Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Shikarpur while traveling from Turkistan (a region in Central Asia, now predominantly inhabited by Turkic people) on his way back to Kartarpur (Ravi).
In Shikarpur, a poor butcher named Noor Nushtar, who was grazing goats, saw Guru Ji, who was dressed like a faqir. He kindly brought a glass of milk for Guru Ji. When Guru Nanak asked why he brought the milk, the butcher replied:
“I am a poor man with nothing to my name. I have heard that serving the faqirs brings blessings that come true. I thought if I bring you this milk, you would make me a rich man.”
Guru Ji responded:
“Take a bath in amrit vela (the early morning), recite the name of the Lord, and always serve those in need if you can. By doing so, all your wishes will be fulfilled.”
Later, a weaver named Dawood brought a galicha (carpet or rug) for Guru Nanak and asked him to sit on it. Guru Nanak replied:
“The earth itself is the true galicha, which the Lord has spread. This galicha never gets old or dirty.”
Then, a pregnant dog, shivering from the cold, was seen. Guru Ji said, “Place this galicha over the pregnant dog and feed her.” Guru Ji then asked Dawood about his wishes. Dawood replied that he was childless and longed for a child. Guru Ji blessed him, saying his wish would be fulfilled.
After this, Guru Ji continued his journey towards Sindh.
Shikarpur is a large town in the Sukkur district. The Gurdwara is now known in Sindhi as “Puj Udasian Samadha Ashram,” and it is a significant site. The Banyan tree, under which Guru Nanak sat, is still said to be present.
The daily Prakash of Guru Granth Sahib Ji takes place here. Nearby, there are non-Sikh samadhs of Udasis. A wooden baradari has been built over these samadhs and is painted red. The place is called Samadh Ashram due to these samadhs. The sangat here follows the Nanakpanthi tradition, and langar (community kitchen) is served round the clock.
