Latest news with #AkalTakhtSahib
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Religious row erupts between Akal Takht, Takht Patna Sahib, SGPC urges mutual dialogue for resolution
CHANDIGARH: A religious dispute has escalated between the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, and Takht Patna Sahib, after the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones) of Takht Patna Sahib defied a decree issued by the Akal Takht. They declared its acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib head Tek Singh Dhanaula as 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) for actions allegedly hurting the sanctity and dignity of Takht Patna Sahib. In response, the Akal Takht Secretariat today ordered the Takht Patna Sahib management to withdraw this decision or face stern action. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has stepped in, stating that internal differences among Sikh supreme institutions are not in the interest of the Panth (community), and that mutual dialogue is the best path forward. A statement issued by the Akal Takht Secretariat reads, 'According to Sikh Rehat Maryada, Akal Takht Sahib is the highest among the five Takhts, and its decisions and orders are binding on all Takht Sahibs and the entire Sikh community. No group of Panj Pyaras from any Takht Sahib has the authority to question the supremacy of Akal Takht Sahib.' 'Takht Patna Sahib can take decisions related to local existing maryada, rituals and doctrines, but Akal Takht Sahib has full authority to deliberate on disputes related to religious matters and its opinion and decisions are considered final,' the statement further said. The Panj Pyare of Takht Patna Sahib yesterday held the temporal heads of Akal Takht Giani Gargaj and Damdama Sahib Tek Singh guilty of 'religious misconduct' and also summoned Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal for allegedly meddling in Takht affairs. The Takht Patna Sahib issued this strong reaction after five Sikh priests, including Gargaj and Singh, had summoned the entire management panel of the Patna Sahib shrine over 'non-compliance' of earlier orders from the Akal Takht.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Akal Takht Sahib removes ban on Sikh preacher Ranjit Dhadrianwale after he apologises for ‘misinterpreting Gurbani'
Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs, has lifted the ban on preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale over allegations of misinterpreting the Gurbani. Dhadrianwale, who is considered to be the archrival of Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Dhuma, appeared before the five Sikh Jathedars at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on Wednesday and sought forgiveness for his mistakes. Accepting his apology, the jathedars removed the five-year-old ban on his religious congregations. Last week, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with looking into a rape-murder case in Patiala, had recommended that the FIR against Dhadrianwale, registered in December last year, be cancelled since it could not find anything to substantiate the allegations. Lifting of the ban against Dhadrianwale comes at a time when Dhuma has turned against the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Dhuma wants the SGPC to remove Akal Takht Sahib's acting Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, who was instrumental in making Dhadrianwale appear before the Akal Takht Sahib seeking forgiveness. Dhuma has been close to the BJP in recent years, especially since the SAD(B) snapped political ties with the longtime ally. The ban on Ranjit Dhadrianwale In 2019, the Akal Takht formed a five-member committee to probe the allegations against preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale for allegedly misinterpreting the Gurbani (hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib) and insulting Sikh customs. On August 24, 2020, the Akal Takht asked the Sikh community to maintain distance from Dhadrianwale until he issued a clarification on the allegations and apologised for it. The ban was viewed as a continuation of the issues between the preacher and Dhuma. A statement by then Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh said, 'The committee has found that Dhadrianwale is guilty of making false statements regarding Sikh rituals and customs, and he is also not ready to appear to clarify the allegations against him. So, all Sikhs are advised against inviting him to any religious congregation. No Sikh should listen to Dhadrianwale, or watch, or forward his videos. Further action can be taken against Dhadrianwale if he doesn't correct his path.' A similar order was issued by the Sikh Jathedars for the preacher's companion Harvinder Singh. Dhadrianwale had then said that he was ready to give all the answers live in a televised debate, which the Akal Takht Jathedar saw as a challenge to its authority. Dhadrianwale, however, did not face any harsh punishment from the Akal Takht Sahib for his alleged religious misconduct, but was asked to offer karah parshad (sacred food offering) worth Rs 501 at the Akal Takht Sahib and resume his religious preaching activities. The issue between Harnam Dhuma and Ranjit Dhadarianwale On May 17, 2016, Dhadrianwale was attacked near Barewal village in Ludhiana. Bhupinder Singh Khasi Kalan, who was travelling with him, was shot dead in the attack. The Sikh seminary, Damdami Taksal, later admitted that the Ludhiana police had booked its men and vehicles in connection with the attack. At the time of the attack, Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Dhuma had been politically supporting the SAD(B) for 10 years under the banner of the Sant Samaj. Dhadrianwale, however, never had any links to the SAD(B) but was close to Congress