Sacred Guru Granth Sahib 'Bir' Gutted by Fire at Goraya Gurdwara
A devastating fire broke out at the Guru Ravidas Gurdwara in Aneehar village near Goraya, Jalandhar district, on Sunday night, resulting in the complete destruction of a sacred 'Bir' (volume) of the Guru Granth Sahib. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local Sikh community and prompted an immediate response from religious and law enforcement authorities.
Fire Suspected to Be Caused by Electrical Fault
Preliminary investigations by the police and fire officials point to a short circuit as the likely cause of the blaze. The fire erupted late in the evening, quickly engulfing the area where the holy scripture was kept. Despite efforts to control the flames, the 'Bir' was gutted, causing significant distress among devotees and community members.
Notably, the fire occurred on the same day that the anniversary of Guru Ravidas was celebrated at the Gurdwara, adding to the emotional impact of the tragedy. The celebrations had drawn a large gathering earlier in the day, making the subsequent fire all the more shocking.
Swift Response from Authorities and Community
Upon receiving news of the fire, police personnel, officials from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and representatives from various Sikh groups rushed to the scene. Their prompt action helped secure the premises and assess the damage.
In a careful operation, the damaged 'Bir' was recovered, along with another 'Bir' that was found intact and undamaged by the fire. Both volumes have since been respectfully shifted to another Gurdwara for safekeeping and further rituals, as per Sikh religious protocols.
Committee to Seek Guidance from Akal Takht and SGPC
The managing committee of the Guru Ravidas Gurdwara has announced that they will formally appear before the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, to report the incident. They have pledged to follow all directions issued by the SGPC regarding the handling of the damaged 'Bir' and any necessary reparations or ceremonies.
This step underscores the deep reverence held for the Guru Granth Sahib in Sikhism, where such incidents are treated with utmost seriousness and require guidance from religious authorities.
Community in Mourning and Awaiting Further Details
The local Sikh community in Goraya and surrounding areas is in a state of mourning, with many expressing grief over the loss of the holy scripture. Religious leaders have called for calm and unity, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Authorities are continuing their probe into the exact cause of the short circuit and assessing any structural damage to the Gurdwara. Updates are expected as the investigation progresses and the SGPC issues its directives.
