Baba Dayal Das’ Sikh: Nirankari Movement, Sikh Reforms & Legacy

Sikh Reformer: Baba Dayal Das and the Nirankari Movement

Baba Dayal Das, born in 1783 in Peshawar, was a prominent figure in Sikh socio-religious reforms during the nineteenth century. He advocated for a return to the original teachings of Sikhism, emphasizing the worship of a formless God and challenging the prevalence of superstitions and rituals.  This article examines Baba Dayal Das’ life, ideology, and contributions, shedding light on his pivotal role in the Nirankari Movement and its impact on Sikh society.

Background And Early Life Of Baba Dayal Das: Apothecary to Sikh Reformer

• Baba Dayal Das was born in Peshawar to a devout Malhotra Khatri family. After his parents died, he moved to Rawalpindi and opened an apothecary shop.
• Baba Dayal Das, dissatisfied with the situation of religion in society, felt that Sikhism had become tainted by deception, superstition, and erroneous practices.

Nirankar Revival: Baba Dayal Das and Sikhism’s Pure Path

• In the 1840s, Baba Dayal Das pushed for a resurgence of Sikhism centred on the worship of Nirankar, a formless God. 
• He was an outspoken opponent of idol worship, idol-related ceremonies, and the Brahman priests who carried them out. Sikhs who allied with the Brahman priesthood were also rejected.
• His teachings stressed Guru Nanak and the Adi Granth, which he viewed as the ultimate authority and wellspring of knowledge.

Sikh Reformer: Baba Dayal Das’ Progressive Contributions

• Through his teachings and reforms, It made several notable contributions to Sikh society.
• His followers, known as disciples, worshipped the formless God and followed Adi Granth’s teachings. They demonstrated humility by cleaning the shoes and feet of the congregation. 
• It stressed the importance of religious regulations for householders, emphasizing the importance of maintaining familial and social ties while upholding moral values.
• Furthermore, he questioned traditional practices such as treating women as unclean during childbirth, relying on astrology or horoscopes for ceremonies, displaying dowries during marriages, and placing lit lamps or blessed sweets in rivers. 
• He discouraged paying Brahmans for ritual performances and prohibited practices such as eating meat, drinking alcohol, lying, cheating, and using forged weights.

Nirankari Movement: Sikh Reformation by Baba Dayal Das

• It founded the Nirankari Movement, a reformist movement dedicated to purifying and restoring Sikhism to its original principles. 
• The Nirankaris advocated for worshipping one formless God, Nirankar while rejecting idolatry and promoting monotheism. They emphasized religious practice, issued Hukamnamas (edicts) to define proper practices, and established worship centres with their own priests. 
• The movement gained traction during British rule in Punjab because it operated outside of the Sikh government’s constraints.

Sikh Legacy: Nirankari Movement and Baba Dayal Das

• His teachings and the Nirankari Movement left an indelible mark on Sikh society. 
• The movement helped to clarify the difference between Sikhs and Hindus by emphasizing the importance of Guru Nanak and early Sikhism as a model of pure religion.
• It was buried in the Lei River, the site of his meditation practices, after his death on January 30, 1855. 
• Baba Darbara Singh, his son, succeeded him and carried on his tradition within the Nirankari Movement.

Conclusion

A pivotal figure in 19th-century Sikh socio-religious reforms, advocated for the worship of a formless God, the rejection of superstitions, and the promotion of moral principles. He revitalized Sikhism and aided social development through the Nirankari Movement. It lasting contributions inspire spiritual seekers to embrace authentic connections and transcend superficial religious practices.

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