No Nishan Sahib = No Gurdwara
I often take many trips to Fresno to visit my friends and on this day I was visiting one of their work places. A number of people had told me about the new Gurdwara that was nearby and in seeking to pay my respects to our Guru, I went to pay a visit.
While the building was large and beautiful, something caught my eye (or rather didn’t catch my eye). There was no Nishan Sahib to be found. The first thing that entered my mind was maybe this is NOT a Gurdwara, but rather some Dehra. But as I parked my car, the sign on the building made it clear – GURDWARA NANAKSAR.
After paying my respect to the Guru Granth Sahib, I went outside to ask why a Nishan Sahib was not on the grounds. I respectfully said Fateh to the Bhaiji and asked him this simple question. “Why is there no Nishan Sahib at the Gurdwara?”
The Bhaiji first talked to me about his baba Nand Singh and then went on to talk about how this in fact is not a gurdwara, but rather a dehra, where one can do bhagi and thus no need for a Nishan Sahib.
I understood his logic. This was NOT a Gurdwara, but then why label it a Gurdwara? Why not just be honest with the sangat and call it a dehra? The bhaiji’s answer was that we have to get permits from the City, County etc. thats why we call it a Gurdwara. At this point the bhaiji wanted no more to do with me, said some remarks, and left in a hurry.
Friends for years have told me about the power of the Nanaksar dehra in Fresno and their popularity. Sometimes I wonder is there popularity just because many in our community don’t know that it is NOT a Gurdwara. The number of dehras that have divided our Sikh Panth are too numerous to state. Dehra Sacha Sauda was just the latest in a stream that include: Radha Swamis, Nirankaris, Rara Sahib, Bhekhowal, and the list goes on and on.
This whole issue got me thinking. I went to read the Nanaksar Maryada and on their website it explicitly states, “Nishan Sahib is not erected in any of the Nanaksar Gurdwaras because it is a political symbol or an army flag.” But to say that misses the point. Of course it is not a ‘political symbol’ it is our community symbol. It is the mark of our nation. All should be able to locate the Gurdwara and our Nishan Sahib is that marker.
Why is the Nishan Sahib so important? It is marker of our community. It is the ONLY flag flown at the Gurdwaras and marks the space above any national interest. No other national flag (American, Canadian, Indian, or even Khalistan etc.) has any place at the Gurdwara. The ‘door to our Guru’ is above ANY national considerations. It was Guru Hargobind that first hoisted the Nishan Sahib at the Akal Takht.
Too many of these deras have their own maryada (code of conduct), but often in doing so it only confuses and divides Sikhs. We need to move beyond this. The Panthic Rehat Maryada gives explicit directions about the Nishan Sahib:
At a high-level site in every Gurdwara should be installed the nishan sahib (Sikh flag). The cloth of the flag should be either of xanthic (kesri) or of greyish blue colour and on top of the flag post, there should either be a spearhead or a Khanda.
The Nishan Sahib invites you to the Gurdwara. It delineates its space. Pay your respects that the Nishan Sahib should ever wave faithfully. Realize its importance as a UNIFIER of all Sikhs. We have 1 Nishan Sahib as we are 1 Sikh Nation. If you don’t find a Nishan Sahib at your Gurdwara, question the committee or begin to question if it really is even a Gurdwara.
120 Responses to “No Nishan Sahib = No Gurdwara”
Well I go to Nanaksar in Ontario. When I asked the questions why isn’t there a Nishan Sahib or why isn’t there langer served everyday?
The answers I recieved where quite interesting and I understood why.
But I’m not sure if it is the right answer. The Nishan Sahib was orginal for the sikhs back in the days when we had to hide in the forest from enemies. So we put up a Nishan Sahib so other sikhs could identity that we were there. And to come there. Now we dont have a reason to hide, so Nanaksar doesnt put one up. We no matter where we are, we are able to identity a Gurudwara, whether that be in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, India, etc.
I have a question for everyone and I dont mean it in a rude way. But does having a Nishan Sahib mean that it is a real gurudwara? I mean if I put one up anywhere, would you consider it a real gurudwara? If I put one up infront of my house, would you consider it a gurudwara? No right, because you don’t need to go anywhere to search for god. God is everywhere, So no matter where you go, God will be there.
