Namdharis

The above noted sects among the Sikh originating during the period of the Gurus gradually split into various groups. Further, many new sects were formed at different points of time. For example, Namdharis (also known as Kukas) constitute a big group of Sikhs. Namdharis believe in Sikh Gurus and teachings contained in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, but, do not believe that the line of Sikh Gurus in the physical form ended with Guru Gobind Singh and their eternal light became manifest in the eternal Guru Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The sect\ was founded by S. Ram Singh Ji who was a soldier of the Sikh Army at the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He was a devout Sikh and as such fought against the Britishers for the restoration of Sikh glory. Before challenging the might of the Britishers, he set into motion era of religious and social enlightenment among the Sikhs. As he sacrificed his life for Sikh values and freedom, the Namdharis followed in his footsteps and raised voice against the Britishers. Undoubtedly they played an unforgettable role in the freedom struggle. Their activities included attacks on cow slaughter issue, resulting in killings of some Muslim butchers in Amritsar and Ludhiana in 1871. Baba Ram Singh started boycott of British goods much before Gandhi Ji. He was exiled where he passed away in November 1885. A group of 66 Namdhari Sikhs were blown by canon bullets by the British. There is a memorial to them at Namdhari Shidi Samrg Malerkotla in Indian Punjab. Their headquarter is at Bhaini Sahib in Ludhiana District. They are pure vegetarians, consuming of drugs, alcohol or any other addiction is strictly banned and enforced. Marriages are solemnized as community marriages, frugal in nature bereft of any expensive dowry, engagement rituals etc. their central point of spiritual focus is their faith and trust in the existence of the physical human form of their Spiritual Master Satguru. Their professional and economical beliefs are engrained in earning an honest and honourable living. Speaking lies, deception and theft are taboo. A simple way of life, where spiritual awareness levitates oneself is the Namdhari way of life. Satguru Udai Singh is the present head of the Namdhari sect. The contact number of Bhaini Sahib, the head quarter is 09915517079