Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj

In October 1708 at Nanded (in present-day Maharashtra), Upon his divine departure to sach khand, the 10th Sikh Guru Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj installed Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj as the living Guru of Sikhism which was recorded in a Bhatt Vahi (a bard's scroll) by an eyewitness with:

ਸੱਬ ਸਿੱਖਣ ਕੋ ਹੁਕਮ ਹੈ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਾਨਯੋ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ - Sab sikhan kō hukam hai gurū mānyō granth which means all Sikhs are commanded herein to take Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji maharaj as their Guru (leader/teacher).

Bhai Prahlad Singh was a Sikh from Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj’s time and the Dohra he wrote was:

ਆਗਿਆ ਭਈ ਅਕਾਲ ਕੀ ਤਬੀ ਚਲਾਇਓ ਪੰਥ ।
ਸਭ ਸਿਖਨ ਕੋ ਹੁਕਮ ਹੈ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਾਨਿਯੋ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ।
ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਜੀ ਮਾਨਿਯੋ ਪ੍ਗਟ ਗੁਰਾਂ ਕੀ ਦੇਹ ।
ਜੋ ਪ੍ਭ ਕੋ ਮਿਲਬੋ ਚਹੈ ਖੋਜ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਮੈਂ ਲੇਹ ।

• Agya Bhai Akal Ki Tabe Chalyo Panth

• Sabh Sikhan Ko Hukam Hai Guru Manyo Granth

• Guru Granth Ji Manyo Parghat Guran Ki Deh

• Jo Prabh Ko Milbo Chahe Khoj Sabad Mein Leh.

The sanctity, honour and respect of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj is the most important responsibility of the entire Sikh Panth. Our objective is promote and create awareness of the satkar for our living king, by doing we also pledge to engage community participation in running forums and presentations on the importance of satkar and the hukam given to us by our 10th Guru Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Sahib Ji Maharaj.

Sri Sackhand Sahib Ji Bhavan Vision-Long Term Seva, Smbaal and Satkar

As the seas and the oceans are overflowing with water, so waste are my own sins. Please shower me with mercy, take pity upon me, I am a sinking stone-Please carry me across

Context;

A huge network of excessive printing and needless Agan Bhett of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroop exists in many countries predominantly in India. Sikhs across the globe including UK easily obtain Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, through purchase from abroad. This subsequently means India who were already exploiting this as a commercial market are more than willing to print Sri Guru

Granth Sahibs Jis Saroops at large scale causing deliberate and adverse beadbi of Maharaj Saroop including through method and means of transporting them in meeting orders.

Data Collation:

The scale of such issue relating to lack of Seva, Smbaal, Satkar of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and moreover lack of accountability across UK and Europe was revealed when Satkar Committee UK embarked upon a data collection register. This was done through visiting every Gurdwara Sahib across UK which took over 2 years to complete.

It was apparent very quickly that there was/is no interest to contain the matter. Instead the excessive availability without any regulatory process of Maharaj Saroop abode increasingly means and meant very little or no regard towards the respect and upkeep of Gurmat Rehat Maryada for handling and maintaining Satkar of Maharaj Saroop Jis.

Data Collation:

As a registered charity (No.1176440) Satkar Committee UK proceeded upon this mammoth task to fully understand the scale. On many occasions the team were initially met with resistance from Gurdwara Sahib Prabandakhs to reveal or allow access. However: as word spread compliance increased as no choice by Gurdwaras other than to engage in the process.

Data Revealed:

 230 authenticated Gurdwaras across UK (other claims including data within the UKBA and Home Office suggest over 600 Gurdwaras However many turned out to be bogus and/or

inappropriate places)

 3206 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Saroop Jis across UK
 Only 107 Gurdwaras with appropriate bed space for Maharaj Ji Saroops (others were/are

storing Maharaj Saroop Ji in cupboards/shelves).
 Over 87% Granthis/Prabandakhs do not know how to appropriately apply Maharaj Sahib Ji

basthar
 Over 65% Gurdwaras Sahibs had below acceptable levels of cleanliness and considerations

towards Maharaj Sahib Ji Satkar
 Over 85% of Gurdwaras do not have appropriately trained Granthis to ensure accurate

reciting and pronunciation of Gurbani. (Sangat were and are being recited distortions and mispronunciations of bani).

NB: The above statistics does not include the countless number of Maharaj Saroop Jis in personal properties/residence. This is an immeasurable and unaccounted for as yet.

