Don’t allow yoga sessions in gurdwaras: Acting Akal Takth jathedar

New Delhi: On Monday acting jatedhar of Akal Takht Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj asked gurdwara management committees not to organise or permit yoga sessions within gurdwara premises. He said the practice has no place in Sikhism.

Jatedhar makes major statement

Speaking during the daily ‘katha’ on the ‘hukamnama’ at the Manji Sahib Diwan Hall within the Golden Temple complex, Giani Gargaj addressed concerns reportedly raised by a section of Sikh youth over yoga programmes being organised at some gurdwaras.

He said that although the word ‘yoga’ traditionally signifies union with the divine, the form widely practised today is largely centred on physical postures, breathing exercises and wellness routines. While stressing that individuals are free to undertake such exercises in their personal spaces, he maintained that holding yoga sessions within gurdwara premises, including langar halls and diwan halls, does not align with Sikh religious principles.

“Gurdwaras were established as places where devotees connect with Gurbani and the Shabad. Introducing yoga activities within gurdwara premises distracts devotees from the Guru’s message,” he said.

What is the Akal Takht?

The Akal Takht is one of the most important institutions in Sikhism and serves as the highest seat of temporal authority for the Sikh community. Located directly opposite the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, it was established in 1606 by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind.

While the Harmandir Sahib represents the spiritual core of Sikhism, the Akal Takht embodies its temporal, political and social authority. Historically, the Akal Takht functioned as the seat from which Sikh Gurus and later Sikh leaders deliberated on matters affecting the community, heard disputes, issued edicts. Even today, the Akal Takht remains the supreme authority on religious discipline and community affairs. It has the power to issue directives to Sikhs worldwide, adjudicate matters of religious conduct, and address issues that affect the larger Sikh community.