Sikh News Former Jathedar Of Akal Takht Excommunicated From Sikh Community

AMRITSAR: In an unprecedented action the Akal Takht (highest Sikh temporal seat) here on Friday issued an edict excommunicating its former Jathedar(high priest) Professor Darshan Singh from Sikh community for uttering blasphemous remarks against the tenth Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh at a congregation in USA last year.

This is first time probably, wherein any former head of the Akal Takht was expelled from Sikh community in the 540 year old Sikh history, said sources of Akal Takht office.

The edict was issued in the evening, following marathon meeting of Sikh clergy led by Jatehdar Akal Takht Gyani Gurbachan Singh at the secretariat of Akal Takht in the presence of Jathedar Takht Damdama Sahib Gyani Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Jathedar Takht Kesgarh Sahib Gyani Tarlochan Singh, Jathedar Takht Patna Sahib Gyani Iqbal Singh and Vice Jatehdar Sachkhand Takht Hazoor Sahib Gyani Jotinder Singh.

Edict strictly advised entire Sikh community all over the world that Darshan Singh would not be entertained at anywhere in the world particularly in any Sikh shrine even he would not be accommodated at any religious place and nobody would keep any kind of relation with him.

Earlier, last year on December 5, Professor Darshan Singh was declared Tankhaiya (guilty for religious misconduct) in an edict issued from Akal Takht. But at the same time he was given opportunity to appear at Akal Takht before the Sikh clergy by January 7 and 29 this year to admit his past religious misdeed and to undergo Tankha (religious punishment) to be awarded from AKal Takht.

However, Prof Darshan Singh was given two chances in past to appear before the Sikh clergy and today it was the last chance, but he again failed to appear at Akal Takht, hence Sikh clergy in an one sided decision without hearing Darhsan Singh, passed harsh orders to expel him Singh from Sikh fold.

It may be mentioned that Darshan Singh was demanding that Sikh clergy should hear his clarification in full public view, whereas, Sikh clergy were for in camera meeting.

Professor Darshan Singh is a renowned Sikh scholar and well connected to Sikh community at various foreign countries and remained Jathedar Akal Takht during the peak days of militancy in Punjab in the year of 1986.

However, a radical Sikh organsiation Dal Khalsa spokes person Kanwarpal Singh expressing anguish over the excommunication of Prof Darshan Singh, described this development as sad and bad for the Sikh community.

Here is a lot of reading posted at SPN for those who wish more information from established scholars.

http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/dasam...bal-sikh.html?highlight=Sikh+Studies+Articles

Two of specific interest, including one cited above, found as attachments.

SGPC are {censored}s bowing to extremists from the AKJ, DDT, and other cults!

Sorry to use such harsh language.

Once again -- this is politics not religion. It is about greed, lust, envy, power, and ego. There are no "jathedars" serving the panth. They are serving Badal. QTF - Forum member, most respected Soul Jyot ji -- months ago posted about changes to SRM that were tabled by SGPC. This will now be brought off the table. The words A Sikh believes in One God will be removed. The banner of Kali will fly over us.

Wake up Khalsa ji.

Respected Sadh Sangat ji,

It is indeed a black day for the Sikhs that the ignorant,incompetent,irresponsible,karamkaandi,slaves of manmatti Badal-RSSmafia have ex-communicated Prof. Darshan Singh from Sikh Panth.These pujarees have scant respect for sacred sikh institutuions.They are puppets doing the bidding of their political masters.They have used all dirty means available to them to humiliate and hurt a distiinguished Sikh,who despite grave dangers to his very life and sikhi mission is carrying on.

It is indeed heartening that Sikhs waking up to the brahmanical hold on their institutions are increasing in numbers every day. There is an intense desire among many sikhs to learn about their religion.More and more SIKHS are flocking to listen to Prof. Darshan Singh to enlighten them on different aspects of Sikhee despite an earlier edict prohibiting sikhs and sikh organisations from hosting any keertan programs where he could do gurbani keertan and exposition of The Guru Shabad.And after this ex-communication of Prof. Darshan Singh,the number of sikhs and sikh parcharaks
devoted to the better understanding of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji will likely increase considerably.And the day is not far when these KALKA-MAHAKAAL pujaarees
who are occupying Sri Akal Takht will meet their ignonimous end.

