# Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib, Gujarat — a 200-year-old Sikh shrine where Guru Nanak stayed before his voyage to Mecca. UNESCO heritage award winner. ![Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Lakhpat%20Gurdwara%202014-01-27%2013-07.jpg&w=1200) Historical national # Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib, formally known as Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi (meaning "Gurdwara of The First Master"), is one of the most historically significant Sikh shrines in western India. Situated within the ancient fortified walls of Lakhpat Fort in the Kutch district of Gujarat, this sacred site commemorates the visits of Guru Nanak Dev Ji — the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus — during his missionary journeys (Udasis) in the early sixteenth century. The gurdwara sits approximately 135 kilometres northwest of Bhuj, near the India-Pakistan border at the edge of the Great Rann of Kutch. The town of Lakhpat, once a flourishing maritime port known as "Basta Bander," was at the height of its commercial prosperity when Guru Nanak passed through during his second (1506–1513) and fourth (1519–1521) Udasis on his way to Mecca. So great was the town's wealth that it earned the name "Lakhpat" — meaning "lord of one lakh," referring to daily earnings exceeding one lakh cories. Lakhpat thus served as Guru Nanak's last stop on Indian soil before his sea voyage toward Arabia, lending the gurdwara an extraordinary spiritual dimension as a symbol of the Guru's universalism and interfaith outreach. Today, the gurdwara is a cherished pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from across Gujarat and beyond. It draws not only Sikh devotees but also Hindu pilgrims, heritage tourists, and photography enthusiasts, reflecting the site's composite cultural legacy. The gurdwara preserves some of the most revered Guru Nanak relics found anywhere in India, including the Guru's wooden footwear (Charan Paduka/Khadvas), a wooden palanquin (palki) associated with Baba Sri Chand, and an early handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib — all displayed in sealed glass cases within the inner sanctum. The gurdwara is a State Protected Monument (S-GJ-65) under the Gujarat Department of Archaeology and gained international recognition in 2004 when it received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Award of Distinction for its exemplary post-earthquake restoration. The town of Lakhpat itself is today largely a ghost town — having never recovered from the devastating 1819 Allah Bunder earthquake that silted its harbour — but the gurdwara remains very much alive as a vibrant centre of worship and community service. Managed by the Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Singh Sabha of Gandhidham since the 1990s, the shrine offers free entry, langar (community meals), and pilgrim accommodation. Visitors can explore beautifully restored interiors featuring carved wooden columns, decorated gateways, and historically significant Gurmukhi larivaar-script graffiti inscribed by nineteenth-century Sikh pilgrims — tangible evidence of centuries of unbroken devotion at this westernmost Sikh sacred site in India. ## Significance Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib occupies a unique place in the Sikh spiritual landscape as the site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji rested before his historic sea voyage to Mecca. This association embodies Guru Nanak's foundational teaching that the divine truth transcends all religious boundaries — making the gurdwara not merely a Sikh pilgrimage destination, but a symbol of interfaith harmony and universal spirituality revered across religious communities. The gurdwara houses some of the most venerated Guru Nanak relics preserved anywhere in India. These sacred objects — displayed in glass cases alongside the Guru Granth Sahib — include the Charan Paduka (the Guru's wooden sandals/Khadvas), the sandals of Baba Sri Chand, a carved wooden palanquin (palki) believed to have been brought by Baba Sri Chand, an early nineteenth-century handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, and old manuscripts in Gurmukhi and Sindhi scripts. Thousands of devotees come annually to seek darshan of these precious relics. The site's founding story — a Hindu family preserving a Sikh sacred space for generations before formally handing it to the Sikh community — reflects the deep syncretic traditions of the Kutch-Sindh region. The Udasi connection further enriches its spiritual pedigree, linking it to an ancient tradition that bridges Sikhism and ascetic spirituality. The gurdwara also carries national significance: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally addressed Gurpurab celebrations here, and its UNESCO conservation award affirms its standing as a heritage monument of global cultural value. ## Detailed History The story of Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib begins with the visits of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, during his missionary journeys in the early sixteenth century. During his second Udasi (1506–1513) and fourth Udasi (1519–1521), Guru Nanak passed through Lakhpat — then a thriving port city of the Kutch-Sind coast — on his way to Mecca and Medina. He stayed at the home of a devout Sindhi Hindu family, who received him with great reverence. After the Guru's departure, the family preserved the residence exactly as it had been during his stay, treating it as sacred ground. Baba Sri Chand, Guru Nanak's elder son and founder of the Udasi ascetic order, is traditionally said to have subsequently visited the site and brought the Guru's personal palanquin (palki), further sanctifying the location. The site thereafter became a Tikana (seat) of the Udasi sect. The formal structure of the gurdwara was built in the early nineteenth century by descendants of the original host family, in the characteristic style of a Udasi dera. For much of its history, the site was administered by the Udasi order, which maintained it as a place of spiritual pilgrimage. The gurdwara passed into active Sikh community management in the 1990s, when the Sindhi family formally transferred custody to the Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Singh Sabha of Gandhidham. The gurdwara's modern history has been shaped by natural disasters and remarkable resilience. A severe cyclone in 1998 damaged parts of the structure. Far more devastating was the catastrophic Bhuj earthquake of January 26, 2001, which killed over 20,000 people across Kutch and severely damaged the approximately 200-year-old gurdwara complex. The Gujarat government, under then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi, made its restoration a priority. Skilled artisans from Rajasthan were brought in to rebuild the structure using period-appropriate materials and traditional techniques, preserving its original character in exact form. The restoration, completed between February and September 2003, was a joint effort involving the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Gujarat State Department of Archaeology, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Volunteers (UNV). In 2004, the restored gurdwara received the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Award of Distinction, with UNESCO specifically praising the project's "sophisticated holistic understanding of both the technical and social aspects of conservation" and its emphasis on community involvement. Historic Gurmukhi larivaar-script graffiti inscribed by nineteenth-century Sikh pilgrims recording details of their journeys was carefully preserved during the restoration, serving as a living archive of the site's centuries-long pilgrimage heritage. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Inner Sanctum) prayer_hall The central prayer hall housing the Guru Granth Sahib and the sacred relics of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, including the Charan Paduka (wooden sandals), the palki, and Baba Sri Chand's sandals — all displayed in sealed glass cases. The walls of the darbar sahib feature floral paintings and historic Gurmukhi larivaar-script pilgrim graffiti preserved from the nineteenth century. ### Western Gateway (Darwaza) entrance The architectural centrepiece of the gurdwara complex — a two-storey gateway on the western side featuring massive carved and painted wooden doors set within a large pointed arch. The gateway is richly decorated with carved and painted panels and represents the finest craftsmanship of the Udasi dera tradition. ### Nagar Khana tower The ceremonial drum hall located at the outer enclosure of the gurdwara. The Nagar Khana houses the traditional nagara (large ceremonial drum) and marks the formal entrance to the sacred complex, announcing the beginning and end of important prayers and ceremonies. ### Sarovar (Sacred Tank) sarovar A sarovar (sacred water tank) built within the gurdwara premises to honour Guru Nanak's visit. The complex also features a sacred well with sweet water. Bathing in or taking water from a sarovar is considered spiritually purifying in the Sikh tradition. ### Langar Hall and Yatri Niwas langar_hall The langar hall provides free community meals to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background — a cornerstone of Sikh hospitality. Adjacent to it is the Yatri Niwas (pilgrims' lodge), which offers comfortable accommodation at nominal charges for devotees travelling to this remote sacred site. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering mandatory at all times (scarves/rumaals available at entrance). Remove footwear and socks before entering. Full-length trousers required; entry may be denied for shorts or three-quarter pants. Modest, respectful clothing expected. ### Photography General photography of the gurdwara complex and fort is permitted. Photography of sacred relics inside the inner sanctum should be done respectfully and with permission from the granthi. ### Etiquette Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering. Maintain silence and a reverent demeanour in the darbar sahib. Tobacco, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited on the premises. Participate in langar with humility. Seek permission before photographing sacred relics. