Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, the officiating Jathedar of the Akal Takht, visited the Ayyavazhi community’s headquarters in Swamithope, Tamil Nadu, on Thursday to foster interfaith understanding and express solidarity. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between the Sikh and Ayyavazhi communities, both of which share values of equality and rejection of caste-based discrimination. Gargaj met with Ayyavazhi head Bala Prajapathi Adikalar, who honored him with a traditional garland, according to a statement from the Akal Takht secretariat.

During his visit, Gargaj toured the Ayyavazhi Ashram, including the historic home of Ayya Vaikundar, the founder of Ayyavazhi, and viewed ancient Tamil palm-leaf manuscripts. He also drank from the community well, a symbol of the Ayyavazhi’s commitment to equality, where people of all backgrounds bathe without discrimination. Gargaj noted the community’s historical struggle against casteism, untouchability, and social oppression, highlighting their resilience in overcoming discriminatory restrictions, such as bans on building raised platforms or windows in their homes.

The Jathedar drew parallels between Ayyavazhi practices and Sikh teachings, emphasizing that Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru, condemned caste-based discrimination five centuries ago. “The Sikh Gurus uplifted marginalized communities, granting them dignity and leadership. I see similar values here—turbans, uncut hair, and a rejection of caste divisions,” Gargaj said. He also referenced Guru Nanak’s travels to southern India, including Thoothukudi and Rameshwaram, suggesting the Ayyavazhi community may have been influenced by these teachings.

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Gargaj extended an invitation to Bala Prajapathi to visit the Akal Takht and Harmandar Sahib in Amritsar for further dialogue on shared values and principles. The visit underscores a growing effort to build bridges between diverse spiritual communities in India, promoting mutual respect and understanding in the face of historical social challenges.

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