Why was Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh summoned by Akal Takht ?
PTC News Desk: The Akal Takht is known as the highest seat of temporal power for Sikhs where power politician admit to their mistakes to atone their sins. SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal joined a long list of prominent personalities who were declared tankhaiyas for religious misconduct. Declaration of tankhaiya means that these leaders have to go through religious punishment or tankha to atone for their sins.
The list includes the first Sikh emperor, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, former President of India Giani Zail Singh, former Punjab CM Surjit Singh Barnala, former home minister Buta Singh, former SAD president Jagdev Singh Talwandi and even a former jathedar of the Akal Takht, Darshan Singh.
Along with these prominent figures, jathedars of Akal Takht and members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have also been at the recieving end of the Akal Takht's moral stick.
The first Sikh emperor, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was also summoned by Akal Takht. 223 years ago Akal Takht jathedar Akali Phula Singh had ordered 100 lashes for Sikh emperor. The Lion of Punjab had also gone through the wrath of Akal Takht which also displays the highest body's supremacy.
Why was Maharaja Ranjit Singh summoned by Akal Takht ?
Maharaja Ranjit Singh's decision to turn his love for 12 year old muslim girl into matrimony drew backlash from Sikh body.
The incumbent jathedar of Akal Takht Akali Phula Singh had directed Maharaja Ranjit Singh to appear before he Sikh Sangat for marrying outside the Sikh fold.
The Sikh Maharaja obeying the orders stood before the congregation with utmost humility and begged for forgiveness with folded hands. During his appearance jathedar announced that he must be given 100 lashes on his bare back before the panth.
However the upon watching their king being flogged by Akal Takht, the congregation immediately sought forgiveness on behalf of Maharaja Ranjit Singh while breaking down into tears. The Maharaja was let go with just one leash on his back.
- PTC NEWS
