Divorce In The Presence Of Guru Granth Sahib

[harbansj24]

Yes Narayanjot ji, the realities are sometimes quite unpleasant which we must learn to face and accept. Guru Nanak ji enunciated the most perfect and simple of philosophies which was egalitarian and at the same time practical but we have fallen back on bad old ways.

But there is hope. Guru Nanak Ji also said that the good people should get uprooted and spread goodness elsewhere. Are there not signs of this happening already?!

 

[spnadmin]

A lot of inspiration in what you are saying harbansj ji

 

[Taranjeet singh]

According to Hindu Vedic philosophy it is sanskar, a sacrament; one of the sixteen important sacraments essential to be taken during one's lifetime. There may be physical union as a result of marriage for procreation to perpetuate the lineal progeny for ensuring spiritual salvation and performance of religious rites, but what is essentially contemplated is union of two souls. Marriage is considered to be a junction of three important duties i.e. social, religious and spiritual.Parties to a marriage tying nuptial knot are supposed to bring about the union of souls. It creates a new relationship of love, affection, care and concern between the husband and wife .

But there may be chances that the marriage may not work on account of the delicate and sensitive issues involved in the marriage that is primarily related to the basic human nature. Marriage is fairly sensitive and ,at times, may get broken. It is a fact that have been recognized by the society and sikhs are also human beings like others and there may be occasion when the spouses may be required to bid farewell than to carry the dead relationship.One may have to find more practical way to get out of this relationship.Sikhs, like hindus, have not determined the code that will govern them in such an unpleasant situation.

Even if it is agreed that the divorce should not be in the presence of Guru Granth sahib ji, then also one needs to prepare some guidelines for divorce else the law realted will continue to guide the parting spouses. For all practical purpose sikhs are considered as Hindus so far as the legal position is concerned. Sikhs may have to fight for some separate code of laws if it is felt that the existing laws are not as per their requirements. Sikhs cannot claim any exemption from the laws till there is a separate code for them and that has a legal validity.May be I have missed some point.

 

[ajitkaur]

Divorce in the Presence of Guru Granth Sahib
October 20th, 2009 by Kiranjot Kaur Source: news.ukpha.org

One of the major events in the life of a Sikh is Anand Sanskar according to Sikh Rehat Maryada. In the presence of Guru Granth Sahib the couple vow to love and respect each other and follow the spiritual path together so that they are like one soul in two bodies.

In today’s world what happens if the couple finds itself incompatible? Some believe divorce has no place in Sikh religion while others believe if a mistake has been made there is no harm in rectifying it and take recourse to civil law. However what takes the cake is divorce in presence of Guru Granth Sahib!

A young 24 year old Sikh girl, Simarjit Kaur, of Todarwaal village in district Kapurthala was bestowed a siropa by her father-in-law in the historical Gurdwara Hatt Sahib ( where Guru Nanak Dev ji had worked in modikhana and weighed “ tera, tera’ ) and divorced her from her husband. Interestingly this happened in the absence of her husband who is a jawan of Border Security Force ( BSF) and posted in Jammu and Kashmir. The girl lost her parents a couple of years ago and her Chacha had solemnized her Anand Kaaraj.

Her father-in-law is a granthi and another person supporting him is a kathavachak. Athough this incident has been condemned by Jathedar Akal Takht however no action has been taken against the erring Granthi and kathavachak both of whom are employees of SGPC. I met the Singh Sahiban at Akal Takht accompanied by the girl and her relatives with the basic question is divorce in presence of Guru Granth Sahib acceptable and if not what action has been taken to deter anyone from indulging in such practice in future? Understanding the gravity of the issue they have formed a committee to study the case in detail and report it’s findings for further action.

To build pressure on the girl a Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sultanpur Lodhi Gurmeet Singh is also said to be present in the Gurdwara . As member of Punjab State Women Commission I have asked for an explanation from the police officer……… why is police involved in distorting Sikh maryada?

If this issue is not taken to it’s logical end , it will open a new way for greedy, unscrupulous in-laws to send their daughter in law back to her parent’s home by just giving her a siropa in presence of Guru Granth Sahib. As easy as ‘ talak,talak,talak’ ! In this case too the factor precipitating divorce is a piece of land that Simarjit’s father left behind and eyed by her in laws.

This same type of incident occurred in British Columbia where the wife was made to go back home and then the father-in-law set up secretly 5 pyaray and the 5 pyaray issued the hukam of divorce without calling the husband in the presence for which is was willing to attend and waiting for the amrit sanchar. The wife apparently called the husband and told him this and they secretly spoke and then the husband went to the Akal Takhat and they issued a hukam that the singh and singhnee must sit together and try to resolve their issues. The meeting of the wife and husband occurred at a local gurudwara many months later and in front of Guru Granth Sahib the wife asked to go home to the husband. The singhs present did ardas and the wife ran away from her parents home that night. The couple is living happily now away from her parents though the couple continues to try to mend things with the parents. It is saddening to think that in-laws would do this to their children's marriages. The punjabi village mentality that in-laws can control households are still with people. It should be time that they let go and let god in.

 

[spnadmin]

ajitkaurji

That is a bit crazy when you think of it. Though the story you tell is a fascinating one. There is a complete description of the marriage ceremony, Anand Karaj, in the Sikh Rehat Maryada. There is no divorce ceremony. I almost have to state this even though I know you know it because some newcomer might read and get the idea that what these people were doing is legitimate. The father-in-law sets up a secret ceremony with panj pyaare? Another case of making things up. It is like the Sikhi salad bar express. yellingsardarni