Let us reaffirm our faith in the One and Only scripture of the sikhs Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and pledge to mould our lives on the teachings contained therin.

Lovingly

Satnam Singh

ਕਲਿ ਕਾਤੀ ਰਾਜੇ ਕਾਸਾਈ ਧਰਮੁ ਪੰਖ ਕਰਿ ਉਡਰਿਆ ॥ :

Kal kaatee raaje kaasaayee dharam pankh kar udariyaa:

This dark-age is the scalpel, the kings are butchers, and the Dharma has taken wings and flown away (sggs 145).

This is so Sad No word can be describe but we have to do something

Sadh Sangat JI from Canada All the Gurudwara should write a petition to Akaal Takhat
What they have done is UNFAIR UNJUSTIFIED in Guru Granth Sahib

ਕਲਿ ਕਾਤੀ ਰਾਜੇ ਕਾਸਾਈ ਧਰਮੁ ਪੰਖ ਕਰਿ ਉਡਰਿਆ ॥ :

Kal kaatee raaje kaasaayee dharam pankh kar udariyaa:

This dark-age is the scalpel, the kings are butchers, and the Dharma has taken wings and flown away (sggs 145)

My head Bows to Guru Granth Sahib Ji and to you Sadh Sangat to stand for JUSTIS

:8-:8-:8-:8-:8-

Respected Sadh Sangat ji,

It is indeed a black day for the Sikhs that the
ignorant,incompetent,irresponsible,karamkaandi,slaves of manmatti Badal-RSSmafia have ex-communicated Prof. Darshan Singh from Sikh Panth.These pujarees have scant respect for sacred sikh institutuions.They are puppets doing the bidding of their political masters.They have used all dirty means available to them to humiliate and hurt a distinguished Sikh,who despite grave dangers to his very life and sikhi mission is carrying on.

It is indeed heartening that Sikhs waking up to the brahmanical hold on their institutions are increasing in numbers every day. There is an intense desire among many sikhs to learn about their religion.More and more SIKHS are flocking to listen to Prof. Darshan Singh to enlighten them on different aspects of Sikhee despite an earlier edict prohibiting sikhs and sikh organizations from hosting any keertan programs where he could do gurbani keertan and exposition of The Guru Shabad.And after this ex-communication of Prof. Darshan Singh,the number of Sikhs and Sikh parcharaks
devoted to the better understanding of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji will likely increase considerably.And the day is not far when these KALKA-MAHAKAAL pujaarees
who are occupying Sri Akaal Takht will meet their ignominious end.

Let us reaffirm our faith in the One and Only scripture of the Sikhs Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and pledge to mold our lives on the teachings contained therein.

I have no word Just to say But this I can Write without fear
SHAME ON YOU PARKASH BAADAL I TOOK THE SINGH OUT BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT A SIKH OR SINGH

Gurfateh

Binder K Mandur

This dogma of ex- communication taking precedent to the teachings of SGGS, our only Guru, not only baffles me but shows the total lack of Gurmat ideals given to us by our Gurus.

Sikhi is a pragmatic way of life and these kind of actions make mockery of Sikhi.It shows nothing but Me-ism where THE ONE is put aside for one's own selfish reasons.

Edict strictly advised entire Sikh community all over the world that Darshan Singh would not be entertained at anywhere in the world particularly in any Sikh shrine even he would not be accommodated at any religious place and nobody would keep any kind of relation with him.

Click to expand...

This is like a time out given to a kid who misbehaves with his parents and one parent is telling the spouse," don't you disobey my order of the punishment how illogical it may sound to you".

These walking skeletons in Sikhi Baana are disgrace to the core of Sikhi which is looking inwards and breeding goodness not flaunting the power that they do not possess.

No one can stop anyone from being a Sikh or talking about Gurmat.

This is a blooody tamasha and the tamasha clappers are there to clap. tsk tsk.

Tejwant Singh

No use pressuring the Akal Takht they won't do anything when you have jathedars of Patna and Hazoor Sahib who openly do prakash of Bachitar Natak.

