Gurudwara Nangali Sahib, Poonch JK

Gurudwara Nangali Sahib is situated in the lap of a picturesque hill and on the bank of Drungali Nallah. It is about 4 kms from Poonch town in Poonch district, which is the smallest of the 14 districts of Jammu & Kashmir State. It is one of the oldest shrine of the Sikhs in Northern India. Presently the Gurudwara complex consists of the main Gurdwara building, a Langar Hall and about 70 living rooms. Large number of devotees belonging to all faiths visit this shrine from all over the country every year.This holy Sikh shrine is approximately 240km. from Jammu city by road (but only about 150km as the crow flies) 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. The Gurdwara was established by Thakur Bhai Mela Singh ji (Fourth successor of Sant Bhai Feru Singh ji) in the 1803 AD. Maharaja Ranjit Singh visited Gurudwara Nangali Sahib in 1814 and was very much impressed by it. He attached an estate with the Gurudwara sahib. He again attached a four villages with the Gurudwara sahib in the year 1823. During 1947, the original building was completely burnt by the Pakistan supported attacking tribes men. With the donations and efforts of the local Sangat (peoples having faith in Almighty) the Gurudwara was reconstructed by Mahant Bachitar Singh ji. This Gurudwara has remained as focus of Sikhism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Round the clock Langar (community kitchen), rest house facility is provided to the pilgrims without considering their religion, caste and creed etc. Although people visit this shrine daily, on Sundays a large congregation (Diwan) is held. Moreover, the Gurudwara has the pleasant scenery and cool atmosphere which gives the pilgrims the physical pleasure in addition to the peace and solace of mind due to the spirituals activities that take place here. In addition to observance of daily ceremonies, special diwan (congregation) is held on every weekend (Sunday). The congregation is attended by large number of people of Poonch. A gigantic function is held in the Gurudwara Sahib on the eve of Baisakhi every year. A large number of devotees from Jammu and Kashmir in particular and globe in general participate in the day-long function of Baisakhi – the Birth (establishment) day of Khalsa.