05-12-2020
Manga, located in the last district of Lahore on the way to Multan, is a town steeped in history, tracing its roots back several centuries. Within the district of Lahore lies a Gurudwara, a place of worship for Sikhs, which, despite being reduced to rubble, still retains its outer structure. This particular Gurudwara holds immense significance as it is associated with Guru Nanak, the revered founder and first Guru of Sikhism, as stated in the Scroll.in article.
Situated approximately 35 kilometers from the city of Lahore, Gurudwara Chota Nankiana Sahib stands as another remarkable place of religious importance. It is here that Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, stayed on his return journey from Nankana Sahib. While the area encompassing 50 acres is exempted from land revenue, the building itself remains hollow, having been burnt down during the tumultuous period of Partition. The tragic circumstances leading to its destruction are believed to be a result of a group of Sikh devotees refusing to leave the Gurudwara, prompting a violent mob to set it ablaze.
The ownership of the land where the Gurudwara once stood now belongs to Late Justice Maulvi Mushtaq, who constructed the Aligarh Public School on the premises. The pond that was part of the Gurudwara now falls under the jurisdiction of Pakistan's Department of Fisheries. In Sikhism, any place where a Guru resides or stops becomes sacred. This belief holds true for Gurudwara Chota Nankiana Sahib, as it was during Guru Nanak's journey that he, along with his companions Mardana and Bhai Bala, crossed the river Ravi and briefly halted in Manga. Wherever Guru Nanak stayed, he would impart his teachings, and it is through this spiritual connection that Gurudwara Chota Nankiana Sahib was eventually constructed.
The gurudwaras around the world, including this one, bear witness to the religious and cultural history of Sikhism, often considered as manifestations of miracles or the profound teachings of the Gurus. The remnants of the Gurudwara in Manga and the hollow structure of Gurudwara Chota Nankiana Sahib serve as reminders of the resilience and enduring faith of the Sikh community, even in the face of adversity. These sites hold a deep significance for followers of Sikhism, drawing devotees and visitors alike to reflect on the spiritual heritage and profound impact of the Gurus' teachings.
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