In my humble opinion the Sikh masses should continue to build pressure by using media outlets and openly discuss the contents of Bachitar Natak and contrast it to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. The Bachitar Natakees are under pressure as Sikhs are becoming increasingly aware of the contents of the so called Dasam Granth. Modern media is making this possible and we should continue to utilise it to make the masses aware.

Tejwant Singh JI Aman Singh and Others

Gurfateh,

Is there anything we as Sadh Sangat can do. This is so shameful for every one.
Can we do something about it please do let us know!

Gurfateh:happykaur:

vampire said:

No use pressuring the Akal Takht they won't do anything when you have jathedars of Patna and Hazoor Sahib who openly do prakash of Bachitar Natak.

In my humble opinion the Sikh masses should continue to build pressure by using media outlets and openly discuss the contents of Bachitar Natak and contrast it to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. The Bachitar Natakees are under pressure as Sikhs are becoming increasingly aware of the contents of the so called Dasam Granth. Modern media is making this possible and we should continue to utilise it to make the masses aware.

Click to expand...

Vampire ji

Great account name....There is already a thread at SPN entitled Bacchittar Natak: A Strange Drama, written by the late and esteemed Dr. Baldev Singh. This article can be viewed in here. It can be viewed at the archive of Global Sikh Studies. It can be viewed at SikhSpectrum. I have word that the circulation of this discussion is already starting to pick up steam. We have had some heated discussions regarding the Bacchitar Natak here on other threads. The net result -- there are those who want to cling to it. Others who are willing to challenge it.

Bottom line -- the message needs to be published and debated in many more places.

I will post the thread for you shortly.

very sad day for the khalsa panth but a wonderful day for those who belong to kalika panth.

Bmandur said:

Tejwant Singh JI Aman Singh and Others

Gurfateh,

Is there anything we as Sadh Sangat can do. This is so shameful for every one.
Can we do something about it please do let us know!

Gurfateh:happykaur:

Click to expand...

Gurfateh to all,

Shameful day for Sikhs worldwide, as even discussion of this matter is banned... sure they would like to silence all quarters as they have been doing all this while...

Yes WE CAN DO something and must.....in one of my earlier posts i outlined
a few things we could do ....

1. Educate the masses by sending information through e-mails etc with a plea
to keep the e-mail chain going just like the chain-letters we receive all the
time. Keep the matter alive and circulating......
2. In the subject part of our e-mails let us use "Ex-communicate Me too -
I support professor Darshan Singh and SGGS Ji"....
3. Wear black arm-bands to gurduaras and when asked explain that we are
moaning the death of Thruth etc....
4. Do not donate any funds to the takths, if so moved please take the pain to
provide rations which may be harder to steal......
5. Promote greater understanding of what and who is really behind these
moves...people like the badals, rss, deras and babas.....
The 5 clowns ar hoping that this matter will slowly fade away so we have to keep it going and not allow them to walk all over us.

I am sure there will be lots of ideas coming up shortly so this is my 2 paisas worth and May Waheguruji Guide and Bless all true Khalsas.

International Akaali said:

very sad day for the khalsa panth but a wonderful day for those who belong to kalika panth.

Click to expand...

International Akaali ji

Do not be too hasty. The kalika panth has boxed itself into a complicated script of its own making. The question for them is whether they can enjoy their play. I think they are lost. Pray that not too many are taken with them.

They have consigned themselves to fighting battles with imaginary demons, some of whom have fallen and others have left the battlefield. When their supply of "demons" is exhausted, they will fight amongst themselves.

"Jathedar's Of Akal Takht"

The institution of Akal Takht was started by Guru Hargobind Ji as a political wing of Sikh religion to defend his followers from the tyranny of the rulers of the time. Since its inception in 1606, it has a glorious history and its Jathedar has guided the Sikhs during critical times in the past.

