The SGPC today approached the Akal Takht seeking action against the priests of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where an amended “ardas” was introduced recently.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said the gurdwara management would be summoned to clear their stance.
This gurdwara landed itself in a controversy after reports surfaced that amended ardas was being recited.
The issue gained significance, because it was against the ethics of the Sikh Rahat maryada (decorum) to modify any part of the ardas, except a particular portion wherein some extract of it can be added which depict the purpose for which it was being recited. However, at the UAE gurdwara, the first line and some concluding lines of the ardas were altered.
The “ardas” in new form was introduced during a programme held between November 19 and 28, when former Jathedar of Akal Takht Prof Darshan Singh, who was ex-communicated from his alleged utterances against a Sikh Guru, was there to preach religious ethics.
Taking note of this lapse, SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar said it was sheer violation of the Sikh code and sought stern action against the preachers of the gurdwara.
“It is sacrilege of Sikh decorum and calls for immediate attention. The change in the ardas was a deliberate attempt backed by anti-Panthic forces. I have written officially to the Akal Takht Jathedar to take cognisance of this unpardonable act. Those responsible for it should be punished as per Sikh decree. The presence of an excommunicated Jathedar at the programme testified that some disgruntled elements were there to malign the dignity of Sikh ethics to create unrest among the Sikh community,” he said.
The Akal Takht Jathedar said the matter of amendment in ardas was being considered seriously and those responsible for it would have to appear before the five high priests at the Akal Takht.