An interesting piece of Sikh history has once again caught attention online, thanks to a Pakistani travel vlogger. In her recent Instagram post, the vlogger shared a glimpse of Gurudwara Bhai Bannu in Mangat
(Mandi Bahauddin), Pakistan. The centuries-old site holds a very special place in Sikh heritage, but today it stands forgotten, waiting to be restored.
Sharing the video, the vlogger wrote in her caption, “In the village of Mangat (Mandi Bahauddin) stands Gurdwara Bhai Bannu. Built in the 19th century during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign, it’s a stunning mix of Mughal and Sikh art. Until 1947, the sacred ‘Bhai Bannu Volume’ of Guru Granth Sahib rested here, before being taken to Kanpur. Today, this forgotten Gurdwara in Pakistan survives as a private property, waiting to be restored.”
The Sacred History of Bhai Bannu
The importance of Gurudwara Bhai Bannu goes back to the 17th century. Bhai Bannu, a devotee of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and a resident of Mangat, was given a sacred responsibility. When Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the first version of the Guru Granth Sahib, Bhai Bannu was asked to bind it.
Before taking it to Lahore, Bhai Bannu kept the scripture in Mangat. There, he prepared a handwritten copy which came to be known as the Bhai Bannu Volume. It remained preserved in the Gurudwara until 1947, when, during Partition, the Sikh community carried it to Kanpur. In the city, another Gurudwara was built in Bhai Bannu’s name.
Blend Of Mughal And Sikh Architecture
The present-day structure in Mangat was constructed in the 19th century during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It stands as a representation of the blend of Mughal and Sikh art. The Gurudwara is a three-story structure adorned with beautiful fresco work, proof of the artistic excellence of the workers of that time.
Sadly, after Partition, the site was no longer in use as a Gurudwara. For decades, it functioned as a school until 2005. Today, it survives as private property and is in urgent need of restoration.
The video has prompted reaction from Internet users, with many expressing admiration for the narration from the vlogger, while others loved the glimpse of the heritage site. One person wrote, “What a beautiful Gurdwara Sahib… so worthy of restoration with its significant history.” Someone else added, “A hidden gem that needs to be recognised.”
One of the users also said, “We’re from Mangat, been here so many times. Outside it was an open area where primary students used to study under shades of trees (my grandfather was a teacher there). This place is a disaster now & no authority has any kind of interest in its restoration. Can’t believe someone made a video about it. Kudos to you.”
Amid the debate, Gurudwara Bhai Bannu continues to shine as a silent storyteller of the Sikh legacy.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-175872327697437153.webp)