Nanaksars’ beliefs are from the olden days, from Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
So the reason that I got for not having langer is, one of our Guru’s which was Guru Nanak Dev Ji, said if God wants you to eat, he would bring food to you, and you dont have to go searching for it. Be humble and God would help you through everything. That is why people make langer for pooranmashi. Nanaksar doesnt ask for people to bring food or give them money, because when you bow towards Guru Granth Sahib Ji why do you put down money? Thats isnt right to do. I dont understand why people question God. So what if there isnt food there everyday, that doesnt mean its not a real gurudwara. And why is it the first question I always heard about Nanaksar is why dont they have food? Is that all the reason why people go to the gurudwara? To eat?
Im not trying to be rude or offend anyone, Im just saying why are Sikhs fighting with their own people. God said he didnt want sects within his religion, so why are people from Nanaksar called Nanaksarias and People that go to Dixie Gurudwara called, Dixans ? I dont understand the reason to question what God is doing.
Sorry if I have offend people, But some people point fingers at why Nanaksar doesnt have langer or a Nishan Sahib. I dont feel happy that at a gurudwara I have been going to for about 17 years how has soo many issues and they didnt question any other gurudwaras or people. If you dont go to Nanaksar because of those reasons, I believe you should think somethings through, because it is not fair how they are been treated soo poorly.
Thank you for allowing me to express myself.
Well I go to Nanaksar in Ontario. When I asked the questions why isn’t there a Nishan Sahib or why isn’t there langer served everyday?
The answers I recieved where quite interesting and I understood why.
But I’m not sure if it is the right answer. The Nishan Sahib was orginal for the sikhs back in the days when we had to hide in the forest from enemies. So we put up a Nishan Sahib so other sikhs could identity that we were there. And to come there. Now we dont have a reason to hide, so Nanaksar doesnt put one up. We no matter where we are, we are able to identity a Gurudwara, whether that be in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, India, etc.
I have a question for everyone and I dont mean it in a rude way. But does having a Nishan Sahib mean that it is a real gurudwara? I mean if I put one up anywhere, would you consider it a real gurudwara? If I put one up infront of my house, would you consider it a gurudwara? No right, because you don’t need to go anywhere to search for god. God is everywhere, So no matter where you go, God will be there.
Nanaksars’ beliefs are from the olden days, from Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
So the reason that I got for not having langer is, one of our Guru’s which was Guru Nanak Dev Ji, said if God wants you to eat, he would bring food to you, and you dont have to go searching for it. Be humble and God would help you through everything. That is why people make langer for pooranmashi. Nanaksar doesnt ask for people to bring food or give them money, because when you bow towards Guru Granth Sahib Ji why do you put down money? Thats isnt right to do. I dont understand why people question God. So what if there isnt food there everyday, that doesnt mean its not a real gurudwara. And why is it the first question I always heard about Nanaksar is why dont they have food? Is that all the reason why people go to the gurudwara? To eat?
Im not trying to be rude or offend anyone, Im just saying why are Sikhs fighting with their own people. God said he didnt want sects within his religion, so why are people from Nanaksar called Nanaksarias and People that go to Dixie Gurudwara called, Dixans ? I dont understand the reason to question what God is doing.
Sorry if I have offend people, But some people point fingers at why Nanaksar doesnt have langer or a Nishan Sahib. I dont feel happy that at a gurudwara I have been going to for about 17 years how has soo many issues and they didnt question any other gurudwaras or people. If you dont go to Nanaksar because of those reasons, I believe you should think somethings through, because it is not fair how they are been treated soo poorly.
