Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara Kashmir

This beautiful Gurudwara is situated in Rajouri which is a district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This was the place that Guru Hargobind Singh had stayed briefly when he was touring the state. Amidst the many Gurudwaras in the region, this one has a special place of reverence in the minds of the people and this goes to prove how special the Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara in Kashmir is to the Sikhs.

History

Though there are many famous Gurudwaras that dot the city of Rajouri but this Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara Kashmir is famous amongst the Sikhs for various reasons. There are people who come here from far and near, and all through there year there are devotees who come to offer their prayers here and this is a must visit place for most of the Sikhs who live in any part of the country.

It is considered that the sixth Sikh guru Hargobind Singh had taken up a tour of the city and had stayed in different places. So, wherever the guru stayed and today the whole city is dotted with Gurudwaras, but clearly the Chhatti Padshahi is prominent, as according to the common talk, guru Hargobind had conducted his sermons from this place. Since this was the place of the holy discourses, the place and the Gurudwara that has been constructed at the site becomes very sacred to the Sikhs.

According to another account, Guru Hargobind had toured Kashmir when Jehangir was the ruler. A very pious and famous Kashmiri saintess named Mata Bagh Bhari had learnt of the news of Guruji's arrival and had strained her eyes so much weaving a cloak to present him that she turned blind. When Guruji knew of this, as Mata came into meet him to present the cloak, he aimed an arrow and there was a spring that came up.

Guruji took some water from the spring and sprinkled it on the saintess and almost immediately she regained her power to see. The place where the arrow was aimed is the site of the Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara today. Ever since, most of the pilgrims who come here offer special prayers for their good health. They also pray for the wellbeing of their entire families and also there is a strong belief that they can be cured of any ailments that have not been able to be cured by repeated treatments.

The Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara in Srinagar is a popular tourist spot apart from being an important place of worship for the Sikhs. So, that is the reason why this place seems to be very full and brimming with people during the holiday seasons and there are people who come here to seek divine blessings from Guru Hargobind Singh as well as to admire the beautiful architecture of the temple.

Architecture

The Gurudwara is beautifully constructed in pure white marble and is an embodiment of peace and tranquillity. The impeccable white pure structures stuns onlookers with its visual beauty, and just invites tourists of all religions to come inside and take a darshan of the divine. There is more architectural work that is going on in the interiors.

That is why most of the pilgrims come here, to spend some time in peace and prayer amidst their busy schedule and to rejuvenate themselves and relax when they get back to their normal peace of life. Though there is considerable crowd, the temple is always maintained neat and clean and quiet.

Since there is a cold climate that prevails in Srinagar, the pilgrims can carry some light sweaters and light woollen cloths for the summer, because the nights in summer can get cold. Since the winters are very cold and sometimes there is snowfall, it is advisable to take necessary precaution like woollen jackets and woollen boots.

How to Reach

• The nearest domestic airport is at Srinagar with good connectivity to major cities within India. The international Airport at New Delhi at a distance of two hundred and sixty kilometres is ideal for international tourists.
• Jammu is the nearest railway station and is connected well to most of the major cities of the country.
• The roads are good and there are buses that ply between most of the important parts of the state. Tourist taxis are also available.

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