Centuries-old Gurdwara opens its doors to pilgrims after seven decades

Sikh temple preserves religious sentiments with Pakistan's commitment of strengthening interfaith harmony

LAHORE: Sikh temple dating back to 1834 inaugurated after almost 70 years of abundance in Jhelum district of Punjab.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) hosted the opening ceremony on Friday with an aim to restore the lost glory of the temple. ETPB chairman Dr Aamer Ahmed along with members of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Sikh leaders attended the ceremony.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

‘Gurdwara of the exalted spring’ is located at the northern edge of Rohtas Fort. It memorialises a historic site where Guru Nanak Davji, the founder of Sikh religion, revealed a natural spring, which still spouts water, during his voyage with Bhai Mardana in scorching summers of 1521.

ETPB to restore abandoned Gurdwara to its past glory

During the event, ETPB Deputy Secretary Shrines Imran Gondal asserted on how Sikh devotees from all over the world wished for the restoration of the temple so that local and foreign Sikh pilgrims can offer their rituals regularly without any obstacle.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

Gondal also stated that how the temple and adjacent spring exhibit immense religious value for Sikh devotees. "This Gurdwara would attract religious tourists around the world."

PHOTO: EXPRESS

Large number of attendees belonged to the Sikh community who also performed Ardas and Keertan  by the end of the ceremony.

The temple does not only preserve religious sentiments of Sikh devotees but also preserves Pakistan‘s commitment for complete religious freedom by strengthening interfaith harmony.