Gurus, Images and Statues

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Photos, Pictures, Sceneries or Statues of the 10 Human Gurus and other revered personalities are not to be worshipped within Sikhi and these are totally rejected for that purpose. However, for reference and as an aid to symbolise the Gurus and other important personalities, pictures and even sculptures and full scale figure models are used to depict history and historical events.

Guru Ji himself declares and affirms upon the issue through Gurbani as:

  • "Meditate on the image of the Guru within your mind; let your mind accept the Word of the Guru's Shabad (Gurbani teachings) and His Mantra (advice & guidance). Enshrine the Guru's feet within your heart. Bow in humility forever before the Guru, the Supreme Lord God." (Tr. fr. SGGS page 864)
  • "Enshrine the Guru's Feet in your heart. Meditate on Him and cross over the ocean of fire" (Tr. fr. SGGS Page 192)

And hence with these words and passages Sikhism apparently justifies that Sikhism won't allow making or worshipping of any sort of Photos, Pictures, Statues, Scenes of the ten Nanaks. To a man each of the Dasam Nanaks never allowed any artist or engraver of the time, to engrave, paint or sculpt their physical or Human rup (form).

The SGPC issued an order to remove all photos from SGPC-linked gurdwaras and all other gurdwaras. Many gurdwaras continue to have depictions of the Gurus.

Kou Butan Ko pujat hai
Tavparsad Savaiya(patshahi 10)
Tirath naaveh archaa poojaa agar vaas behkaar
Guru Nanak Dev
Bhoganhaaray bhogi-aa is moorat kay mukh chhaar
Kabir
Aap hee poojaaree aap hee dayvaa
Guru Nanak Dev
Tora-o na paatee pooja-o na dayvaa
Kabir