Dear Editor:

Through your valued columns, I want to draw the attention of your readers to what is being claimed as a “miracle” related to the recent display of Ganga Sager in Fresno. This event was widely covered by the local media. The organizers of the display claimed that almost 12,000 Sikhs ‘came to pay respect to a metallic pitcher “Surahi.” The gathering was considered to be the largest Sikh assembly in the North American Hemisphere.

The owner of Ganga Sagar is Mr. Rai Azizullah of Pakistan. Mr. Azizullah claims himself to be the descendant of a Muslim faithful who was bestowed upon the gift of Ganga Sager by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Reportedly, the person provided milk to the persecuted Sikhs and also for conveyed information regarding the martyrdom of two Sahibzadas by a cruel Muslim ruler of Sirhind in Punjab.

However, nobody at this moment know~ the exact authenticity of Ganga Sagar being displayed, It has been reported that this Ganga Saga has been displayed only twice before once in London and again in Singapore, However, it has never been shown to the general public in India or ‘other countries ~or ~car of “being stolen or grabbed by local govemnments.li

 At the recent local display, Ganga Sagar Was presented to the Sikh Sangal as a sort of Guru’s spirit People from all over American and Canada started thronging to the local Nanak SAR Gurdwara to have 1 glimpse of this historical object~ they bowed in front of it, kneeled, and recited Sikh hymns, Valuables such as old neck. Laces, bracelets, and jewelry studded with diamonds were offered to the full capacity of big container placed beside it. A large ‘amount of cash was also offered. Mr. Azizullah was virtually elevated to be the custodian of Guni Ji’s spirit and) thus being worthy of being worshipped. Some organizers boasted about their plans to make a home for Mr. Azizullah studded with gold and precious stones, or that he should have enough gold so that he could “eat with gold utensils. When an innocent visitor asked the organizers about how they were going to spend the money that ‘was collected, they snubbed him aside saying, “You are unnecessarily worrying about this small amount of offering and ‘not paying respect to the spirit of Guru Ji.” ‘Sikhs were barred by Guru Gobind Singh Ji from worshipping inanimate objects. ‘Contrary to that people kneeled and bowed in front of Ganga Sagar. Some of them even bowed and touched the feet of Mr.

Azizullah and completely forgot to pay Respect to Guru Granth Sahib being recited at the same place. Also those who, in the past, had claimed themselves to be the enforcers of Sikh ethics and traditions in the Gurdwaras indulged in similar rituals.

Tam writing this letter to seek suggestions and clarifications from Sikh intellectual’s regarding what I consider a Brahmanical ritual of worshipping in animate objects, At the same time, I ‘am not downgrading the historical importance of Ganga Sagar. Also, displaying Ganga ‘Sagar only in rich countries rises suspicioning my mind. I think everyone, whether rich or poor, from any caste or creed, and ‘anywhere in the word should be given the opportunity to view Ganga Sagar. If it is being displayed only to collect money, and then think it is a scam to rip off gullible Sikhs, Satnam Singh Atwal Fresno, and CA.

Article extracted from this publication >>  February 21, 1996