Mattan (also known as Martand)—an ancient town located about 62 km southeast of Srinagar and 4 km northeast of Anantnag.
At Mattan, Guru Ji engaged in a profound dialogue with Pandit Brahm Das, a renowned Sanskrit scholar known for his deep learning and pride in knowledge. Deeply moved by Guru Nanak’s divine wisdom, humility, and spiritual insight, Pandit Brahm Das eventually became his follower—marking the beginning of Sikhism in the Kashmir Valley.
The historic Gurdwara Patshahi Pehli (Gurdwara of the First Master) now stands at Mattan to commemorate this sacred visit. The original structure was built by Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa on the instructions of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the present building—comprising a rectangular hall, a sanctum at one end, and a verandah in front—was reconstructed during the 1980s.
Kashmir held a special place in Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s spiritual mission. His journey through the valley, accompanied by Bhai Bala (a Hindu) and Bhai Mardana (a Muslim), symbolized universal brotherhood and the unity of faiths. Guru Ji also visited Bijbehara, Avantipur, and Ramnagar, leaving a deep and lasting impression on the people of the region.
A relic of this sacred visit, the rabaab (musical instrument) played by Bhai Mardana, is preserved at Shernangla in Ramnagar, Jammu—a timeless testimony to the divine harmony that Guru Nanak Dev Ji inspired wherever he went.
Guru Nanak Dev ji preached against caste systems and suppression. He covered thousands of miles on foot, addressing and preaching people about humanity. The natives of Basoli were very much influenced by the philosophy of Guru Nanak dev Ji and the same gets reflected in the 17-18 century paintings (pahari and miniature paintings), which are available in worldwide libraries. He used to enlighten people by reciting the hymns and showering praise on Almighty.
The following hymn written by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and included in ‘Asa Ki Var’was in fact reference to Pandit Brahm Dass who had tons of loads of old scholarly books on spirituality and well versed with them.
After listening to Guru Nanak Dev ji, Pandit Brahm Dass fell on his feet and became his follower for good.
Later it was his descendent Pandit Kirpa Ram lead a group of Pandits to Guru Teg Bahadur asking for help against the tyrant Mughal king Aurangzeb who had vowed not to eat food until he had converted 1.25 maunds of Sacred threads worn by Hindus.
Note added on Oct 28, 2025
The humbling of Brahm Das
Brahm Das initially attempted to display his spiritual power to impress Guru Nanak.
- He tried to fly to the Guru on his prayer mat, but was shocked when he could not see the Guru, even though Guru Nanak was sitting right in front of him, surrounded by a crowd.
- His servant suggested that Brahm Das's ego had blinded him, and he decided to approach Guru Nanak on foot the next day.
When they finally met, Brahm Das questioned Guru Nanak's unconventional attire and lifestyle. Guru Nanak, however, was not intimidated by the pandit's book learning or questions. He responded with a powerful and profound verse that addressed the emptiness of knowledge without spiritual insight:
"One may read thousands of books, with cartloads of books to follow… Sayeth Nanak, there is one truth: God’s name only. All else is vanity of the egoistic mind".
Guru Nanak also taught Brahm Das that true wisdom comes from spiritual experience, humility, and the grace of God, not from intellectual debates.
Brahm Das's transformation
Hearing this, Brahm Das realized the depth of his own ego and the superficiality of his knowledge. He discarded the stone idol he wore around his neck, bowed at the Guru's feet, and became his disciple. He was transformed from an arrogant scholar to a humble devotee, dedicating his life to meditation and selfless service to humanity.
Today, the Gurdwara Sri Mattan Sahib stands at the site of their historic meeting, commemorating the discourse that led to Pandit Brahm Das's spiritual awakening.
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