Takht chief frowns on sewa by women

October 11th, 2008 Source: www.tribuneindia.com

Amritsar, October 11 - The demand to allow baptised Sikh women to perform kirtan and seva inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple raised a controversy again at a seminar organised by the Global United Sikh Women Organisation here today.

When Dr Mohinder Kaur Gill, a Sikh scholar, wanted the inclusion of baptised women among Panj Piyare ( Five Beloved Ones), Jathedar, Akal Takht, Giani Gurbachan Singh chided her for raising such sensitive issues publicly. He, however, said such matters should have been taken up by the sub-committee of SGPC representatives, Akal Takht, Sikh intellectuals and baptised women.
 
Rajinder Singh Mehta, member, executive committee, SGPC, at the function said women could not be allowed to participate in Panj Piyare or perform kirtan/seva due to a variety of reasons. He said the Almighty had differentiated man from woman at the time of birth, hence nobody should raise such a demand.

Dr Mohinder Kaur, contradicting her own point, said the SGPC had given certain administrative reasons for disallowing women to clean the sanctum sanctorum or carry Guru Granth Sahib in a palanquin, but there was no valid reason to deny them a chance to perform kirtan.

Bibi Jagir Kaur, after taking over as SGPC chief in 1999, had announced to treat baptised women on a par with men for discharging religious duties in the Golden Temple. Earlier, then acting Jathedar, Akal Takht, Prof Manjit Singh had taken a jatha of baptised women to perform seva in the sanctum sanctorum, along with Bibi Inderjit Kaur, the wife of Harbhajan Singh Yogi. Later, notwithstanding her announcement on February 3, 2003, Bibi Kiranjot Kaur, a former general secretary, SGPC, could not arrange kirtan in the sanctum sanctorum.

Gender discrimination in the Golden Temple was highlighted at the international level on February 15, 2003, when two England-based Sikh women were allegedly assaulted by SGPC sevadars during β€˜sukhasan’ (carrying Guru Granth Sahib in palanquin) in the Golden Temple.

Earlier, at the seminar Dr Upinderjit Kaur, education minister, said to preserve moral and ethical values in society, women should have to do introspection to awaken society ethically, morally and artistically by eradicating social evils.

Women and organisations, including GND University, Punjabi University, SGPC, Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Chandigarh, and Naad Pargaas Sri Amritsar participated in the seminar. The minister congratulated Dr Jasbir Kaur, president, and said such seminars would help form an ideal society.

By Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service

Comments

November 18, 2009 - 9:20pm — mykaur

Mata Gujri and Bibi Nanaki

I have confidence that soon women will be allowed to do seva, be granthis, panj pyari, and do kirtan. As generations change, people will have to soon let go of old thinking and realise that women need to have equality in order to move forward as a society. Sometimes I wonder if these ideas would be the same if one of our Gurus would have been a female, but I suppose it's all the will of waheguru. For those who believe women are impure or undeserving - Would you refuse courageous singhnia's such as Mata Gujri or Bibi Nanaki if they came to the steps of the Guru? I pray your answer is no.
November 19, 2009 - 9:27am — K.J.SINGH

NOTHING to do with Equality for women. It has to do with "MAYA"

