Amritsar, June 19
In an unprecedented move in Sikh history, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Giani Gurdit Singh, member of the SGPC’s Dharm Parchar Committee, and another Sikh scholar Mohan Singh Guard have been summoned at Takht Patna Sahib on July 20. They have been asked to personally clarify their position regarding the recent book “Mundawni”, authored by Giani Gurdit Singh .

It is for the first time that the Jathedar of Akal Takht has been summoned by the Sikh clergy of another Takht . Though Jathedar Vedanti has taken a serious note of the step taken by ‘Panj Piyaras’ (five beloved ones) of Takht Patna Sahib and which could plunge the Panth into a deep crisis , he said he could personally visit Patna Sahib to give clarification on the book. Jathedar Vedanti said he had visited Takht Patna Sahib and Hazoor Sahib along with Giani Gurdit Singh, who studied the manuscripts of the holy Guru Granth Sahib in his presence.

Talking to TNS, Jathedar Vedanti said he was shocked to learn about the move to summon him at Takht Patna Sahib, which had no precedent in Sikh history . He said Giani Gurdit Singh had simply documented the facts about “Raag Mala” and had not given any personal opinion on this issue. Similar views had already been given by the SGPC a long time ago. He said the Sikh clergy of Patna had no locus standi to take up such issues as it was the prerogative of Akal Takht only. The jurisdiction of Akal Takht and other Takhts had already been decided at the meeting of Sikh high priests, which was attended by Jathedar Iqbal Singh and Giani Rattan Singh , Jathedar and Deputy Jathedar of Takht Patna Sahib and Hazoor Sahib, respectively. While Akal Takht was declared supreme by all five jathedars, the other four Takhts were allowed to handle local issues

Giani Iqbal Singh, Jathedar Patna Sahib, in a written directive, said the above decision was taken by the Sikh clergy at an emergency meeting held at Patna Sahib today.

Meanwhile, Giani Gurdit Singh said the photographs in question are those taken by a local photographer from Patna Sahib in the presence of the author and others, including Granthi Iqbal Singh of Takht Sri Patna Sahib. “Itihaas Sri Guru Granth Sahib: Mundavani” is based on more than 50 years of research, and is the second in the series. The first, Itihaas Sri Guru Granth Sahib: Bhagat Bani Bhag was published in 1990 and is running in the second edition now. Both are research books and have been reportedly well received by scholars.