My Malice and Bias

Painting Sikh Gurus I am going to discuss a topic that is very close to my heart. Should we have paintings of the Gurus at our homes or Gurdwaras or not? You may have a strong opinion on this topic but lets rationally look at all aspects on this issue before we form a polarized view. Why the Fuss About? Idolizing the mythological Gods and historical individuals have been an age old tradition in India. The sculptures and paintings of Hindu Gods, Jain Tirthankars, and Buddha are revered in temples as well as at peoples homes.  In Islam, however it's an absolute prohibition - Muhammad, or any of the other prophets of Islam, should not be pictured in any way. Pictures - as well as statues. Historically though Mohammad has been painted by Muslim artists during the earlier period of Islam. At what point then, did depictions of Muhammad become Haram, or forbidden? The advent of mass-circulation print media in the 18th century posed a challenge and a global ban was dictated to the devouts....

Gurdwara Garhi Sahib commemorates the spot of the bloody Battle of Chamkaur . After the attack at the river Sirsa, Guru Gobind Singh , his two eldest sons and 40 Sikhs made it to the town of Chamkaur while being pursued by an army of 1,000's. Guru Gobind Singh and the 40 Sikhs sought shelter in a mud-built double story house. They were attacked by the enemy on December 21, 1705. Against these overwhelming odds, the Sikhs ventured our in small groups to fight the enemy and bravely lay down their lives. Thirty Seven Sikhs were martyred that day including Guru Gobind Singhs two eldest sons as well as three of the Five Beloved Ones (the first baptized Khalsa). Guru Gobind Singh makes a reference to this battle in his victory letter Zafarnama. Guru Gobind Singh leaving Anandpur Sahib Doors of Kot Kapura After Guru Gobind Singh left Anandpur on the night of December 5 and 6, 1704, he crossed the Sirsa river and en route from Machhiwara , after staying at Dina , reached Kot Ka...

Abu'l Muzaffar Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad commonly known as Aurangzeb or by his regent title Alamgir (Ruler of the universe), was the sixth Mughal Emperor of India. His reign lasted for 49 years from 1658 until his death in 1707. Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb The Emperor’s Lament … in his last hours During his last days Aurangzeb came to realize that the days of the Mughal dynasty were numbered and that he himself was responsible for sowing the seeds of destruction. “ Azma fasad baq! ” were his words, which means, “ After me, the chaos ! ” The last words of Aurangzeb, addressed to his sons from death-bed, echo mournfully… “I came a stranger to this world and a stranger I depart. I know nothing of myself – what I am and what I was destined for ... My back is bent with weakness and my feet have lost the power of motion.  The fever is gone, but only the skin is left.  The breath which rose is gone and has not left behind even a ray of hope. The agonies of death come upon me fast. ...

The Proponent of Chardi Kalaa - the Ascending Optimism  Guru Gobind Singh (Julian Calendar: 22 December 1666 – 7 October 1708), was the 10th Sikh Guru, a spiritual master, warrior, poet and philosopher. His teachings have inspired the Sikhs and others for generations. Guru Gobind Singh " If we consider the work which (Guru) Gobind (Singh) accomplished, both in reforming his religion and instituting a new code of law for his followers, his personal bravery under all circumstances; his persevering endurance amidst difficulties, which would have disheartened others and overwhelmed them in inextricable distress, and lastly his final victory over his powerful enemies by the very men who had previously forsaken him, we need not be surprised that the Sikhs venerate his memory. He was undoubtedly a great man. " (W, L. McGregor) The Sikhs use the ancient Indian lunar calendar and according to it, the birth day of the Tenth Master is on the 22nd day of Poh - the lunar m...