Gurudwara Patshahi Chevin - Padhana

Padhana, Lahore District - Gurudwara Pathshahi VI

The village of Padhana is located in close proximity to the India-Pakistan border, opposite to the village of Cheema Kalan in India. The gurdwara is located on the western perimeter of the village. This Gurdwara is displaying its splendor in the village Padhana, Police Station Burki, district Lahore. Sixth Guru Hargobind Ji arrived in this village from Dhilvan due to the love and affection of the villagers. During his stay, he talked about Sat Gur Ji with Jalhan Jat, a prominent land lord of the village. Initially Gurdwara was built in a simple pattern. Sardar Attar Singh of Padhana,the chief of this village started the reconstruction of and with the efforts of villagers a beautiful building was erected. A local committee used to arrange for the Langar. The premises of Gurdwara is now occupied by the refugees from Mewat, the building is in good condition but it can deteriorate if proper care is not taken.

Historical Context

When Guru Hargobind visited this village, he held a dialogue with Jallhan, an affluent farmer of the area known for his piety and worldly wisdom. Mahima Prakash Vartak (1741) records in sakhi 71, that when Guru arrived at the Ujjal Tibba, he visited Jallhan at his home. During the visit, Guru asked for reason behind the Turk's apparent enmity with him (Guru Hargobind), to which Jallhan replied, "O True Lord! Because Turks cannot tolerate your grandeur.“ Before departing, Guru appreciated the humility of Jallhan. Guru Said - Jallhan you are a humble saint. Initially a modest shrine was erected there, but the chief of village Padhana, Sardar Attar Singh, later constructed a bigger and expansive building. No land, or fief, was attached to the gurdwara, and offerings were the sole source of income.

The gurdwara building has three stories in all, topped by a white marble dome. The dome still stands with grandeur atop a small, single-story, brick structure with three arched windows that sit in the center of the lower, much grander, two-story brick structure. The decoration inside the smaller, third-story structure is quite beautiful, despite the aging and deteriorating floral embellishments on its ceiling. Residential quarters have now displaced the primary structure of gurdwara building. In addition to Gurdwara Patshahi Chevin, Padhana boasts another historically significant building, a large mansion of Jawala Singh Sandhu (d.1835), who was a military commander of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He was married to the sister of Maharani Jind Kaur (youngest queen of Maharaja Ranjit Singh).

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Urban Context

The village Padhana is located very close to the India-Pakistan border in the Lahore district of the Pakistani province of Punjab. The distance from Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore to the village of Padhana is around 30-31 km. To reach the village Padhana, you have to travel from Lahore via Burki road and then take an exit near Hadiara village, along the Hadiara Canal. Keep traveling along the canal until you reach the small village of Deo Sani. From there, you will have to travel from inside Deo Sani village on a small road that leads straight toPadhana village.

This road is not in a very good condition. There are a lot of potholes. The road is covered with trees on both sides for the most part and it gets dark at night. So you should reach Burki Road while there is still daylight. The building of the gurudwara itself is located on the main road inside the village and is located inside a walled complex that is very easily accessible, you just have to knock on the door and someone from the family that lives inside will open the door for you.

The Haveli located at Padhana is very close to the Gurudwara. There are several new structures built around and adjacent to the site but there is a narrow pathway present that leads directly to the main entrance of the building. Usually, the door is open and someone from the family that owns the Haveli is present nearby who can show you inside the Haveli. There is a family that lives in this complex and the Gurudwara. They are very welcoming and accommodating towards the visitors.

Architectural Features and Their Analysis

Gurdwara Patshahi Chevin in Padhana reflects an evolving architectural narrative that combines traditional Sikh design elements with later stylistic developments. The structure, constructed in two distinct stages, showcases a blend of Nanakshahi and colonial influences. The ground floor, attributed to an earlier phase, is built using Nanakshahi bricks, while the upper story and dome, added in 1940, employ standard- sized bricks (9x4.5x3 inches). This variation in materials serves as a tangible marker of its phased construction, with the architectural style transitioning from simple round arches on the ground floor to more complex ellipsoid and multi-foiled arches on the upper levels. This evolution reflects a growing sensibility in Sikh architectural aesthetics during the period.

The Gurdwara's layout adheres to the archetypical rotated square plan, a design frequently observed in traditional Sikh religious structures. The central chamber, or Parkash Asthan, once housed the Guru Granth Sahib and is surrounded by a parikrama, enabling devotees to circumambulate as part of their worship. This symmetrical layout emphasizes functionality while symbolizing inclusivity, a hallmark of Sikh philosophy. The 12 entrances—three on each side, with one closed to accommodate a staircase—reinforce this sense of openness and accessibility. The Gurdwara is elevated on a modest six-inch platform, further enhancing its prominence.

At the heart of the Gurdwara lies a double-height central chamber, which underscores verticality and grandeur. This chamber features intricate stucco work on its ceiling, adorned with motifs that closely resemble those found in the nearby Jawala Singh Haveli, linking the Gurdwara’s design to local artistic traditions. The dome, crowning the structure, is a defining feature. Adorned with a metal kalash, it exudes grandeur, with its scale and craftsmanship symbolizing the spiritual aspirations of the Sikh faith. The dome’s load is ingeniously transferred to the square base through corbelled pendentives supported by three-centered depressed arches, ensuring both stability and aesthetic elegance. The skyline is further enhanced by four domical turrets (gumtiyan) at the roof's corners, a characteristic feature of Sikh shrines.

The Gurdwara’s façade is a testament to the evolving Sikh architectural language. Its double-story elevation is adorned with multi-foil arches, recessed panels, and false jharokas, creating a rhythmic play of depth and light. At the top, a 12-sided multi-foil arched pavilion supports the dome, slightly raised to emphasize its prominence. The structure’s use of kamkor (lime mortar) and traditional small bricks reflects its 19th-century origins, while later interventions, such as the dome and upper story, exhibit a gradual shift toward a more ornamented style.

Interestingly, numerous holes visible in the façade suggest that the Gurdwara was left unfinished. These holes, likely intended for scaffolding, would have been sealed during the plastering and decorative phases, indicating that plans for further embellishments were interrupted, possibly due to the Partition in 1947. The abandonment of the site just seven years after its significant upgradation halted any further sewa (community service), leaving portions of the structure unplastered and devoid of the intended details.

In sum, Gurdwara Patshahi Chevin is a remarkable example of Sikh architectural evolution, seamlessly blending traditional design with later stylistic advancements. Despite its incomplete state, it stands as a testament to the community’s devotion and architectural ingenuity, embodying both its spiritual and cultural heritage.

Current State

The Gurudwara and Haveli in Padhana are significant heritage sites with deep historical and cultural value, yet they are currently in disrepair. Local residents express a strong desire for their preservation, although challenges like financial constraints, lack of government support, and shifting cultural priorities complicate restoration efforts. While some view these sites as sacred symbols, others see them as historical landmarks of a shared past.

To ensure their preservation, a collaborative approach is essential, involving local communities, heritage experts, government authorities, and international support, especially from the Sikh diaspora. Encouraging community engagement, developing sustainable tourism, and creating educational programs are key steps forward. With strategic planning, these sites can be preserved and repurposed in a way that both respects their historical significance and contributes to the local economy. In summary, while the road to preservation is challenging, it offers an opportunity to connect the past with the future, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and historical memory.