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall accommodates sizeable congregations; capacity is not formally specified, but the facility is well-equipped to serve hundreds of pilgrims during peak Gurpurab celebrations. Seating Capacity ## Architecture Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib is built in the style of a traditional Udasi dera, reflecting the syncretic architectural heritage of the Kutch-Sind region. The complex is constructed primarily from local limestone using lime mortar with lime-plastered exteriors. The spatial layout follows a classical progression: from an outer enclosure housing the Nagar Khana (ceremonial drum hall), through an open courtyard, to a verandah with intricately carved wooden columns, and finally to the inner sanctum (darbar sahib) enshrining the Guru Granth Sahib and sacred relics. The two-storey western gateway is the architectural centrepiece, featuring massive carved and painted wooden doors set within a large pointed arch. Walls are adorned with decorative carved motifs of elephants, flowers, and figurative forms. Floral paintings, depictions of ships, and portraits of royal personages embellish internal and external surfaces. Pierced jali (lattice) galleries provide decorative screening on the exterior. The premises also include a sacred well with sweet water and a sarovar (holy tank). Nineteenth-century Gurmukhi larivaar-script pilgrim graffiti is preserved on interior walls, adding a living archival dimension. The langar hall and yatri niwas (pilgrims' lodge) are integral functional components of the complex. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Inner Sanctum) prayer_hall The central prayer hall housing the Guru Granth Sahib and the sacred relics of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, including the Charan Paduka (wooden sandals), the palki, and Baba Sri Chand's sandals — all displayed in sealed glass cases. The walls of the darbar sahib feature floral paintings and historic Gurmukhi larivaar-script pilgrim graffiti preserved from the nineteenth century. ### Western Gateway (Darwaza) entrance The architectural centrepiece of the gurdwara complex — a two-storey gateway on the western side featuring massive carved and painted wooden doors set within a large pointed arch. The gateway is richly decorated with carved and painted panels and represents the finest craftsmanship of the Udasi dera tradition. ### Nagar Khana tower The ceremonial drum hall located at the outer enclosure of the gurdwara. The Nagar Khana houses the traditional nagara (large ceremonial drum) and marks the formal entrance to the sacred complex, announcing the beginning and end of important prayers and ceremonies. ### Sarovar (Sacred Tank) sarovar A sarovar (sacred water tank) built within the gurdwara premises to honour Guru Nanak's visit. The complex also features a sacred well with sweet water. Bathing in or taking water from a sarovar is considered spiritually purifying in the Sikh tradition. ### Langar Hall and Yatri Niwas langar_hall The langar hall provides free community meals to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background — a cornerstone of Sikh hospitality. Adjacent to it is the Yatri Niwas (pilgrims' lodge), which offers comfortable accommodation at nominal charges for devotees travelling to this remote sacred site. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab (Guru Nanak Jayanti) The most significant annual celebration at Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib, held over multiple days (typically spanning three days) around the full moon in the Kartik month (October–November). The Sikh Sangat of Gujarat gathers in large numbers for akhand path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, langar, and special ardas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally addressed Gurpurab celebrations at this gurdwara, underscoring its national importance. Large congregations of pilgrims travel from across Gujarat and beyond. #### Gurpurab of Baba Sri Chand Ji Given the strong Udasi tradition at Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib — Baba Sri Chand (Guru Nanak's son and founder of the Udasi order) is believed to have visited and brought the Guru's palki to the site — his Gurpurab holds special significance here. The occasion is observed with devotional prayers and remembrance of the Udasi heritage of the gurdwara. ### festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated on April 13 or 14 each year, Baisakhi marks the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. At Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib, the