Rama (Punjabi: ਰਾਮ(Gurmukhi)), known asRam Avatar (ਰਾਮ ਅਵਤਾਰ)[note 1] orRaja Ram (ਰਾਜਾ ਰਾਮ), is considered an important figure inSikhism,[1] due to his inclusion as one among the 24 incarnations ofVishnu in theChaubis Avtar, a composition in theDasam Granth traditionally and historically attributed toGuru Gobind Singh. The discussion of Rama andKrishna is the most extensive in this section of the secondary Sikh scripture.[2][3][4] The composition is martial, stating that the avatar of Vishnu appears in the world to restore good and defeat evil, but asserts that these avatars are not God, but agents of the God. God is beyond birth and death.[5] The famousSavaiya andDohra from the Rehras Sahib, read daily by devout Sikhs, comes from Ram Avatar Bani. However, it is not to be confused with Sikhs believing or worshipping Raja Ram or Krishan. It is clear from Guru Gobind Singh's verses in Chaupai Sahib, a part of Sikh Nitnem, or daily prayer.[6]
There have been claims that theRam inSikhism is not related to the Rama described in theRamayana.[7] InGuru Granth Sahib, there are differences betweenRam Chander (ਰਾਮ ਚੰਦਰ), the king ofAyodhya, andRam, the all-prevailing God.[8] A common misconception associated by Hindus when looking at Sikhism is looking atRam Chander, while for Sikhs it is derived fromGurmat (Guru's understanding/philosophy).Gurmat describes Rama as the omnipresent, all prevailing-lord.[9]
The word Rama (ˈraːmɐ) appears in theGuru Granth Sahib more than2,500 times.[10]Guru Nanak rejected the concept ofdivine incarnation as present inHinduism[11] but used words such as Ram, Mohan, Hari & Shiv as ways of referring to the divine together with Islamic words like Allah & Khuda.[12]Bhagat Kabir makes it clear that there is a difference betweenRam Chander (King of Ayodhya) and Ram (the all prevailing God).[13]
Kabeer, it does make a difference, how you chant the Lord's name, 'Raam'. This is something to consider. Everyone uses the same word for the son of Dasrath and the wondrous Lord. Kabeer, use the word 'Raam', only to speak of the all-pervading Lord. You must make that distinction.
— Guru Granth Sahib 1374[13]
Rama is mentioned as one among the 24 incarnations ofVishnu in theChaubis Avtar, a composition inDasam Granth traditionally and historically attributed toGuru Gobind Singh.[note 2][14][15] Although the compositions of the Dasam Granth are traditionally accepted to be written byGuru Gobind Singh, there have been questions of the authenticity of the entirety of Dasam Granth from time of compilation.[16]
Rama is often depicted in Sikh myths as a source of inner peace, inspiration and bravery.[17][18]
As perRajinder Singh, a Sikh expert who was consulted by the five-member bench Court in the Ram Mandir case and was described in the judgement as "a person having an interest in the study of religious, cultural and historical books of a Sikh cult", the founder ofSikhism,Guru Nanak, took a pilgrimage to theRam Janmabhoomi inc. 1520. The judgement also states that Rajinder Singh attached variousjanam sakhis to support his statements. Others have discredited the statements of Rajinder Singh on the basis of thejanam sakhis attached dating from 18th century and later, which is stated to be a time period when Brahminical revivalism became evident in such works.[19] The SGPC passed a resolution condemning this verdict. Sikh scholars have the view thatGuru Nanak went to religious sites likeMecca andAyodhya to preach and spread his message rather than for pilgrimage.[20]
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