Initial verses of the Sikh Ardas : From Chandi-di-Vaar

FINLAND (KP)--A Finland Gurdwara Committee’s peculiar decision to change the Sikh Ardas has been condemned by Sikh organizations based around the world. The Sikh leadership based in Punjab and other States is being perceived to take a strong stand against such blasphemy.

The Sikh Community is bound to follow the mandates of Akal Takhat Sahib at all times but the decision by Finland’s Capital City Gurdwara is certainly an attack on Sikh principles and beliefs as no consultation was done with the Sikh Nation before such a major decision was taken by the committee. The Sikh Ardas is derived from Gurbani and changing the ardas means changing the words of Guru Sahib, which in the Sikh religion is completely unacceptable.

What the Finland Committee has done is not very different from the works of Gurbaksh Kala Afghana who was excommunicated from the Sikh Nation. Kala Afghana published a series of books challenging Sikh traditions and the basic belief system without consulting with Akal Takht Sahib and other Sikh authorities.

The Finland Committee passed an internal resolution changing “Paratham Bhagautee Simar Ke” to “Paratham Akal Purakh Simar Ke” and “Guru Granth Ji Maneo Pargat Guraa’ Ki Deh” to “Panth Khalsa Maneo Pargat Guraa’ Ki Deh.” Furthermore, the Gurdwara committee has also enforced a ban on the singing and recitation of all bani by Guru Gobind Singh Ji inside the Gurdwara.

Recently, in the last few years, there has been some baseless debate over the authenticity of bani by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Akal Takht Sahib, along with all other Taksals and Sikh scholars, have shown their support in favor of the authenticity of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s bani. In addition, Akal Takht Sahib passed a mandate asking Sikhs to fully agree with the authenticity of the entire Dasam Granth Sahib of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and not raise any doubts about its contents.

Finland Committee’s Action Condemned by Various Panthic Organizations

The head of Gurdwara Rampur Khera, based in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, Baba Seva Singh Ji highly condemned the actions by the Finland Committee. Baba Seva Singh is currently visiting California. He condemned the Finland Committee and asked Sikhs based all over the world to fully accept the Dasam Granth Sahib and respect its contents.

He alleged that mischievous persons were wrongfully raising questions on the Dasam Granth Sahib without studying its contents. Baba Seva Singh raised these views during his katha held in Stockton, the historical city of the Gadri Babas.

Several other Panthic organizations, including the Akhand Kirtani Jatha and Damdami Taksal also condemned changing of ardas and Gurbani. Representatives of both organizations were also present at the large scale program held by Baba Seva Singh. Both organizations expressed grief over the individualistic approach taken by the Finland Committee.