Historic Lahore Gurdwara Reopens After 79 Years, Ending Post-Partition Closure

Lahore, July 13: A historic gurdwara in Pakistan’s Lahore, associated with the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, has reopened to devotees for the first time since the 1947 Partition, ending nearly 79 years of closure following extensive restoration of the shrine.

Gurdwara Patshahi Chhevin, located at Amar Sidhu on the Lahore-Kasur road, was formally reopened after renovation, with members of the local Sikh community marking the occasion by performing Sukhmani Sahib ‘paath’ and ‘ardas’.

The shrine is one of three historic gurdwaras in Lahore linked to Guru Hargobind Sahib. Historical accounts state that the Guru stayed at the site while returning from Kashmir before proceeding to Amritsar. The shrine is also associated with Bibi Kaulan, who is believed to have accompanied the Guru along with a Sikh congregation during the journey.

According to Davinder Singh Dhillon, editor of the Gurdwara Pedia portal, the site originally consisted of a simple memorial before a grand gurdwara was constructed in 1923 through the efforts of Bhai Mohan Singh Akali (Nihang) with support from Lahore’s Sikh community. Renowned civil engineer Sir Ganga Ram also contributed significantly to its construction.

Spread across around 17 kanals before Partition, the complex included facilities for langar and accommodation for pilgrims and was managed by the local Sikh community under the supervision of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

Historical records state that the shrine housed the original Tharra Sahib, marking the place where Guru Hargobind Sahib rested. The structure featured a prominent dome, marble flooring engraved in Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi, and surrounding verandahs.

The gurdwara suffered extensive damage during the communal violence of Partition in 1947 and remained abandoned after the Sikh population migrated to India. Over the decades, its adjoining sarovar was buried under earth, large portions of its land were allegedly encroached upon, and a private family reportedly occupied the premises, where the grave of a local ‘pir’ was also established within the complex.

The reopening of the restored shrine marks a significant step in preserving Sikh religious heritage in Pakistan and reviving access to an important historic place of worship. (Agencies)