This historic shrine has played a great role in preaching Sikhism and spreading the thoughts of Khalsa Panth in Jammu and Kashmir. Therefore the Sikh community of the state is having great religious attachment with this holy Dhera. After from a routine visit of Sikh and Hindu devotees, the Sikhs from all corner of state assemble here every year on the eve of Bakashi to pay offerings, obeisance and get blessings from Mahant Ji of the Dhera. After Akhand Path, Shabad Kirtan, sermons from religious personalities, Ardas, Bhog and Langar this religious function take the shape of Mela in which thousands of pilgrims including Hindus and Muslims participates in the Mela and this festival becomes the symbol of composite cultural heritage of this soil. The devotees comes from their native villages and towns in colourful traditional dresses for participation in the function. On this occasion eatable and others shops are establishes in tenteded colonies near the main shrine and indigenous games are played, while Gatka (The war game) is the main attraction of the Mela in which hundreds of Sikh youths come out in religious dresses with naked sword and display their talent.
Deep Historic and religious background is attached with Dhera Sain Pura Nangali Sahib. Because the history of Sikhism in state travels with the History of Nangali Sahib. As per Tariq-E-Aqwaam-E Poonch of Mohammad Din Fook the 10th Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj after laying the foundation of Khalsa Panth had deputed Saint Bhai Pheru Singh Ji, Saint Bhai Punjab Singh Ji and Saint Bhai Rocha Singh Ji for spreading Sikhism in Kashmir and Pothohar area. Saint Bhai Pheru Singh Ji (1640-1697 AD) remain busy in Missonary work in Hazara District on the Western side of Poonch. Saint Bhai Punjab Singh Ji (1672-1729 AD) established his Dhera at Chattar Khalas in Muzaffarbad District and Saint Bhai Rocha Singh Ji the discipline of Saint Bhai Pheru Singh Ji was asked to established his Gaddi (Seat) in Poonch Illaqa. Therefore Saint Bhai Rocha Singh Ji (1688-1803 AD) came to Poonch Illaqa and established his Dhera (holy seat) at Rawalakote (Now in POK). He constructed a Gurudwara, started Guru Ka Langar and preaching of Sikhism. With the sincere efforts of these saints the new religion got popularity among Hindu masses and they started embracing Sikhism.
Saint Bhai Rocha Singh Ji died in 1803 AD. Before his death he had nominated his desciple Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji of village Koteray Tehsil Bagh as his successor. Therefore on Bakashi of 1803 AD the sangat assembled at Rawalakote in which Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji was formally declared as Mahant of the Gaddi. In the month of August 1803 Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji formally inaugurated the Dhera in a big procession which was attended by number of Muslim Sardars also. The pilgrim started coming to Dhera for blessing of Thakur Ji and with the establishment of Gurudwara Nangali Sahib the village was also renamed as Nangali Sahib.
The great Saint Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji passed away in 1854 AD. After that Saint Bhai Mana Singh Ji (1854-1870 AD) Saint Bhai Mangal Singh Ji ( 1870-1877 AD) Saint Bhai Rattan Singh Ji 1878-1879 AD Saint Bhai Avatar Singh Ji 1879-1892 AD, Saint Bhai Rattan Singh Ji Modi 1892 to 1901 AD and Saint Bhai Morh Singh Ji (1901-1919 AD) remain the Mahants of Dhera Nangali Sahib. In 1819 AD when Saint Bhai Mangal Singh Ji Doom attains the Gaddi of Nangali Sahib, the Raja of Poonch Sukh Dev Singh had also participated the ceremony. Holiday was declared in Poonch state and on behalf of Poonch Government Rs. 500 were offered as obeisance. Saint Bhai Mangal Singh Ji made number of additions in the Gurudwara Complex which was constructed by Saint Bhai Mohar Singh Ji. He had also started Gurmukhi Pathshala at proper Poonch and Bhantani (Now in PoK).
After the death of Saint Bhai Mangal Singh Ji Doom, his disciple Bhai Bichattar Singh Ji of village Khari Dharamsal succeeded him on 23rd October 1947 AD. During the happenings of 1947 Mahant Ji was compelled to come to Poonch town as village Nangali Sahib had also gone under the occupation of Invaders. After the libration of the village Mahant Ji immediately rushed Nangali Sahib but the original Gurudwara complex was completely burnt and destroyed by the tribeman invaders. Therefore initially he was putting up in a small room near the Dhera. Then he started planning for construction of a big Gurudwara complex and started tours of villages and towns for collection of donations. Mahant Bichattar Singh was also a great religious personality intellectual and saint. He had purchased 45 kanal land at Digiana, got constructed a big gurudwara and started Ashram for orphan youths who are being provided training in various trades so that they may be able to earn their livelihood. Ragi Jathas are also organized there for religious preaching.
The present Mahant Shri Manjeet Singh ascended the Gaddi on 10th of Nov. 1991 as desired by Late Mahant Bichatar Singh Ji. His name was confirmed by the Government later on.
He presently heads the Dhera and has developed and broadened its influence in various constructive activities.
