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Vedanti on Pashaura

By JOGINDER SINGH VEDANTI

The Sikh Times, Jul. 1, 2005


Photo: Pashaura Singh

Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Sri Amritsar (Pb.) India

NoA; 3/05/3161 Dated 1-7-2005

To: All the Sikh Sangat [community]

Sri Guru Granth Sahib is a priceless repository of the divine Word. The sea on its originality and authenticity has been put by the Sikh Gurus themselves.

In 1993 on the basis of questionable sources Pashaura Singh wrote a thesis The Text and Meaning of the Adi Granth in which he has leveled allegations on Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan Dev for revising and introducing theological changes in the Mul Mantra [the introduction and core message of the Guru Granth]. Similarly, he has concluded that Guru Arjan Dev was responsible for revising the text of Japuji and other hymns of Guru Nanak from poetic point of view.

It was a direct attempt to question the originality and revelatory character of Gurbani. Consequently, for hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikh sangats, 'Pashaura Singh had to appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib on 25th June, 1994, pleaded himself guilty of wrong doings, accepted' the tankhah (religious punishment) and apologized.

At that time Sri Akal Takht Sahib directed him not to publish his thesis in its present form.

Now the Sikh Temple of Riverside, California has brought to the notice of Sri Aka1 Takht Sahib that Pashaura Singh has published his previous conclusions in his new book entitled Guru Granth Sahib Canon, Meaning and Authority. It is clearly a violation of the promise that he has made before Sri Akal Takht Sahib. It indicates that he has turned his back to the directive of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. It is a heinous act, which deserves condemnation by all the Sikhs.

All the Sikh sangats are advised to be careful of Pashaura Singh and his supporters. Sri Aka1 Takht Sahib has directed the S.G.P.C to constitute a board of reputed scholars so that the writings of Pashaura Singh and of his ilk, and the heinous designs of the institutions which are bent upon to harm the concept of Guru Granth-Guru Panth may be checked in a befitting manner.

Guru Panth Da Das [Servant of the Sikh community]

(Joginder Singh)

Jathedar Siri Akal Takhat Sahib