Idolatry in Sikhism

Sikhism considers idol worship a false practice and is prohibited. Idolatry or Idol worship, also referred to as But-prasati or Pahan Pooja or Murti Pooja, is the worship of any physical object such as statues, images, or sculptures of any deity, human or being with divine attributes.

Sikh texts

Guru Granth Sahib

During the era of the Sikh Gurus and Bhagats, in Hinduism, a murti (Devanagari: मूर्ति), or murthi, or vigraha or pratima was worshiped, rituals were performed, and Sikhs believed that spiritual wisdom was lacking in Indian society. This was believed to have been a manipulation by the priestly caste to keep the power in their hands. Sikh Gurus and Bhagats spoke out against this practice and informed people about the perceived spiritual disadvantages of idol worship.

Bhagat Kabir

• Bhagat Kabir, whose hymns are present in Guru Granth Sahib, was strictly against any form of idol worship. He said Kabeer, someone sets up a stone idol and all the world worships it as the Lord.Those who hold to this belief will be drowned in the river of darkness. ||136||

Guru Nanak

• Guru Nanak, who strictly condemned the idol worship flourishing in Indian society among Hindus also suggested the same in Shalok:The Hindus have forgotten the Primal Lord; they are going the wrong way. As Naarad instructed them, they are worshipping idols. They are blind and mute, the blindest of the blind. The ignorant fools pick up stones and worship them. But when those stones themselves sink, who will carry you across? ||2|

Guru Ram Das

• Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, also wrote that an idol worshipping is ignorant (Agyani) and a useless effort. In his hymn in Malhar Raga, he narrated, The ignorant and the blind wander deluded by doubt; deluded and confused, they pick flowers to offer to their idols. They worship lifeless stones and serve the tombs of the dead; all their efforts are useless. ||3||

Dasam Granth

In letter to Aurangzeb called Zafarnamah, Guru Gobind Singh called himself an "idol breaker" (But-Shikan - ਬੁਤਸ਼ਿਕਨ).

Alternate Views

Many Sikhs are also of the view that although the Gurus opposed idol worship as a mindless practice, it was tolerable if done with true devotion towards God. Similar views are valid for such people who recite daily Nitnem or worship the Sri Guru Granth Sahib but don't know the real meanings of the sacred verses contained in it. Guru Nanak did pilgrimage to many sacred places like Puri, Haridwar, etc. where he offered his prayers. And in Puri, the Guru composed the Aarti himself (Gagan Mein Thal) when he felt that the Aarti recited by the priests was not adequate for the Lord of the Universe. The idea that idols could be considered sacred when used in devotion towards God is also found elsewhere in the history of Sikhism. For instance, Guru Teg Bahadur also visited the temple in Puri and offered his prayers. Ranjit Singh wrote in his will that the famous diamond Kohinor should be offered at the Lord's feet in Puri.

Historical incidences

Smiting of the nose of Durga's idol

Once a Sikh man named Bhairo smote the nose of an idol of Hindu goddess Durga. Hindu kings made a complaint to Guru Gobind Singh, who asked Bhairo to clarify his position. Bhairo denied that he had removed the nose from the idol and in turn asked the idol to become witness. When the complainant kings argued that the goddess cannot speak, Bhairo replied that if the goddess (idol) cannot speak and protect her own body then what good you expect from her?

Shaligram desecration by Bhagat Sadhna

Bhagat Sadhana got Shaligram Shilas and used them as weights in his butcher shop. Sadhna annoyed Vaishnav Sadhus and Pundits with this act. On one hand, he was of lower profession and caste, and on the other, he was belittling their idol worship by using the idol while handling the flesh of animals, which is considered a sin by the authorities of this branch of Vaishnavism. Those religious scholars frequently argued and debated with him, and Sadhna always outwitted them. It is recorded that one of Vaishnav saints took the Shaligram Stones with him. Sadhna had no issues with this and did not object. The Vaishnav saint continued worshipping the Shaligram but got no internal pleasure and wisdom, as he had seen in the state, behavior and thoughts of Sadhna. With dashed hopes he returned the Shaligram Stones. Sadhna preached that "Shaligrams Stones" are not god as these are lifeless stones, and can not give any wisdom to a living being.