9145 2 The historic jand tree to which innocent men, women and children were tied and burnt by pouring kerosene by mercenaries hired by the mahant of Nankana Sahib. Mohinder Singh Sikh shrines have played a vital role in shaping the course of events of the 550-year-old history of the Sikhs and in the development of the Sikh religious tradition. Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh religion, established the twin institutions of sangat and pangat where all could partake of food from the Guru’s kitchen, sitting in one line without any distinction of caste and class. Earlier, these gurdwaras were managed by pious men, who following the advice of Guru Nanak did not look upon offerings as their personal property.