Field guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / D. I. Khan / Gurdwara Kali Devi, Dera Ismail Khan
Field guide · Heritage
D. I. Khan
D. I. Khan District · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Gurdwara Kali Devi, Dera Ismail Khan
A former Kali temple in Dera Ismail Khan that became a gurdwara after Guru Nanak's visit.
The story is that the idol of Kali kept falling when Guru Nanak entered the town, and worship turned to the Granth. A school is housed in the premises; the spire is visible from the street.
Why go
- ✦A former Kali temple that became a gurdwara after Guru Nanak's visit
- ✦Linked with the story of the falling idol
- ✦Its spire is visible from the street
History
This place is on the main road beyond Topan Wala crossroad. There are workshop close it and the spire is visible inside the street. It is said that when Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to this city during his fourth itinerary, Goddess Kali was worshiped here. Guru Dev stayed at some distance from the temple of Kali. The moment he entered the town the idol of `Kali fell to the ground. The priest lifted is up but it fell again. Some one said that a saint had come here and maybe it was happening due to his presence. The priest went to him. Guru Dev Ji explained the meaning of one Lord to him and advised him to be His people. After this incident the worship of idols was abolished and Prakash of Guru Granth Ji was begun. As the time went by the priests once again placed the idol of Kali Devi. This temple came to be known as Gurdwara Kali Devi to commemorate this event. There is a school housed in the premises.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, November to February. Dera Ismail Khan's summer is long and hot, with June–August daily averages near 34–35 °C. The shrine is on the main road past Topan Wala crossroad, among workshops, with its spire visible from the street; a school is on the premises, so ask before going in.
Getting there, On the main road beyond Topan Wala crossroad in Dera Ismail Khan, among workshops; the spire is visible inside the street.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Gurdwara Kali Devi, Dera Ismail Khan, within 5 km.
