Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)

What does it entail?

SGPC is the highest elected organization of Sikhs responsible for overseeing historical gurdwaras and religious matters in India and overseas, operating under the spiritual leadership of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Year of Foundation:

Established in 1920 as a component of the Gurdwara Reform Movement, and officially acknowledged under the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 following religious mismanagement during the British period.

Contexto Histórico:

Arose during the Sikh conflict against Udasi mahants and British dominance over Sikh temples.

Played a crucial part in events such as the Nankana Sahib Massacre (1921), Guru Ka Bagh Morcha, and Jaito Morcha.

Emerged as a representation of religious independence and self-rule for the Sikh community.

Essential Roles:

Manages more than 200 gurdwaras according to Sections 85 and 87 of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act.

Organizes elections for a 191-member assembly, guaranteeing representation from all regions of India.

Oversees educational establishments, healthcare facilities, publishing ventures, and religious awareness initiatives.

Takes action against sacrilege, false information, and threats to Sikh spiritual and cultural legacy.

Regarding Gurbani:

What does Gurbani refer to?

Gurbani denotes the holy hymns and verses created by the Sikh Gurus, mainly located in the Guru Granth Sahib, the core scripture of the Sikh religion. It is regarded as the sacred message disclosed by the Gurus and serves as the ethical and spiritual guide for Sikhs.

Essential Aspects of Gurbani:

Divinely Guided Revelation: Sikhs hold that Gurbani represents the timeless voice of the divine, disclosed through the Gurus, rather than being created by humans.

Included in the Guru Granth Sahib: All confirmed Gurbani is kept in the Guru Granth Sahib, which consists of hymns by six Sikh Gurus and over 15 saints (Bhagats) from various social and religious backgrounds.

Musical and Poetic Framework: The majority of Gurbani verses are written in 31 Raags and are meant to be performed vocally. This improves spiritual involvement and recollection.

Universal Ethical Message: Gurbani highlights truth, humility, service (seva), compassion, and the remembrance of God (Naam Simran) — going beyond caste, religion, and gender.

Authority in Sikhism: It is regarded as the living Guru following Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s announcement, and altering or reinterpreting Gurbani without basis is not permitted.

Daily Recitation and Practice: Sikhs perform daily recitations of Gurbani (Nitnem), which features verses such as Japji Sahib, Rehras Sahib, and Kirtan Sohila, as a component of their spiritual routine.