The sixth Sikh guru travelled through Kashmir, stopping to preach occasionally. A gurudwara has been built at the exact site of each of these halts. The most important one among these is Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara, situated near the Kathi Darwaza, in Rainawari, Srinagar, which is held in great reverence by devotees of all faiths.
About Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara :
The Chatti Padshahi in Srinagar is one of the famous Gurudwara which is not only one of the major tourist attractions of Srinagar but also an important place of worship for the Sikhs. Located in Rainawari in Srinagar this is an important site for the Sikh devotees who assemble here to offer their prayers. It is believed that the sixth Guru of Sikhs traveled throughout Kashmir and wherever he preached a Gurudwara has been built which has resulted in Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara in Srinagar.
Situated on the southern gate of Hari Parbat Fort this is an important Gurudwara of the Sikh community. There are also a number of Sikh Gurudwaras in Jammu and Kashmir but devotees mostly visit Chatti Padshahi.
History of Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara :
This historical Gurdwara is included in the tourist place of Srinagar city of Kashmir valley. It is situated just outside the southern gate of Hari Parbat fort. The sixth guru of Sikhism travelled through Kashmir, stopping to preach occasionally and stayed for few days. Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi – Srinagar, on the bank of Jhelum River and Dal Lake, is located at the site which was visited by Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Hargobind as well. Some sources also list a visit by Guru Har Rai, but the historical Sikh shrine here is named after Guru Hargobind alone the Chhevin Patshahi or Sixth Master, it is located outside Kathi Gate of Hari Parbat Fort at the site of the house of Mai Bhagbhari, who had long been yearning for a glimpse of the Guru when Guru Hargobind fulfilled her wish by his visit and wearing of her now famous gown.
Architecture of Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara :
The Gurdwara comprises a rectangular hall with the sanctum in the middle and a spacious terrace in front. An old well nearby is said to have been dug on the orders of Guru Hargobind. A big Gurdwara building has been constructed recently. Langar (Free community kitchen) and accommodation is available here round the clock. To mark the holy visit, there is a public holiday by Government of Jammu and Kashmir (“J&K”) on every year on the Parkash Utsav of Guru Hargobind Sahib. Outside Punjab, J&K is the only state where there is a Gazetted Government holiday on Parkash Utsav of 6th Nanak Guru Hargobind Sahib.
By Air : Indian Airlines has regular flights from Srinagar to Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Delhi, Jammu and Leh.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is connected to all parts of the country by Express trains.
By Road : Srinagar, located on the National Highway 1A, is connected by a network of roads to Jammu, Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Manasbal, Pahalgam, Delhi, Sonmarg and Pathankot.
