SGPC bans the use of Kesari Nishan Sahib flags hoisted in Gurudwara premises as it could be ‘confused’ with the Bhagwa Dhwaj.
The Akal Takth has issued a diktat asking Gurdwaras across the state of Punjab to ensure that the colour of the Gurudwara flag: Nishan Sahib to be either basanti (xanthic) or surmai (blue). The Nishan Sahib is a triangular flag with a tassel, hoisted on a long pole in gurudwara complexes across the world.
Following the circular, the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee on Monday will begin implementing the order, in compliance with Akal Takth. SGPC’s Dharam Parchar Committee issued a circular to the Sikh preachers to create awareness among the gurdwara managements about the Sikh Rehat Maryada.
The process of restoring the “original” colours in the SGPC-managed gurdwaras will be initiated soon.
Kesari: A Point of Contention?
The Sikh clergy on July 15th passed a resolution amid confusion over the the colours of the Nishan Sahib flag. Currently, the Nishan Sahib is seen mostly in Kesari (saffron) colour. While most of the gurdwaras have Kesari-coloured Nishan Sahib, the gurdwaras managed by Nihang groups and their chhavnis (cantonments) have it in surmai colour.
Waryam Singh, a Sikh scholar and former SGPC secretary, claimed that the colour of the Nishan Sahib was yellow earlier. He further explained that the colour of the Nishan Sahib has always been yellow, which gradually turned to Kesari. The present colour is similar to Bhagwa that relates to Hinduism.
Symbolic Significance of the Bhagwa Dhwaj
The Bhagwa Dhwaj has been a symbol of Sanatan Dharma and culture from times immemorial. The word Bhagwa comes from the word ‘Bhaga’ or Sun. It is a symbol of six things: dharma, artha, reputation, prosperity, knowledge and detachment. It has inspired and has been honoured by saints and warriors.
Hindu monks wear saffron robes to signify that they have renounced the material world and put themselves on the path of salvation.
The colour of the flag embodies the glorious hue of the Sun that dispels darkness and sheds light all around. It has the colour of the fire, which acts as a purifier.
THE COLOUR OF THE RISING SUN MOTIVATES ONE TO PERFORM HIS OR HER DUTY AND CONTINUE ON THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Historicity of the Bhagwa Dhwaj
The saffron flag was a potent symbol that represented the Hindavi identity, martial heritage, political unity, and spiritual aspirations as they built their expansive empire in the Indian subcontinent:
- Symbolism of Hinduism: sacrifice, spiritual purity and renunciation is associated with the Bhagwa Flag. The Hindavi Swarajya was a Hindu political power. Bhagwa was a statement of territorial dominance.
- Martial tradition: The Hindu warrior traditions historically used the Bhagwa Dhwaj. The Marathas emerged as a major military power in the 17th and 18th centuries. They adopted the saffron flag to connect themselves to this martial legacy.
- Rallying symbol: The Bhagwa Dhwaj served as a unifying symbol for the Hindavi Swarajya. It was a coalition of different Maratha warrior clans and chieftains. Kesari helped rally the troops under a common banner during military campaigns.
- Spiritual inspiration: Hindu Spiritual traditions influenced the founder of Hindavi Swarajya- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Bhagwa Dhwaj represents the detachment from worldly concerns and the pursuit of higher spiritual goals.
Kesari: Our Eternal Guru
The Bhagwa Dhwaj is an integral part of the Hindu social life, having mention in Vedic literature such as ‘Arunketu’. The Bhagwa Dhwaj has been a source of inspiration to defend the motherland. It was a measure to motivate Hindus to fight back and protect the nation.
THE BHAGWA DHWAJ IS SANATAN (ETERNAL) AND UNIVERSAL (VAISHVIK)