Information of Gurdwara Lakhpat Sahib, Kutch, Gujarat

Lakhpat Sahib is a famous gurudwara, situated in Lakhpat city of Kutch district in Gujarat. It is crammed by thousands of devotees every year. Lakhpat city was a wealthy harbour in former period and it boasts relationship with various protuberant gurus who belong to Sikh communities. Sikhs created various gurudwaras in this city and one of the most popular among them is Lakhpat Sahib. It is dedicated to prevalent Sikh deity Guru Nanak.

Gurdwara Lakhpat Sahib Religious Significance

Lakhpat Sahib is associated with the oldest and largest order to Sikhism which is termed as Udasi Group. Udasi Group served as the concierge of this gurudwara for long period of time. Afterwards, Sikh commission of neighbouring gurudwaras had taken the liability of maintaining this place. They also organised various religious events and programs in order to maintain the essence of harmony and cultural diversity.

Lakhpat Sahib was also supported by big refurbishment plan which was finished in the year 2003. The plan was major collaborator in the procedure of preservation of historical and symbolical religious places such as Lakhpat Sahib itself. The gurudwara also gained an honour from UNESCO in relation with various Indian organisations for putting such vital step towards restoration and conservation of various other gurudwaras which was demolished throughout natural disasters. At present, Lakhpat Sahib stands resolutely and serves as a religious centre for Sikhs.

There is a myth regarding this gurudwara that, Guru Nanak, the first among ten Sikh gurus have visited the site throughout his trip to Mecca. Hence, Lakhpat Sahib was created in order to give honour to the visit. However, this information is never accurately revised. In Lakhpat Sahib, there is wooden sandals of Shri Guru Nanak which is revered by Sikh devotees.

Gurdwara Lakhpat Sahib Mythology

Lakhpat Sahib gurudwara has stood impressively in Lakhpat since 1800s. Many supporters of Sikhism gathered in Lakhpat city and ultimately settled there. After the partition of India, significant amount of Sindhi people migrated and settled in the core of the city. These Sindhi people were dedicated to the service and ideologies of Guru Nanak. They assisted the remaining Sikh communities to create a gurudwara in factual and superb self which is known as Lakhpat Sahib gurudwara. Afterwards, Sindhi people continued to serve in the gurudwara for several eras without causing any change in the actual structure.

The true history of Lakhpat city and Lakhpat Sahib is quite richer. Although myths assert that the first guru of Sikh, Guru Nanak has visited the gurudwara, during his trip to sacred Islamic places, lies in Saudi Arabian headland, there is not specific proof of such fact. Still the myth is extensively accepted and trusted by Sikhs throughout the country. It is also believed that various religious and historical resources are kept safely in Lakhpat Sahib. Its collection comprise 'Charan Paduka' sahib.

Gurdwara Lakhpat Sahib Architectural Significance

Lakhpat Sahib possess a main compound where key religious activities such as regular worship and prayers are conducted. There are wooden entrances and galleries in the gurudwara. Apart from that, the gurudwara has a large pointed arch which add value to the appeal of the wooden entrances. The key components which contributed for the creation of Lakhpat Sahib were limestone and sandstone, which were accessible locally. The structure of the gurudwara were postponed with the use of Lime Grout and in its place it was covered with lime plaster. In the exterior of Lakhpat Sahib, the building is embroidered with fine stone craftsmanship which complement its pierced galleries.