Gurdwara Nangali Sahib is situated in the lap of a scenic hill on the bank of Drungali Nallah. It is about 4km from Poonch town in Poonch district, the smallest in the 14 districts in Jammu & Kashmir. It is one of the oldest shrines of the Sikhs in northern India.
History of Gurdwara Nangali Sahib
The Gurdwara was established by Thakur Bhai Mela Singhji in 1803 AD. Maharaja Ranjit Singh visited Gurdwara Nangali Sahib in 1814 and was much overwhelmed with it. He attached four villages with the Gurdwara Sahib in the year 1823. As per Tariq-E-Aqwaam-E Poonch of Mohammad Din Fook the 10th Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj after laying the foundation of Khalsa Panth had deputed Saint Bhai Pheru Singh Ji, Saint Bhai Punjab Singh Ji and Saint Bhai Rocha Singh Ji for spreading Sikhism in Kashmir and Pothohar area. Saint Bhai Pheru Singh Ji remains busy in Missonary work in Hazara District on the Western side of Poonch.
Architecture of Gurdwara Nangali Sahib
Presently the Gurdwara complex consists of the main Gurdwara building, a langar hall (an open hall situated in all Sikh Gurdwara where `langar`, or free vegetarian food is served), and about 70 living rooms. Large number of devotees belonging to all faiths visits this shrine from all over the country every year. This holy Sikh shrine is approximately 240km from Jammu city by road. The Gurdwara was established by Thakur Bhai Mela Singhji (4th successor of Sant Bhai Feru Singhji) in 1803 AD. Maharaja Ranjit Singh visited Gurdwara Nangali Sahib in 1814 and was much overwhelmed with it. He attached four villages with the Gurdwara Sahib in the year 1823.
Reconstruction of Gurdwara Nangali Sahib
During 1947, the original building was completely gutted down by the Pakistan supported attacking tribes men. With the donations and efforts of the local Sangat (people having faith in Almighty) the Gurdwara was reconstructed by Mahant Bachitar Singhji. Gurdwara Nangali Sahib has remained as a spotlight of Sikhism in the state of J&K. Although people visit this shrine daily, yet on Sundays a large congregation (Diwan) is held. A colossal function is held in the Gurdwara Sahib on the eve of Baisakhi-the birth (establishment) day of Khalsa, every year.
Visiting Information
Poonch does not have a train station, and the nearest station is Jammu, at a distance of 138 kms from Poonch which in turn is connected to rest of the world via road, rail and airline network. Pilgrims outside the state may use railways or air services up to Jammu and then travel by road to Poonch
