Amritsar – Acting on a complaint against Amrit sanchar held at Virginia Gurdwara, the Akal Takht has summoned the Panj Pyaras — who had violated tradition while conducting ‘Amrit Sanchar’ (baptism) in the US last month.
Addressing media persons, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said directions would immediately be issued to the Panj Pyaras of the gurdwara in Virginia to be present here in person next month.
He warned that failure to comply with the direction would force the clergy to take strict action against them.
He said Satpal Singh, who is working as Sikh ambassador in the US, ratified in his report that the violation had actually taken place. The Akal Takht had entrusted the task of conducting inquiry to Satpal Singh.
He said the violation had occurred on April 15 and the Panj Pyaras were identified as Kuldeep Singh, Gurdeep Singh, Surinder Singh, Rajinder Singh and Narula.
He added that as per the age-old tradition established by the 10th Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh, ‘Amrit Sanchar’ is performed after the recitation of Panj Banis. These are Japu Ji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Chaupai Sahib, Twe prasad Savayye and Anand Sahib.
However, he said, the Virginia-based Panj Pyaras recited only 13 Ang (pages) from Guru Granth Sahib. The omission of the established tradition evoked sharp response from the Sikh community and gurdwaras in the US. Some of them even complained to the Akal Takht to take note of it.
“Their abstaining from appearing before the Akal Takht will force me to take action after consulting different Sikh organisations,” he said.