Sikh shrines of Jammu Kashmir Ladakh

The Jammu and Kashmir State is known world over not only for its enchanting beauty but also for its religious places. These sacred places dot the whole landscape of the State. Some of these belong to Muslims, Hindus, Christians and some to Sikhs. It is said that some of the Sikh shrines in the State have been constructed in memory of Sikh Gurus who visited the State during their life time.

Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib, Kishtwar
Kishtwar is situated on the left side of river Chenab. In Kishtwar Muslim shrines like Sayeed Shah Mohumad, Fareed-u-Din Baghdadi etc., Hindu shrines like 'Sri Neel Kanth Mandir' and 'Ashtbadi Temple' are very famous shrines. Guru Nanak Sahib stayed at the garden of sidhas known as 'Sidhian Di Bagichi' and had discources with Sidhas. Guru Sahib also visited Bhadarwah and Jammu city. Bhadarwah and Kishtwar Gurudwars were constructed later on by Bhai Sahib Sher Singh Kashmir.

Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, Leh - Ladakh
Guru Nanak Sahib along with his disciples stayed in village Basgo, as the legend is familiar from generations to generations of that village. In 'Gurdwara Pather Sahib,' a sacred stone 8x8 feet is still preserved in his memory. Upto 1965 local Lamas were managing the shrine. Now-a-days Gurdwara is managed by the Indian Army. This Gurdwara is 24 Kms away from Leh route.

Gurdwara Nanaksar Mattan Sahib
This famous Gurdwara is 57 Kms from Srinagar and is situated in district Anantnag. Juma Chopa, a Muslim met Guru Nanak Sahib near Mattan forest. According to "Janam Sakhi Bala' his name was Kamal Faquir. Guru Sahib stayed near the twin springs of Martand temple, familiarly known as Machh-Bhawan. In the middle of spring was a stone plate on which Guru Ji discussed religious discources with one Pandit Braham Dass of Bijbehara, who adopted Guru's faith later.During Afghan rule of Noor-din-Bamzi, S. Gurmukh Singh constructed there a Gurdwara in 1766 A.D.

Gurdwara Nanak Asthan, Anantnag
Guru Nanak Sahib visited this place during his third itinerary. Guruji stayed outside Anantnag near the spring of Nagbal.The foundation of this Gurdwara was laid before Sikh rule. A large jagir is still associated with this shrine.

Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib Bijbehara
Bijbehara is 6 kms from Anantnag and 13 kms from Awantipura. Guru Ji stayed for some time in the house of Braham Dass Pandit, as requested by Pandit Ji. Gurdwara is constructed on the left bank of Jehlum river. Gurdwara is managed by Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Anantnag.

Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib, Awantipura
Awantipura is 29 kms from Srinagar situated in Pulwama district. Some ruins of Hindu temples are also seen. Guru Nanak Ji stayed at this place for some time. The historic shrine is constructed in the memory of Guru Ji's stay. Before proceeding to Srinagar city.

Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib, Hari Parbat Srinagar
After visiting some Muslim and Hindu temples, Guru Nanak Sahib stayed near the Hari Parbat Hill. According to 'Mahan Kosh' this Gurdwara was constructed by S. Hari Singh Nalwa.

Gurdwara Guru Nanak Charan Asthan, Berwa
This historic shrine is situated 35 kms from Srinagar in Berwa (Distt. Budgam). A small Gurdwara was constructed before 1947. In 1948, Gurdwara building was washed away by floods. In 1975, a new Gurdwara building was erected. Gurdwara is managed by Parbandhak Committee, Budgam.After Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Gobind Sahib visited the valley, after his release from the Gwalior Fort in 1619 A.D. Guru Ji visited the valley along with king Jahangir in 1620 A.D.

Gurdwara 6th Patshahi, Nowshera
Nowshera, a tehsil of Rajouri is 40 kms away from Bhimber. Guru Hargobind Sahib visited Nowshera in 1620 A.D. Biru Dutt (Birm Shah) met Guru Hargobind Sahib near the place of 'Glotian Khurd'. Birm Shah dedicatedly served Guru Sahib. Guru Ji bestowed a seat to Birm in that area. Birm propogated Guru's mission in the hills of Mirpur. Guru Sahib gifted some belongings to Birm Shah as a token of love. Later Biru settled near Kani village.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, 6th Patshahi Rajouri
This historic Gurdwara is associated with Guru Hargobind Sahib. A white marble Gurdwara building has been constructed on the site of old plinth. Later on, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, camped here to undertake his activities. Banda Singh's weapons are also preserved in this Gurdwara.

