# Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Srinagar | Sixth Guru Shrine > Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi in Srinagar commemorates Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji's 1620 visit to Kashmir. A revered Sikh shrine near Hari Parbat Fort. # Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Srinagar Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi, also known as Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi, is a revered Sikh shrine situated in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Positioned near the southern gate of the historic Hari Parbat Fort and on the banks of the Jhelum River close to Dal Lake, this gurdwara is widely regarded as the most significant Sikh place of worship in the Kashmir Valley. The name 'Chhevin Patshahi' translates to 'Sixth Throne' in Punjabi, a direct reference to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs, who is believed to have graced this location with his presence during a historic visit to Kashmir in the summer of 1620 CE. The gurdwara marks the site of the house of Mai Bhagbhari, a devout Sikh woman who had long yearned for the darshan (blessed sight) of the Guru. According to revered historical accounts and Sikh tradition, Guru Hargobind Ji fulfilled her heartfelt wish by visiting her home, blessing the surrounding sangat (congregation) with his teachings and presence. He reportedly remained in Kashmir for nearly three months, conducting congregations, delivering spiritual discourses, and spreading the message of Sikhism throughout the valley. Today, Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi serves as both a spiritual sanctuary and a community service center. The gurdwara operates a free langar (community kitchen) offering daily meals to all visitors without distinction of faith, caste, or background. A medical dispensary affiliated with the Guru Nanak Mission Hospital provides free healthcare services to the local community. The complex also maintains a library of Sikh scriptures and religious literature, and conducts religious education classes that preserve the living tradition of Sikhism in a region far from Punjab. The shrine holds deep political and cultural recognition in Jammu and Kashmir. The state government traditionally observes a gazetted public holiday on the occasion of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji's Parkash Utsav (birthday celebration), making it one of the very few states outside Punjab to formally honor this occasion — a remarkable distinction that underscores the profound reverence the gurdwara commands in the region. An ancient well on the gurdwara premises is believed to have been dug under the personal direction of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji during his stay in Srinagar, and is regarded as a sacred relic that adds to the historical and spiritual aura of the site. Each year, especially during the Parkash Utsav of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and the annual Gurmat Samagam, thousands of Sikh pilgrims and devotees from across India and beyond visit the gurdwara to pay their respects, participate in kirtan (devotional singing), and partake in the community langar. The gurdwara stands as a beacon of Sikh heritage, devout memory, and interfaith harmony in the Kashmir Valley. ## Significance Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi occupies a place of singular spiritual and cultural importance in the Sikh religious landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. As the most significant Sikh shrine in the Kashmir Valley, it functions as the spiritual anchor for the Sikh community residing in and around Srinagar, providing a living link to the foundational events of early Sikh history in the region. The name 'Chhevin Patshahi' — the Sixth Throne — commemorates the direct connection of this site to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who transformed the Sikh community by introducing the dual concept of Miri-Piri and instilling a spirit of courage, resilience, and righteous resistance. By visiting this gurdwara, pilgrims connect with both Guru Hargobind's spiritual authority and the inspiring story of Mai Bhagbhari, whose unwavering devotion has become an enduring symbol of faith in Sikh tradition. Culturally, the gurdwara is a vital center for preserving and promoting Sikh identity in Kashmir, a region geographically distant from the Punjabi heartland of Sikhism. Regular kirtan programs, religious education, and ceremonial observances help sustain the tradition across generations. The Jammu and Kashmir government's recognition of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji's Parkash Utsav as a gazetted public holiday — a distinction unique among non-Punjab states — testifies powerfully to the gurdwara's cultural standing. The gurdwara further embodies the Sikh ideals of sewa (selfless service) and equality through its daily langar and free medical services, welcoming all people without distinction of religion, caste, or background. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Sahib Chatti Patshahi Srinagar, India 14 m away Gurdwara Sahib Chatti Patshahi is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Srinagar, India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib Chatti Patshahi welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji Hari Parbat India 614 m away 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Hari Parbat Fort tim... Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Hari Parbat is one of the most historically significant Sikh shrines in the Kashmir Valley, located on the slopes of Hari Parbat hill — also known as Sharika Hill — in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Perched within the premises of the historic Hari Parbat Fort, this sacred site marks the spot where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is believed to have rested and engaged in spiritual discourse during his visit to the Kashmir Valley around 1517 CE. The gurdwara stands as a living testament to the enduring spiritual legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the region. The hillock, which overlooks the picturesque city of Srinagar and the adjacent Dal Lake, was known in earlier times as Kohimaran — a Kashmiri term meaning 'hill of snakes.' Before the present-day fort existed, the area was inhabited and dotted with temples dedicated to various Hindu deities. Guru Nanak's arrival at this spot transformed it into a spiritually charged site venerated by the Sikh community for centuries. During his visit, Guru Nanak Dev Ji sat at this location and engaged in deep theological discussions with the learned pundits and scholars of the region. His teachings on devotion, universal brotherhood, and the oneness of God left a profound impression on those who gathered. Many of the local inhabitants who witnessed his discourse are believed to have embraced his teachings and become his followers, while retaining their cultural identities — reflecting Guru Nanak's spirit of inclusive spiritual inquiry. The location where Guru Nanak sat was initially consecrated as a 'Thada Sahib' — a raised platform — by Ata Khan, one of the generals serving under Emperor Akbar, as the fort around Hari Parbat was being constructed. Later, Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, visited Srinagar in the company of Emperor Jehangir and formalized the site by constructing a small gurdwara in honor of Guru Nanak's earlier presence. This small gurdwara became a center of Sikh religious life in Srinagar, with regular kirtan and recitation of the Adi Granth attracting even Emperor Jehangir himself. Today, the gurdwara exists within the Hari Parbat Fort complex, accessible to visitors who purchase entry tickets from the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Tourism. The shrine is a place of pilgrimage for Sikh devotees visiting Kashmir, who come to pay their respects and connect with the spiritual heritage of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the Valley. Hari Parbat is a sacred hill that holds religious significance for multiple faiths — Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities all maintain places of worship on or around the hill, making it a unique symbol of Kashmir's syncretic religious tradition. Historical ### Gurudwara Guru Nanak Sahib Hari Parbat Srinagar India 615 m away Fort timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Tuesday... Gurudwara Guru Nanak Sahib, situated on the storied Hari Parbat hill within the precincts of the ancient Hari Parbat Fort in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, is one of the most spiritually charged Sikh shrines in the Kashmir Valley. Also known as Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi — honouring the First Sikh Guru's presence here — this gurdwara marks the sacred spot where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, rested and held spiritual discourses during his third Udasi (journey) in approximately 1517 CE. Hari Parbat, also known as Koh-i-Maran, rises above the western shore of Dal Lake and commands panoramic views of Srinagar city, the Zabarwan Mountains, and the surrounding vale, lending the site a natural grandeur that deepens its spiritual solemnity. Among the most extraordinary aspects of Hari Parbat is that this single hillock shelters sacred places of three great faiths. The slopes of Hari Parbat are home to the Sharika Devi Temple (sacred to Kashmiri Pandits), the dargah of the revered Muslim saint Makhdoom Sahib, and the Sikh Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib — a living testament to Kashmir's historic tradition of pluralism and inter-faith harmony. This multi-faith co-existence makes the hill one of the most remarkable religious landscapes in the Indian subcontinent. The gurdwara today occupies a modest structure within the fort complex. Despite its unassuming size, the site draws Sikh pilgrims from across India and the global Sikh diaspora who come to connect with the memory of Guru Nanak's presence in Kashmir. Visitors must obtain entry permits from the Jammu & Kashmir Department of Tourism at the fort's main gate before ascending to the shrine, and navigating to the gurdwara within the fort typically requires a local guide. A CRPF detachment is stationed at the site, reflecting the gurdwara's sensitive location in the Kashmir Valley. The broader Hari Parbat Fort complex is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The nearest prominent Sikh shrine is Gurdwara Chhati Patshahi, approximately 3 kilometres away, which is the most well-known and maintained Sikh gurdwara in Srinagar and the recommended point of contact for pilgrims seeking information before visiting Hari Parbat. For pilgrims and travellers alike, a visit to Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib at Hari Parbat is not merely a spiritual journey — it is an encounter with one of the oldest living intersections of faith, history, and Kashmiri culture. The gurdwara's continued existence within the fort, even in its present condition, serves as an enduring reminder of Guru Nanak's transformative passage through the Kashmir Valley over five centuries ago. Historical ### Gurudwara Shaheed Bungha Baghat E Barzulla India 7.0 km away Open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to... Gurudwara Shaheed Bungha Baghat e Barzulla is a historically resonant Sikh shrine situated in the Baghat-Barzulla neighbourhood of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The gurdwara derives its name from two deeply significant Sikh concepts: 'Shaheed' (martyr), honouring those who sacrificed their lives for their faith, and 'Bungha' (a traditional rest house or dwelling historically associated with Sikh misls and prominent families), together evoking a place of both sacred remembrance and community refuge. Positioned at coordinates 34.04198°N, 74.8024°E in the verdant Barzulla locality along the western fringes of Srinagar, the gurdwara commands a serene setting amid the dramatic backdrop of the Kashmir Valley. The gurdwara serves as one of the primary centres of Sikh worship and congregation in Srinagar, a city that holds deep historical connections with the Sikh faith. Kashmir was visited by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, during his travels, and the valley's Sikh community has maintained an unbroken spiritual presence here for centuries. Gurudwara Shaheed Bungha Baghat e Barzulla stands as a living testament to this enduring legacy, offering daily prayers, kirtan (devotional hymn-singing), and langar (community kitchen) to all visitors irrespective of religion, caste, or creed. The gurdwara is