Thank you for allowing me to express myself.
wahe guru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ke fathey
i live in abbotsford bc and evrey pooran mashi i go there and i do kirtan on the stage my great grandpa meet the head baba mihan singh ji baba isher singh ji baba nand singh ji and he did alot of seva of those sant so did my grandpa and he still is evrey one knows us at every nanaksar because of that now nanaksar is the gurudwara who does not take money for kirtan but in india they dont take matatake money NO GOLAKE nanaksar GURUDWARA is indeed a gurudwara it does not matter about a nishan sahib or not because where the guru sahib is thats a gurudwara no matter if they have a golake or no have a nishan sahib or no or chairs in the langar or sitting on the floor singhs put up nishan sahibs in the yaad of shree guru gobind singh ji and nanaksar people are not soilders but saints so it more basied on gurbani and whereing white clothes gurudwars are usually wearing orange and blue and do gatka so you all all people out there to how say its wrong its right and eating langar on chairs or on the floor does not matter eaither some people says ur sitting on top of god and eating but when guru nanak dev ji tured mucca mudina around and he said god is evreywhere so when u eat at hopme then ur still on top of god uhhhhhh so thats why i respect all gurudwaras and all gurus singhs and mahapursh and saints and ur not a singh or kaur till ur amrit sake because that is a true singh or kaur who takes amrit but dont do it by force when the guru gobind singh ji will call u
waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ke fathey
wahe guru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ke fathey
i live in abbotsford bc and evrey pooran mashi i go there and i do kirtan on the stage my great grandpa meet the head baba mihan singh ji baba isher singh ji baba nand singh ji and he did alot of seva of those sant so did my grandpa and he still is evrey one knows us at every nanaksar because of that now nanaksar is the gurudwara who does not take money for kirtan but in india they dont take matatake money NO GOLAKE nanaksar GURUDWARA is indeed a gurudwara it does not matter about a nishan sahib or not because where the guru sahib is thats a gurudwara no matter if they have a golake or no have a nishan sahib or no or chairs in the langar or sitting on the floor singhs put up nishan sahibs in the yaad of shree guru gobind singh ji and nanaksar people are not soilders but saints so it more basied on gurbani and whereing white clothes gurudwars are usually wearing orange and blue and do gatka so you all all people out there to how say its wrong its right and eating langar on chairs or on the floor does not matter eaither some people says ur sitting on top of god and eating but when guru nanak dev ji tured mucca mudina around and he said god is evreywhere so when u eat at hopme then ur still on top of god uhhhhhh so thats why i respect all gurudwaras and all gurus singhs and mahapursh and saints and ur not a singh or kaur till ur amrit sake because that is a true singh or kaur who takes amrit but dont do it by force when the guru gobind singh ji will call u
waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ke fathey
kk im sorry it tempted me me they recitie guru granth sahib ji behind close doors no they dont they change the ramala sahibs guru gobind singh ji said treat guru granth sahib ji as a living guru so did guru gobind singh ji change in front of people and girls NONONONONONO so that is why they they do a curtain or doors when they change ramala sahibs im not mad just telling and they add more stuff so guru sahb can listen to and get our bente
gurfatey
kk im sorry it tempted me me they recitie guru granth sahib ji behind close doors no they dont they change the ramala sahibs guru gobind singh ji said treat guru granth sahib ji as a living guru so did guru gobind singh ji change in front of people and girls NONONONONONO so that is why they they do a curtain or doors when they change ramala sahibs im not mad just telling and they add more stuff so guru sahb can listen to and get our bente
gurfatey
Nanaksar does not have a lineage from the time of Guru Nanak. Many in the Nanaksar retell this myth.
The post does not mean that God does not exist at a Nanaksar Dehra, at a Masjid, or even a Church. It just means it is not a Sikh Gurdwara, propagating Sikh values in their entirety. This discussion has much more to do with allegiance to the Panth, than the merits of their individual organizations (although in general I am AGAINST all dehras, despite the individual acts of great seva that some of their members/founder may or may not partake). Your house cannot be a Gurdwara because that is not where the Sadh Sangat and the Guru come together.
Changing the rumalas of the Guru Granth Sahib is the same as women changing their clothes in public? I don’t think I have a response to that.
Nanaksar does not have a lineage from the time of Guru Nanak. Many in the Nanaksar retell this myth.
The post does not mean that God does not exist at a Nanaksar Dehra, at a Masjid, or even a Church. It just means it is not a Sikh Gurdwara, propagating Sikh values in their entirety. This discussion has much more to do with allegiance to the Panth, than the merits of their individual organizations (although in general I am AGAINST all dehras, despite the individual acts of great seva that some of their members/founder may or may not partake). Your house cannot be a Gurdwara because that is not where the Sadh Sangat and the Guru come together.
