KATHUA, Oct 26: Senior BJP leader and Jasrota MLA Rajiv Jasrotia on Monday visited the historic Gurdwara Charan Kamal Sahib in Kathua and paid obeisance at the revered Sikh shrine associated with the visit of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
During his visit, Jasrotia acknowledged the spiritual and historical significance of the Gurdwara and emphasised the need to preserve Jammu and Kashmir’s rich religious and cultural heritage. He observed that sacred places associated with great spiritual personalities serve as enduring symbols of faith, peace, brotherhood and social harmony, inspiring people across communities and generations.
According to the historical account associated with the shrine, Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited the site during his travels through the Jammu region in October 1518 and is believed to have delivered a religious discourse beneath a peepal tree. The sacred site was traditionally looked after by the family of Thakur Himmat Singh Chambiyal.
Efforts to highlight the historical significance of the shrine gained momentum in 1998, when Master Gurnam Singh Jasrota approached the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Amritsar, regarding its development and recognition.
Construction of the present Gurdwara began in 2012 on land measuring four kanals and fifteen marlas. Thakur Himmat Singh Chambiyal donated one kanal of land in memory of his son, Kunwar Narender Singh Chambiyal, while the Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Religious and Charitable Trust initiated the construction work. The Darbar Hall was subsequently constructed through the Kar Seva tradition associated with Baba Harnam Singh, following a request by Baba Jasbir Singh Sindhbira.
District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DGC), Kathua, President Charanjit Singh Polla has been playing an important role in the management and upkeep of the historic shrine. The committee works to preserve the sanctity of the Gurdwara, facilitate religious observances and maintain the historical legacy associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s visit.
The shrine continues to serve as a centre of spiritual inspiration, promoting the values of selfless service, equality, peace and brotherhood. It is presently maintained by the District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Kathua.
The visit also highlighted the importance of protecting historic religious sites and ensuring that their spiritual and cultural significance is passed on to future generations.
Prominent among those present were DGC Kathua President Charanjit Singh Polla, SGPC member Daljeet Singh, Joginder Singh, Harjeet Singh, Surjit Singh, Parveen Singh, Gurmeet Singh and Jarnail Singh, along with other members of the Sikh community.
The visit reaffirmed the importance of preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse religious heritage and strengthening mutual respect, communal harmony and peaceful coexistence among all communities.