Why do you think in Vedic culture the hair of the woman is always covered? Because hair is sex attraction, Why do you think when Indians go to a place of worship they are separated, because they are attracted to the opposite sex. Nanaksar will never allow men and women to sit close together because of sexual feelings towards each other, I was told by members of the Hare Krishna movement that many Sanyassis or Gurus fell down because they were attracted to women, Women are our mothers and daughters, but Maya Devi is a woman, the objective of spiritual life is to control the senses, or the mind, remember the mind is not spiritual, the mind is material. It is this sexual desire which binds us to this material world, and we are constantly dieing and taking birth, the cycle of repeated birth and death is referred to as suffering, in sanskrit its called "Samsara" . Sri Guru Grant Sahib Ji teaches us to kill or destroy Maya and nothing else. Our Gurus all had wives but they were used to serve Wahaguru in a special way. One cannot compare the wives of our Gurus with ordinary females, for they were highly elevated souls. Sikhs should not be influenced by the followers of RamaKrishna Mission and Vivekananda, who saw the Absolute as female and to be enjoyed, it's the other way around. While Wahaguru is both Male and female, he is Purekh (Male) and from his expansion for his transcendental enjoyment comes female which is transcendental Shakti and NOT material shakti as in the case of Parvate the wife of Shiva. The followers of Shiva wants to pollute Sikhism indirectly, and in a very subtle way, by trying to introduce Maya. No Sikh Guru ever taught that women is impure, pious women are glorified in Sikhism ,they are our sisters, mothers and daughters, Sikhs do not burn them for dowry, but Shivitee Shakatas, and fallen Vaishnavas do. Let the Shivitee and Shaktas Hindus mix men and women, Vaishnavas and Sikhs should separate them in places of worship in order to control sexual desires. (Women heads MUST be covered) Sex outside of marriage is a sin, and a child born out of wedlock is a demon. This is what Sikhism is all about. Sad to say but some married Sikh women are having illecit sex with men in Gurdwaras and unmarried girls are having sex in college. this is all due to Shakta Hindu Influence or being in contact with materialists or the worshippers of demigod. Sikhs must know that the demigods are all into the mode of passion. Shiva and Parvate is in the mode of Passion. Hindus who glorify them are highly sexed people.
October 24, 2008 - 11:13am — asikhkauravneet

Create peace in the debate

October 21, 2008 - 6:02am — Hall-Mark

Yes

Moon is very far away how one can spit at the moon : satnam_anand ji

October 24, 2008 - 9:08pm — satnam_anand

That's why.

Mark Hall, That's why . If u spit at moon it is going to fall on your own face. So stop spitting venom against Guru Granth Sahib's gurbani and mind your own business, leave the sikhs alone.
October 20, 2008 - 11:39am — aavvnneeeett (not verified)

SPREAD THE WORD

SIGN THE PETITION!!!
October 20, 2008 - 5:42am — Hall-Mark

Yes

No women should be allowed. [You are modern era masaa and ranghar].

October 20, 2008 - 5:59am — satnam_anand

Have guts to name the one you are addressing.

Mark Hall, That you are a non sikh coward, is now confirmed. Because if you not only hide your true identity you also don't have guts to even name the one you are addresing. Don't spit at the moon.
October 19, 2008 - 8:19am — ganj-e-shakar

ek jyot

manush ki jaat sabhai ekeh pehchan bo- guru gobind singh ji. (recognise all human race as one)
October 19, 2008 - 6:00am — Hall-Mark

Ek Singh commented very well [why do not women understand]

No. 17 - Wipran ki Reet. One may be Culprit or not. [Signing this petition is just like challenging Jathedar Ji

Supremacy].

October 20, 2008 - 4:27pm — aavvnneeeett (not verified)

>:(

Not signing this petition for that reason is like going against all sikh gurus
October 19, 2008 - 10:32pm — satnam_anand

Supremacy is of AKAL TAKHAT SAHIB not of its Sewadars(Jathedars)

MARK-HALL, I advise others to ignore you and your stupid and illogical one liners but could not stop myself, just to admonish you to desist from your mischievous comments. FOR SIKHS ALL OVER THE WORLD IT IS SRI AKAL TAKHAT SAHIB WHICH IS SUPREME NOT ITS SEWADARS( YOUR SO CALLED JATHEDARS). Especially who are in positions not because of their qualifications but because they are cronies of politicians (Badal &CO.) If by obeying Guru Nanak Dev Ji's/Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Hukam it is assumed (by illiterate, sycophants like you) that YOUR SO CALLED JATHEDARS ARE CHALLENGED THEN BE IT SO.
October 18, 2008 - 12:23pm — asikhkauravneet

Sign this Petition if you believe in equal rights

October 18, 2008 - 1:30am — SANDHUJS

Sewa Bibian Di

There is no good logic for women can not do sewa in Sanctum Sanctorium of Harmandir Sahib. In my opinion Kirtan Should not have any problem to be done by women in Harimander Sahib ji. Sewa -- should not be a issue too, but we shud take this step very carefully after a thoro considerations. As to change tradition is always hard pros & cons of past. Mensuartion, pregnancy, & then birth are natural part of our life cycle, no one can stop it, & not even shud try any one. My beloved His Holiness Sahib Shiri Guru Nanak Dev ji maharaj has already contradicted the concept of SUTAK. So this philosophy that women have Menses Period due to that they shud not b allowed to do the sewa or kirtan @ Harimander Sahib does not apeals to me, Guru ji very clearly condemned the concept of SUTAK and most probably in some places of our certified history there are some examples also availables that this was completely denied. If ther is any other issue that can be considered as well. According to my opinion, there is no any example, in certified history that from the time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, there is any example that women took any part in the authority of PUNJ PIYARAS.. No doubt they took part in all kind of other sewas of, path, keertan and other fights & related. But none in Amrit sanchar. May be I will be wrong. But here is one version, Since the time of dhan dhan Guru Nanak dev ji maharaj, HE took ten different swroops of Guruship, they all were male physicals, other wise they were Ek JOT, and that JOT is still emboided in Sahib Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Sahib Ji. Didar Khalse da is the same concept of GURU' s Darshan. secondly When Punj Piayare serves as baptising authority they are the jot ok Guru at that time. So keeping all these & many other issues in considerations I don't accept this ideology of womens in punj piayre especially when Amrit Sanchars are being held. Yes of course oin other matters they shud be allowed like any discusions or other policy making, as Bibi Jagir Kaur served as SGPC chief. It shud not be taken merely matter of discrimination against Gender. This is all Waheguru Sahib da Hukam Hai. More over I wud suggest instead of making issues, we shud do Ardas HE shud guide us according to HIS will.
October 20, 2008 - 7:11am — satnam_anand

If you believe in Gurus then believe wholeheartedly

J.S.Sandhu ji, Waheguruji Ka Khalsa Waheguruji Ki Fateh. Its good to know that you respect the Bani of Guru Nanak Devji and accordingly believe that women should have equal rights. About women's role in the the Panj Piaras you have presented some doubts, which I would like to clear for you. First of all let me inform you that you and me or somebody else for that matter are nobody to object to something that has already been explicitly accepted and acknowledged by the Panth in its code of conduct, i.e. PANTHIC REHAT MARYADA decades ago. It seems you and other who are not aware of this fact have not read the SIKH REHAT MARYADA of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandak Committee. It is indeed very painful and regretful that some unscrupulous persons who are unfortunately holding the top positions in our religious institutions for the last many years now, are playing with the sentiments of sikhs by blatantly disregarding/flouting some regulations of the Universally accepted SIKH REHAT MARYADA. Now those unaware of Rehat Maryada are unwittingly following the above mentioned sikh (Jathedars/leaders) believing them to be right.
October 21, 2008 - 10:24pm — SANDHUJS

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh ! Thanks for your comments, I know in universally accepted Rehat Mariyada, it is has not mentioned who is allowed & who is not. But the words used are any Amritdhari Sikh can participate. there would be any differences of wordings. But I want to know is there any example in History available which shows or prooves that women were doing such practice in past, before or near that rehat maiyada regulation or immediately after that. if there is I would like to have some info on that. Believing whole heartedly is not a question. Women are more nearer and dearer to God than man, I can believe that. Guru Fateh JS SANDHU
October 24, 2008 - 10:39pm — satnam_anand

J.S.Sandhuji read the authentic SGPC prepared SRM.......