Changing the rumalas of the Guru Granth Sahib is the same as women changing their clothes in public? I don’t think I have a response to that.
im not saying god is not in a majid or church or gurudwara or mandir but hes evreywhere not only a religous worship place and if u put a maharaj sroop at ur house its a gurudwara at the time its there and i said that did guru gobind singh ji CHANGE HIS CLOTHES IN PUBLIC AND INFRONT OF GIRLS NO so guru granth sahib ji is a living guru and where u do seva to guru granth sahib ji and people is a gurudwara no matter what god is evreywhere not in one place and what is wrong with derahs uhhhhhhhhhh there is a maharaj de bede there to isnt there
gurfathey
im not saying god is not in a majid or church or gurudwara or mandir but hes evreywhere not only a religous worship place and if u put a maharaj sroop at ur house its a gurudwara at the time its there and i said that did guru gobind singh ji CHANGE HIS CLOTHES IN PUBLIC AND INFRONT OF GIRLS NO so guru granth sahib ji is a living guru and where u do seva to guru granth sahib ji and people is a gurudwara no matter what god is evreywhere not in one place and what is wrong with derahs uhhhhhhhhhh there is a maharaj de bede there to isnt there
gurfathey
and there is langar at NANAKSAR GURUDWARA evreyday
and there is langar at NANAKSAR GURUDWARA evreyday
and a nishan sahib also means FREE FOOD but baba nand singh ji said there is langar but come here to do bhagti or seva in a langar yes u may eat but eat less and do more seva
and a nishan sahib also means FREE FOOD but baba nand singh ji said there is langar but come here to do bhagti or seva in a langar yes u may eat but eat less and do more seva
Marcus your comments are complete bogus.
Marcus your comments are complete bogus.
Singhstyle by doing caps i am making it clear that NANAKSAR IS A GURUDWARA. Plus I am not desperate you people have no good reson so your making things up. Also how would you know it wasn't a gurudwara some gurudwaras sometimes have no sagat for a couple of days or one or two and nanaksar has it 24 hrs a day. I don't know what place you live but I am talking about the nanaksar gurudwara in richmond B.C. Canada they also have langar all the time and I don't need to back anything up because evreything that the people are saying is a BIG FAT LIE!!!!!!!!!
You know what singhstyle all this rubbish going about nanaksar IS ALL RUBBISH. Accept the truth and live with it if i put a nishan sahib infront of my house mmmmm would you think it is a gurudwara so NANAKSA IS A GURUDWARA!!!!!!!!!!!! If you still don’t believe me then i don’t know but let me make it clear NANAKSAR GURUDWARA IS A GURUDWARA AND THAT’S THE TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!
You know what singhstyle all this rubbish going about nanaksar IS ALL RUBBISH. Accept the truth and live with it if i put a nishan sahib infront of my house mmmmm would you think it is a gurudwara so NANAKSA IS A GURUDWARA!!!!!!!!!!!! If you still don’t believe me then i don’t know but let me make it clear NANAKSAR GURUDWARA IS A GURUDWARA AND THAT’S THE TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marcus – writing in caps doesn’t make your argument any better, it just makes you seem more desperate.
The Nishan Sahib is the nishani of a Gurduara. Nanaksar is a dehra, not a Sikh Gurduara.
Your house is not a Gurduara because there is no sangat there. It is just your house.
Marcus – writing in caps doesn’t make your argument any better, it just makes you seem more desperate.
The Nishan Sahib is the nishani of a Gurduara. Nanaksar is a dehra, not a Sikh Gurduara.
Your house is not a Gurduara because there is no sangat there. It is just your house.
Singhstyle by doing caps i am making it clear that NANAKSAR IS A GURUDWARA. Plus I am not desperate you people have no good reson so your making things up. Also how would you know it wasn’t a gurudwara some gurudwaras sometimes have no sagat for a couple of days or one or two and nanaksar has it 24 hrs a day. I don’t know what place you live but I am talking about the nanaksar gurudwara in richmond B.C. Canada they also have langar all the time and I don’t need to back anything up because evreything that the people are saying is a BIG FAT LIE!!!!!!!!!
o and by the way the maryada at nanaksar has so much more respect and the kirtan and aarati are so peaceful when kids like I go on the stage and do kirtan and the style is more understandable.
o and by the way the maryada at nanaksar has so much more respect and the kirtan and aarati are so peaceful when kids like I go on the stage and do kirtan and the style is more understandable.
