Gurhatri and Dharamsala Baba Sri Chand

Importance of Gurhatri and Dharamsala Baba Sri Chand:

Gurhatri and Dharamsala Baba Sri Chand, located in Mohalla Ganj of Peshawar city, holds significant historical and cultural importance as a shrine associated with Guru Nanak Sahib. It is also known as Gurhatri and is revered for its connection to the sacred pair of shoes gifted by Guru Nanak Sahib to a Muslim leather merchant.

Story Behind:

According to historical accounts, Guru Nanak Sahib visited this site during his fifth itinerary. During his visit, a Muslim leather merchant named Abdur Rehman presented Guru Nanak Sahib with a pair of shoes. Touched by this gesture, Guru Nanak Sahib gave his old pair of shoes to Abdur Rehman, which remained with his family for four generations. The shoes were then taken to Hoti Mardan by Rahim Khan and entrusted to Sardar Sant Mota Singh. Eventually, the sacred pair of shoes came into the possession of Bhai Natha, who kept them with love and devotion. In 1934 AD, they were found in the house of Gur Bukhsh Singh.

Baba Sri Chand, the son of Guru Nanak Sahib, constructed a Dharamsala over the site of Abdur Rehman’s shop, which came to be known as Guru Hatri and Dharamsala Baba Sri Chand.

Location:

Gurhatri and Dharamsala Baba Sri Chand is situated in Mohalla Ganj of Peshawar city, Pakistan.

Preservation Efforts:

Efforts have been made to preserve and reconstruct the shrine, as only one door of the sacred place remains standing. The remaining building was demolished and reconstructed, and it now houses a girls’ school.

Architectural Marvel:

The Dharamsala originally constructed by Baba Sri Chand over the site of Abdur Rehman’s shop is considered an architectural marvel. Although much of the original structure has been demolished and reconstructed, it still holds historical significance.

Historical Evolution:

Over the years, Gurhatri and Dharamsala Baba Sri Chand has undergone changes and renovations, reflecting the evolving cultural and religious landscape of the region.

Background:

The background of Gurhatri and Dharamsala Baba Sri Chand is rooted in the visit of Guru Nanak Sahib to this site during his fifth itinerary and the exchange of shoes between Guru Nanak Sahib and Abdur Rehman.

Historical Significance:

Gurhatri and Dharamsala Baba Sri Chand is historically significant as it commemorates the exchange between Guru Nanak Sahib and Abdur Rehman, symbolizing the principles of compassion, unity, and mutual respect transcending religious boundaries. The shrine serves as a reminder of Guru Nanak Sahib’s teachings and his message of universal love and harmony.