Tomri Temple, Baddoki Gosaian, Gujranwala

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23-07-2017 (Date of Visit)

Baddoki Gosaian stands proudly as one of the most historically significant villages in the Gujranwala District. Once it was home to Hindus (largely from the Gosain community), Sikhs, and Muslims before the Partition of India in 1947.

During this pivotal time, numerous Hindu and Sikh families migrated from Baddoki Gosaian to India, while Muslim families from India made the village their new home. Even today, migrant families continue to occupy the homes and lands left behind by those who emigrated.

One of the village's prized possessions is its distinction as the birthplace of Sidh Baba Sai Das, the revered founder of the Gosain/Goswami community, who lived during the same era as Baba Nanak Dev. In the heart of the village, there used to be a significant square-shaped tank, featuring a temple at its center, surrounded by a tree of berries.

It is said that the temple, known as Tomri Sahib, is a Shiv Mandir constructed not by the Hindu community, but by Sikh devotees. This grand complex, comprising the main temple and various adjacent rooms, including two ponds, is a place of spiritual sanctity. Its entrance is adorned with ten stairs encircling one of the ponds, which still stands today. Numerous structures, such as Dharamshala, living quarters, Sikh Samadhi, and other notable features, remain intact within the temple premises.

Tomri Sahib Mandir stands apart from other temples in the area due to its unique characteristics. It lacks primary historical documentation regarding its builder, yet the name "Sahib" predominantly finds usage in Sikh nomenclature, often associated with revered saints, Gurus, or Baba ji figures. Notably distinct, this Mandir boasts a large pond unlike any other in the vicinity, featuring a beautiful walkway constructed with eight arches, all of which have endured the test of time.

Constructed predominantly with small bricks and adorned with delicate touches of white marble, the Mandir holds an enigmatic charm, drawing visitors with its historical allure and spiritual ambiance. Adjacent to the Mandir stands a Banyan tree, echoing this revered site's tranquility and sacredness.

Baddoki Gosaian stands as a testament to coexistence and cultural amalgamation, preserving its rich heritage through the remnants of structures that whisper tales of the past. Tomri Sahib Mandir, in particular, stands as an architectural marvel, a testament to faith and history, embodying the essence of both Sikh devotion and the village's diverse past.