Dera Nangali Sahib: A living legacy of faith and Heritage

Dr Nater Singh, Ms Anudeep Kaur (JKAS)

Sikhism is founded by Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the fifteenth century in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. The teachings of Sikhism emphasises the belief in one universal God, equality of all human beings, honest living, selfless service, remembrance of God and rejection of social discrimination. A significant milestone in the history of Sikhism was the creation of the Khalsa Panth by Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on Vaisakhi in 1699 AD at Anandpur Sahib. The creation of the Khalsa marked an important stage in the development of the Sikh community and gave a distinct collective identity to Sikhs. Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa on the principles of equality, discipline, courage, devotion and commitment to righteousness. Following the creation of the Khalsa Panth, the propagation of Sikh teachings continued through Sikh devotees, saints and spiritual personalities who travelled to different parts of the Indian subcontinent. The north-western region of India, including the mountainous areas of present-day Jammu and Kashmir, was one such region where Sikh teachings gradually spread. In 1699 AD the mission of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji to popularize the philosophy of Sikhism was effectively carried out by the devotees and Spiritual masters at different places in North-Western region of India including J&K State. Situated in a scenic mountainous environment along the Drungali Nallah, about 4 km from Poonch town, the Shromani Dera Santpura has developed into an important centre of Sikh religious, social, educational and community activities. It is one of the oldest shrines of the Sikhs in Northern India.

Historical background

The history of Dera Nangali Sahib is closely connected with the propagation of Sikhism in the north-western region following the establishment of the Khalsa Panth by Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. According to Tariq-e-Aqwam-e-Poonch by Mohammad Din Faq, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji entrusted Bhai Pheru Singh Ji, Bhai Punjab Singh Ji and Bhai Rocha Singh Ji with the responsibility of spreading Sikh teachings in the Kashmir and Pothohar regions. Bhai Pheru Singh Ji (1640-1697 AD) carried out missionary activities in Hazara district while Bhai Punjab Singh Ji (1672-1729 AD) established his Dera at Chattar Khalas in Muzaffarabad. Bhai Rocha Singh Ji (1688-1803 AD), a disciple of Bhai Pheru Singh Ji, was assigned the Poonch region. Bhai Pheru Singh Ji established his spiritual seat at Rawalakote, where he constructed a Gurdwara, initiated Guru Ka Langar and preached Sikh teachings among the local population. The missionary work of these saints contributed to the spread of Sikh philosophy among different communities of the region.

Establishment at Nangali Sahib

After the death of Saint Bhai Rocha Singh Ji in 1803 AD, his disciple Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji, originally from Koteray village of Tehsil Bagh, was nominated as his successor. On Baisakhi in 1803 AD, the Sangat assembled at Rawalakote, where he was formally installed as the Mahant of the Gaddi. Prof. Netar Singh, in his book Dera Nangali Sahib, records that Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji assumed the Gaddi at the age of 20.

According to historical accounts, the environment around Poonch town was not considered suitable for the saint's spiritual pursuits. Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji therefore travelled towards Bowli, the present Nangali Sahib, which was predominantly a Hindu settlement at that time. During his visit, he found a secluded and scenic location on the bank of the Drungali Nallah, which he considered appropriate for meditation and spiritual practice. He consequently decided to shift his Dera from Rawalakote to this location. His devotees cleared portions of the surrounding forest and constructed a temporary Gurdwara, kitchen and Musaffar Khana for pilgrims. The Dera was formally inaugurated in August 1803 AD. At that time, the settlement was known as Bowli; following the establishment of the Dera and Gurdwara, it gradually came to be known as Nangali Sahib. The establishment of the Dera marked the beginning of a new chapter in the religious history of Poonch. From this site, Sikh teachings, Langar and community service gradually reached surrounding areas, while the institution also developed into a place of interaction among different communities.

Recognition and Historical Patronage

Dera Nangali Sahib gradually acquired recognition among the ruling authorities of the region. Historical accounts mention that the ruler of Poonch in 1803 AD, Gujjar Wazir Ru-Allah-Khan Sangu, permitted Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji to settle in the Poonch area. The Dera subsequently received patronage from several prominent rulers. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh ji's first campaign towards Kashmir in 1814 AD, his royal camp was established at Bowli near Poonch. Maharaja Ranjit Singh ji is said to have visited Nangali Sahib and met Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji. In 1823 AD, Khalsa Governor of Poonch Dewan Dhanpat Rai reportedly attached two villages to Nangali Sahib to support the continuation of Langar. In 1837 AD, Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu, later Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, also visited the shrine during his visit to Poonch and is reported to have attached a village to the institution. Records further indicate that rulers, including Maharaja Ranjit Singh ji, the Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir and the Rajas of Poonch, issued numerous Irshads in favour of Dera Nangali Sahib and its associated centres. One notable Irshad, issued by Maharaja Ranjit Singh ji in 1823 AD, empowered Bhai Mela Singh Ji to resolve social and religious disputes.

Reconstruction after 1947

After the death of Bhai Mangal Singh Ji, his disciple Bhai Bachitter Singh Ji succeeded him on 23 October 1947. His tenure began during one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the region. Amid the events of 1947, Mahant Bhai Bachitter Singh Ji was compelled to move to Poonch town when Nangali Sahib came under enemy occupation. After the area was liberated, he returned to Nangali Sahib but found the original Gurdwara complex completely burnt and destroyed. Mahant Bhai Bachitter Singh Ji rebuild the Gurdwara and maintained the tradition of Langar. His efforts culminated in the completion of a three-storeyed Gurdwara building in 1966, which became a distinctive religious landmark of the Poonch region.

Mahant Bhai Bachitter Singh Ji passed away at Nangali Sahib on 1 November 1991 at the age of 74. Following his cremation, a Dewan of prominent Sikh personalities was held on 2 November. During the gathering, Sardar Harnam Singh informed the Sangat that the late Mahant Bhai Bachitter Singh Ji had expressed his wish for his disciple Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji to succeed him. Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji was subsequently installed as Mahant.

Religious and Social Significance

Since its establishment, Dera Nangali Sahib has remained a centre of Sikh religious activities, including Diwans, recitation of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, religious discourses and Amrit Sanchar. According to the source material, between November 1991 and November 2022, approximately 95,000 persons received Amrit at Dera Nangali Sahib and Digiana Ashram under the leadership of Mahant Bhai Manjit Singh Ji and the Five Loved Ones. On 10 June 2007 alone, approximately 11,000 persons were baptised at Digiana Ashram by the head priests of the Five Takhats of India. The institution has also played an important role in social mediation and community harmony. According to the source material, approximately 44,962 cases were amicably resolved through the intervention of the Dera leadership between November 1991 and November 2022. The annual Baisakhi gathering is another important expression of its cultural significance. Devotees from different communities participate in prayers, Akhand Path, Shabad Kirtan, Ardas, Bhog and Langar, followed by a large Mela. The participation of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims makes the gathering a reflection of the composite cultural heritage of Poonch.

Education and Community Service

Education has remained another important area of contribution. In 1923, during the tenure of Mahant Bhai Mangal Singh Ji, a Gurmat Kanya Pathshala was established at Sri Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Poonch, providing girls with opportunities for education and religious instruction at a time when educational opportunities for women were limited. After Independence, Mahant Bhai Bachitter Singh Ji established several educational and technical institutions, including a Technical-cum-Boarding House at Tral in 1950, a Boarding House at Rani Chand Kour Samad, Jammu, in 1957, SMS Technical Ashram at Digiana in 1960 and a Technical Boarding House at Baramulla in 1973. These initiatives laid the foundation for subsequent educational institutions associated with the Dera.

Conclusion

More than two centuries after its establishment, Dera Nangali Sahib continues to represent an enduring legacy of faith, service, education and community harmony. Its association with Sikh saints, its historic role in the propagation of Sikh teachings, its contribution to education and social mediation, and its inclusive cultural traditions have given it a distinctive place in the heritage of Poonch. From the quiet banks of the Drungali Nallah,Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji established the Dera in 1803, Nangali Sahib has grown into an institution whose influence extends far beyond its religious precincts. It remains an important part of the historical and cultural landscape of Poonch and the wider Jammu and Kashmir region.

(The authors are Retd. Principal Government Degree College, and JKAS Officer)