Sikh Orders and Movements

The Udasis are an ascetic order traced to Baba Sri Chand Ji, the elder son of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Baba Gurditta Ji succeeded him, and appointed four preachers who founded four centres, called dhuans. Six further centres, the bakhshishes, arose in the time of later Gurus. Udasis preached widely and looked after many gurdwaras in the eighteenth century. They recite the Bani but keep a separate identity.[EoS]

The Nirmalas are a scholarly order. Tradition says Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji sent five Sikhs to Varanasi to learn Sanskrit, and that they and their pupils became known as Nirmalas. Some claim an earlier origin. They set up centres at Kankhal, Allahabad and Varanasi. They revere the ten Gurus and the scripture, generally practise celibacy, and lean toward classical Hindu philosophy. Khalsa initiation is not compulsory among them. Writers from the order include Pandit Tara Singh Narotam and Giani Gian Singh.[EoS]

The Seva Panthis, also called Addanshahis, trace themselves to Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, remembered for giving water to the wounded on both sides at Anandpur. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji is said to have approved his answer that he saw only Guru Ji in everyone. Bhai Addan Shah (1688-1757), third in succession, gave the order its code and dress, and his centre translated classic works into Punjabi.[EoS][EoS]

Nihangs, once called Akalis, are a warrior order known for their dark blue dress, tall turbans and steel weapons. Three different accounts of their origin are current. Akali Phula Singh led them under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Today they form two main groups, the Budha Dal and the Taruna Dal, and gather in large numbers at Hola Mohalla. Their daily prayers include additional texts, and some customs differ from the SGPC code, including the use of sukha, a preparation of hemp.[EoS][EoS]

Namdharis, or Kukas, take their name from devotion to the Name, and from ecstatic cries in worship. The movement began with Baba Balak Singh (1797-1862) at Hazro, and was developed by Baba Ram Singh (1816-1885) at Bhaini. They wear white homespun, are strict vegetarians, protect the cow and hold simple group weddings. The British suppressed them after attacks in the 1870s. They install Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in their gurdwaras, but also follow a living line of Gurus, which differs from mainstream Sikh belief.[EoS]

The Nirankari movement was founded by Baba Dayal (1783-1855) in the north-west Punjab. He preached against image worship, and stressed belief in God as Nirankar, the Formless. His son introduced the Anand wedding in the Rawalpindi area. The Encyclopaedia says their teachers interpret the scripture without claiming veneration. It distinguishes them from the later Sant Nirankaris, a separate group that shares only the name.[EoS][EoS]