Dr Jasbir Singh Sarna
Since ancient times, some missionary Centres (Deras) in the State of Jammu and Kashmir have been active in the propagation of Sikhism. These deras have played an important role in the turbulent times. The main dera is Shiromani Dera Santpura Nangali Sahib, Poonch.
It is Important to Shed light on the form and significance of Dera Nangali Sahib. The genesis is traced back to 1699 CE, when Guru Gobind singh created Khalsa Panth at Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib. It is pertinent to note that three holy saints of this dera had the privilege of ‘Khande-de-Pahul’ from the august hands of Guru Gobind singh at Anandpur, Malwa and Sabo Ki Talwandi respectively. Thereafter Guru ji assigned the task of propagation of Sikhism to Bhai Pheru Singh, Bhai Punjab Singh, Bhai Rocha Singh etc. Thus the images of the Amritiya Singhs began to appear in hill tracts of Kashmir in the eighteenth Century.
Mahant Bachittar Singh was born in April 1918 CE at village Khari Dharmsal Sahib, (Poonch) His father was a noble soul S. Bhola Singh. He attained basic education from Poonch and Amritsar. Later, he enrolled as student of Gurmat Parchar Vidyalaya and Shaheed Missionary College Amritsar. Bachittar Singh was urged by Sant Mangal Singh to stay at Nangali Sahib and thereafter seeing the nature and impressive radiant face, appointed him as the successor on the spiritual seat in 1946. Later the turban was offered by the Raja of Poonch. During 1947 holocaust about 400 refugees stayed for one month in Nangali Sahib and langer was served to them daily. After 1947, Mahant Sahib was known as the forerunner of technical institutions at Tral, Baramulla and Jammu. At Sant Mela Singh Technical Ashram, uncared, orphans and economically very poor children accommodated, are offered proper training in the art of printing, music instruments. These children have become famous Gurbani singers and Kirtaniyas in different Parts of the globe.
After 1947 holocaust, Mahant Sahib, visited every village and started ‘Amrit Parchar’ and in this time Gurdwara Sahib, Digiana was constructed which is a piece of Sikh architecture. The Sikhs of the state regularly offered ‘Daswand’ to Mahant Sahib on yearly basis. In his life, Sikhi Sidak had complete qualities of trust and calmness. His whole life was Gurbani-oriented. The present head of the spiritual seat is Mahant Manjit Singh who succeeded on 12th November 1991 CE.
Mahant Sahib showed keen interest in socio-religious aspects of the community. Large conferences were held for the betterment of Punjabi language and regularly published Dera’s official monthly ‘Sikh Sandesh’ Punjabi till date. Mahant left for his heavenly abode on 3rd November 1991 at the dera Nangali Sahib, Poonch.
After 1947 holocaust, Mahant Sahib, visited every village and started ‘Amrit Parchar’ and in this time Gurdwara Sahib, Digiana was constructed which is a piece of Sikh architecture. The Sikhs of the state regularly offered ‘Daswand’ to Mahant Sahib on yearly basis. In his life, Sikhi Sidak had complete qualities of trust and calmness. His whole life was Gurbani-oriented. The present head of the spiritual seat is Mahant Manjit Singh who succeeded on 12th November 1991 CE.
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