This video, part of a longer version produced for the Discovery Channel, invites viewers inside the Darbar Sahib in Amritsar [via Gurumustuk Singh]. It’s a rare opportunity to see some remarkable moments inside the complex and apparently this is the first time it has been televised. I believe it was recently shown in India and will be shown worldwide soon.
[Please follow : http://www.sikhnet.com/news/new-documentary-reveals-secrets-golden-temple ~ ED]
Some thoughts after the jump…
I was so grateful and happy to see the images of seva occurring inside the Darbar Sahib – it’s quite inspiring. However, I find it unfortunate that the images are all of men. As far as I understand, women are currently not allowed to do ishnaan (early morning) seva in that space – some say the reason is because it is not Maryada, others say it is because it has always been this way – since the time of our Gurus.
I recognize that Gurdwaras across the globe are negotiating the role of women as committee members, granthis etc. I also recognize that this process may be hindered by the issue of safety of women within these situations – because as unfortunate as it is, we know that individuals (many women) are often harassed in these spaces. We may want to blame the political climate that intrudes on the sanctity of the Darbar Sahib – however, how often do we see women in these roles in Gurdwaras outside of Punjab?
There are also cultural considerations to determine how women can be integrated into the daily seva that occurs at the Darbar Sahib. So perhaps, then, women can be given the opportunity to do this seva along with other women, at a time separate from their brothers? We sit on seperate sides at the Gurdwara, out of respect, and perhaps this is a way for women to share in this seva?
Nevertheless, it is clear that serious reforms are needed and to make appropriate changes (that will be sustainable) may take some effort and some time – but to uphold our Guru’s teachings of equality – I’d say it is worth it.
mÚ 1 ]
ma 1 ||
First Mehla:BMif jMmIAY BMif inMmIAY BMif mMgxu vIAwhu ]
bha(n)dd ja(n)meeai bha(n)dd ni(n)meeai bha(n)dd ma(n)gan veeaahu ||
From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married.BMfhu hovY dosqI BMfhu clY rwhu ]
bha(n)ddahu hovai dhosathee bha(n)ddahu chalai raahu ||
Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come.BMfu muAw BMfu BwlIAY BMif hovY bMDwnu ]
bha(n)dd muaa bha(n)dd bhaaleeai bha(n)dd hovai ba(n)dhhaan ||
When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound.so ikau mMdw AwKIAY ijqu jMmih rwjwn ]
so kio ma(n)dhaa aakheeai jith ja(n)mehi raajaan ||
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.BMfhu hI BMfu aUpjY BMfY bwJu n koie ]
bha(n)ddahu hee bha(n)dd oopajai bha(n)ddai baajh n koe ||
From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.