NURSHINGH PHOWAAR TEMPLE, SOON VALLEY (2019)

 February 02, 2019

(All images copyright 2019 Mirza Ali Usman Baig, text written in this article is the author's Research and shouldn't be reproduced)

In the year 2019, we embarked on a memorable hike from Nurshingh Phowar to Katha Sagral. The entire trek was a feast for the eyes, offering breathtaking scenery with its limestone formations, rugged mountains, coal mines, rivers, fossils, waterfalls, and historic sites such as Nurshingh Phowar and Kot Satgarah.

During my journey, I came across a book on Soon Valley written by Muhammad Sarwar Khan Awan. In his book, he mentioned that in ancient times, this route extended all the way to Peshawar. The Soon Valley itself has been a treasure trove for archaeologists, as they have discovered remnants of numerous prehistoric Hindu temples and forts. One such temple stands in Nurshingh Phowar.

According to historical accounts, the origins of this place are intertwined with a Hindu Sadhu named Nurshingh Das. Legend has it that he arrived in the valley and was captivated by the serene and tranquil environment, prompting him to commence his meditation there. It is believed that a spring emerged from the adjacent mountains where the Sadhu sat. In honor of Nurshingh Das, his followers constructed a temple in the area.

The temple, constructed using limestone bricks, features a rectangular shape with a dome. Its appearance suggests that it may have been built upon the foundations of an older temple. Interestingly, the worship room inside the temple does not house any deity.

Adjacent to the temple, there is a pond that is filled with water sourced from the spring flowing down from the neighboring mountains. Prior to the partition of India and Pakistan, an annual festival used to be celebrated at this site during the month of Beesakh. Hindu pilgrims from various regions would gather here during that time.

Between 1831 and 1839, Ranjit Singh granted Gulab Singh the jaegers (land grants) of salt mines and the surrounding areas in Pakistani Punjab. A stone with Gurumukhi script can be found at the site, bearing an inscription that translates to:

"The mighty one could be found by only the true Guru (teacher)

15th Poh (a month in the Punjabi calendar), 1887

The land belongs to Nurshingh Phowar, given by Gulab Singh."

The exact period when Nurshingh Das arrived in the valley remains unknown. Nevertheless, it is crucial to take strong measures to protect and preserve this site of significant historical interest. The temple and its surroundings hold immense value, not only for their architectural and religious significance but also for the insights they provide into the region's ancient past.