October 06, 2013
The village of Manak is situated approximately 45 kilometers from Lahore, along the Raiwind road. To reach the village, one must alight from the bus at Pajian and travel about 4 kilometers off the main road. A well-paved road leads to the village, providing easy access for visitors.
The historical significance of this village stems from the presence of Jagat Guru, who initially arrived in the nearby village of Pajian from Manga. The villagers welcomed him initially but later began mocking him. Feeling unwelcome, Guru Dev Ji decided to leave the village and settled in the area just outside. In response to a follower's inquiry about his departure, Guru Ji referred to the villagers as "Paji" (mean-spirited), giving rise to the name Pajian for the village, while the surrounding mound came to be known as Manak. Over time, the village expanded and flourished.
The Gurdwara in Manak is an impressive three-story building, characterized by its architectural beauty and spaciousness. The complex includes various sections such as the Langar Hall, Prakashasthan (where Guru Granth Sahib is ceremonially placed), inn, foyer, and a diwan hall designed in the style of a baradari. Adjacent to the shrine, there are also Samadhs (memorials) of Udasi Sadhus (a sect of ascetics) and a water tank, which unfortunately has turned into a stagnant pool over time. Tragically, these once-magnificent structures are now in a state of decay and face the risk of becoming mere ruins. In fact, the central building of the Gurdwara collapsed in the past two years, further emphasizing the urgency of preservation efforts.
The village community has shown its devotion to the Gurdwara by generously gifting 82 ghumaon (a land measurement) of land for its maintenance and sustenance. The Jat community in the village, who share a common ancestral lineage, includes individuals of various religious backgrounds. Some converted to Islam, others embraced Sikhism, while the remaining adhered to Hinduism. Despite their differences, the village holds an annual Visakhi fair, during which all residents, regardless of their religion, refrain from cooking in their own homes and partake of communal meals served in the Langar. The responsibility of managing the Langar alternates among Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus, with each group taking charge for one day.
In the aftermath of the partition in 1947, a girls' school was established within the Gurdwara premises. However, over time, the school was relocated, leaving the building vacant. When refugees from Mewat settled in the area, they did not prioritize the upkeep of the Gurdwara, resulting in the erosion of its once-beautiful floral designs on the walls and subsequent roof collapses. Today, the walls themselves are deteriorating, further endangering the structural integrity of the Gurdwara.
It is imperative that immediate action be taken to preserve this important historical and cultural site. Efforts should be made to restore and maintain the Gurdwara complex, ensuring that its architectural splendor and spiritual significance are safeguarded for future generations. Collaborative initiatives involving the local community, historical preservation organizations, and relevant authorities can play a pivotal role in revitalizing this revered place of worship.
