Gurdwara Nirankari, in Namak Mandi of Rawalpindi, Pakistan has a fascinating historical significance.

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WIK October 19, 2023
A taste of Sikhism: Gurdwara Nirankari Bazar Rawalpindi
how2havefun.com/travel/gurdwara-nirankari-bazar-rawalpindi
Gurdwara Nirankari Bazar is located right in the center of bustling Namak Mandi Rawalpindi.
The taste of Sikhism is in its history of philanthropy, bravery, and entrepreneurship that
symbolizes the adherents of the Sikh religion.
Nirankari Bazar Gurdwara stands out in Sikh history and culture in Rawalpindi.
Gurudwara Nirankari Bazar- Side view
History of Gurdwara Nirankari Bazar
This specific Gurdwara has high-voltage significance in Sikhism
Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached here
Its location has great value because Guru Nanak Dev Ji supposedly temporarily resided and
preached here along with his Rubab-playing companion Bhai Mardana.

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Baba Dayal Das Built the Gurdwara Nirankari
Local Sikh businessman in the early nineteenth century Baba Dayal Das established this
Gurdwara.
Namak Mandi the birthplace of Nirankari Sikhism
Narankari was the birthplace of monotheistic sect Sikhism which has now spread globally in
subsequent centuries – including India itself! Baba Dayal Das spoke out in favor of
monotheism while advocating international brotherhood and human equality similar to what
Islam stands for.
Gurdwara Narankari Bazar Namak Mandi Rawalpindi is revered by Sikhs worldwide as
it marks the origins of Nirankari Sikhism and played an essential part in Pakistan’s
history.” – Ramesh Singh from Sikh Gurdwara Prabankhak Pakistan.

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Entrance to Gurudwara Nirankari Bazaar
Location of Gurdwara Narankari Bazar
Narankari bazar is in Namak Mandi (Salt Market), a walking distance from Fawara Chowk of
Raja Bazar.

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Inside view of Gurudwara Nirankari Bazar
Visit to Gurdwara Narankari Bazar Namak Mandi
It was already peak business hour when we got there and the narrow entrance to the
Gurdwara, made our job of locating it even more difficult. I needed to ask for directions in
order to reach Gurdwara, and you know how much guys hate asking for the way.
An old man with dark shades on, sitting on a tin can, pointed me towards the Gurdwara gate
which had a friendly guard posted there.
I was expecting to see the typical gold and white marble façade and arches but all I saw was
kids’ rote learning some mantra in English, which was different from what I was acquainted
with.

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Students in Gurudwara Nirankari Bazar
Gurdwara Narankari is a Primary School
Once we entered the courtyard, a calm atmosphere quickly settled over us.

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Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib
Right before us stood an arched facade with Mughal-styled balconies, complex frescos, and
beautiful archways of Durbar Hall where Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Book) is kept.

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First Floor of Gurudwara Nirankari Bazar
Palki Sahib
On its first floor is Palki Sahib (palanquin for Granth Sahib Book).

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Khandana Sahib, Gurudwara Nirankari Bazar
Khanda Sahib
A flag pole (chola) lay to our left with Khanda on top (now lost).
All Rawalpindi Sikhs who contributed to its construction had their plaques displayed
prominently on its walls.

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Writings in Gurudwara Nirankari Bbazar
Partition Riots of 1947
Following 1947 partition riots, most local Sikhs abandoned their beloved Gurdwara behind
and ran for the safety of India with just memories and old pictures left behind.
Even the people of Rawalpindi fondly remember the times Sikh used to distribute free langar
three times a day and hold Besakhi festivals for everyone to enjoy.
Pakistan has made efforts to rebuild and preserve Rawalpindi Gurdwara as the center of
Sikh culture, but none can compare to its former splendor as an icon in Rawalpindi.

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Gurudwara Nirankari Bazar
Sikh Entrepreneurial Spirit
This Gurdwara represents the vibrant Sikh culture that emerged in Namak Mandi and
Narankari Rawalpindi. Sikhs played an instrumental role in creating Pakistan as an
independent country; this Gurdwara lies at the epicenter of their endeavor.

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Remnant of Old - Gurudwara Nirankari Bazar
Sikh Religious Harmony
Gurdwara Narankari Namak mandi stands as a beacon of religious harmony that has long
eluded Pakistanis due to the area’s predominance of Muslims. Every year, however,
thousands of Sikh devotees from around the globe visit this Gurdwara.
“Gurdwara Narankari Bazar stands as a testament to Sikh and Muslim bonhomie in the
regions that became Pakistan and brings various religions together around the shared
value of humanity,” Dr. Ali from Quaid e Azam University said.

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Gurudwara Nirankari Bazar, now a clerk office
Sikh of Rawalpindi (Pindi-waal)
Since you will always belong to your land, the Sikh of Narakari Bazar Namak Mandi
Rawalpindi will always be known as Pindi-waal.

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Courtyard- gurudwara Nirankari Bazar
What to Learn from Sikhi?
Sikhi is a faith characterized by generosity and grace where selfless service illuminates our
path, leading us along life’s way with strength of inner strength allowing us to overcome life’s
difficulties.
Sikhi is a faith of Charity and Grace,
Whose Selflessness shines every Place,
And Shakti inner strength empower us all,

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To face life’s challenges and stand tall.
(Author’s Creation)
Also see,
130 Gurdwara of Pakistan
Sujjan Singh Haveli of Rawalpindi
Bhag Singh Gurdwara Kurri Shehr
Rohtas fort Gurdwara
Gurdwara Kartarpur
Gurdwara Nankana Sahib
Gurdwara Panja Sahib
Gurdwara Kallar Syedan
Gurdwara Kot Fateh Khan
Things to do in Rawalpindi
Bedi Mahal Kallar Syedan

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Students Studying in Gurudwara Nirankari Bazar

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