The position of the Jathedar has evolved since the first quarter of the 17th century when Bhai Gurdas was appointed as the first custodian of Akal Takht called Akal Bunga. Guru Hargobind ji used this to take political decisions, issue Hukmanamas and invite his followers to come to the place with arms and horses .The first Hukamnama was issued by the Guru ji on June 12, 1606 in this context. However, Guru Hargobind ji had to leave the place in 1634 due to the hostilities of the Mughal rulers and it came in the possession of the Minas, descendants of Prithi Chand. In 1721 Bhai Mani Singh took Harmandir Sahib and Akal Takhat under his control at the behest of Mata Sundri. During the misl period, Sarbat Khalsa used to meet at Akal Takht twice a year on Baisakhi and Diwali days. Historic decisions were taken and strategy was discussed to fight against the Mughal forces and invaders from North-West. Nawab Kapur Singh, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and later Akali Phula Singh were the Jathedars of Akal Takht and guided the panth in the critical times.

According to H S Dilgeer, "In April 1759 a Hukamnama was issued in the name of the Sarbat Khalsa to all Sikhs to make generous offering for the rebuilding of Darbar Sahib. The seal of Akal Takht was used on the Hukamnama."

By 1799 Ranjit Singh had captured Lahore and established his rule over central Punjab, yet he was not free from the authority of Akal Takhat. In 1800, Akali Phula Singh took charge of Akal Takhat and conducted its affairs according to Sikh traditions. He even summoned the powerful Maharaja at Akal Takht for having an affair with Moran, a Muslim nautch girl. Ranjit Singh was again punished by Akal Takht Jathedar when he donated a beautiful canopy to Akal Takht after himself using it for some time. In 1805, when Maratha chief Jaswant Rao Holkar came to Punjab to get Ranjit Singh's support against the British, the Sikh Maharaja summoned a meeting of Sarbat Khalsa at the Akal Takht to take a collective decision. This was perhaps the last time when he sought the advice of Sarbat Khalsa. After that he started making his own decisions by consulting his Sikh, Hindu and Muslim ministers and advisors. We don't find much activity at Akal Takht till British took over Punjab in mid 19th century.

Under the British, Akal Takht Jathedar or custodian gradually started asserting his authority. To start with, Sanatani Sikhs who believed that Sikhism was part of Hinduism were in control of Darbar Sahib. They, however, came in clash with radical reformers of Lahore Singh Sabha who were determined to free Sikhism from Hindu influence. Since the Sanatani Sikhs had control of Akal Takht and other Takhts, they issued a Hukamnama on 14 March, 1887 excommunicating Prof. Gurmukh Singh, Secretary of Lahore Singh Sabha. Though it was issued by pro Hindu Sanatani Sikhs, it still had some force and sanctity and it affected Gurmukh Singh’s standing in Sikh community. Despite this Gurmukh Singh did not look back or apologized. However, after 108 years, the hukamnama against Prof. Gurmukh Singh was specifically withdrawn by the World Sikh Convention held in Amritsar in 1995, presided over by acting Akal Takht Jathedar, Manjit Singh.

Sikhs need a strong central authority

<FONT color=navy><FONT face=Verdana>that, however, does not mean that the institution of Akal Takht Jathedar is beyond repair and redemption. Sikhs need a strong central authority to resolve so many contentious issues that keep dogging and dividing the community. <B><FONT color=black>There should be a procedure to elect a non-partisan Jathedar of Akal Takht.Jathedar should be a man of high integrity and character, deeply knowledgeable about Sikh religion, history and its traditions and could not be easily removed from his position. He should be able to communicate in Gurmukhi,& English. <?"urn::happykaur:
Binder Mandur

its black day , why these priests are dividing the panth ?

Dear All,
My apprehensions (written earlier in various SPN posts) have come true. The game started by SGPC/Badal/RSS in sending Lamba (Editor of Sant Sipahi) to US has proved fatal. This man has succeded in getting Proff. Sahib blacklisted of no fault of his at all.
First of all, we should start from exposing these black sheeps like Lamba, from our panth. The sinster designs of RSS has succeded.
Waheguru bhala kare.
Hardip Singh

I think we should send a communication of support for the former Jathedar, and a strong condemnation of this excommunication. Regardless of whether you support Dasam Granth or not, this is unwarranted.

The time has come to CROSS the RUBICON...or the LINE that Baba Deep Singh Ji drew in the sands....stand united behind the SGGS..the One and Only GURU to defeat the enemy.