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Gaddi Nashin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Gaddi Nashin, alternatively spelt as Gaddi Nasheen, is a term to refer to a leader in various Sikh sects, Ravidassia, and also Sufi groups.

Etymology

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The Persian origin term Gaddi Nashin, composite of gaddi meaning seat or position (gaddi) and nashin (also spelled nasheen) meaning holder or occupier, means the holder or occupier of a certain position.

Usage

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Sikhism

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Minas

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The Sodhi descendants of the heretical Mina sect of Sikhism in Guru Harsahai use the title of Gaddi Nashin for themselves and maintain a guruship lineage originating from Prithi Chand.[1]

Udasis

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Whilst usually the leader of an Udasi group or seat is known as a mahant, there are some Udasi groups who employ the term Gaddi Nashin instead.[2] The Udasi mahant leaders of the Sadh Belo complex in Sindh use the term to refer to their seat of leadership.[3][4][5][6] The gaddi nashin holder shifted to India following the 1947 partition of India.[6] Many other Udasi groups in Sindh also employ the term gaddi nashin.[7]


Ravidassia

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The term is used for the leader of the Ravidass Deras in the Ravidassia religion. The religion's founder Guru Ravidass is worshipped as Guru, and the Gaddi Nashin are considered a messenger of God following the Guru (Spiritual Leader). Only one Gaddi Nashin holds the position at a time, as the highest-ranking member of the religion. Below him are a large number of Ravidassia Sant Samaj who work under the leader, directing and giving instructions relating to affairs and matters of the religion.

The current Gaddi Nashin is Niranjan Dass who has been holding that position since 24 November 2007.[8][9][10][11][12]

Previous holders

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  • Pipal Dass (1895 to 1928CE)
  • Sarwan Dass (1928 to 1972)
  • Hari Dass (1972 to 1982)
  • Garib Dass (1982 to 1994)
  • Niranjan Dass (current)


Sufism

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In Sufism Gaddi Nasheen is also used and it also refers as Trustee and is the successor of a Sufi or Pir and in some instances descendant of a disciple of a Sufi. The Gaddi looks after the shrine and carries out significant rituals in the Dargah and are responsible in looking after the Mazaar Sharif (mausoleum). A trustee is a key person who held and leads the traditional Sufi rituals in Dargah's daily activities and particularly during Urs—(death anniversary). There are many well known Gaddi Nasheens within the Sufiana Darbar's in Punjab.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Punjab History Conference, Thirty-ninth session, March 16-18, 2007 : proceedings. Navtej Singh, Punjabi University. Department of Punjab Historical Studies. Patiala: Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. 2008. p. 645. ISBN 978-81-302-0146-7. OCLC 288933201.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  2. ^ Singh, Bhupinder (October–December 2020). "Nanakpanthis". Abstracts of Sikh Studies. XXII (4). Institute of Sikh Studies.
  3. ^ Rasheed, Shaikh Abdul (2017-09-18). "Sadh Belo Temple the most frequented religious site". Daily Times. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  4. ^ Jatt, Zahida Rehman (June 12, 2018). "Sadh Belo temple: an abode of Udasipanth in Sindh". dawn.com.
  5. ^ Memon, Sarfaraz (26 June 2022). "Sindh's Sadh Belo Temple". T-Magazine.
  6. ^ a b Nayeem, Sanya (22 February 2018). "Sadhu Bela: Pakistan's temple island you won't forget". Gulf News.
  7. ^ Kalhoro, Zulfiqar Ali (2023-03-04). "Temples And Darbars Of Garhi Yasin". The Friday Times - Naya Daur. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  8. ^ "In the name of religion : STATES News - India Today". Indiatoday.intoday.in. 2009-05-28. Retrieved 2012-02-27.
  9. ^ "Religion, or a prayer for identity". Indian Express. 2010-02-03. Retrieved 2012-02-27.
  10. ^ "'Sikh' Caste Violence: Jalandhar Via Vienna - FAQ | outlook blogs". Blogs.outlookindia.com. Archived from the original on 2012-08-09. Retrieved 2012-02-27.
  11. ^ "christiancouncil.in - Religion, or a prayer for identity". Indianchristians.in. 2010-02-03. Archived from the original on 2012-07-12. Retrieved 2012-02-27.
  12. ^ "Empowering India with real time news". Dalit News. Archived from the original on 2012-07-30. Retrieved 2012-02-27.