OAK CREEK, WI, USA—Guru Granth Sahib is unique amongst the world’s great scriptures. It is considered the Supreme Spiritual Authority and Head of the Sikh religion, rather than any living person. The living Guru of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib is held in great reverence by Sikhs and treated with utmost respect.
Thus, it was not a big surprise to our reporters, but still relieving to hear, that during the Wisconsin Gurdwara shooting, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee had been left unharmed but still Parkash (holding court) in the main hall.
The FBI Special Agent in Charge of the crime scene, who happens to be a Sehaj Dhari Sikh, did Sukhasan seva (respectful placement) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee when he arrived into the Gurdwara Sahib building. According to our sources, doing Sukhasan of the Saroop (body of the guru) was a top priority for him. Two other agents working under him are also of a Punjabi background.
His parents had done Seva of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee’s Saroop at home when he was younger, our source said, so he did the best he could from what he remembered and took the Saroop to the Sukhasan Asthaan, which had been untouched by the carnage. Our sources were not able to provide the agent’s name at this time.
According to Sikhs in the area, there are another 5-6 saroops in the Sukhasan Asthaan.
To Sikhs, Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee is the King of Kings and, as such, has gone unharmed during many tragic situations.
During Hurricane Katrina Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee was untouched by the storm, while virtually the entire Gurdwara Sahib had been destroyed. When Sevadaars and rescuers went into the Gurdwara Sahib building they found Guru Granth Sahib Jee floating on a Palki Sahib without any water damage.
During a fire in Vancouver, B.C at a Khalsa School in 2009, the entire school was burnt but Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee completely survived the fire. And, in 2010, a fire to a Gurdwara Sahib in Sacramento did major damage to the Gurdwara Sahib building, but Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee was unharmed.
While the tragic loss of life at the Wisconsin Gurdwara was heart breaking, it is one less worry for Sikhs around the world knowing that Guru Sahib’s Saroop was kept safe in capable hands.
Our friends at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin obviously have a lot on their minds right now. To ease their burden somewhat, the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee has stepped forward to accept online donations to the temple’s Victims Memorial Fund at http://www.SikhHelp.org/. Contributions are processed securely online through the IFC PayPal account, and all proceeds will be transferred directly to the temple. The IFC is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donation may be claimed as a charitable contribution for tax purposes.
If you prefer to donate the old fashioned way, check or money order can be sent via snail mail to:
Victim Memorial Fund c/o Sikh Temple of Wisconsin
7512 S. Howell Ave.
Oak Creek, WI 53154
You can also help spread the work by “Liking” and “Sharing” the SikhHelp.org Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SikhHelp
Good to know that Guru’s saroop was cared for under such trying circumstances. Thanks for the awesome reporting!
A glimmer of hope in dark times..