Spoken by a true believer. Thus sayeth the chamcha.
Spoken by a true believer. Thus sayeth the chamcha.
Singhstyle i dont even have a idiot type of guess what your saying
Singhstyle i dont even have a idiot type of guess what your saying
Let me help you. I called you a chamcha (literally a “spoon”, but means you are a kiss-up) of Baba’s dehra (dehra meaning not a Gurduara).
Let me help you. I called you a chamcha (literally a “spoon”, but means you are a kiss-up) of Baba’s dehra (dehra meaning not a Gurduara).
Calm the heck down nanaksar is a gurudwara your right I am a chamcha okay anways I know what a chamcha is and a dhera is but I did not get what the hell you were saying. Plus if you think I am a chamcha of guru ji yes thanks because I am
Calm the heck down nanaksar is a gurudwara your right I am a chamcha okay anways I know what a chamcha is and a dhera is but I did not get what the hell you were saying. Plus if you think I am a chamcha of guru ji yes thanks because I am
Well no one is replying back so I guess you all accept the truth and I hope you do Singhstyle.
Well no one is replying back so I guess you all accept the truth and I hope you do Singhstyle.
No, you’re not right, and nobody is accepting your truth. Its just that there’s no point arguing with you.
No, you’re not right, and nobody is accepting your truth. Its just that there’s no point arguing with you.
Yeah that’s right accept it you and all the people who said all that to NANAKSAR GURDWARA epcially singhstyle.
Yeah that’s right accept it you and all the people who said all that to NANAKSAR GURDWARA epcially singhstyle.
O and by the way maybe not 10 or 12 people on this site but evreyone else at nanaksar and everey other nanaksar gurudwara will be on the side of truth which is mine.
O and by the way maybe not 10 or 12 people on this site but evreyone else at nanaksar and everey other nanaksar gurudwara will be on the side of truth which is mine.
Hey Marcus, you dont know anything. Your just a kid my friend. You can use all the caps lock you like but no ones going to change the way they think. But seriously you are yet to learn buddy, your just a kid right now and dont know nothing!
Hey Marcus, you dont know anything. Your just a kid my friend. You can use all the caps lock you like but no ones going to change the way they think. But seriously you are yet to learn buddy, your just a kid right now and dont know nothing!
hey guys im sorry, the comment before mine was not actually singhstyle but me. i dont kno why i posted that but yea, my apologies. marcus sanghera and singhstyle you guys may continue with what you were talking about.
hey guys im sorry, the comment before mine was not actually singhstyle but me. i dont kno why i posted that but yea, my apologies. marcus sanghera and singhstyle you guys may continue with what you were talking about.
Marcus you're an idiot, but at some point, no one cares to talk to you. Having the last message on a board, doesn't mean you shut anyone up. Go bow to your baba.
Well evreyone has to face the truth someday and I guess I shut all those nonsense mouths that were open and that were talking about NANAKSAR GURUDWARA thats what you call the truth.
Well evreyone has to face the truth someday and I guess I shut all those nonsense mouths that were open and that were talking about NANAKSAR GURUDWARA thats what you call the truth.
Marcus you’re an idiot, but at some point, no one cares to talk to you. Having the last message on a board, doesn’t mean you shut anyone up. Go bow to your baba.
Listen you little ass your the biggest idiot if you don’t want to talk to me I don’t give a crap! But what are you saying go bow to your baba like do you mean baba nand singh ji or one of the gurus because thanks I always did I do and always will. If you don’t care do you think I give a crap of your stinkin comments I don’t come on this stupid website to listen to your rubbish I come on to fill peoples heads with the truth now your going to ask 1000 questions no one wants you to come on and such. But guess what I DON’T GIVE A DAMM ABOUT YOUR COMMENTS. O and the truth is always bitter you go suck the devil’s ass and I’ll go bow to guru nanak dev ji and then guru gobind singh ji then guru granth sahib ji all the nanaksar sants and the ten gurus while you go suck the devil HAVE FUN! O AND DON’T WORRY I WILL.
