AMRITSAR, NOV 6 — Sikh religious leaders and scholars gathered at Guru Nanak Dev University to release the book Gurdwara Sri Lakhpat Sahib: Sewa and Sambhal (Service and Preservation), authored by Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu.
The publication captures the rich history, spiritual significance, and meticulous restoration of the historical shrine located in Kutch, Gujarat, near the Pakistan border. The site holds immense reverence as a place sanctified by the visits of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Releasing the book, former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Singh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, declared the effort an inspiring initiative toward safeguarding Sikh legacy. He maintained that preserving Sikh heritage in its original form remains paramount. Care must be taken during all restoration processes to ensure the original character of historical sites is never altered, whether intentionally or inadvertently, he asserted.
Describing the resilience of the shrine, leaders noted that despite being damaged twice by major earthquakes, the reconstruction successfully preserved its original architectural integrity. The landmark preservation effort has previously earned the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award.
Former Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Singh Sahib Prof. Manjit Singh, affirmed that the book will serve as a beacon for the younger generation to connect with sites associated with the Sikh Gurus.
He offered prayers for the author and expressed hope that every family devoted to the Guru’s name would get the opportunity to read the work.
“Over 600 of our most prestigious heritage sites lie across the border in Pakistan, where their condition remains concerning and beyond our immediate reach. This makes preserving the Sikh heritage sites accessible to us an urgent responsibility,” Satnam Sigh Sandhu said during the event.
“Satnam Singh Sandhu deserves heartfelt congratulations for his meaningful contribution to preserving Sikh heritage. Reading this work reminds us of the legacy of historians like Giani Gian Singh, Dr. Ganda Singh, and Professor Kartar Singh, who traveled far and wide to record our history. From Chittorgarh to Paonta Sahib, and in countless villages, there are sanctified sites whose names remain largely unrecorded—it is vital that we make every effort to discover and cherish our history,” stated Bhai Mohkam Singh.
Scholars at the launch maintained that future generations must understand the profound journey of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, noting that wherever his holy feet touched, the earth became rich and sacred, and devotees continue to worship those sites to this day.
