NEW DELHI: A recent controversy involving the sacred sarovar at Amritsar’s Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) has reignited a wider debate on religious conduct, institutional responsibility, and allegations of selective outrage by Sikh religious authorities. The issue surfaced after a video went viral on social media showing YouTuber Subhan Rangreez allegedly using the Sarovar water to perform wazu (ablution before offering namaz).
The visuals triggered strong reactions from sections of the Sikh community and drew widespread criticism online. Many users expressed concern over the alleged misuse of the sacred water, with some pointing out that the man was seen blowing his nose and allegedly contaminating the sarovar.
Reacting to the incident, Kulwant Singh Manan, Chief Secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), stated, “The Hindu community and obviously Sikhs know the maryada (code of conduct), but people from other religions sometimes make mistakes.”
His statement came amid widespread public anger. Many people, including influencers with massive followings, termed the act an insult to Sikh religious sentiments. Several users pointed out that the man was seen blowing his nose and allegedly dirtying the sacred water.
It is important to note that wazu in Islam is performed in running water or at places with proper drainage. The sarovar at a gurdwara, on the other hand, contains stagnant water meant exclusively for a ceremonial dip, symbolising spirituality and reverence. Moreover, gurdwaras already have designated areas with running water for washing hands and feet before entering the premises. This has led many to question why such an act was neither clearly discouraged nor stopped by the authorities present at the site.
Critics argue that the SGPC’s response exposes clear double standards in enforcing religious discipline at one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines.
Public outrage has been particularly intense in Punjab, where social media users have openly questioned the SGPC’s silence. A user named Tushar wrote on X that “Rinsing the mouth and washing hands and face with Sarovar water is acceptable, but doing yoga is considered objectionable at Sri Darbar Sahib”.
Another user, Navjot Singh, wrote, “SGPC has clearly gone against our Gurus’ teachings and forgotten their sacrifices. Or rather, it appears deeply infiltrated by jihadi elements. The day is not far when they will convert it into a mosque.”
SGPC has clearly gone against our Gurus' teachings and has forgotten their sacrifices, or I should rather say that SGPC has been deeply infiltrated by jihadis. The day is not far when they will convert it into a mosque.
— Navjot Singh (@gofornav) January 16, 2026
The controversy has also revived memories of an earlier incident from April 2023, when a girl was reportedly stopped from entering the Golden Temple because she had a flag painted on her face. When questioned, the man stopping her allegedly said, “This is Punjab, not India,” even after she clarified that the painted flag was the Indian tricolour.
Such incidents have raised serious concerns, especially at a time when Khalistani elements are becoming increasingly visible and vocal.
As the debate continues, the SGPC and Sikh leadership bear a crucial responsibility to ensure that the dignity and sanctity of Sikh religious spaces are uniformly respected by people of all faiths, without bias.
