Historic Makhdoom Pur gurdwara remains a symbol of Sikh heritage

MULTAN: A centuries-old Sikh gurdwara in the historic town of Makhdoom Pur Pahoran in Khanewal district continues to be regarded as an important marker of Sikh heritage, interfaith coexistence and the cultural history of southern Punjab.

The shrine is linked with Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji and carries deep religious importance for the Sikh community. According to local tradition, Guru Nanak stayed there during his journey from Delhi to Multan in the 15th century, a connection that has made the site a place of reverence for Sikh pilgrims.

Before the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, the gurdwara regularly drew large numbers of Sikh devotees. After the migration of the Sikh population following partition, parts of the structure came under government use and are now functioning as a public school. Residents say the complex once also had a historic well, guest houses and a pond used for bathing, features that continue to appear in oral accounts and recollections of pilgrims who visited the shrine over the years.

Despite the passage of time, Sikh pilgrims from India and from countries including Australia, the United States and several European nations still visit the site to pay homage and reconnect with their spiritual roots.

Town’s commercial and cultural legacy

Makhdoom Pur Pahoran is also known as an ancient town with longstanding cultural and religious significance. Its surrounding bazaars historically served as important trading centres for cloth, handicrafts and agricultural goods. The town has long been associated with khaddi, khaddar, bedsheets and the textile trade.

Local trader Nauman Ansari, whose family has been connected with the khaddi and khaddar business since before Pakistan came into being, said the shrine continues to hold strong spiritual meaning for Sikh visitors arriving from different parts of the world. "They come here with deep devotion and respect because this place is associated with Baba Guru Nanak," he added.

District Education Officer (Elementary) Ghulam Murtaza Shakir said the town historically had five major markets where Sikh, Hindu and Muslim traders conducted business alongside one another. "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 shared messages of peace, brotherhood, truth and humanity with local residents.