Field guides / Punjab / Salt Range & Katas Raj / Nanak Niwas, Katas Raj
Field guide · Heritage
Chakwal
Chakwal District · Punjab, Pakistan
Nanak Niwas, Katas Raj
The place at Katas Raj where Guru Nanak stayed on the first of Vaisakh, among the temples around the sacred pool.
Katas, one of Hinduism's holiest sites in Pakistan, was a gathering place for ascetics and jogis; Al-Biruni is said to have studied here. Hindu pilgrims from India come for Maha Shivratri and again in November–December.
Why go
- ✦Where Guru Nanak stayed at Katas Raj on the first of Vaisakh
- ✦Among the temples around the sacred pool, one of Hinduism's holiest sites
- ✦A gathering place of ascetics, where Al-Biruni is said to have studied
History
Katas is a very sacred place for the Hindus. It is located on a hill six kilometers from Choasaidan Shah of Chakwal district. The place is mentioned in Mahabharata and according to Hindu religious belief, both Katas and the Paskar (Ajmer) are the eyes of Shiva. Paras Nath Jogi breathed his last here. Jagat Guru Nanak Ji also visited Katas and had set his foot here on the 1st of Visakh. This place came to be known as Nanaknawas. It was the abode of contemplation for larger groups of mystics, ascetics and Jogies. In the absence of proper markings or sign boards it is difficult to separate one place from the other. It has great historical significance because it was the place where Alberuni attempted to measure the circumference of Earth, studied and learnt Sanskrit, wrote his renowned "Kitab-ulHind". Even today groups of Hindu pilgrims come from India to visit it regularly to worship.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, February–March for Maha Shivratri, when groups of Hindu pilgrims come from India to the Katas Raj temples, or November–December for their second pilgrimage. Guru Nanak's Nanaknawas is part of the same hillside site above Choa Saidan Shah.
Getting there, At Katas Raj, on a hill about 6 km from Choa Saidan Shah, Chakwal district.
What to Do
Make Nanak Niwas, Katas Raj Part of a Trip
GreenPak resorts and journeys within 5 km of Nanak Niwas, Katas Raj.
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Nanak Niwas, Katas Raj, within 5 km.
