Sikh temporal seats reconcile, uphold Akal Takht's primacy; religious rift ends in show of unity
Sikhism
has been resolved after two prominent seats of Sikh authority, the Akal Takht in Amritsar and Takht Sri Harimandir Sahib in Patna, agreed to withdraw their rival edicts and reaffirmed the supremacy of the Akal Takht.
The reconciliation brings to an end months of tensions that saw each Takht declare religious misconduct — known as 'tankhah' — against prominent Sikh leaders, including Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and the respective Jathedars (head priests) of the two takhts.
Addressing the media on Monday, Akal Takht's officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, said the issue was resolved in the interest of Panthic (community) unity and the wider Sikh sangat (congregation).
A meeting of five senior Sikh high priests, including granthis from Sri Harimandir Sahib — Giani Rajdeep Singh, Giani Sultan Singh, and Giani Kewal Singh — and the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Bhai Tek Singh, was held at the Akal Takht secretariat to address the concerns surrounding Takht Patna Sahib. Gargaj claimed to have received a formal request on May 12 from the Patna Sahib Management Committee, seeking a review of earlier decisions and pledging full submission to the Akal Takht's authority.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Following deliberations, the high priests amended previous resolutions passed on May 21 and July 5, which had contributed to the standoff. Simultaneously, the Panj Piaras Singh Sahiban (collective leadership) at Takht Patna Sahib also met on Monday and accepted Akal Takht's supremacy formally, withdrawing their own conflicting declarations. Gargaj confirmed receipt of the formal resolution, describing the development as a reaffirmation of Sikh unity and respect for institutional tradition.
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