Spirituality and belief are the threads that weave people together into the cloth of humanity. Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, nestled in the Himalayas, situated on the mystic land of Ladakh, is that thread that binds the people of Ladakh into one. For it carries a belief of the people residing in the heavenly lap of the Himalayas. However, belief is not a fickle sentiment built on wavering stories; belief is a pillar with a legend in its base. And that is the legend of Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, the legend of “the revered rock”, and the legend of “Shri Guru Nanak Ji” Himself.
Emergence Of Gurdwara Pathar Sahib
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Where now the revered Gurdwara Pathar Sahib stands once stood debris and road rollers for the construction of the Leh Nimmu Road in the 1970s. However, little did everybody know what legend the place held beyond its folds. Lamas found a huge boulder covered with thousands of Tibetan flags during the road construction. Initially considered a regular rock, the construction tried to destroy the rock using their machinery. However, the road roller stopped in front of the sacred rock. The adamant driver tried their force again in front of the holy boulder.
However, this time, the machinery broke entirely before the sacred rock’s power. Same night a dream cautioned the driver not to dislocate the holy boulder. When he narrated the dream to an army officer. The army officer advised him not to believe in any of these and to continue with the construction. The next day, when all efforts to destroy the boulder failed, the army officers decided to blow the boulder as a last resort. Later, the army officer had the same dream as the driver, telling him not to move the boulder.
Moreover, the army officer did not hear the voice, so they proceeded with the construction. When the army officers went to greet the Lamas and the Ladakhi of the region, they unfolded the legend of the vast boulder covered in sacred Tibetan flags.
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Legend Of Gurdwara Pathar Sahib
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Ladakh is a land of tales that weave the lifestyle of the people living in this magical land of Ladakh. Every corner of this home of the Himalayas breathes with antiquity, an antiquity severed by the ties of belief. One such legend is the legend of Gurdwara Pathar Sahib – The home of the revered rock. The legend goes back to 1517 when Shri Guru Nanak Ji returned to Panjab through Srinagar after travelling to Sikkim, Nepal, and Tibet. He rested at this particular place. For the locals, it is the legend of their very own Nanak Lama, it is believed that at that time, there lived a wicked demon, who was feared by the locals. To be freed from the terror of the vicious demon, the locals prayed. Their prayers were answered in the form of Shri Guru Nanak Ji. Guru Nanak Ji settled on the banks of the river where the feared demon lived. Shri Guru Nanak Ji was revered as Nanak Lama by the locals.
The growing popularity of Shri Guru Nanak Ji with his sermons enraged the demon. One day, when Shri Guru Nanak Ji was deep in meditation, the demon decided to kill and end his growing popularity once and for all. He took the huge boulder and threw it at Shri Guru Nanak Ji, as the boulder touched the very skin of Shri Guru Nanak Ji it melted into warm wax. Assuming Guru Nanak to be dead, the demon was shocked to find Him alive. He pushed the rock with his foot, but as the rock had melted into warm wax, his foot created an imprint on the rock. Watching this miracle happen right before their eyes, the demon apologised profusely to Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak Ji forgave him and opened his eyes to a new way of life where he had to let go of his wickedness and live by the true meaning of life – Humanity.
The demon and the legend of Nanak Lama impacted the army officers, so now Gurdwara Pathar Sahib stands on the land where the huge boulder was found. The boulder is now worshipped at Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, which is maintained and kept by the army officers. The front part of the boulder imprints Guru Nanak Ji Himself, while the back part features the foot of the demon vanquished by Nanak Lama.
Places To Visit Near Gurdwara Pathar Sahib
The best time to visit the sacred grounds of Gurdwara Pathar Sahib is from May to September, when the skies are clear and the weather is pleasant with moderate temperatures. Don’t forget to explore the below nearby places
1. Magnetic Hill
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Located at about 14000 feet, Magnetic Hill, with its magnificent view of the mountains and the Sindhu River adorning the place, offers yet another mystery for visitors. Magnetic Hill, famously known as the gravity-defying hill, is not only known for the high amount of magnetic radiation in the area but also for the phenomena where the vehicles ascend uphill rather than downhill if parked in a white box, as mentioned on the boards. Though many explanations and theories have been provided to explain these somewhat unnatural phenomena, no theory has defined them.
As the researchers have suggested, though a considerable amount of magnetic radiation is found in the area, it is not enough to accelerate the vehicles uphill. However, the locals believe that the path is the way to heaven, and heaven pulls the pure souls to themselves. Yet another theory points out that this unnatural phenomenon is natural after all, as the vehicles are ascending but descending. However, the surrounding hills create an illusion of uphill while it is downhill.
