Tankhaiya in Sikhism: Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has been asked by the Panj Singh Sahibs of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib over allegations levelled by rebel leaders of the Akali Dal. The Jathedar of Akal Takht has asked Badal to explain the "mistakes" committed by the SAD between 2007 and 2017 when it was in power.
Till then, he has been declared "Tankhaiya". Apart from him, the cabinet ministers of Akali Dal have also been given 15 days to present their side.
What Is Tankhaiya In Sikhism?
In Sikhism, those who commit religious misconduct are called Tankhaiya. Tankhaiyas are identified by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs. If anyone in Sikhism does something religiously wrong then he is declared to be a 'Tankhaiya' till he repents and seeks atonement.
He can go to the nearby Sikh Sangat (congregation) and apologise for his mistakes. After this, the Sangat, guided by the Guru Granth Sahib, will review the mistakes of the culprit and mete out punishment accordingly.
Tankhiya essentially means one who is expelled from Sikhism, resulting in ostracisation. No kind of contact is maintained with the Tankhaiya. He is completely boycotted.
What Punishment Is Given To Tankhaiya?
According to Sikh belief, the congregation does not take a strict stand on the Tankhaiya. At the same time, the guilty should avoid arguments and accept the punishment. The punishment is to serve the community and those in need. After the announcement of Tankhaiya, if someone wants forgiveness, then his punishment is announced.
The Tankhiya is awarded the punishment according to the crime he committed. The nature of the punishment and time, duration, and place of the punishment (service) is decided by the Gurdwara. Among the punishments, is cleaning shoes at a Gurudwara for a week.
The punishment is essentially to provide service. The religious boycott is lifted with the Tankhaiya chanting the Ardas, which is a set prayers.