Gurdwara Nangali Sahib (Poonch)

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 town in , which is the smallest of the 14 districts of Jammu & Kashmir State. It is one of the oldest shrines of the Sikhs in Northern India. Presently the Gurudwara complex consists of the main Gurdwara building, a Guru ka Langar free community kitchen and about 70 guest rooms. Large numbers of devotees from varying faiths visit this shrine from all over the country and world yearly.
This holy Sikh shrine is approximately 240km. from city by road (but only about 150km ) 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 and then travel by road to .
The Gurdwara was established by Thakur Bhai Mela Singh ji (the fourth successor of Sant Bhai Feru Singh ji) in 1803. Maharaja Ranjit Singh visited Gurudwara Nangali Sahib in 1814. Greatly impressed with the Gurdwara he attached a jagir (an estate to provide income) to the Gurudwara sahib. Twenty years later the Maharaja later attached a four village jagir to the Gurudwara sahib's holdings in the year 1823.
In 1947, the original building was burned out during the attacks of the Pakistan supported mountain tribals, but with the donations and sewa (service) of the local Sangat (people having faith in the Almighty) the Gurudwara was reconstructed under the supervision of Mahant Bachitar Singh ji. This Gurudwara has remained as a focus of Sikhism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. An around the clock Langar and serai (rest house facility) is provided to pilgrims regardless of their religion, caste or creed. Although people visit this shrine daily, on Sundays a large congregation (Diwan) is held. 
The cool mountain air, which has always attracted people to the area; the vistas of breath taking scenery and the moving spiritual ambiance of this remarkable Gurdwara in this remarkable place makes for a memorable experience for any pilgrim or visitor as they leave with a feeling of great peace and solace of mind.
==Special Events==
In addition to observance of daily ceremonies, a special diwan (congregation) is held on every weekend (Sunday). The congregation is attended by a 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 from around the world in general participate in the day-long function of Baisakhi - the Birth (establishment) day of Khalsa.
==Additional Information==
Shromani Dera Nangali Sahib Poonch: This Sikh institution was started by Bhai Mela Singh Ji (4th Mahant). Guru Gobind Singh ji presented a Khanda (a double edged sword) and a Bata (bowl) to Bhai Pheru Singh (1st Mahant) and sent him to share Sikhism with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Bhai Pheru was present on the occasion when Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa and was part of that august group which first were called Singhs (Lions). Since then the Gurdwara has been sharing Guru Nanak's message of peace and brotherhood —Sikhi in the hills of Jammu & Kashmir as per the wishes of Guru Sahib ever since. 
Currently Mukhi-Sewdar: Bhai Manjit Singh ji, who is 13th in the row, is doing the Seva at this important shrine. Presently the Dera is running several Sikh schools, colleges and professional institutions prominent among those are:
* MBS College of Engineering and Technology, Jammu 
and
* Guru Harkishen Public School, Jammu.
People across the state from all walks of life visit here the whole year. This Gurdwara is revered as 'Shiromini Dera' (the holy place). Sikhi is preached here as per Gurbani.
List of dedicated Sevadars of Gurdwara Nangali Sahib, Poonch 
*1.Bhai Pheru Singh ji (1693-1768) 
*2.Bhai Punjab Singh ji (1729-1793) 
*3.Bhai Rocha Singh ji(1745-1860) 
*4.Bhai Mela Singh ji]](1840-1911) 
*5. Bhai Manna Singh Ji(1848-1927) 
*6.Bhai Mangal Singh ji Dutt(1901-1934)
*7. Mahant Rattan Singh ji Soodan(1885-1946)
*8.Mahant Avtar Singh ji(1922-1949) 
*9.Mahant Rattan Singh ji Modi(1873-1958)
*10. Mahant Mohar Singh ji(1935-1976) 
*11.Mahant Mangal Singh ji Sasan(1937-????) 
*12.Mahant Bachiter Singh ji(1975-19??) 
*13.Mahant Manjeet Singh ji.
== Dhera Saint Pura Nangali Sahib ==
Dhera Saint Pura Nangali Sahib 
an important shrine is located in between the Doda range of mountains in the left bank of Durga Nadhi (Drungli) in a very natural atmosphere. Exactly 200 year ago, during the rule of Raja Ru-Ulla-Khan Sangu Gujjar in 1803 AD, a great saint and spiritual personality of his time Thakur Bhai Mehla Singh had established Dhera Sant Pura Nangali Sahib at the very place. In those days this village was known as Boli but with the establishment of Dhera and Guru Dwara the village was renamed by the public as Nangali Sahib after the name of Gurudwara Nangali Sahib.
This historic shrine has played a great role in preaching Sikhism and spreading the thoughts of Khalsa Panth in Jammu and Kashmir. Therefore, the Sikh community of the state is having great religious attachment with this holy Dhera. After from a routine visit of Sikh and Hindu devotees, the Sikhs from all corner of state assemble here every year on the eve of Bakashi to pay offerings, obeisance and get blessings from Mahant Ji of the Dhera. After Akhand Path, Shabad Kirtan, sermons from religious personalities, Ardas, Bhog and Langar this religious function take the shape of Mela in which thousands of pilgrims including Hindus and Muslims participates in the Mela and this festival becomes the symbol of composite cultural heritage of this soil. The devotees comes from their native villages and towns in colourful traditional dresses for participation in the function. On this occasion eatable and others shops are establishes in tenteded colonies near the main shrine and indigenous games are played, while Gatka (The war game) is the main attraction of the Mela in which hundreds of Sikh youths come out in religious dresses with naked sword and display their talent.
Deep Historic and religious background is attached with Dhera Sain Pura Nangali Sahib. Because the history of Sikhism in state travels with the History of Nangali Sahib. As per Tariq-E-Aqwaam-E Poonch of Mohammad Din Fook the 10th Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj after laying the foundation of Khalsa Panth had deputed Saint Bhai Pheru Singh Ji, Saint Bhai Punjab Singh Ji and Saint Bhai Rocha Singh Ji for spreading Sikhism in Kashmir and Pothohar area. Saint Bhai Pheru Singh Ji (1640-1697 AD) remain busy in Missonary work in Hazara District on the Western side of Poonch. Saint Bhai Punjab Singh Ji (1672-1729 AD) established his Dhera at Chattar Khalas in Muzaffarbad District and Saint Bhai Rocha Singh Ji the discipline of Saint Bhai Pheru Singh Ji was asked to established his Gaddi (Seat) in Poonch Illaqa. Therefore, Saint Bhai Rocha Singh Ji (1688-1803 AD) came to Poonch Illaqa and established his Dhera (holy seat) at Rawalakote (Now in POK). He constructed a Gurudwara, started Guru Ka Langar and preaching of Sikhism. With the sincere efforts of these saints the new religion got popularity among Hindu masses and they started embracing Sikhism.
Saint Bhai Rocha Singh Ji died in 1803 AD. Before his death he had nominated his desciple Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji of village Koteray Tehsil Bagh as his successor. Therefore, on Bakashi of 1803 AD the sangat assembled at Rawalakote in which Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji was formally declared as Mahant of the Gaddi. In the month of August 1803 Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji formally inaugurated the Dhera in a big procession which was attended by number of Muslim Sardars also. The pilgrim started coming to Dhera for blessing of Thakur Ji and with the establishment of Gurudwara Nangali Sahib the village was also renamed as Nangali Sahib.
The great Saint Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji passed away in 1854 AD. After that Saint Bhai Mana Singh Ji (1854-1870 AD) Saint Bhai Mangal Singh Ji ( 1870-1877 AD) Saint Bhai Rattan Singh Ji 1878-1879 AD Saint Bhai Avatar Singh Ji 1879-1892 AD, Saint Bhai Rattan Singh Ji Modi 1892 to 1901 AD and Saint Bhai Morh Singh Ji (1901-1919 AD) remain the Mahants of Dhera Nangali Sahib. In 1819 AD when Saint Bhai Mangal Singh Ji Doom attains the Gaddi of Nangali Sahib, the Raja of Poonch Sukh Dev Singh had also participated the ceremony. Holiday was declared in Poonch state and on behalf of Poonch Government Rs. 500 were offered as obeisance. Saint Bhai Mangal Singh Ji made number of additions in the Gurudwara Complex which was constructed by Saint Bhai Mohar Singh Ji. He had also started Gurmukhi Pathshala at proper Poonch and Bhantani (Now in PoK).
After the death of Saint Bhai Mangal Singh Ji Doom, his disciple Bhai Bichattar Singh Ji of village Khari Dharamsal succeeded him on 23 October 1947 AD. During the happenings of 1947 Mahant Ji was compelled to come to Poonch town as village Nangali Sahib had also gone under the occupation of Invaders. After the libration of the village Mahant Ji immediately rushed Nangali Sahib but the original Gurudwara complex was completely burnt and destroyed by the tribeman invaders. Therefore, initially he was putting up in a small room near the Dhera. Then he started planning for construction of a big Gurudwara complex and started tours of villages and towns for collection of donations. Mahant Bichattar Singh was also a great religious personality intellectual and saint. He had purchased 45 kanal land at Digiana, got constructed a big Gurdwara Sant Mela Singh Dastkari Ashram (Digiana)
 and started Ashram for orphan youths who are being provided training in various trades so that they may be able to earn their livelihood. Ragi Jathas are also organized there for religious preaching.
The present Mahant Shri Manjeet Singh ascended the Gaddi on 10th of Nov. 1991 as desired by Late Mahant Bichatar Singh Ji. His name was confirmed by the Government later on. 
He presently heads the Dhera and has developed and broadened its influence in various constructive activities.
==External Links==
* Aerial view
* Above information provided by user:sarbjeet 1313me
----
Category:Jammu Kashmir
Category:Gurudwara In Jammu & Kashmir