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Sanatan Sikh


Sanatan Sikh literally means "Traditional Sikh" and refers to conservative Sikhs who opposed the Tat Khalsa ("pure Khalsa") Sikhs in their interpretation of Sikhism, particularly during the Singh Sabha Movement. They campaigned for an inclusive interpretation that accepted wide range of beliefs drawn from Hinduism and Islam. Sanatan Sikhs affirmed that they are a tradition within Hinduism. They founded the Sikh Sabha in 1873, led by Khem Singh Bedi – a direct descendant of Guru Nanak, Avtar Singh Vahiria and others. Their views were emphatically opposed by Tat Khalsa who campaigned for an exclusive approach to the Sikh faith. Sanatan Sikhs accept beliefs and practices such as the belief in the teachings of the Vedas and Puranas, Hindu epics and Sufi Pirs. They also were tolerant to use of idols and images of Sikh Gurus as well as other icons within Gurdwaras. Instead of treating the scripture as the only guru, Sanatan Sikh campaigned for acceptability of living gurus to guide those Sikhs who seek one. The dispute intensified over the decades. By the early decades of the 20th century, the influence of Tat Khalsa increased in interpreting the nature of Sikhism and their control over the Sikh Gurdwaras.


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