."Nanak Lama": Gurdwara Patthar Sahib, Leh, Ladakh

Historical Gurdwara Patthar Sahib is located about 25 KM from Leh in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. It was flooded by over 5 feet of water following the cloud burst (very heavy and sudden rain) on 5 Ausgust 2010.

View from top of hill.  According to local Budhists, a demon rolled down a large rock on Guru Nanak Sahib from this hill.


This Gurdwara Sahib, built and maintained by the Indian army, is historical and the background is that during his second journey (1515 to 1518) Guru Nanak Sahib stayed here in 1517 on return from Sumer Mountain. He travelled along the route from Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet and Yarkand to Leh and after discourses with local Budhists, came to be revered as Nanak Lama.

S. Baldev Singh Dhaliwal JP, South Australia, and I visited this Gurdwara Sahib on 22 September 2010, after travelling by road to Leh via Manali in Himachal Pardesh. We crossed passes over 13,000 feet. Heights of some passes:-. Rohtang Pass near Manali 13,044 feet, Baralacha La 16,042 feet, Lachlungla La 16,613 feet, Taklang La 17,582 feet (second highest pass in the world). The road over Khardung La pass beyond Leh at 18,380 feet, is the highest in the world.

Story of Gurdwara Patthar Sahib in English.

Sacred rock with imprint of Guru Nanak Sahib's head and back.

 

The "saakhi" told by the local people about the rock hurled down from a hilltop by a demon, is similar to that relating to Panja Sahib. Guru Sahib's head and body imprint is seen as a cavity in the stone which is now regarded as sacred due to its contact with Guru Ji's person. The Gurdwara was built and is managed by the Indian army. The flood damage has been repaired and the Gurdwara Sahib visited by hundreds of devotees of all religions, looks resplendent in this beautiful desert country, surrounded by high peaks.

Sacred rock can be seen in the background from the Darbar Hall
(The author discussing history of Guru Nanak Sahib's visit to Leh, Ladakh)

Nishan Sahib on hilltop from which the demon threw the rock.

(Army jawans with S. Baldev Singh JP, Australia, and the author)

History of Gurdwara Patthar Sahib in Gurmukhi.

Army jawans doing seva at Tapp Asthaan on a rise behind the main Gurdwara. 

 Army stone plaques in Langar Hall. There are dozens of such plaques on the walls of the hall.

This was a most memorable and challenging trip for younger brother Baldev Singh of Australia and me.  Our youngest brother, Dya Singh of Australia, was unable to join us this time.

Gurmukh Singh
E-mail: sewauk2005@yahoo.co.uk
Copyright: Gurmukh Singh
Material, including photos, may be used with acknowledgement.