an active place of worship managed by the local Sikh sangat (congregation), which organises religious observances in accordance with the Sikh calendar, including celebrations of Gurpurabs (anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus) and other significant events. It provides an essential spiritual anchor for the Sikh community of Srinagar, which, though a minority in the predominantly Muslim valley, has coexisted with other communities for generations and contributed meaningfully to the social, commercial, and cultural life of the region. Beyond its religious functions, the gurdwara plays an important social role, extending humanitarian services and support to the broader community. The langar hall operates daily, providing free meals to all who visit — a cornerstone principle of Sikh philosophy enshrined by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. During periods of communal hardship, including the turbulent decades of the 1990s insurgency in Kashmir, gurdwaras such as this one are believed to have served as places of solace and community solidarity. The Baghat-Barzulla area of Srinagar is a well-connected urban locality, making the gurdwara accessible to both local residents and pilgrims travelling from across India. Community ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi is deeply rooted in the life and sacred travels of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (1595–1644 CE), the sixth Guru of the Sikhs and the son of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru and compiler of the Adi Granth. Guru Hargobind is celebrated for introducing the doctrine of Miri-Piri — symbolized by two swords representing temporal and spiritual authority respectively — which fundamentally transformed the character of the Sikh community and laid the foundation for its martial tradition. The site is also believed to have been associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, who is said to have visited this location during his own travels through the Kashmir Valley centuries before Guru Hargobind's visit. This layered connection to two Sikh Gurus amplifies the historical sanctity of the site considerably. In the summer of 1620 CE, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji embarked on an extended spiritual journey to the Kashmir Valley. Kashmir had long held Sikh connections: a Manji (seat of Sikh missionary activity) had been established in the region during the time of Guru Amar Das Ji, the third Sikh Guru, with Sewa Das serving as the contemporary masand (local custodian of the mission). At Srinagar, a devoted Sikh woman named Mai Bhagbhari had ardently longed for the Guru's darshan for many years. Moved by the depth of her devotion, Guru Hargobind Ji visited her home — the location that today enshrines this gurdwara. During his approximately three-month stay, Guru Hargobind Ji held regular congregations, expounded Sikh teachings, and supervised the last rites of Mai Bhagbhari herself after she passed, immortalizing her devotion in Sikh historical memory. The Guru taught that the Guru's spiritual and material treasury exists for the benevolence of the poor — a message powerfully embodied by the gurdwara's ongoing langar tradition. During this same visit, Guru Hargobind Ji is believed to have built a shrine at Hariparbat and appointed Bhai Sewa Das as its custodian, instructing him to reside there and preach the true faith. The ancient well on the gurdwara premises is traditionally attributed to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, believed to have been dug under his personal instructions to serve the spiritual and practical needs of the Sikh community in Srinagar. The current gurdwara structure is believed to have been built and renovated over several centuries following these foundational visits, though precise records of each construction phase are not fully documented. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central rectangular prayer hall housing the sanctum sanctorum where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed. The sanctum is positioned at the center of the hall, with white-washed walls, a prominent dome overhead, and ornamental detailing in keeping with classical Sikh architectural tradition. ### Sacred Well (Khooh Sahib) Historical Relic An ancient well on the gurdwara premises believed to have been dug under the personal direction of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji during his 1620 CE visit to Srinagar. Regarded as a sacred relic and one of the most historically distinctive physical elements of the complex. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen A dedicated hall for the preparation and serving of free community meals (langar) to all visitors without distinction. The langar hall operates daily and is central to the gurdwara's mission of sewa (selfless service) and equality. ### Front Terrace Congregational Space A spacious open terrace extending in front of the main prayer hall, providing outdoor space for large congregations, religious processions, and community gatherings during major festivals and Gurpurabs. ### Pilgrim Accommodation Dharamshala (Rest House) Accommodation facilities within the gurdwara complex available to visiting Sikh pilgrims and other devotees. The dharamshala provides basic lodging to enable extended stays for pilgrims traveling from outside Kashmir. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering mandatory for all visitors; shoes must be removed before entering the premises; modest and respectful attire required ### Photography Photography may be permitted in outer areas; refrain from photography inside the darbar sahib out of respect; confirm current guidelines with gurdwara staff ### Etiquette Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering; smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited on premises; maintain silence and reverence in the darbar sahib; donations are welcome but not obligatory ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall is believed to accommodate several hundred visitors per sitting; exact capacity not publicly documented Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi features classical Sikh architectural design thoughtfully situated within Srinagar's historic built environment. The main prayer hall is rectangular in plan, with the sanctum