Dear J.S.Sandhu ji, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. I had a gut feeling that you have not read the universally acceped, Panth Parvanit - SIKH REHAT MARYADA and you proved me right. All your questions will be answered if you read the authentic, SGPC prepared and published, Sikh Rehat Maryada carefully. The specific and relevant part relating to the current debate on this forum is being reproduced here below:- ( for your and all others who are not aware)........ ................................................................................................................................................ Ceremony of Baptism or Initiation, SECTION - 6, CHAPTER XIII (Article XXIV) Point (b)...... At the place where ambrosial baptism is to be administered, the holy Guru Granth Sahib should be installed and ceremonially opened. Also present should be six committed baptised Sikhs, one of whom should sit in attendance of the Guru Granth Sahib and the other five should be there to administer the ambrosial baptism. These six may even include Sikh women. All of them must have taken bath and washed their hair. ................. The question is not whether any woman has PARTICIPATED IN THE PRACTICE OF ADMINISTERING THE AMRIT IN THE PAST, THE QUESTION IS OF THEIR RIGHT, WHICH THEY HAVE - AS PER THE REGULATION OF SIKH REHAT MARYADA. In all fairness we should honour and respect the Panth Parvanit SIKH REHAT MARYADA in letter and spirit for the sake of unity of the Panth. GUR FATEH.
October 17, 2008 - 9:18am — asikhkauravneet

Petition for Women Rights In HArminder Sahib

October 16, 2008 - 10:31pm — Dev

I do not have to obey Akal

I do not have to obey the Akal when it is full of corrupt men. Sri Guru Gobin Singh Ji only told me to obey the SGGS which states equal rights by the teaching of Guru Nanak. WJJL WJKF
October 18, 2008 - 6:55am — satnam_anand

Dev, not only you......

Dev Singh ji, WJKK WJKF. Not only you but every Singh of Guru Gobind Singh ji has a right to disregard the absurd orders of the illiterarte, anti-pantic, anti-Sikh, corrupt,arrogant Sewadars ( Self proclaimed Jathedars/Gianis/Singh Sahibs) who are nothing but puppets of BADAL. But at the same time pledge not only to be loyal and respectful to Sri Akal Takhat Sahib as an (highest) institution of Sikh Religious, Social and Political Affairs but also to somehow get rid of the usurpers (Badal and party) Every sikh must abide by Guru Gobind Singh Ji's order that only and ONLY Guru Granth Sahib is our true Guru .
October 16, 2008 - 3:57pm — aavvnneeeett (not verified)

Why?

Why?
October 17, 2008 - 9:24am — aavvnneeeett (not verified)

i didn't write why

i didn't write why
October 17, 2008 - 9:15am — aavvnneeeett (not verified)

someone hacked my account

someone hacked my account
October 16, 2008 - 6:53pm — K.J.SINGH

The Main Objective is to Put Sikhism under RSS Umbrella

No one on planet earth can pollute Sikhism from the outside; it has to be polluted from the inside. And the Demons have tried every thing including blowing up Darbar Sahib Ji. The main reason is that impersonalism as taught by Shankararcharya leads to Super Materialism, or Demigod worshipping, something which is condemned in Sikhism, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji condemned the teachings of Shankararcharya. Shivitee and Shakta Hindus are all followers of RSS, who worship demigods and they do not like Sikhs, Christians, and Muslims, the RSS Brahmins have converted all the Vaishnavas (Ram and Krishna Bhaktas) and have made them Shivitee through deception, their objective is to do the same with Sikhism, We have got to go back to the 5 beloved and start purifying this religion whole heartedly by applying the spiritual name Singh. No offence to any one but that’s the only way. Purity will preserve us; Pollution in Sikhism is the root case of our problem. We have dire heart Sikhs who will fight and give their last drop of blood for this religion, but their last names are not β€œSpiritual” Not that pollution will not occur but it will be minimised, We must be aware of Wicked and evil people The RSS is a wicked and evil organisation, they created Hindraft in Malaysia but they were band by the Malaysian Government, Its quite the opposite in India, because the RSS have become so powerful that they control political parties in India.. Strictly speaking they are seen as Nazi’s. outside of India.
October 16, 2008 - 12:03pm — aavvnneeeett (not verified)

Petitions for Womans Equal Rights

Harminder Sahib Rights sign the petition for woman's equal rights!!!
October 16, 2008 - 10:50am — aavvnneeeett (not verified)

It is not what woman do not

It is not what woman do not understand, it is what SGPC don't understand
October 16, 2008 - 5:58am — Hall-Mark

Yes

You are all Shezdhari [Hindu - Sikh].
October 16, 2008 - 10:37am — asikhkauravneet

It is more likely that you

It is more likely that you are than all of us combined. Sikhism believes that all woman and men are equal, their is proof if you ever tried to find out. Go to page 473 in the Guru Granth Sahib, maybe you'll learn something. Don't blindly argue. You're SO illogical.
October 19, 2008 - 9:52pm — satnam_anand

Avneet, just ignore Hall MArk type nose pokers.