leaders in Punjab. At his religious congregations during the Akali Dal's rule, Dhadrianwale had started criticising the incumbent political establishment in the state over various issues, without naming the SAD(B). His issues with the SAD(B), however, peaked over the incident involving the desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib in Bargari village of Faridkot in 2015. Along with another Sikh preacher, Panthpreet Singh, Dhadrianwale sat on a dharna, which led to protests across the state, including the killing of two Sikh protesters in police firing in Behbal Kalan. They repeatedly expressed anger against the state government for failing to arrest the culprits. Dhadrianwale also used his religious congregations to lead the attack on the government. Over the years, Dhadrianwale also began criticising a large section of the Sant Samaj for alleged orthodox practices and for encouraging the culture of godmen in Punjab. He also flayed the Sant Samaj for its passive role while the state was simmering with protests against the desecration incidents. Besides heading the Damdami Taksal, Harnam Singh Dhuma is also the president of the Sant Samaj. Interestingly, Dhadrianwale had also faced criticism for alleged orthodox practices and for acting as a godman during the initial years of his rise. Famous Punjabi singer Babbu Maan had written a song about the godmen culture in Punjab, following which Dhadrianwale criticised the vocalist for targeting him in the popular song. But later, Dhadrianwale gradually shunned the alleged orthodox practices, changed his ways, and gave up the heavy security and red beacon. He also stopped having armed bodyguards. He began requesting his followers not to call him 'Sant' or 'Baba', but just 'brother'. These changes enabled him to take on Sant Samaj leaders for allegedly enjoying a luxurious 'godmen lifestyle', and he continued to criticise them in his religious congregations. His videos often go viral on social media. He had once even referred to Dhuma as a 'sarkari sant (government-sponsored preacher)'.
Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
No tobacco, bidi, paan, or halal shops to run in Mohali, says acting Akal Takht jathedar Gargajj
The acting jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, Sunday declared that no shops selling tobacco, bidi, paan, or halal meat will be allowed to operate in the Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) region. Speaking at Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan, Sohana, during a special prayer event organised by the Gurdwara Management Committee for world peace and an end to Indo-Pak tensions, Jathedar Gargajj emphasised, 'Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) is the sacred land of martyrs, and it must remain pure. The district administration will soon be asked to shut down such shops.' Expressing concern over the growing social challenges faced by native Punjabis, Jathedar Gargajj urged the Sikh community to strengthen internal unity. 'The Sikh Panth must prioritise unity to face future challenges effectively,' he said. He referred to the recent killing of two youths in Mohali's Kumbra village, reportedly by migrant Punjabis, calling it a 'wake-up call for our existence in our own homeland', He stressed the need for the community to 'set aside divisions and unite to prevent such inhumane incidents in the future'. On this occasion, the Gurdwara Management Committee honoured Jathedar Gargajj for his guidance and contribution to social causes. Parvinder Singh Sohana, senior Akali Dal leader from Mohali, thanked the Jathedar for his direction and commitment to Panthic service.'With strong leadership, the Sikh community will overcome all challenges,' he said. Other dignitaries present included Committee president Harjinder Singh, vice-president Satwinder Singh, members Jarnail Singh, Bhupinder Singh, Akali Dal spokesperson Shamsher Purkhalvi, chairman Jasbir Singh Jassa, leaders Sukhwinder Singh Chhindi, Billa Chhajjumajra, Harvinder Singh Lambardar, Advocate Gagandeep Singh, former Sarpanch Gurpreet Singh, Captain Ramandeep Singh Bawa, Lambardar Harinder Singh Sukhgarh, Jatinder Singh JP, and Kuldeep Singh.
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Indian Express
Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar condemns Pahalgam terror attack, recalls Chittisinghpura massacre
The officiating Jathedar of the Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, has strongly condemned Tuesday's terrorist attack in South Kashmir's Pahalgam. Expressing grief over the incident, he extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed. At least 26 people died and 10 others were injured when terrorists opened fire at tourists in Baisaran, a popular destination accessible only by foot. On Wednesday, the Jathedar said the tragic incident reminded him of the March 2000 massacre at Chittisinghpura in Kashmir's Anantnag. Around 35 Sikhs were killed in the attack. He emphasised the 'need for justice' in the wake of the latest incident in Pahalgam and sought 'that the truth behind the Chittisinghpura massacre be revealed as well' so that the affected families finally receive justice. Jathedar Gargaj offered prayers before the Akal Purakh (True One Being) to grant 'eternal peace to the departed souls' and strength to the bereaved families 'to accept His will'. He also prayed that such inhumane acts 'may never occur anywhere in the world' and for peace and harmony to prevail across the country and the world. Preliminary probe into Tuesday's attack has indicated that at least four terrorists, wearing camouflage outfits, opened fire at the Baisaran meadow with American-made M4 carbine assault rifles and AK-47s. Many of the victims were holidaying with families at the tourist destination at the time of the attack.
