The Multifarious Faces of Sikhism
throughout Sikh History
Page 2 of 4
Nirankaris
cont'd
Baba Dyal Ji’s son, Darbara Singh
(1814-1870) succeeded him as ‘Nirankari
Guru’.
Baba Darbara Singh
Baba Dyal Singh's son seen here in an early
sketch conducting the 'Anand Karj' (marriage)
It was he who first introduced the wide-scale
usage of the Akali Nihang method of ‘Anand
Karj’ (marriage) amongst even
non-Khalsa ‘Sehajdhari’
Sikhs. It is to be noted that the vast majority
of Sikh historians consider Nirankaris to be
the initiators of ‘Anand Karj’.
This is incorrect according to Budha Dal oral
tradition. Akali Nihang Baba Santa Singh comments:
‘Sikh, whether he
be ‘Sehajdhari’ or ‘Khalsa’,
should only marry according to Anand Karj
form of marriage. ----- Anand Karj
has been blessed by the Guru. He
who is married according to Anand Karj form
of marriage - he does not go to hell. That
is why a Sikh should marry according to
Anand Karj form of marriage. It
has been from the beginning before the Khalsa
was initiated.’
Akali Nihang Baba Santa Singh, transcript
of interview on 28-10-1999
96 Crore Jathedar Singh Sahib Akali Nihang Baba
Santa Singh Ji
The present head of the Akali Nihang Singh Khalsa
and Akal Takht at Batinda, Punjab
The question arises - can one substantiate
Budha Dal oral tradition with regards to the
Anand karj? In a ‘Rehitnama’
(code of conduct) attributed to Bhai Daya Singh,
one of the original ‘Panj Piyareh’
(5 Beloved Ones), it is stated:
‘Other than Anand
form of marriage, do not marry’
‘Rehitnama’, edited by Piara
Singh Padam, Pa. 77
Further in same ‘Rehitnama’
it is clearly stipulated:
‘He who performs ‘Shrad’
(feeding of Brahmins), and marriages through
Brahmins. Does not conform to Guru’s
traditions - he is a ‘Tankhia’
(apostate). ‘Rehitnameh’,
edited by Piara Singh Padam Pa. 77
Panj Piyarey
A Pahari painting depicting the tenth Guru and
the 'Panj Piyarey' (5 Beloved Ones), circa early
19th century
