Amritsar: Coming to the rescue of newly elected president of the SGPC Gobind Singh Longowal, who is facing allegations of being a 'tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct ), jathedar of Akal Takht clarified that after going through religious atonement, a 'tankhaiya' instinctively rejoins mainstream Sikhism.
Talking to TOI on Saturday, jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Gurbachan Singh said that a few organisations were unnecessarily making a hue and cry over Longowal. "According to Panthic traditions, any Sikh who bows before the Akal Takht, humbly admit his or her mistake, assures not to repeat the mistake and unconditionally undergoes the service pronounced by Sikh high priests is pardoned and taken back in Sikh fold," said the jathedar.
Immediately after the election of Longowal as SGPC president, a few Sikh organisations had demanded his resignation for being a 'tankhaiya'. "What can the Panth expect from a man who had bowed before Gurmeet Ram Rahim for votes for his party," questioned Sarbat Khalsa appointed jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib Baljit Singh Daduwal. Dal Khalsa spokespersons Kanwarpal Singh cautioned the SGPC to be prepared for stiff opposition from Panthic quarters on the issue.
Sikh leader and president of Lok Bhalai Insaf Welfare Society Baldev Singh Sirsa held a press conference in Amritsar and not only accused Longowal of going to the Sirsa dera but also alleged irregularities regarding a four-acre land of Gurdwara Kaimbowal in Longowal.
On April 4, Sikh high priests had released a list of 'sabat surat' and 'patit' (apostate) Sikhs leaders who had gone to Dera Sacha Sauda for help in assembly elections, following which Akal Takht had directed them to appear before Sikh high priests on April 17. Longowal's name was at number 17 in the list of 'sabat surat' Sikhs issued by the Takht. After declaring them 'tankhaiya', the Sikh high priests had pronounced religious punishment upon them and had directed 'sabat surat' Sikhs to sweep road between Gurdwara Saragarhi to Darshani Deori, Ghanta Ghar, and roads leading to the Golden Temple, wash parikarma of the Golden Temple, two-hour service of shoe polishing, serving langar for two hours and listening to kirtan for an hour, following which they were directed to offer 'degh' of 'karha parshad' for Rs 501 and donate Rs 5,100 each in the 'golak' of the Akal Takht and offer prayer of forgiveness.
Gurbachan Singh even gave examples of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and Baba Santa Singh in this regard.
Talking to TOI on Saturday, jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Gurbachan Singh said that a few organisations were unnecessarily making a hue and cry over Longowal. "According to Panthic traditions, any Sikh who bows before the Akal Takht, humbly admit his or her mistake, assures not to repeat the mistake and unconditionally undergoes the service pronounced by Sikh high priests is pardoned and taken back in Sikh fold," said the jathedar.
Immediately after the election of Longowal as SGPC president, a few Sikh organisations had demanded his resignation for being a 'tankhaiya'. "What can the Panth expect from a man who had bowed before Gurmeet Ram Rahim for votes for his party," questioned Sarbat Khalsa appointed jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib Baljit Singh Daduwal. Dal Khalsa spokespersons Kanwarpal Singh cautioned the SGPC to be prepared for stiff opposition from Panthic quarters on the issue.
Sikh leader and president of Lok Bhalai Insaf Welfare Society Baldev Singh Sirsa held a press conference in Amritsar and not only accused Longowal of going to the Sirsa dera but also alleged irregularities regarding a four-acre land of Gurdwara Kaimbowal in Longowal.
On April 4, Sikh high priests had released a list of 'sabat surat' and 'patit' (apostate) Sikhs leaders who had gone to Dera Sacha Sauda for help in assembly elections, following which Akal Takht had directed them to appear before Sikh high priests on April 17. Longowal's name was at number 17 in the list of 'sabat surat' Sikhs issued by the Takht. After declaring them 'tankhaiya', the Sikh high priests had pronounced religious punishment upon them and had directed 'sabat surat' Sikhs to sweep road between Gurdwara Saragarhi to Darshani Deori, Ghanta Ghar, and roads leading to the Golden Temple, wash parikarma of the Golden Temple, two-hour service of shoe polishing, serving langar for two hours and listening to kirtan for an hour, following which they were directed to offer 'degh' of 'karha parshad' for Rs 501 and donate Rs 5,100 each in the 'golak' of the Akal Takht and offer prayer of forgiveness.
Gurbachan Singh even gave examples of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and Baba Santa Singh in this regard.
Get latest news & live updates on the go on your pc with News App. Download The Times of India news app for your device.
