Amritsar: A viral video showing a Muslim man performing ablution, or wazu, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar has sparked widespread debate and controversy, both online and offline. The video, which circulated rapidly on social media platforms including X, shows the man using the holy sarovar—the sacred pond surrounding the Harmandir Sahib—for ritual cleansing before prayer, a practice central to Islamic worship.

The incident has provoked strong reactions, particularly among the Sikh community and other social media users. Many people, including influencers with significant followings, have criticized the act, calling it disrespectful to the sanctity of the Sikh holy site. Critics pointed out that the man was seen blowing his nose and performing ritual cleansing directly in the sarovar water, which is traditionally reserved for ceremonial immersion and is not meant for washing in the manner prescribed by Islamic wazu.

On the other hand, some observers defended the man’s actions, suggesting that he was acting out of genuine devotion or ignorance rather than disrespect. These defenders argued that while he may not have been fully aware of the Sikh maryada—the code of conduct governing behavior at gurdwaras—his intentions were not malicious. This divergence in opinions has highlighted broader questions about interfaith understanding, religious etiquette, and the appropriate behavior of visitors at sacred sites.

Understanding the Context: Wazu and Sikh Practices

Wazu, the Islamic ritual ablution, involves washing the hands, face, arms, feet, and mouth before prayers. Traditionally, it is performed with running water or at designated facilities equipped with drains to prevent contamination. Performing wazu in a stagnant body of water, such as the sarovar at a gurdwara, is both unconventional and contrary to Islamic practice. The sarovar water at the Golden Temple holds profound religious significance for Sikhs and is primarily intended for ceremonial dips, known as parikrama, and for devotees to cleanse themselves ritually in accordance with Sikh norms.

Before entering a gurdwara, devotees are expected to wash their hands and feet at designated washing stations, a provision that accommodates hygiene and ritual requirements. However, the incident in question bypassed these norms, bringing religious protocols into sharp focus. Kulwant Singh Manan, chief secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)—the body responsible for managing Sikh holy sites—commented on the controversy, noting that while the Sikh and Hindu communities strictly observe the maryada, individuals from other faiths may sometimes unintentionally make mistakes. “The Hindu community and obviously Sikhs know the maryada (code of conduct) but people from other religions sometimes make mistakes,” he said, adding that such incidents are often the result of ignorance rather than intentional disrespect.

The Role of Social Media in Escalating the Controversy

The video quickly went viral, sparking a flurry of discussions across X and other social platforms. Many users framed the incident as an affront to Sikhism, criticizing the use of the sarovar water for personal ablution. Comments highlighted the perceived desecration of the holy pond, focusing on hygiene and ritual propriety. Some commentators emphasized that performing wazu in the sarovar was equivalent to contaminating sacred water, an act they considered deeply offensive.

Conversely, other social media users stressed the man’s intentions to show respect for Sikhism and the Golden Temple. These voices suggested that while his understanding of Sikh practices may have been limited, his actions reflected admiration for the inclusivity of the gurdwara, which historically welcomes people of all faiths. Videos circulating alongside the viral clip purportedly show the same man praising Sikhism for its openness and hospitality toward visitors, further complicating public perceptions. HT has not independently verified the authenticity of these videos, though the broader controversy has gained traction both within Punjab and among Sikh communities worldwide.

SGPC’s Response and the Need for Investigation

In response to the incident, Kulwant Singh Manan stated that the SGPC intends to investigate the viral videos. “These videos will be investigated,” he said, noting that meetings have been held in the past to address similar issues. The SGPC has consistently emphasized the importance of observing proper conduct at Sikh shrines, particularly in the age of social media, where videos can spread rapidly and provoke strong reactions.

Over the years, the SGPC has faced challenges in maintaining religious decorum at the Golden Temple, which attracts millions of visitors, both local and international. While the shrine is a deeply sacred space for Sikhs, it is also a major tourist attraction. In recent years, the proliferation of smartphones and social media has heightened the risk of behavior that violates traditional maryada. The SGPC has repeatedly cautioned visitors against treating the gurdwara as merely a tourist spot or using the premises for content creation without regard for religious norms.

The Golden Temple: A Site of Sacred and Cultural Significance

Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, is not only the holiest gurdwara in Sikhism but also a symbol of inclusivity and spiritual sanctuary. The temple’s architecture, history, and the sacred sarovar collectively reflect centuries of Sikh tradition, devotion, and community service. The temple welcomes people from all faiths, and its open doors have historically served as a model of interfaith hospitality.

Nevertheless, the sanctity of the sarovar is paramount. Sikh tradition regards the sarovar as holy, and it is expected that visitors entering its waters do so with respect and in accordance with established religious norms. The act of performing ablution in the sarovar contravenes these norms, leading to the current controversy. The incident has sparked a broader debate about how sacred spaces can remain welcoming to all while ensuring adherence to ritual propriety.

Historical Precedents and Broader Implications

This is not the first time the SGPC has had to address issues involving visitors not following proper religious etiquette. Instances of individuals treating the Golden Temple as a social or tourist destination rather than a sacred site have periodically arisen, highlighting the tension between openness and ritual sanctity. The SGPC’s ongoing challenge is to preserve the spiritual atmosphere of the shrine while educating visitors on appropriate conduct.

The incident also underscores broader societal questions about interfaith interactions and cultural sensitivity. While the Golden Temple has long welcomed people from diverse backgrounds, it also expects a baseline understanding of Sikh practices, particularly when it comes to the treatment of sacred objects and water. Experts suggest that educational initiatives, signage, and guided tours could help prevent similar incidents in the future, promoting mutual respect and understanding.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the Muslim man’s ablution at the Golden Temple reflects the complex intersection of devotion, ignorance, and religious protocol in a multicultural context. On one hand, his actions may have been guided by a genuine desire to show reverence; on the other, they violated established norms of the Sikh holy site. Social media has amplified both outrage and debate, bringing issues of interfaith conduct, sacred space, and ritual propriety into public discourse.

As the SGPC investigates the incident, the broader lesson may be the need for increased awareness among visitors about Sikh traditions, particularly at major religious sites. Balancing openness with adherence to sacred codes remains a delicate challenge, one that continues to define the relationship between faith, community, and modern tourism at the Golden Temple.