Appalling revelations: Enormous lack of Seva, Smbaal and Satkar of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

It was extremely disturbing to witness the discoveries that the process also unveiled the reality of how poorly Maharaj Sahib Ji Saroops were and are maintained, poor handling and unkempt manner of practice. Majority of the Saroop Jis decayed because of neglect, with greased Angs (individuals touching Maharaj Sahib with unclean degh hands) edges of Angs turned in due to individuals turning them without due consideration. Maharaj Sahib Jis’ Angs tearing away from the jilth (spine binding) due to being tilted to make reading easy for the reciter. Amongst the dirt and dust found within Pavan Saroop Jis were dead ants, flies, mice, mice bitten angs, food stains, hair particles, dampness and dust fluff. Furthermore, much of the damage was even due to deliberate carelessness which

included individual’s in-correctly altering Maharaj di Bani with a pen, overriding existing bani and/or in some instances allowing children access into the asthaan as playing space thus children writing/scribbling on pavan saroop jis with pens. On most Saroop Jis Gurdwara prabandakhs/ sangat apply tapes and glue not even fit for use in sewages in their efforts to fix/repair tears. There is/was an extreme level of carelessness and ignorance.

Waheguru Maharaj Sahib Ji forgive us and show us the way!!!!

Worlds’ largest Sri Sachkhand Sahib Ji

In 2017 as a bid to overcome some of the immediate issues including the imminent need of Saroop/Ang Smbaal/Seva: Sri Sachkhand Sahib Ji was set up, where Maharaj Saroop jis were/are transferred to allow for restoration and preservation work to be undertaken.

The existing Sri Sachkhand Sahib Ji is situated in Smethwick where there are currently 33 single beds and over 320 Maharaj Saroop Jis. This is considered the worlds’ largest Sri Sachkhand Sahib Ji. However, each day is a struggle with increasing number of Maharaj Sahib Ji Pavan Saroops arrive for seva. In many instances Gurdwaras transfer more Saroop Jis for seva and require less for transfer back therefore Sri Sachkhand Sahib Ji has now reached full capacity.

Sevadars work round the clock to restore Maharaj Saroop Jis which includes replacing their Jilth (outer cover) inlays, applying new acid free tape, replacing un-repairable Angs, undertaking ishnaan seva (thorough cleaning) new sketching to seal ends of Angs and replace cholla Sahib (cover).

These are Humblest of efforts that must be pursued by generations to come, it is a long journey that hasn’t as yet started. Maharaj Sahib Ji we beg please bestow their beanth Kirpa and show Sikhs the way of satkar at the utmost highest regard. There are undoubtedly mammoth tasks ahead and a lifetime of mere attempts that are needed if our future generations are to pursue and progress.

Campaign Against: Print and Agan Bhatt of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Saroop:

2018 A huge campaign was launched in a bid to stop further printing of Sri Guru Granth sahib Ji Saroop Ji in India. It is our contention that in UK alone there are enough Saroop Jis to last us over another 100 years without a single Saroop Ji arriving from abroad. These are all repairable to their full glory. The campaign is naturally met with objections and retaliation from the powers that be in India. The resistance is largely down to a number of factors

The printing of Maharaj Sahib Ji and selling is at cost price to potential customer. Much of the Saroop Jis have errors and distortion of Gurbani as a mass production as a profiting circuit. Poor quality materials are used for printing which means Angs tear easily and/or ink fades away making them very difficult impossible to recite. Consequences include individuals discarding and replacing Saroop Jis with ease based on the availability.

However, the above corrupt commercial practice also includes discarding of the Saroop Ji through Agan Bhett (cremation) at a payable fee again an exploiting venture.

Current Status

As stated previously the current Sri Sachkhand Sahib Ji space is in full capacity and has led us to make painful requests to Gurdwara Sahibs to hold back from bringing Maharaj Sahib Ji Saroop to the asthaan unless it’s a straight equal number swap. This is not always possible due to the amount of time required for seva per Maharaj Saroop Ji. Seva is being carried out in the same asthaan as to where Maharaj Sahib Ji rests. Unwillingly we have to utilise Sri Sachkhand Sahib Ji, as a workshop space for repairs as well as over loaded storage space. This abode does not allow for any more space. The workshops inevitably accumulate dust particles, noise and untidiness from the seva. There is a genuine struggle on all accounts.