Dear Sister, Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. You are requested to simply ignore the one liners from Hall Mark types (anti-sikhs) whose only purpose is to create rifts and confusion in the Panth. They don't give any logic for their stand nor do they respond to the reasoning provided. They run away from healthy debates but don't desist from spreading venom against gurubani.
October 16, 2008 - 10:33am — asikhkauravneet

Why?

Why?
October 16, 2008 - 10:29am — asikhkauravneet

http://fateh.sikhnet.com/sggs

http://fateh.sikhnet.com/sggs/translation/
October 16, 2008 - 10:23am — asikhkauravneet

Of a woman are we conceived,

Of a woman are we conceived, Of a woman we are born, To a woman are we bethrothed and married. It is a woman who keeps the race going. Another companion is sought when the life partner dies, Through women are established social ties. Why should we consider women cursed and condemned, When from woman are born leaders and rulers. From women alone are born women. Without women, O Nanak only the true one exists, Be it man or be it woman, Only those who sing his glory Are blessed and radiant with His beauty, In his presence and with his grace, They appear with a radiant gace -Guru Nanak,(In guru granth sahib, page 473)
October 16, 2008 - 10:27am — asikhkauravneet

It is more likely that you

It is more likely that you are than all of us combined. Sikhism believes that all woman and men are equal, their is proof if you ever tried to find out. Go to page 473 in the Guru Granth Sahib, maybe you'll learn something. Don't blindly argue.
October 16, 2008 - 10:38am — asikhkauravneet

EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE EQUAL RIGHTS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR GENDER!

ssa.I challenge anyone who thinks women shouldn't be given equal rights and to be allowed to sing kirtan, carry the palanquin of the guru, and perform seva! I'll guarntee you that i'll have answers. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE EQUAL RIGHTS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR GENDER!
October 16, 2008 - 10:40am — asikhkauravneet

Be equal

Be equal and respect and equally treat all of god's creations as one. If god wished that women should be lower and shouldn't be treated the same as men then god wouldn't of created women at all. Women have a role in this world that is very important, the gift of giving birth, and men wanted to disgrace her, to make generations to hate her for no absolute reason. I am not saying that all men are bad, I'm just saying that many men dislike women because thy were taught to. It is etched in boys's mind that they are stonger and tougher than women, but in reality, Men didn't allow women to a lot of things. When women were given the right to vote, a lot of men detested the idea. When women started to fly airplanes, men called them unexperienced. Men didn't allow women to participate in the olympics until the late 1900's, and that to they only allowed girls to participate in soccer until recently. Why? I really don't know. I thank the men who understand equality.
October 15, 2008 - 11:39am — asikhkauravneet

Guru Nanak wrote this poem

Of a woman are we conceived, Of a woman we are born, To a woman are we bethrothed and married. It is a woman who keeps the race going. Another companion is sought when the life partner dies, Through women are established social ties. Why should we consider women cursed and condemned, When from woman are born leaders and rulers. From women alone are born women. Without women, O Nanak only the true one exists, Be it man or be it woman, Only those who sing his glory Are blessed and radiant with His beauty, In his presence and with his grace, They appear with a radiant gace -Guru Nanak,(In guru granth sahib, page 473)
October 15, 2008 - 1:05pm — satnam_anand

Avneet, let's do it.

