The Multifarious Faces of Sikhism
throughout Sikh History
Page 3 of 5
Panch
Khalsa Diwan cont'd
Teja Singh Bhasauria also wished to substitute
the term ‘Karah Parshad’
(term used to refer to the sanctified pudding
made with flour, sugar and water), with that
of ‘Maha Parshad’.
Karah Parshad
An Akali Nihang gives out 'Karah Parshad' at
Baba Bkala, Amritsar District, Punjab, circa
1998
He felt that this change was justified and
substantiated by works of Bhai Gurdas and claimed
that ‘Maha Parshad’ was being incorrectly
utilized to refer to ‘Chatka’
meat. Indeed, this belief has trickled down
and some Sikhs today incorrectly believe that
the term ‘Maha Parshad’ does indeed
refer to ‘Karah Parshad’.
Maha Parshad
A Nihang Singh disembowels a lamb that has been
killed by 'Chakta'
In 1911, Teja Singh Bhasauria
produced a ‘Rehitnama’
(code of conduct) for his followers entitled
‘The Khalsa Rehit Parkash’.
Baba Gurbachan Singh Khalsa ‘Bhindrawaley’
states that the British gave Teja Singh Bhasauria
a printing press, which he utilized to produce
copies of Adi Guru Durbar. However, these copies
lacked the portions that Teja Singh objected
to.
Raagmala
Folio of Adi Guru Durbar dated Samat 1832 (AD
1775), depicting
the 'Raagmala', one of the portions that Teja
Singh Bhasuaria objected to
This despicable act earned him the rancor
of the Sanatan and Tat Khalsa Singh Sabhia Sikhs.
In 1928, the S.G.P.C. themselves excommunicated
Teja Singh Bhasauria from the Sikh faith. Akali
Nihang Baba Santa Singh, the present head of
the Akali Nihangs made the following comment
with regards to Teja Singh Bhasauria and the
modern remnants of his legacy, the Akhand Kirtani
Jatha (click here
for more information on the Akhand Kirtani Jatha):
‘These ‘Bhasuria’
(followers of Teja Singh Bhasauria), who
now are called ‘Akhand Kirtania’.
There was a person called Teja Singh Bhasauria.
Bhasaur village - if we come from Malerkotla
to Ludihana is there on one side. There
he built his Gurdwara. He adorned
his turban like us (ie. like the Akali Nihangs).
What is proper or improper conduct (meaning
made his own rules) - he initiated people
his own way. Boys or girls. He would
have two Singhs put their lips to initiate’s
ears another Singh to initiate’s lips
and chant “Vah Guru Vah Guru”.
What were they doing? They say, “We
are putting in them, Vah Guru”. These
are them --- He [Teja Singh] cut out ‘Raagmala’,
excluded ‘Bhagta Bani’, instead
of, ‘Pritham Bhagauti Simar Keh’,
he began to use, ‘Pritham Satnam Simar
Keh Guru Nanak Lee Dhiaeh’. All
this he did, Teja Singh Bhasuria, now they
call themselves ‘Akhand Kirtania’.
That Randhir Singh was from Narangwal (a
village near Ludhiana). I know
all this. I lived near them in Ludhiana.
Their traditions are some other (meaning
they have no lineage). Their traditions
are distinct from Sikh traditions.------
What deeds haven’t these traitors
done this is the truth. They denied scripture,
criticised scripture. Such are their evil
deeds.’
Akali Nihang Baba Santa Singh, transcript
of interview on 27-10-1999
AKhand Kirtani Jatha
Members of the 'Bhai Randhir Singh da Jatha',
also known as the Akhand Kirtani Jatha, circa
mid 20th century
The sentiments expressed above by Akali Nihang
Baba Santa Singh are mild in
comparison to what he may state on other occasions
with regards to the Akhand Kirtani Jatha
, or Teja Singh Bhasauria.
