sikhpride

When Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji sent some Sikhs to Banaras to learn Sanskrit for acquiring knowledge of earlier religions, those who came back with this learning became the founders of a sect known as Nirmalas. These original founders, five Sikhs were Ganda Singh, Karam Singh, Sewa Singh, Veer Singh and Ram Singh. During the period of Sikh Rule these Nirmala Scholars established their centres which were liberally endowed by the Sikh Chiefs. As they had learned Sanskrit and studied Vedas, Shastras, Puranas and epic literature, they were highly influenced by Sanatani Teachings. Thus, they preached Sikh Teachings and doctrines within the frame work of Vedantic background. They have faith in Ten Sikh Gurus and Sri Guru Granth Sahib and keep their facial hair intact, but do not give importance to Amrit and the wearing of five K’s as is done by the other Sikhs. Their contribution to Sikh religion is quite significant. The great Sikhs Scholars like Pandit Tara Singh Narotam (1822-1891), Gyani Gyan Singh (1822-1921) and Kavi Santokh Singh were all Nirmala Sikhs. All of them have written master pieces of Sikh literature. Presently, a number of groups among the Nirmalas exist. Their principle centre in Punjab is at Patiala, but many other centres do exist at Amritsar, Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain, Triambak and Kurukshetra. They still control a number of historical and non historical Gurdwaras in and outside Punjab. Some of them have been mentioned in appropriate places.