day is observed with special prayers, kirtan, and langar. Nagar Kirtan (procession) may be organised by the local Sikh sangat. #### Hola Mohalla Celebrated the day after Holi (February–March), Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival instituted by Guru Gobind Singh Ji for martial arts demonstrations and spiritual gatherings. The gurdwara organises prayers, kirtan, and community langar on this occasion. ### historical #### Maghi (Shaheedi Jor Mela) Observed in January, Maghi commemorates the martyrdom of the Chali Mukte (Forty Liberated Ones) and is observed at all Sikh gurdwaras with special prayers, akhand path, and langar. At Lakhpat, this occasion draws local Sikh congregants for collective worship. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib is open daily. The Lakhpat Fort, within which the gurdwara is located, is generally accessible from approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The gurdwara itself follows standard Sikh practice with prayers beginning at early morning and continuing through evening Rehras. Langar (free community meals) is served throughout the day. It is advisable to arrive before 5:00 PM to allow sufficient time to explore both the gurdwara and the fort complex. Yes, the gurdwara has a Yatri Niwas (pilgrims' lodge) that offers rooms at nominal charges. The facilities are described as comfortable. To arrange accommodation, contact Granthi Sahib Bhai Sukhchain Singh at +91 99096 06367 or the management committee at +91 98790 22069 in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons and Gurpurab celebrations when demand is high. Visitors must cover their head at all times within the gurdwara premises (head scarves are available at the entrance). Footwear and socks must be removed before entering. Full-length trousers are required; entry may be denied for shorts or three-quarter pants. Modest clothing is expected. Tobacco, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited. Bow respectfully before the Guru Granth Sahib and maintain a reverent demeanour in the darbar sahib. ### history Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib, also known as Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi, commemorates the visits of Guru Nanak Dev Ji during his second (1506–1513) and fourth (1519–1521) Udasis (missionary journeys). Guru Nanak stayed here at the home of a Sindhi Hindu family on his way to Mecca. That family preserved the site as sacred for generations, and it later became a seat of the Udasi sect. The formal gurdwara structure was built in the early 19th century. It was severely damaged in the 2001 Bhuj earthquake and was subsequently restored with support from the Gujarat government, ASI, and UNDP, earning a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Award of Distinction in 2004. Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib preserves some of the most revered Guru Nanak relics in India. These include the Charan Paduka (Guru Nanak's wooden sandals/Khadvas), the wooden sandals of Baba Sri Chand (Guru Nanak's son), a carved wooden palanquin (palki) believed to have been brought by Baba Sri Chand, an early 19th-century handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, and old manuscripts in Gurmukhi and Sindhi scripts. All relics are enshrined in sealed glass cases within the inner sanctum alongside the Guru Granth Sahib. Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib is deeply significant because it marks the last place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji stayed on Indian soil before embarking on his sea voyage to Mecca. This journey symbolised Guru Nanak's universalist spirituality and his message that truth transcends all religious boundaries. The gurdwara also preserves exceptionally rare personal relics of the Guru, making it one of the most spiritually important Sikh sites in western India. In 2004, Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Award of Distinction for Cultural Heritage Conservation. This award recognised the exemplary restoration of the gurdwara following its severe damage in the 2001 Bhuj earthquake. UNESCO specifically praised the project's sophisticated approach to conservation — using traditional materials and skilled artisans — and its emphasis on community involvement in the restoration process. ### transport The nearest airport is Bhuj (approximately 135 km away), which has flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. From Bhuj, hire a private taxi for a 2.5–3 hour drive to Lakhpat via Nakhatrana. GSRTC state buses also run from Bhuj to Lakhpat, though the journey can take over 5 hours. There is no railway station in Lakhpat; the nearest railhead is Bhuj. A private taxi or self-drive rental from Bhuj is the most convenient option for visiting the gurdwara. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Lakhpat Gurdwara Sahib Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit