Akal Takht asks SGPC to reshape Golden temple's replica in Sangrur

Amritsar, June 21 (ANI): Taking objection to the design of a Gurdwara being constructed as the Golden Temple's replica at Malerkotla in Sangrur district of Punjab, Akal Takht, the high temporal seat of the Sikhs, has directed Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the premier body of Sikhs, to ensure necessary modifications.

The construction of the controversial gurudwara at Malerkotla has upset devotees as well as the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body managing Sikh shrines.

On Saturday, the Jathedar of Akal Takht along with other four Jathedars decided that the replica of the Golden Temple should be reshaped with modifications which should include filling the gurdwara's Sarovar with earth, demolishing four domes made in four corners of gurdwara, and changing gurdwara's name.

The decision was taken during a meeting of various Sikh religious bodies. The meet was intended to reach a unanimous decision to prevent a Gurudwara Management body to make replica of Sikhs most revered shrine Golden Temple.

However, the roots of the controversy go back 40 years ago. A shrine, owned by Mastuana Dera, a Sikh sect headed by Sant Sadhu Singh, had been under construction since 1967. However, the construction work was stopped twice after the intervention of the SGPC and Akal Takht earlier. But recent attempts to restart that work on the incomplete shrine have invited fury and objections.

On Saturday, Gurbachan Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht in a news conference told media that the management committee of the Mastuana Dera appeared before the Akal Takht and submitted its written apology. But no one should be allowed to build the replica of the Golden Temple and anyone involved in such an act should be punished.

Singh said that the Akal Takht had ordered SGPC to reshape the building and SGPC should take over the construction work and no one else would be allowed to construct any thing at the controversial building.

Akal Takht in its direction to SGPC has stated that while reshaping the building of the said Gurudwara all the dooms should be demolished. There should be a single doom constructed as it appears on many gurdwaras. The name of the Gurudwara should be "Singh Sabha Mastuana".

Jathedar also said that the constructed "Har ki Pauri" and the bridge should also be also pulled down and a new varanda should be constructed around the building.

He said Baba Baldev Singh Suharaewala, who dared to hurt religious sentiments of Sikhs, would be summoned at Akal Takht to submit his clarification.

SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar has said that SGPC would go abide by the order given by the Akal Takht, the high temporal seat of Sikhs. By Ravinder Singh Robin (ANI)