Sri Chand Debunk

Debunking the Myth: Guru Ramdas Ji Cleaning the Feet of Sri Chand with His Beard
Introduction
A commonly repeated myth claims that Guru Ramdas Ji cleaned the feet of Sri Chand with his beard.
However, this story is historically inaccurate and contradicts core Sikh principles. Here, we analyze and
debunk this myth through historical records, Sikh teachings, and verses from the Guru Granth Sahib.
1. The Life and Choices of Sri Chand
Sri Chand, the son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, did not follow his father’s principles. Unlike his father, Sri Chand
embraced asceticism and celibacy, diverging from Sikhism's advocacy of living a balanced life while
fulfilling worldly responsibilities. Consequently, Guru Nanak Dev Ji appointed Bhai Lehna (Guru Angad
Dev Ji) as his successor instead of Sri Chand, who founded the Udasi sect, marking a clear departure
from mainstream Sikhism.
2. The Relationship between the Gurus and Sri Chand
Guru Angad Dev Ji, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s successor, chose not to meet Sri Chand, emphasizing the
ideological differences between Sikhism and the Udasi sect. This separation continued with Guru Amar
Das Ji, who also did not engage with Sri Chand, reinforcing the distinction between Sikhism and ascetic
practices.
3. The Account of Santokh Singh
The story of Guru Ramdas Ji cleaning Sri Chand’s feet with his beard first appeared about 250 years later
in Santokh Singh's "Suraj Pratap". The significant time gap and absence of this account in earlier records
suggest that Santokh Singh’s version may be fabricated or exaggerated.
4. Rejection and criticism of Sri Chand in Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s central scripture, sheds light on the perspectives of the Sikh Gurus. On
Ang 967, the verses reflect on the rebellious nature of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s sons, indicating Sri Chand's
deviation from Sikh principles:
1. "Putree Koul Na Paaliou Kar Peerahu Kannh Muratteeai."
- Translation: His sons did not obey His Word; they turned their backs on Him as Guru.
2. "Dhil Khottai Aakee Firanh Banni Bhaar Ouchaaneinh Shhatteeai."
- Translation: These evil-hearted ones became rebellious; they carry loads of sin on their backs.
3. "Jin Aakhee Soee Karae Jin Keethee Thinai Thatteeai."
- Translation: Whatever the Guru said, Lehna did, and so he was installed on the throne.
These verses, written by Bhais Satta and Balwand and included in the Guru Granth Sahib by Guru Arjan
Dev Ji, illustrate that Sri Chand was regarded as rebellious and sinful, not only during Guru Nanak Dev
Ji's time but also during Guru Arjan Dev Ji's era. This perspective suggests that Sri Chand was not
respected and welcomed within the Sikh community, so it’s quite unbelievable to imagine that Guru
Ram Das Ji would have washed the feet of Sri Chand with his beard.
5. Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Rejection of Sri Chand
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s decision to appoint Bhai Lehna as his successor and the subsequent establishment
of the Udasi sect by Sri Chand indicate a clear rejection of Sri Chand’s beliefs and practices within
Sikhism. This historical context makes it unlikely that Guru Ramdas Ji, a staunch adherent of Sikh
principles, would have shown reverence to Sri Chand the rebel, who diverged so significantly from his
father’s teachings.
Conclusion
The myth that Guru Ramdas Ji cleaned the feet of Sri Chand with his beard is unsupported by historical
evidence or Sikh teachings. Likely introduced by Santokh Singh in the 19th century, this narrative does
not withstand scrutiny. By examining the historical context, the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the
actions of Guru Angad Dev Ji, the Guru Granth Sahib, and Bhai Gurdas Ji, it is evident that this myth is
unfounded. Sikhism’s emphasis on balanced living, adherence to principles, and rejection of asceticism
further discredit this story. The verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, written after the succession of Guru
Ramdas Ji, affirm that Sri Chand was seen as a sinner and a rebel, debunking the myth entirely.

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Debunking the Myth: Guru Ramdas Ji Cleaning the Feet of Sri Chand with His Beard

1. The Life and Choices of Sri Chand

2. The Relationship between the Gurus and Sri Chand

4. Rejection and criticism of Sri Chand in Guru Granth Sahib

1. "Putree Koul Na Paaliou Kar Peerahu Kannh Muratteeai."

2. "Dhil Khottai Aakee Firanh Banni Bhaar Ouchaaneinh Shhatteeai."

3. "Jin Aakhee Soee Karae Jin Keethee Thinai Thatteeai."

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