Important Book on Path-Bhed (Textual Variations) Released

Chandigarh, Mangat Singh Saidpur - Today, on 2 August, Sarbat Khalsa Jathebandi released the book Aad Mangal Da Saroop Sthaan Ate Path-Bhed Okaiyaan (The Form and Placement of the Aad Mangal and Textual Variation Errors), edited by Dr Onkar Singh, at a well-attended gathering of Sikh scholars held at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Chandigarh.
Among the scholars present were Dr Balkar Singh, Rajinder Singh Khalsa Panchayat, Maninder Kaur, Prof Sham Singh, Satbir Singh, Swarn Singh Savi, Giani Avtar Singh, Satnam Singh Randhawa, Veer Gurbans Singh, Gurpreet Singh GP, Dr Khushhal Singh, and Rajwinder Singh Rahi. Dr Onkar Singh were present online.
The textual variations found in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji constitute a serious religious and academic issue. Experts in this field can be counted on one’s fingers, and even they are gradually departing from this world after completing the lives bestowed upon them by the Creator. This should be a matter of concern for every Sikh. However, the majority of Sikhs remain completely unaware of these textual variations.
It is therefore essential for every Sikh to understand what this issue actually involves. After serious deliberation, the Panj Pradhani Council decided that, in order to create awareness among the Sikh Sangat, a well-presented book should be prepared using colour images and references from ancient and authentic handwritten Birs.
The responsibility of writing this highly important book was entrusted to Dr Onkar Singh of Phoenix, USA, who is among the few distinguished scholars specialising in this subject.
The book attempts to explain the textual variations found in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in four sections:
Textual variations concerning the complete form and correct placement of the Mangalacharan;
Textual variations concerning the correct form and placement of abbreviated Mangals and headings;
Textual variations relating to lagaa matraan (vowel signs) and word formation;
A report on errors in letter formation and other textual variations.
Valuable writings by other scholars on the subject of textual variations have also been included in the appendices.
Five hundred copies of the book have been printed. The entire cost has been collectively borne by the sangat associated with Sarbat Khalsa Jathebandi. Interested readers may obtain a copy free of charge from Pothi Ratan at Kendri Singh Sabha. A PDF version of the book will also be uploaded to the Sarbat Khalsa website at https://sarbatkhalsa.world/.
This book is being published and presented for Panthic deliberation so that the entire Sikh community may come together, engage respectfully with this extremely serious and sensitive subject, and form a sound opinion while remaining guided by reverence for the Satguru.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji bestowed sovereignty upon the Khalsa. If established institutions abandon their responsibilities, the Sarbat Khalsa is free to take Panthic matters into its own hands and work towards resolving them.
The objective of Sarbat Khalsa Jathebandi is to become an autonomous organization embodying the Panch-Pradhani (Lead of Five Chosen Ones) concept in the light of Gurmat, without being tied to any particular country or place, representing Sikhs all over the world with complete transparency.
In the interest of the Kaum, guided by Gurmat,
Panj-Pardhani Council:
S. Nirmal Singh (Victoria Canada), S. Gurpreet Singh GP (Bahrain), Dr. Khushhal Singh (Chandigarh), Giani Amritpal Singh (Ludhiana), S. Satbir Singh (Delhi)