PAK YATRA is a tour operator company providing tour services and facilitates Sikh community from different parts of the world.
Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi at Manak Dist Lahore:
Introduce
Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi at Manak, 45 km from Lahore, is soaked in historical and cultural background. It happens to be one of those sacred places related to Guru Nanak Sahib, the founder of Sikhism. That will reflect the great heritage and the inspiring spiritual journey that has continued since then.
History
The village of Manak is deeply associated with Guru Nanak Sahib and is well-linked with Pajian by a metalled road. On coming from Manga to Pajian, Guru Ji was given a good reception by the villagers, only to ridicule him later. Not being given a warm welcome, Guru Ji decided to stay outside the village. Hence it got the name Pajian for the village, and the surrounding area came to be known as Manak. With time, Manak flourished into a big village.
Importance
Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi is the epitome of communal harmony and religious tolerance. This inter-community concord is manifest in the very fact that local Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus—this being the heir of the age-old unity—present this unity through shared practices such as participating in an annual Visakhi fair with communal eating.
Location
Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi, located 45 kilometres from Lahore on Raiwind Road, is easily accessible. Therefore, people can feel the history and spiritual essence that resides here.
Conservation
The building wonder does not stop here and has its triple stories comprising a Langar Hall, a Prakashasthan, an inn, a foyer, and the Diwan hall. All these are now showing signs of wear and tear because of their age. Magnificent structures that used to be a part of these are now crumbling. The central building collapsed in recent years. There is an immediate preservation required to sustain this cultural jewel.
Architectural Marvel
Even in the existing ruined condition, this architecture of the Gurdwara speaks much for the skill of those times. Within this complex, the Samadhs of Udasi Sadhus and a water tank are existing on the verge of crumbling.
Conclusion
Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi at Manak is much more than a place of worship; it serves as a base for religious unity and cultural heritage. Urgent preservation efforts are required in order to retain its architectural splendour and spiritual value for future generations. The place could be preserved through mutual cooperation and shall continue to inspire and unite.
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References,
Books
“Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan” by Iqbal Qaiser
“Sikh Heritage in Pakistan” by Amardeep Singh
“The Sikh Heritage Beyond Borders” by Dalvir Pannu
Websites
Pakyatra is a portal for discovering Gurdwaras in Pakistan, established by the Sikh community. The contents also provide insight into the history of Sikh Gurdwaras in Pakistan and their relevance to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the nation.