Historic Gurudwara Mal Ji Sahib sealed off to Sikh Sangat in Pakistan
Gurudwara Mal Ji Sahib, a memorial associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, has been forcibly closed to Sikh Sangat in Kanganpur's village of Punjab's Kasur district in Pakistan.
Sangat, according to Sikhiwiki, means company, fellowship or association and in Sikh vocabulary it stands for a body of men and women who meet religiously to practice and to act to further their spiritual path, especially in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.
The Gurudwara, which holds immense historical and cultural significance, has fallen victim to the occupation by the Peer brotherhood of Darbar of Peer NeK Mal, an adjacent religious institution.
The origins of Gurudwara Mal Ji Sahib date back to 1824, during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, when the original structure was built. In 1937, Bhag Singh Sandhu undertook an extensive renovation to give the Gurudwara a total facelift, preserving its spiritual heritage.
Despite these efforts, the lack of empathy for non-Muslims and their places of worship in the region following the partition led to a gradual decline of the Gurudwara.
Over time, its walls and sanctum have collapsed, leaving only the dome standing tall on four strong pillars as a testament to its rich past.