Harjas ji
Quote it isn't historical artifact or mere reference, it has to have a purpose per Guru, not some politician. If these devas are in Gurbani how does it wound the
Sikh identity?
End quote
The politicians are not/were not on the Sikhi side in the context of this particular issue. Of course there is/was a purpose to including the Hindu pantheon in Adi Granth, a deeply spiritual reason. And all the Hindu gods and demi-gods are depicted as subordinate to Akaal Purukh. Definitely. Yes.
However, the point of my posting this article -- if i can remember it all these many months -- is that there is a political agenda today to diminish the unique and radical view of God given us in
Guru Granth Sahib. This has cropped up on many threads in the past here on SPN, and it can be both demoralizing and misleading to both newcomers as well as young Sikhs, without having the
Sikh context for Hindu mythology clearly laid out.
When I spot such a thread under New Posts or Today's Posts, my heart sinks.
Now it appears that you have done just that: provided a concise and probative explanation for the role of Hindu deities in Sri
Guru Granth Sahib. So between the article and your exigesis of the place and meaning of Hindu deities, this new, radical and unique view of the Gurus is well laid out and well served, and hopefully it will be understood.
As a belated addition to my response. I copied this from Joginder Singh Foley's signature -- why? I dunno. Maybe just because I am feeling like a not very cerebral, fundamentalist
Sikh today.
A Sikh DOES NOT FEAR DEATH BUT DEATH FEARS A Sikh Totally cool Joginder ji!
Just do it! 