Sir,
I am indebted to S. Sukhbir Singh and S. Gurbakhsh Singh for their comments in Letters to the Editor (WSN 5/4/90) regarding “Portraits of Our Gurus.”
The Gurus portraits are often artistically poor and a commercial job, but the name of the Guru underneath evokes reverence. These large pictures are then on display in homes, Gurdwaras newspapers and in various parade. Owners of the portraits often proclaim with pride “Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj, founder of Sikhism”. There is double damage done. Firstly we indulge in Moorti Puja and, secondly, this is not a picture of the Guru. Normally we will not hang an odd picture of any Sikh in our home and call him our father or grandfather. Similarly, there would be a prompt apology from the newspaper if they publish a wrong picture or an incorrect name.
Since the practice of portrait display and worship continues unabated, it appears a majority of us are in favor of it. There must be a reason, which escapes me, and I humbly request those who propagate this ritual to educate us about their convictions.
Shivdev Singh, MD 2710 W. Avenue O Palmdale, CA 93551
Article extracted from this publication >> May 18, 1990