sanctorum (darbar sahib) positioned at its center, housing the sacred Guru Granth Sahib Ji in continuous reverence. A spacious terrace extends in front of the main hall, providing an open-air gathering space for congregations and large religious events. The structure is characterized by white-washed walls, ornamental detailing, and a prominent dome rising over the prayer hall — hallmarks of traditional gurdwara design. One of the most historically distinctive features of the complex is an ancient well on the premises, believed to have been dug under the direct instructions of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji during his 1620 CE visit. This well is treated as a sacred relic and is an enduring physical marker of the Guru's sojourn. The gurdwara complex additionally encompasses a langar hall for community meals, accommodation facilities for visiting pilgrims, a medical dispensary, and a library. The setting — adjacent to the Hari Parbat Fort, close to the Jhelum River, and within proximity of Dal Lake — lends the site a scenic and historically evocative character that distinguishes it among Sikh shrines in northern India. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central rectangular prayer hall housing the sanctum sanctorum where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed. The sanctum is positioned at the center of the hall, with white-washed walls, a prominent dome overhead, and ornamental detailing in keeping with classical Sikh architectural tradition. ### Sacred Well (Khooh Sahib) Historical Relic An ancient well on the gurdwara premises believed to have been dug under the personal direction of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji during his 1620 CE visit to Srinagar. Regarded as a sacred relic and one of the most historically distinctive physical elements of the complex. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen A dedicated hall for the preparation and serving of free community meals (langar) to all visitors without distinction. The langar hall operates daily and is central to the gurdwara's mission of sewa (selfless service) and equality. ### Front Terrace Congregational Space A spacious open terrace extending in front of the main prayer hall, providing outdoor space for large congregations, religious processions, and community gatherings during major festivals and Gurpurabs. ### Pilgrim Accommodation Dharamshala (Rest House) Accommodation facilities within the gurdwara complex available to visiting Sikh pilgrims and other devotees. The dharamshala provides basic lodging to enable extended stays for pilgrims traveling from outside Kashmir. ## Events & Celebrations ### Gurpurab (Religious Celebration) #### Parkash Utsav of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji The annual celebration of the birth anniversary (Parkash Utsav) of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji is the most important event at the gurdwara. Extended kirtan (devotional singing), path (scripture reading), processions, and enhanced langar are organized. The Jammu and Kashmir government observes a gazetted public holiday on this occasion. #### Parkash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev Ji The birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is celebrated with special congregations, kirtan, and langar. Given the gurdwara's believed connection to Guru Nanak Dev Ji's own visit to Kashmir, this Gurpurab holds additional significance at this shrine. ### Religious Congregation #### Annual Gurmat Samagam The annual Gurmat Samagam is a major congregation held at the gurdwara, typically in January, attracting large numbers of devotees from across Kashmir and beyond. The event features continuous kirtan, religious discourses (katha), and community langar over multiple days. ### Sikh Festival #### Baisakhi Celebration Baisakhi, commemorating the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, is celebrated annually at the gurdwara with special prayers, kirtan programs, and community langar. It is an important occasion for the Sikh community of Srinagar. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### General 'Chhevin Patshahi' is a Punjabi phrase meaning 'Sixth Throne' or 'Sixth Reign,' referring to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs. Gurdwaras bearing this name are associated with sacred sites visited or connected to the sixth Guru. ### History The gurdwara marks the site of the house of Mai Bhagbhari, a devoted Sikh woman whom Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji visited during his approximately three-month stay in Srinagar in the summer of 1620 CE. It is one of the most important Sikh pilgrimage sites in the Kashmir Valley and is believed to have also been visited by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. ### Visitor Information Yes, entry to Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi is free for all visitors. The gurdwara also offers free langar (community meals) and free medical services to all without distinction of religion or background. All visitors must cover their heads before entering the gurdwara premises. Shoes must be removed at the entrance. Modest, respectful attire is required. Head coverings (scarves or rumals) are typically available at the gurdwara entrance for those who do not have one. The gurdwara can be visited year-round. The most spiritually vibrant time is during the Parkash Utsav (birthday) of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and during the annual Gurmat Samagam event (typically held in January), when large numbers of pilgrims gather and extended religious programs are held. ### Significance Yes. The Jammu and Kashmir government traditionally observes a gazetted public holiday on the occasion of the Parkash Utsav of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, making it one of the few states outside Punjab to grant an official holiday for this observance — a recognition of the profound significance of Guru Hargobind's legacy in the region. ### Facilities The gurdwara offers free langar (community meals) daily, a free medical dispensary (affiliated with the Guru Nanak Mission Hospital), a library of Sikh scriptures and religious literature, religious education classes, and accommodation facilities for visiting pilgrims. 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