Listen you little ass your the biggest idiot if you don’t want to talk to me I don’t give a crap! But what are you saying go bow to your baba like do you mean baba nand singh ji or one of the gurus because thanks I always did I do and always will. If you don’t care do you think I give a crap of your stinkin comments I don’t come on this stupid website to listen to your rubbish I come on to fill peoples heads with the truth now your going to ask 1000 questions no one wants you to come on and such. But guess what I DON’T GIVE A DAMM ABOUT YOUR COMMENTS. O and the truth is always bitter you go suck the devil’s ass and I’ll go bow to guru nanak dev ji and then guru gobind singh ji then guru granth sahib ji all the nanaksar sants and the ten gurus while you go suck the devil HAVE FUN! O AND DON’T WORRY I WILL.
O and by the way vizio this is a argument that we can’t just let go and I am not even arguing with you. You just think that because I am against you guys and because I’m on the side of truth now your going to say you aren’t but I don’t care and now your going to say but you are but i don’t care
O and by the way vizio this is a argument that we can’t just let go and I am not even arguing with you. You just think that because I am against you guys and because I’m on the side of truth now your going to say you aren’t but I don’t care and now your going to say but you are but i don’t care
yes bowdown to your sants, especially when it is against the philosophies of the Gurus and explicitly is against the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib. oh well, contradictions are hardly a new things at the nanaksar dehra
yes bowdown to your sants, especially when it is against the philosophies of the Gurus and explicitly is against the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib. oh well, contradictions are hardly a new things at the nanaksar dehra
Hey listen you little ass baba nanad singh ji taught us about guru nanak dev ji at that time evreyone forgot how to respect guru granth sahib ji and by the way guru nanak dev ji said respect all religions. O and baba nand singh ji even got darshan of guru nanak dev ji and guru gobind singh ji. But have you your not even worth his foot you have not even got the darshan of guru ji and your trying to say that I wouldn’t even spit on him now your going to say yeah thats right but let me tell you something at least he was a sikh and singh. You proboly used to go to sants and fakirs and to mandir pandits for your fortune and to pray to them. That time there were only those people there was no sant from the religion sikhism. O and when baba nand singh ji would sit in the NANAKSAR GURUDWARA darbar in the evning he had this lower level type of place to sit and he would say Mein tai sagant to ve nema ah meaning I am even smaller than the sagat I can only sit here. Now your going to say well he was but HE WASN’T so go kiss the devil’s ass.
o and one more thing
NANAKSAR GURUDWARA!
NANAKSAR GURUDWARA!
NANAKSAR GURUDWARA!
NANAKSAR GURUDWARA!
NANAKSAR GURUDWARA!
NANAKSAR GURUDWARA IT IS NOT A DEHRA!
Hey listen you little ass baba nanad singh ji taught us about guru nanak dev ji at that time evreyone forgot how to respect guru granth sahib ji and by the way guru nanak dev ji said respect all religions. O and baba nand singh ji even got darshan of guru nanak dev ji and guru gobind singh ji. But have you your not even worth his foot you have not even got the darshan of guru ji and your trying to say that I wouldn’t even spit on him now your going to say yeah thats right but let me tell you something at least he was a sikh and singh. You proboly used to go to sants and fakirs and to mandir pandits for your fortune and to pray to them. That time there were only those people there was no sant from the religion sikhism. O and when baba nand singh ji would sit in the NANAKSAR GURUDWARA darbar in the evning he had this lower level type of place to sit and he would say Mein tai sagant to ve nema ah meaning I am even smaller than the sagat I can only sit here. Now your going to say well he was but HE WASN’T so go kiss the devil’s ass.
o and one more thing
NANAKSAR GURUDWARA!
NANAKSAR GURUDWARA!
NANAKSAR GURUDWARA!
NANAKSAR GURUDWARA!
NANAKSAR GURUDWARA!
NANAKSAR GURUDWARA IT IS NOT A DEHRA!
AND I’M NOT DESPERATE YOU ARE!!!!!!!!!!
AND I’M NOT DESPERATE YOU ARE!!!!!!!!!!
To all participants, grow up! As the level of discussion continues to deteriorate, comments are now disabled
To all participants, grow up! As the level of discussion continues to deteriorate, comments are now disabled