Ancient gurdwara reflects enduring spiritual heritage

Historic site continues to unite communities through shared traditions

MAKHDOOM PUR PAHORAN:

A Sikh gurdwara located in historic town of Makhdoom Pur Pahoran, in Khanewal district, continues to stand as an important symbol of Sikh heritage, interfaith harmony and cultural history in southern Punjab.

The centuries-old gurdwara is associated with Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji and holds deep spiritual significance for the Sikh community.

According to local traditions, Guru Nanak stayed at the site during his journey from Delhi to Multan in the 15th century, making it a revered place for Sikh pilgrims.

Before the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, large numbers of Sikh devotees regularly visited the gurdwara. Following the migration of the Sikh population after partition, parts of the building came under government use and are currently being used as a public school.

Locals say the gurdwara once included a historic well, guest houses and a pond used for bathing, all of which are frequently mentioned in oral histories and accounts of pilgrims who visited the shrine over the years. Despite the passage of time, Sikh pilgrims from India as well as countries including Australia, the United States and several European nations continue to visit the site to pay homage and reconnect with their spiritual heritage.

Makhdoom Pur Pahoran itself is regarded as an ancient town known for its cultural and religious importance.

The surrounding markets historically served as major commercial centres for cloth, handicrafts and agricultural products.

The town has long been recognised for its khaddi, khaddar, bedsheets and textile industry.

Local trader Nauman Ansari, whose family has been associated with the khaddi and khaddar business since before the creation of Pakistan, said the gurdwara holds immense spiritual value for Sikh visitors from around the world.

"They come here with deep devotion and respect because this place is associated with Baba Guru Nanak," he said.

District Education Officer (Elementary) Ghulam Murtaza Shakir said the town historically had five major markets where Sikh, Hindu and Muslim traders carried out business side by side. "The market near the gurdwara reflected religious harmony and commercial activity.

Sikh pilgrims visiting the shrine used to buy clothes, gifts and daily-use items from these markets," he said. Another local elder and trader Javed Ansari said Guru Nanak was believed to have visited the area during his missionary journeys and delivered messages of peace, brotherhood, truth and humanity to local residents.