AMRITSAR SAHIB—While the Sikhs worldwide are gearing up to celebrate the 550th Prakash Purab (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji on a large scale in November, Sikhs fear that a historical shrine dating back to 1550s will be demolished if no action is taken.
Mangu Mutt in Jagannath Puri in Orissa is where Guru Nanak Dev Ji uttered the Aarti in 1550. This shrine may soon be demolished as part of the Orissa Government’s plan to clear all structures within 250 feet of the boundary of the entrance of the Jagannath Temple for creation of a heritage corridor.
SGPC President Bhai Gobind Singh Longowal told Sikh24 that while the local administration of Puri has stated that the shrine relating to Guru Nanak Dev Ji will not be demolished, SGPC delegation will still visit Orissa to ensure the safety of the historic shrine.
The demolition work was first announced in August 2019 when a two-storied building dating 100 years old was announced unsafe by the administration. Riot police numbering in hundreds stormed the site and started demolition work. While Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s historic shrine was not declared unsafe at that time, it was later announced that all other structures within the proximity of the Jagannath Temple will be removed.
