Gurdwara Pathshahi Chevin - Hadiara

Hadiara, Lahore District - Gurudwara Pathshahi VI

Gurdwara Patshahi Chevin is located on the Lahore-Ghavindi Road in the village of Hadiara. This village is located about two miles from the India-Pakistan border. Around 1620, Guru Hargobind, halted at Hadiara while traveling from Lahore to Amritsar Gurdwara Patshahi Chevin was built to commemorate the Guru's stay at the village.

Historically, this Gurdwara was under the management of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee until 1947. Following the partition of India, it was abandoned and subsequently occupied by refugees from Amritsar. Despite its architectural beauty and good condition, there is currently no formal arrangement for its maintenance, and traditional religious practices have ceased. The Gurdwara stands as the tallest building in Hadiara village, symbolizing its prominence in the area.

Historical Context

Even to date, the interior walls still display alluring frescoes, including those of various Sikh Gurus, along with a rare painting depicting the encounter of Guru Hargobind against Painde Khan at Kartarpur. The records of Bhatt Vahi Multani Sindhi, Banjharut Jalauton describe the battle scene:

Nathia Ballu ka, Madho ballu ka-Pote Moole ke, Parpote Rao ke Banjhar unt Saal Solan sai banme baisakh parvishte iktees mangalwar ke dehon Kartarpur ke malhan pargana Jalandhar Guru ka hukam paye Asmaan Khan Jhangri gail bhire, teen pehar ghor yudh huya. Guru ke Palit Painde khan ne Guru te waar kiya jo khali giya. Guru ji ke partame waar se Painde Kahn mara giya. Guru Ji ki jeet hui. Bhai Madho ranbhoomi me sahmne maathe joojh kar mara, Nathia Guru ka Jodha kai ran joojhate soorion gail lar ke ghayal hua.

On Tuesday 31 Baisakh of 1692 [1635 C.E.J, Rao's great-grandsons, Moolas grand-sons-Nathia and Madho of Ballu- fought a battle against Asmaan Khan Jhangri at Kartarpur, Jalandhar. They fought the battle fiercely for three pehar. Painde Khan aimed at the Guru, unsuccessfully. Guru returned the attack spontaneously and killed Painde Khan. Guru Ji was victorious in the battle. Bhai Madho was martyred in the battlefield. Guru's warrior Nathia fought on many fronts and finally got wounded.

The popular painting on display in the gurdwara is an eloquent testimony of the spirits with which the Sikh Gurus carried out their fights. It depicts the hot summer sun shining on the wounded Painde Khan, with Guru Hargobind sitting beside him on the battlefield and tenderly shading his face until he departed his physical frame.

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Urban Context

The Gurdwara is embedded within the residential fabric of Hadiara. It sits in a slightly secluded space, accessible by narrow streets that branch off from the primary route connecting Lahore to the site. The site is approached via winding roads that connect the main road with the village core. The immediate surroundings of the Gurdwara are marked by densely clustered buildings, creating an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere. Two trees near the entrance act as landmarks, enhancing the sacred and welcoming aura.

Adjacent to the Gurdwara, the caretaker’s residence integrates functionality with spirituality. This proximity underscores the site’s focus on upkeep and accessibility for worshippers. The spatial intrusion by the residence disrupts the balance between the built and open areas, which is essential in maintaining the sanctity and visual prominence of the Gurdwara. The highlighted structure with orange shading marks the Gurdwara, which forms the spiritual nucleus of the area. It is surrounded by open courtyards and narrow lanes, ensuring both privacy and connectivity with the surrounding community.

Location

The residential structures around the Gurdwara are scattered and largely rural in character. Homes are primarily single-story, traditional dwellings surrounded by agricultural land, with residents involved in farming.

Commercial Activities

There is limited commercial activity near the Gurdwara, with a few small shops and stalls catering to the basic needs of local villagers. The commercial infrastructure is minimal, reflecting the rural context.

Surrounding Settlement

The region maintains a rural identity, with minimal urbanization or industrialization, emphasizing the agrarian lifestyle of the local population.

Current Usage

It has now been occupied and encroached upon by local residents. It is currently being used as servant quarters and storage space, diminishing its historical and religious essence.

Architectural Features and Their Analysis

TThe Gurdwara Patshahi VI in Hadiara is a striking example of Sikh religious architecture, compact yet grand in its design. Its structure, measuring approximately 18’ by 18’, is constructed entirely from Nanakshahi bricks, reflecting traditional craftsmanship. The shrine features a two-story design crowned with a gracefully proportioned dome, flanked by four gumtis (turrets), which enhance the skyline and emphasize the verticality of the structure. The dome rests on corbelled pendentives and is supported by three-centered depressed arches, a structural solution that ensures both stability and visual elegance. Horizontal bands and floral and leaf motifs further define the dome’s base, adding ornamental detail while demarcating the transitions between structural elements. This vertical emphasis, combined with its compact proportions, gives the Gurdwara a tower-like appearance, reminiscent of the iconic Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib.

The ground floor is a treasure trove of frescos, showcasing intricate depictions of Sikh war scenes and the life of Guru Nanak. These paintings are predominantly rendered in blue pigments, with gold highlights used to emphasize key figures and moments, reflecting both artistic skill and spiritual significance. The ceiling is adorned with symmetrical geometric patterns, culminating in a central shamsa (sunburst motif), symbolizing divine radiance. Although the room is rectangular, the clever use of fresco patterns creates an illusion of a square space, reinforcing the sense of symmetry and harmony that is integral to Sikh architecture. The multifoil-arched entrance on each of the three accessible sides is framed by blind arches, while chajjas (projections) extend above the arches, providing shade and lending rhythm to the façade.

The first floor, designed as the Sukh Asan room, houses a central arched opening on three sides and blind arches on the fourth. This room likely served as a space for the Guru Granth Sahib, with metal hooks on the exterior walls suggesting arrangements for a canopy or shade, indicating the importance of this level in the gurdwara’s spiritual function. The entire structure is unified by a cornice adorned with floral and leaf motifs, emphasizing its horizontal divisions while maintaining aesthetic continuity.

Over time, modern alterations have impacted the Gurdwara’s original aesthetic harmony. The application of cement plaster and terrazzo on parts of the façade has obscured the traditional brickwork. A connecting bridge constructed by a neighboring house compromises the shrine’s sacred seclusion, reflecting the intrusion of modern, pragmatic interventions. Additionally, holes visible on the exterior walls suggest that the Gurdwara was intended to be further plastered and adorned, but these plans were likely abandoned following the Partition of 1947, which led to its neglect.

Despite these modern interventions, the Gurdwara Patshahi VI in Hadiara remains a remarkable testament to Sikh architectural tradition. Its compact yet elegant proportions, rich fresco decorations, and thoughtful spatial organization embody the essence of Sikh spirituality and artistry, serving as a sacred space that bridges functionality, symbolism, and ornamentation.

Current State

The preservation of Gurdwara Chevin Patshahi Hadiara is vital for maintaining its cultural and historical significance. Despite challenges such as neglect, lack of active Sikh presence, and physical deterioration, the Gurdwara remains an important symbol for both the Sikh community and local residents. It represents a shared heritage, offering a unique opportunity for revitalization.

To ensure its preservation, collaboration between the Sikh diaspora, local communities, and heritage experts is essential. The recommendations include fostering cultural awareness, engaging in restoration efforts, and repurposing the building for community use. By doing so, the Gurdwara can be transformed into a thriving symbol of unity and respect, showcasing the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations.