It is very disheartening to see anyone wearing socks inside the
Gurdwara Sahib, in particular Gursikhs. Before entering the Guru’s
Darbaar one should remove their shoes or socks and ensure their feet are
clean, ideally washed along with the face and hands (this is called
Panj Ishnaana). In Islam and other traditions this is a given when
entering their place of worship, and it also expected of Sikhs.
Most
Gurdwaras in Punjab and India have a special arrangement where first you
remove your shoes and socks, then wash your hands and face and then
going inside you are compelled to walk through a feet wash area. There
is no escaping of having your feet cleaned before entering. As part or
the process of mentally and spiritually preparing ourselves to see the
Guru and Sangat, there is an element of physical preparation and
etiquette. However, modern day Sikhs either through sheer ignorance or
more often laziness are wearing socks inside the Guru’s Darbaar, forget
about washing their feet!
Above are photos of dirty socks. Can
anyone really tell me that wearing such footwear - called “Adhee Jutee”
or “half-shoes” in Punjabi - is respectful in such a spiritual and pure
environment? Removing socks is important for the following reasons: 1)
It’s Sikh Maryada (tradition/code), 2) it’s hygienic, 3) it is less
distracting to other worshippers, 4) dirty socks (which all socks will
become eventually!) is an eye sore, and 5) if we cannot wear socks in
amrit sanchaar, harmandir sahib, on tabiyaa (Guru’s stage) when doing
seva, or when doing keertan on stage then how on earth can socks be
okay?
Sikhi is about kurbani (sacrifice), but are we willing to
sacrifice our personal habits of wearing socks to upkeep the respect and
reverence of Guru Nanak Ji’s House and maintain the Maryada and
traditions that have been passed by our Great Gurus?
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