Historical Gurdwaras in Foreign Lands

PAKISTAN

Nankana Sahib

Gurdwara Mal Ji Sahib

Gurdwara Mal Ji Sahib is also near the railway station but closer to town. Mal (also called jal and van) is a shady tree. It is said that once as Rai Bular was riding among the fields. It is said that once as Rai Bular was riding among the fields in this area, he saw young Nanak sleeping in the shade of the mal tree. What struck Rai Bular was that the shade had not moved away from the sleeper as the movement and position of the Sun warranted. According to another version, the shade had moved away from the Guru but a large cobra had spread its huge hood over his face so that his sleep was not interrupted. This miracle and the incident related to Kiara Sahib convinced Rai Bular of the spiritual eminence of Guru Nanak Dev whose devotee he became.

This Gurdwara, too, was first built by Diwan Kaura Mal and renovated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is larger and more imposing that Kiara Sahib with its broad copings mounted with dome lets around the central dome, domed kiosks at the corners of the roof and porches on the sides of the hall.