Avneet Kaur ji, WJKK WJKF. I have been participating in this debate for last three four days and have observed that an overwhelming majority of participants are of positive view. They strongly believe That Guru Nanak Dev ji bestowed equality and respect to women (a fact no one can dispute as it is enshrined in GURU GRANTH SAHIB.) Guru Gobind Singh being Jyotswaroop of Guru Nanak Dev ji could not have done anything contrary THE BENEVOLENT Xth GURU NANAK BLESSED THE WOMEN TOO WITH THE DAAT OF AMRIT AND THUS PUT HIS PERMANENT STAMP ON WOMEN’S EQUALITY. But the question we must realize is that the majority of the people Know the problem and as is the habit of our community we don’t do anything towards finding a solution. Think about this and decide to do something like atleast sending a protest via e-mail to Giani Gurbachan Singh the so called Jathedar and Rajinder Singh Mehta, MEMBER SGPC,Executive body.(to begin with) Let's do it. I am sure they will have to mend their ways.
October 17, 2008 - 9:19am — asikhkauravneet

(No subject)

October 18, 2008 - 7:25am — satnam_anand

Congratulations Avneet Kaur for the good work.

Dear Avneet kaur Ji, WJKK WJKF. Congratulations for the good work. You have my full support for your petition. I wish you had broadened the issue for equality of women in Sikhism by not restricting the matter to the Harmandar Sahib imbroglio but in general (for everywhere/everyplace) I mean Sikh Women should have equal rights for performing all kinds of Sewa (at par with men) anywhere/any gurudwara. More importantly they should also have a right not only to be Panj Piaras but also be MUKH SEWADAR ( The designation wrongly stated as Jathedar ) if they deserve to be so on merits, again at par with men.
October 20, 2008 - 11:45am — aavvnneeeett (not verified)

thanks

(i have 2 accounts) THNX.The petition is aimed at SGPC, so i did not write for all gurdwaaaras . Forgive me for my ignorance, but what is a mukh sewadaar?
October 20, 2008 - 2:06pm — satnam_anand

Mukh Sewadar.........

Avneet Kaurji WJKK WJKF. I am not surprised at your ignorance about the term 'Mukh Sewadar' because it is hardly used these days and that is why not many people know about it. The Punjabi word 'Mukh Sewadar is equivalent of the Hindi word 'Mukhya Sewak' meaning Head/main Sewadar. You need to carefully note that Sri Akal Takhat Sahib is the most important Religious and Temporal Seat of the Sikhs created by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, (our Sixth Guru). For the day to day functioning of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib and for it's upkeep a post of Mukh Sewadar was prevalent from right from it's inception, and it is still present there in the same form in The Gurudwara Act 1925. Mind you there is no post of Jathedar in the said ACT and rightly so because the word 'Jathedar' in literal terms means leader of a 'Jatha' (group) and Sri Akal Takhat as we all know is a Gurudara, Religious and Temporal Seat of Sikhs 'NOT A JATHA'. In their arrogance of the power of the position the Mukh Sewadars, during the last few years have started addressing themselves as 'Jathedar Akal Sahib', Jathedar XYZ and also became the self proclaimed 'Singh Sahib Giani XYZ'. I hope you know meaning of the term 'SARBAT KHALSA' ' mu
October 24, 2008 - 11:16am — asikhkauravneet

ok thnx

ok thnx
October 16, 2008 - 10:17am — asikhkauravneet

The thing is i don't know

The thing is i don't know their (or his) email addresses. But thnx for being in the positive view. Do you know where i can get their email addresses?
October 20, 2008 - 10:30pm — satnam_anand

info@sgpc.net(e-mail of SGPC)

Avneet Kaur, WJKK WJKF. Here's e-mail address of SGPC for you - info@sgpc.net and official phone no. of Mukh Sewadar(Self proclaimed Jathedar) S. Gurbachan Singh - 0183-2540820 extn. 434.
October 15, 2008 - 10:31am — satnam_anand

Ek Singh ji, desist from making fun of Panj Piaras.

