Amritsar: Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has advised gurdwara management committees not to organise or permit yoga sessions in gurdwara premises, saying that the practice as it is conducted today is not in line with Sikh religious traditions.
The remarks were made on Monday during the daily 'katha' on the hukamnama at the Manji Sahib Diwan Hall in the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar.
Yoga Sessions Should Not Be Held Inside Gurdwaras
Giani Gargaj said while people can do yoga or exercise in their own lives, activities in gurdwaras should not take place.
Sikh worship, he states, is about prayer, reflection and Gurbani and Shabad, and yoga sessions in these places are not their purpose.
He noted that although the word “yoga” has historically meant union with the divine, the modern-day form that is most commonly used today is one in which physical postures, breathing techniques and wellness routines are the focus.
He added that conducting yoga programs in langar halls and diwan halls does not align with Sikh religious principles.
Emphasis on the Purpose of Gurdwaras
The acting Jathedar said that gurdwaras were sacred places where devotees gathered to listen to Gurbani, participate in congregational worship and strengthen their spiritual connection with the Guru's teachings.
He believes that introducing non-religious activities in these spaces could distract devotees from the core message of Sikhism.
Importance of the Akal Takht
The Akal Takht is considered the highest seat of temporal authority in Sikhism. It is situated opposite Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar and was founded by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, in 1606.
While Harmandir Sahib is the spiritual center of the Sikh faith, the Akal Takht is the highest temporal institution. It has been the place where Sikh leaders discussed issues affecting the community, settled disputes, and gave religious directives.
The Akal Takht still plays a crucial role in Sikh religious discipline and community affairs, and its directives are inextricably linked to Sikhs worldwide.
The acting Jathedar's recent statement is expected to guide gurdwara management committees in the use of religious premises and may lead to more discussions in the Sikh community on practices done inside places of worship.
