Gurudwara Pehli Patshahi , Katas, Distt Chakwal
Katas is a very sacred place for the Hindus. It is located on a hill six kilometers from Choasaidan Shah of Chakwal district. The place is mentioned in Mahabharata an¢ according to Hindu religious belief, both Katas and the Paskar (Ajmer) are the eyes of Shiva. Paras Nath Jogi breathed his last here. Jagat Guru Nanak Ji also visited Katas and had set his foot here on the 1st of Visakh. This place came to be known as Nanaknawas. It was the abode of contemplation for larger groups of mystics, ascetics and Jogies. In the absence of proper markings or sign boards it is difficult to separate one place from the other.
It has great historical significance because it was the place where Alberuni attempted to measure the circumference of Earth, studied and learnt Sanskrit, wrote his renowned "Kitab-ulHind". Even today groups of Hindu pitgrims come from India to visit it regularly to worship.
These historical sites are gradually withering away due to the neglect by the government.
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Text and photographs:Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan : Iqbal Qaiser |