Sikhs - We are not Hindus 8172053797

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SIKHS... ee

_ Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha Ve

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a

SIKHS WE ARE NOT HINDUS

by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha Translation by

Jarnail Singh Ph.D. Edited and Reset by

Preetpal Singh Bumra

Sungh

Brothers

Amritsar

Sikhs—We

are not Hindus

(English Translation of Hum Hindu Nahin)

by BHAI KAHN SINGH NABHA Translation by

Jarnail Singh Ph.D. Edited and Reset by

Preetpal Singh Bumra

ISBN 81-7205-379-7 First Edition August 2006 DTE Teeee dora af &RSISTRIGUTORS WEBSITE: www.ctfbooks.com

iL 3%

Publishers :

Singh

Brothers

Bazar Mai Sewan, Amritsar - 143 006 e@

S.C.O. 223-24, City Centre, Amritsar - 143 001 E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.singhbrothers.com Printers :

PRINTWELL,

146, INDUSTRIAL

FOCAL

POINT,

AMRITSAR.

Dedicated to

SIKH MARTYRS

CONTENTS Introduction Translator’s note

An Appreciation 1 La 1 gS

Necessary Statement from the Author Preface (Punjabi Edition) Preface to the fifth Edition (Punjabi Edition)

Zz 2o8 i boys

Invocation Questions-Answers between Hindu and Sikh

3 om Vedas, Simritis and Puranas oe. Caste and Varna aK, Avatars 3.4 Gods and Goddesses oP) Worship of Idols 3.6 Sandhya-Tarpan Sal Sutak-Patak—Puerperium 3.8 Chauka Kar—-Sacred Square be Fasting 3.10 Mahurat-Omens

101

3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14

Pret Kirya, Shradha etc.,—Rites for the dead Mantras—Incantations Yag and Homa Rites and Symbols

105 114 118 DBs.

4.1

Conclusion

131

INTRODUCTION Interaction between institutional religions of a time is a natural phenomenon, and this phenomenon makes possible the growth of religious pluralism and co-existence in any multi-religious society. But, when unique identity of a living institutional religion is challenged by another institutional religion, awakening of interest towards one’s unique identity, too, is a spontaneous response. Sometimes

such polemics prove to be a classic exposition of a religion. Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha’s important work Hum Hindu

Nahin, was also an outcome of polemics prevailing in the religiously polarised and strife-torn society of the nineteenth century's last decade. Whenever the Sikh scholarship is assessed, Bhai Kahn Singh’s name always comes on the top. He was a gem and the most learned scholar of the Sikh world, who dedicated his entire life for the rational exposition of Sikh theology while quoting profusely from the original Sikh sources. He had deep understanding of the basic concepts of Sikh theology. Therefore, in spite of having a rational and analytical mind-set, he never goes astray from the real path. . Bhai Sahib’s present work is a rational exposition of the Sikh theology, beliefs and practices in comparison to the other Indian religions. The language and idiom of this book is very soft and unhurting. In spite of writing on a very sensitive issue, the author does not make any

derogatory comment against any of the contemporary religions, instead he advises to inculcate the habit to “love all human beings and cherish the well-being of everyone”. On the whole, Hum Hindu Nahin is based on the original religious scriptures and is an authentic and reliable work on the comparative study of religions. Besides, uphelding the unique identity of the Sikhs, this book also encourages the religious co-existence in the society.

The Sikhs are still in the doldrums and facing the agony of many challenges threatening their unique identity, though the nature and contexts of threats have been changed. Besides establishing the sovereignty of the Sikh doctrines, this book also formulates its distinctive identity in a very scholarly way. Therefore, the need and significance of this book have enhanced in the present context. That is the reason that so many editions have been published by the different organizations during the last two decades. This book, originally in Punjabi was published in 1898 A.D. for the first time and it was a landmark in the literature of Sikh renaissance period. When we undertook its publication in 1992, we compared the text with the Sixth edition published in 1917 by Panch Khalsa Diwan and revised it accordingly. Our editorial staff accomplished this arduous job sincerely and also appended the references of Gurbani and other quotes. We published this book under a popular edition series as it is our utmost desire to circulate this book to large number of readers so that they become aware of the unique identity of the Sikhs. Fortunately, our presentation was well received by all sections of readers. To widen the scope of its readership, we have recently published the Hindi translation of this scholarly

work. And now we are delighted to publish its English version translated by Dr. Jarnail Singh. We are grateful to the translator for his full co-operation and encouragement all the times. 4th August, 2006

—Publishers

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ISBN 81 7205-379-7

88172"053796