Gurdwara Shah Ji Marg, Pulwama
Guru ji entered Shopian along with king Jahangir, near the site of Katu Shah.Now-a-days, a new marble Gurdwara is under construction on the old plinth site. A historic Chinar tree where Guru ji tied the rope of his horse is still seen. Later on, Katu Shah preached Guru Nanak's mission in that part. Shah Ji Marg (Shadmarg in Kashmiri language) is situated near Shopian, near to Kamblimpur stream on Mughal road. In the revenue records village "Kamblimpur" is associated with Katu Shah near the village an old 'Patkala Vir Temple' was present. According to MA Macualiffe (The Sikh religions) Katu Shah first met Guru Hargobind Sahib at Amritsar. About 3 kms away from the historic shrine is 'Chishma Guru Hargobind Sahib'. From this site, Guru Ji proceeded to 'Khanpur Sarie'.

Gurdwara 6th Patshahi, Kathi Darwaza, Srinagar
This famous historic shrine is located at the foot hills of Hariparbat Hill. Guru Hargobind Sahib, according to some source also visited Mattan Sahib. Guru ji stayed permanently near Hariparbat Fort but often stayed at 'Shalimar Bagh'. An inn for the pilgrims was also constructed. Large number of people embarrassed Sikhism during Guru Ji's stay. Near Kathi Darwaza, Guru Ji stayed for 13 days. This shrine was later on built by Governor S. Hari Singh Nalwa. On the implementation of Gurdwara Act in 1976 A.D. this main Gurdwara also came in the hands of Khalsa Panth. 'Guru Ka Bagh' (Patshahi) is located on one side of the shrine. Recently white marble Gurdwara building was errected under the supervision of Baba Harbans Singh of New Delhi.

Gurdwara 6th Patshahi, Baramulla
This historic Gurdwara is located on the right side of river Jehlum, at a place known as 'Kot tirath' during Sikh rule. Guru Ji preached Guru Nanak's mission at this place. It is here that stone cutters of Baramulla presented a beautiful 'Stone-cot' to King Jahangir, who further presented it to Guru Hargobind Sahib. At the request of people, Guru Ji planted a Chinar tree with his own hands, as a sign of memory. Baba Harbans Singh Ji uprooted that historic Chinar and constructed a white marble Gurdwara building, having silver plated domes. This shrine is very impressive and is being maintained well by the Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Baramulla.

A Thara was constructed later on by one Bhai Daya Ram, near the chinar tree. Bhai Lal Chand, Bhai Jassa Singh etc. also helped in this construction. S. Hari Singh Nalwa affiliated three villages (viz. Jahanbazpura, Nadhihal and Vadhra) and sanctioned Rs. 3000/- annually to this shrine. This Gurdwara is 45x45 feet. Pilgrimage quarters, Langar hall and a large car parking is near the shrine.

Gurdwara Thara Sahib, Kalampura
This historic shrine is 8 kms away from Baramulla town and 01 kms on Baramulla - Srinagar National highway.According to history, one Faquir Balol and his disciples met Guru Sahib near Kalampura village. They discussed religious discourses with Guru Ji. At the request of people, Guru ji dug out a fresh water spring. In the last years of 19th century, a plateform (Thara) 20x25 ft. was constructed by S. Matwal Singh Sahni and other Gur Sikhs. Chief Khalsa Dewan Amritsar, intellectuals like Bhai Vir Singh, S. Damodar Singh engineer, S. Narinder Singh etc. visited this place and constructed Gurdwara building in 1928-1931 A. D. Gurdwara is managed by Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Baramulla.

Gurdwara Parimpillian, Uri
Guru Ji proceeded to Uri via village Khatnayar, Peernian and stayed near Sultan Dhaki. A plate of stone is still preserved in Gurdwara, on which five Muslim faquirs (viz. Peer Gulsher, Peer Bhur Sultan, Peer Rangi Imam, Peer Noor Nihal and Peer Abdul Gaffoor) had religious discources with Guru Ji. At the end, the Guru ji proceeded towards 'Dolanga' village. The foot prints of Guru Ji's horse are still preserved near 'Dolanga' site.

In 1936-37 A.D. a small Gurdwara was constructed by the devotees. S. Narian Singh of Salambad, S. Gurmukh Singh, S. Damodar Singh engineer and other Gursikhs helped in the construction. Sahajdhari Sikhs, Brahmans and Muslims Sayeeds visit regularly to Gurdwara for blessings. Baisakhi and Guru Hargobind Sahibs birthday are celebrated with great enthusiasm here. A small bridge was constructed on the river Jehlum in 1970-71, which connected Gurdwara.

Other historic shrines in State are Dera Nangali Sahib Poonch, Gurdwara Thapiana Sahib Shalkot, Dera Baba Banda Singh Bahadur (Reasi), Gurdwara Thali Sahib Jammu, Gurudwara Singh Sabha Bhai Vir Singh Gulmarg, Bunga Akali Phula Singh Shaheed Gunj Srinagar, Gurdwara Shaheed Gunj Barzala Baghat Srinagar, Gurdwara Amira Kadal Srinagar etc.