Gurdwara Patthar Sahib
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib is a Sikh gurdwara located near Leh in the union territory of Ladakh, India. The shrine is built around a large boulder associated with traditions connecting the site to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and it is a frequently visited religious and tourist site on the Srinagar–Leh/Leh–Kargil route.
Location and access
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib lies on the Srinagar–Leh highway, roughly 20–25 km from Leh city, at high altitude on the cold desert plateau of Ladakh. It is accessible by road from Leh and is commonly visited by travellers en route to or from Leh.History and legend
The history of Gurdwara Pathar Sahib dates back to 1517 CE, when Guru Nanak is believed to have visited Ladakh during his journey from Sikkim, Nepal, and Tibet to Punjab via Srinagar. According to local folklore, a demon living in the area attempted to kill Guru Nanak by rolling a large boulder down a hill while he was meditating. The rock is said to have softened upon touching Guru Nanak, leaving the impression of his body while he remained unharmed. When the demon struck the stone with his foot, his footprint also became embedded in it. Realizing Guru Nanak’s spiritual power, the demon repented and was forgiven.For centuries, the sacred rock was preserved and venerated by Buddhist Lamas, who referred to Guru Nanak as "Lama Nanak" or "Guru Gompka Maharaj." In the 1970s, during the construction of the Leh–Nimmu road, the boulder resurfaced when efforts to remove it were unsuccessful. Following reports of dreams and local testimonies linking the stone with Guru Nanak, the Indian Army preserved the site and constructed the present-day Gurdwara around it.