Video of man defiling Golden Temple sacred pool triggers outrage

Amritsar: The Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest shrine of the Sikh community, has been at the centre of a major controversy after a video surfaced showing a man from another community allegedly washing his face, hands and feet and spitting inside the sacred sarovar (holy pond).

The video has sparked widespread outrage among Sikhs and across social media platforms, with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which manages the shrine, strongly condemning the incident.

The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, holds immense spiritual significance for Sikhs worldwide. Any act perceived as defiling the sanctity of the shrine is viewed seriously by the community. As the video went viral, strong reactions poured in, with many demanding strict action and accountability.

Reacting to the incident, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said visitors to Sikh religious places must strictly adhere to the sanctity and code of conduct of the shrine.

“Everyone visiting a sacred place must respect its traditions and maintain basic decorum. No one should behave in a manner that hurts religious sentiments,” he said.

Dhami also announced an internal inquiry into the incident, adding that repeated acts of disrespect cannot be pardoned by merely offering an apology. “Before visiting any religious place, people must understand its customs and traditions and behave accordingly. Do not attempt to impose your own practices there,” he warned.

The issue also drew political reactions. Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa condemned the incident, saying all religions deserve equal respect. “No one has the right to hurt the faith and beliefs of any community. Such behaviour at Darbar Sahib is unacceptable. I urge everyone to protect the sanctity of religious places,” he said.

As anger mounted across the Sikh community and on social media, the man seen in the video issued a public apology. He claimed that he had no intention of defiling the shrine and had visited the gurdwara with devotion. “I made a mistake unknowingly. I did not intend to hurt anyone’s faith.

I sincerely apologise to the entire Sikh community and request forgiveness,” he said, adding that he would again visit the Golden Temple to seek pardon.

Meanwhile, SGPC secretary Kulwant Singh Mann has ordered a detailed investigation into the incident. He stated that authorities would examine whether the video is genuine or manipulated, including the possibility of artificial intelligence being used.

“A thorough probe has been ordered into the authenticity of the video and the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said. As investigations continue, the controversy has reignited debates on respecting religious sentiments and maintaining the sanctity of sacred spaces, with social media witnessing intense reactions from devotees and religious leaders alike.

Also Read: Raichur youth fulfils parents’ dream with helicopter ride, wins hearts