Golden Temple in Amritsar is one of the holiest sites for the Sikh community. Additionally, it is a significant place in India, the centre of various important movements. Everyone is welcome to worship there, regardless of their background or religious affiliation. However, a video from this religious site has been circulating the Internet where a man has been slapped repeatedly — here’s what happened!
Man Slapped Repeatedly In Amritsar’s Golden Temple
Latest From Golden Temple Amritsar , Stop Visiting Gurudwaras 🙏 pic.twitter.com/JuQskBFITB
— Pb08wale (@Pb08Waleee) May 20, 2023
A viral Twitter video by Pb08wale showing an unusual encounter between a Sikh man and a visitor at the entrance to the renowned Golden Temple has drawn a lot of attention. According to a Times Of India report, the visitor is initially confronted by the Sikh man in the video, and their conversation quickly turns aggressive. The Sikh guy accuses the visitor loudly of having a “biri,” but the visitor vehemently refutes these claims.
Despite the visitor’s denial, the Sikh man keeps slapping him and interrogating him nonstop to get him to confess what was in his pocket. After receiving several slaps, the visitor eventually gives in and produces little pouches that resemble tobacco pouches. He continues to deny chewing them nonetheless.
This incident is being discussed in light of a recent controversy involving a girl who was refused entry to the Golden Temple because of her painted face and her wearing an “inappropriate” dress that contravenes the Sikh Rehat Maryada.
Also Read: The Bagh In Amritsar Is Where You Can Get A Taste Of Global Cuisines With A ‘Desi’ Touch
Rules To Follow While Entering A Gurdwara
Just like other religious sites, Gurdwaras also have a set of rules that visitors need to follow. It includes covering your head with a handkerchief or scarf, removing shoes and socks outside before entering and so on. But most importantly, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, meat or any type of intoxicant are not allowed inside the premises.
The man who was slapped was carrying certain pouches though he claimed that he didn’t consume them. TOI further reported that Harbhajan Singh, an SGPC spokesperson, strongly denounced the violence in response to the viral video. He made it clear that the person in the video was not an SGPC employee. Instead of using physical violence, the SGPC representative emphasised the value of raising awareness and educating the public.
Also Read: Tour Golden Temple At Just ₹5,450 With This IRCTC Package
He said that the proper course of action should be to encourage and educate visitors about the significance of avoiding bringing tobacco or other drugs inside the holy shrine since it violates the Sikh Rehat Maryada if they do so.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva