New Delhi: India is a country that celebrates every festival with enthusiasm. One festival that is celebrated with great fervour is Guru Nanak Jayanti. This festival is celebrated not just in India but across the world, too. It is a celebration of Guru Nanak Dev ji, the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. On this day, people visit Gurdwaras and seek the blessings of the first Sikh Guru.
In this article, we will mention one of the most beautiful Gurdwaras in India and its connection with Guru Nanak Dev ji. The Gurdwara is located about 25 miles from Leh.
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib
Location
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib is about 25 miles from Leh on the Leh-Kargil road, at an elevation of around 12,000 feet above sea level.
What is the history of Gurdwara Pathar Sahib?
It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev ji reached here during the second journey (1515-1518 AD) in 1517 AD. A board outside the Gurdwara mentions that Guru Nanak, after giving a sermon on Summer Hills, reached here through Yarkand after visiting Nepal, Sikkim, and Tibet.
It further mentions that there was a cruel demon who stayed on the opposite hill and used to terrify the people and eat them after killing them. On hearing this, Guru Nanak reached this spot and sat below on the river banks. After seeing Guru Nanak, the people heaved a sigh of relief, but the demon got very angry and decided to kill him.
One fine day, when Guru Nanak was in deep devotion to God, the demon threw a huge stone from the mountain to kill him. The stone, when touched by Guru Nanak, turned into wax.
The demon was surprised to see Guru Nanak alive. He angrily kicked a stone but got his leg stuck in the wax. Realising his foolishness in trying to harm a devotee of the Lord, the demon fell at Guru Nanak’s feet to apologise. When Guru Nanak opened his eyes, he told the demon to spend his life serving humanity and receiving blessings. The demon agreed and lived peacefully. Later, Guru Nanak Dev ji travelled to Kashmir through Kargil. One can see the holy stone inside Gurdwara Sri Pather Sahib. The mark of the demon’s feet can also be seen on the stone.
The Indian Army is currently maintaining the Gurdwara Pathar Sahib.
A painting of Guru Nanak inside Gurdwara Pathar Sahib (Photo credit: Marji Lang/LightRocket via Getty Images)
When was the Gurdwara constructed?
The Gurudwara Pathar Sahib was built in 1517 to honour the visit of Guru Nanak to Ladakh.
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib is located on Leh-Kargil Road, 25 km before Leh. It is believed that Guru Nanak stopped here after visiting Nepal, Tibet and Sikkim. Read on to know more about the history of Gurdwara Pathar Sahib. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
