In Pakistan’s Mansehra, a resplendent gurdwara to open for prayers again soon

“After thorough deliberation, they have accepted the stance of ETPB and showed willingness to give possession of the gurdwara to us after resolving some administrative issues. Gurdwara Singh Sabha Mansehra is a historical and magnificent gurdwara which is intact in its original architecture. It has been in possession of TMA Mansehra since 1999,” said Gondal.

The Gurudwara library. (Express photo)

“The beautiful frescoes inside the gurdwara are still intact and one of a kind,” he added.

The gurdwara was built in the early 1900s. After Partition, Sri Guru Granth Sahib was never installed in this gurdwara, says Shahid Shabbir, a Pak-based Sikh historian. “But the paalki for Guru Granth Sahib prakash is still intact in its original glory.”

Amardeep Singh, author of two books on Sikh heritage in Pakistan — ‘Lost Heritage: The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan’ and ‘The Quest Continues’ — says, “Using the gurdwara building as a library was also a fine example of heritage being put to good use because it has helped in the preservation of the beautiful structure. It shows that if there is will, even abandoned gurdwara buildings can be maintained if used for constructive purposes and betterment of mankind…”

Gondal said that the local administration will be handing over the gurdwara building to ETPB after finding a suitable place to relocate the library. “The plan is to install Sri Guru Granth Sahib again at Mansehra’s Gurudwara Sri Singh Sabha,” he added.