Ek Singh Ji , I sincerely hope that you know that all our Gurus after Guru Nanak Dev Ji had the same Jyot i.e. Guru Nanak 's Jyot and hence Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the Xth Guru Nanak. If you agree to this then please remember that Guru Nanak Dev Ji bestowed equality and respect to women (a fact no one can dispute as it is enshrined in GURU GRANTH SAHIB.) Guru Gobind Singh being Jyotswaroop of Guru Nanak Dev ji could not have done anything contrary. According to you, just because women did not come forward to give their head on Guru’s calling they lost their position of equality. No, Mr. EK Singh ji on the contrary THE BENENOLENT Xth GURU NANAK BLESSED THE WOMEN TOO WITH THE DAAT OF AMRIT AND THUS PUT HIS PERMANENT STAMP ON WOMEN’S EQUALITY. Panj Piara pratha created by Guru Gobind Singh Ji is an institution in itself and its members can be of any gender. THIS IS CLEARLY MENTIONED IN THE REHAT MARYADA ALSO (You can cross check for yourself). I promise to tender unconditional apology if you provide any documented proof that Guru Gobind Singh Ji specifically debarred women from being part of Panj Piaras or doing Kirtan or any other Sewa.BUT IF YOU CHOOSE TO THINK LIKE BRAHMINS?RSS (WHO CONSIDER WOMEN LOW CASTE, IMPURE, UNEQUAL ETC.) and make fun of Guru Gobind Singh ji’s created institution of Panj Piaras by calling names I would consider it unfortunate and pray to God to make you see logic and forgive you. I earnstly request you to please desist from making fun of Panj Piaras.
October 15, 2008 - 10:00am — SSK1

A complete and utter disgrace

Why is this topic even being debated? The Gurus made it clear that all people are equal regardless of their gender. The SGPC are a complete and utter disgrace, and this article suggests that they are somewhat out of touch with the core values of Sikhism.
October 15, 2008 - 11:55am — satnam_anand

Because we don't have..........

Dear SSK1, It is indeed unfotunate that this topic is being debated, inspite of the fact that our Gurus made it clear that all people are equal regardless of their gender. You have rightly pointed out the reason as well (with a little correction) that not SGPC as an institution but The SGPC Executive Team is a disgrace and failure. As the highest representative body of the sikhs all over the world they have not bothered to have a dedicated media (print or electronic) so that the voice of sikhs is heard. They on the contrary go all out to supress any effort by anybody who tries to start his media and reports their misdeeds/shortcomings. A strong Sikh Media is the need of the hour which can be helpful in giving a proper platform to the Sikh concerns and also help in preaching morals of the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
October 15, 2008 - 6:29am — Dev

Womens role in the kiltchen, What the

If womens role is in the kitchen then who will look after our children, who will give birth to them and who will continue sikhism. You talk about this but let me ask you do you have children if so, who raises them, who cooks for them, who is the one to heal thier wounds, who teaches them and were when your children are born so they get the life source from? It is women. Have you not noticed even in some Temples men and women sit aside but still we bow our heads to the SGGS in the same spot. Men and women walk side by side in the Harminder Sahib. I ask you to go and read the SGGS amd remember the idea of equality sikhi is. WJKK WJKF
October 15, 2008 - 10:50am — satnam_anand

Dev ji, Don't waste time on Hall Mark types who have no logic

Dev ji, Please pay heed to a friendly advise, don't waste time on Hall Mark types who are basically non sikhs poking their noses in others' matters and who don't want to see any logic or offer any reasoning/support for their view point. These people are incorrigible and their only purpose is to create confusion for others.
October 14, 2008 - 7:58pm — asikhkauravneet

?

Of a woman are we conceived, Of a woman we are born, To a woman are we bethrothed and married. It is a woman who keeps the race going. Another companion is sought when the life partner dies, Through women are established social ties. Why should we consider women cursed and condemned, When from woman are born leaders and rulers. From women alone are born women. Without women, O Nanak onlY the true one exists, Be it man or be it woman, Only those who sing his glory Are blessed and radiant with His beauty, In his presence and with his grace, They appear with a radiant gace -Guru Nanak,(In guru granth sahib, page 473) Do you want to go against guru Nanak's teachings??? In Harmider Sahib, we sing this everyday in Aasa di Vaar, kind of weird huh, seeing that some sing it everyday and yet they are acting as if they never heard it even once. END OF ARGUEMENT(hopefully)

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