Purpose of Building and Vision:

To develop a centre of excellence, a fitting place that pioneers the highest regard of Maharaj Sahib Ji. Offering tranquillity and suitably adapted resting space for Saroop Jis

A designated space where seva smbaal can be carried out in purposely designed workshop spaces

A training complex/academy offering a sense of belonging and pride for future generations where our future Granthis can be developed and trained for accurate reciting of Mahraj Sahib Ji Gurbani and Kirtan

A place for raising awareness and offering training on day to day seva, smbaal and satkar of Maharaj Sahib Ji in line with Gurmat Rehat Maryada

A regulatory body for Sikhs across UK and Europe in upholding process and procedures for possession re; Maharaj Saroop Ji at dwellings with due satkar.

A place for all Gurbani/Gutka Sahib Jis to be stored and distributed on a seva basis
A place where sevadars can operate 24/7 independently with open access for continued seva.

There are in the region of 500 Saroops that need transfer to Sri Sachkhand Sahib Ji space permitting and moreover seva smbaal to be carried out on them.

With the above urgency a larger property has been sourced and a deposit lay down to secure the purchase. The cost of the building is 67,000.

The potential asthan can contain over 1,000 saroops at any one time, from across UK, this will allow for the much needed seva to continue at large scale and for Maharaj Sahib Ji accommodation and

upkeep

of seva.

Sri Sachkhand Sahib Ji will the largest in the world
It will eliminate any intentions or considerations for Agan Bhett of Maharaj Sahib Ji Saroops
With restoration seva smbaal, It will eliminate the suggestions that there is a need for

further printing of any new saroops
It will overcome the issue of individuals taking it upon themselves to commercialise the seva

of Maharaj Saroop and selling them to make monetary gain.
Awareness of the seva and upkeep of satkar of maharaj Sahib Ji saroop will take place at

large scale
It will assist in maintaining respect/satkar of all Gurbani including pothi sahibs, gutka sahibs,

and other Gurbani related literature
It will curb the continued and frequent adverting and/or intentional beadbi of Maharaj Sahib

Ji

Donations can be made using the link below or Barclays

Bank Details

Satkar Committee UK

Barclays Bank

20034088

20-45-45

GoFundMe Link https://gofund.me/0c08fc76

Summary: Desired layout of building space:

Reception, shoes storage foyer space, wash facilities, food kitchen and diner space

proportioned spaces for restoration and preservation workshops to be undertaken, education workshops of appropriate handling and safekeeping of Gurbani. Training/educational workshops, space for teaching accurate reciting of Gurbani and being able to accommodate congregational gatherings.

Major part of the space as Sri Sachkhand Sahib Ji with maximum bed space for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jis to allow for Maharaj Sahib Ji Saroops to be transferred from across UK and Europe for seva and offering essential resting place Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Some projects of Satkar Committee UK

Gutka Sahib Jis In an humble effort to prevent/ reduce risk of individuals discarding unwanted Gurbani/Gutka Sahib Jis’ in a disrespectful manner, Satkar Committee UK have made public and media requests that such Gutka Sahibs are brought to sevadars. We have accumulated room spaces kindly offered to us separately by a local Gurdwara and a factory owner. There are now over 50,000 Gutka Sahib Jis that have had seva completed upon them and re-distributable. While there are over 70,000 beyond repair and seva stored separately @ a factory warehouse. These are all temporary spaces which will need vacating in due course. In this instance other spaces will need to be identified as storage and/or distribution.

World’s largest Palki Sahib

We have been fortunate with an exceptionally kind donation by a family business owner who fully covered the costs of a designated Maharaj Palki Sahib (vehicle specially modified for transferring over 21 Saroops Jis at a time and allowing for 5 Singhs’ to travel with Maharaj in complying with Gurmat Rehat Maryada. This is the world’s largest Palki Sahib.

Ministry of Justice

2018 it came to our attention that Ministry of Justice had distributed Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jis across UK courts to allow for Sikhs to take oath. As soon as sevadars learnt of this, we made contact with Ministry of Justice and started the process of alerting them of the adverse offense caused to the Sikh Community specifically relating to the strict protocol of Maharaj sahib in line with Gurmat Rehat Maryada. MoJ were fully compliant and agreed for the immediate removal of Saroop Jis and to be replaced with Gutka Sahibs or written affirmations for oath taking. Needless to state the blunder had come about over 40 years ago when a Sikh had advised them to have Saroop Jis onsite. It was heart wrenching to witness Maharaj Saroop Jis stored in cupboards near the judges’ feet in courtrooms or stocked on shelves along with other books. This resulted in the removal of over 26 Saroop Jis that have been transferred to Sri Sachkhand Sahib Ji asthaan.

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫ਼ਤਹਿ