Charges – None
Timings All Day
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2. Nubra Valley
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Located across the highest motorable road, Khardung la, lies the serene Nubra Valley, with the glorious snow-capped mountains guarding the place with all their might. Famously known as the Orchard of Ladakh, Nubra Valley consists of prime farmlands, and with a landscape resonating with the moon, it is rightly acclaimed as the Moonland. Another mesmerising feature of this valley is the cold desert sandwiched between Diksit and Hundur, with two-humped Bactrian Camels as the only mode of transport in this wilderness of the Himalayas.
The scenic and vast beauty of the Nubra Valley registers itself in ancient history as a significant spot on the historic Silk Route. However, the region still plays its part by producing Pashmina wool, fruits like apricots, apples, and almonds, and crops like wheat and barley. The Nubra Valley is also famed for housing the exquisite Diskit Monastery and Hunder Monastery.
Charges – None
Timings All Day
3. Yargon Tungshak Festival
It is the time of February when this quaint Nubra Valley breathes into life itself when the valley brims with heartfelt, vibrant folk music and the rhythm of the traditional Cham dances. The time when the valley dances to the tune of the Yargon Tungshak Festival or the winter festival of Ladakh. All the cham dances are accompanied by Tibetan chants, however this festival is accompanied by both Sanskrit and Tibetan mantras. In this traditional festival, about 20 performers sway to the magically gifted traditional instruments. The dances are a way of storytelling in the traditional Ladakhi culture.
The essence of this festival lies in the belief that good always conquers evil. Along with the magical tunes and beats and an enchanting story depicted through the dances, the festival hosts an excellent feast for the locals and the visitors, with traditional Ladakhi dishes such as skyu, momo, Thukpa, and Gur Gur chai.
Charges – None
Timings All Day
Related Post: Magnetic Hill In Ladakh
4. Diskit Monastery
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Famed for possessing the Cho Rinpoche or the Crowned Buddha, Diskit Monastery Hundur Monastery and Lachung Temple lay in the serene and chaste Nubra Valley with rivers running along the valley. Diskit Monastery is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the Nubra Valley of Leh. Diskit Monastery, with its elaborate structure and marvellous construction, overlooking the frolic Shyok River, is a storehouse of not only Tibetan and Mongolian texts but also houses an ancient Mongolian belief that is still believed to be inside the sacred walls of the monastery.
It is believed that an ancient anti-Buddhist demon was to live beneath the grounds of this ancient monastery. The demon was thought to have been killed and resurrected many times on the premises of the sacred monastery. The wrinkled head and hand remain within this chaste arena’s walls.
Charges – Rs 30 per person
Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
5. Deskit Gustor Festival
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Deskit Gustor Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Nubra Valley on the premises of the Diskit Monastery. It mixes spirituality with the vibrant culture of Ladakh.
During this time, the valley dances to the beats of ancient mantras with elaborate masks and magical music. The festival ends with the burning of an effigy of evil.
Charges: none
Timings: held in October
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Ladakh is the home of culture backed up by the purity of the glorious Himalayas, and Gurdwara Pathar Sahib mingles effortlessly with the spirit of Ladakh. In the vicinity of magical destinations like the confluence of the Zanskar River with the massive Indus River, the essence of Gurdwara Pathar Sahib is enhanced more. Experience the magic of the mystic land where Gurdwara Pathar Sahib stands by booking your trip to Ladakh.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gurdwara Pathar Sahib
How far is Leh from Gurdwara Pathar Sahib?
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib stands at a distance of about 15 km from the vibrant city of Leh in Ladakh on the Leh Srinagar Road on the way to Kargil.
Why is Gurdwara Pathar Sahib famous?
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, constructed in honour of Shri Guru Nanak Ji, possesses the boulder with the imprint of Shri Guru Nanak Ji Himself.
What is the altitude of Gurdwara Pathar Sahib?
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib stands at an altitude of 11,562 feet above sea level on the Leh Srinagar Road. It is slightly lower in height from Gurdwara Hemkund Sahib, the highest gurudwara in the world, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
What is the time of Pathar Sahib Langar?
Langar in Gurdwara Pathar Sahib starts at 8 am and lasts for about 2-3 hours. We will recommend you to take some time during your visit to sit and have the divine prasad at the Gurdwara.
How do I go to Nubra Valley from Leh?
To reach the Nubra Valley from Leh one must traverse through the highest motorable pass Khardung La. It is about a 5-hour minute ride or about 160 km through Khardung La Road.
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