Piara Singh Bhaniara - Revision history

Rajesh Ghosh: content update

2026-03-15T11:19:03Z

content update

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:49, 15 March 2026
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	[[File:Piara Singh Bhaniara.jpg\|thumb\|Photograph of Piara Singh Bhaniara]]		[[File:Piara Singh Bhaniara.jpg\|thumb\|Photograph of Piara Singh Bhaniara]]
	{{Sikhism sidebar}}		{{Sikhism sidebar}}
	'''Piara Singh Bhaniara''' (23 August 1958 – December 30, 2019)<ref> {{Cite web\|last=Service\|first=Tribune News\|title=Controversial Dera head Piara Singh Bhaniara Wala dies at 61\|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/controversial-dera-head-piara-singh-bhaniara-wala-dies-at-61-19135\|access-date=2020-12-22\|website=Tribuneindia News Service\|language=en}} </ref> also known as '''Baba Bhaniara''' (or Bhaniarawala), was a [[Dalit]] religious leader from [[Punjab, India]]. He established a ~~breakaway~~ [[Sects of Sikhism\|Sikh sect]] in the 1980s, which was opposed by ~~orthodox~~ Sikhs as insulting to their faith. In 2001, his followers published their own holy text ''[[Bhavsagar Granth]]'', and allegedly insulted the Sikh holy book ''[[Guru Granth Sahib]]''. This sparked violence against Bhaniara's followers. The Punjab ~~government~~ banned ''Bhavsagar Granth'', and arrested and jailed Bhaniara.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Controversial self-proclaimed god man Baba Piara Singh Bhaniara Wala dead\|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/dec/30/controversial-self-proclaimed-god-man-baba-piara-singh-bhaniara-wala-dead-2082761.html\|access-date=2020-12-22\|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>		'''Piara Singh Bhaniara''' (23 August 1958 – December 30, 2019)<ref> {{Cite web\|last=Service\|first=Tribune News\|title=Controversial Dera head Piara Singh Bhaniara Wala dies at 61\|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/controversial-dera-head-piara-singh-bhaniara-wala-dies-at-61-19135\|access-date=2020-12-22\|website=Tribuneindia News Service\|language=en}} </ref> also known as '''Baba Bhaniara''' (or Bhaniarawala), was a [[Dalit]] religious leader from [[Punjab, India]]. He established a [[Sects of Sikhism\|Sikh sect]] in the 1980s, which was opposed by mainline Khalsa Sikhs as insulting to their faith. In 2001, his followers published their own holy text ''[[Bhavsagar Granth]]'', and allegedly insulted the Sikh holy book ''[[Guru Granth Sahib]]''. This sparked violence against Bhaniara's followers. The [[Government of Punjab, India\|Government of Punjab]] [[List of books banned in India\|banned]] ''Bhavsagar Granth'', and arrested and jailed Bhaniara.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Controversial self-proclaimed god man Baba Piara Singh Bhaniara Wala dead\|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/dec/30/controversial-self-proclaimed-god-man-baba-piara-singh-bhaniara-wala-dead-2082761.html\|access-date=2020-12-22\|website=The New Indian Express\|date=30 December 2019 }}</ref>

	== Early life ==		== Early life ==

	Piara Singh Bhaniara was from the Dhamiana village of [[~~Ropar~~ district]]. He was one of the 7 children of Tulsi Ram, a mason. Before becoming a religious leader, Bhaniara was working in a [[sericulture]] farm in Asmanpur village, as a Class IV employee of the Punjab state's [[horticulture]] department.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}		Piara Singh Bhaniara was from the Dhamiana village of [[Rupnagar district]]. He was one of the 7 children of Tulsi Ram, a mason. Before becoming a religious leader, Bhaniara was working in a [[sericulture]] farm in Asmanpur village, as a Class IV employee of the Punjab state's [[horticulture]] department.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}

	== Religious career ==		== Religious career ==

	Bhaniara's father served as the caretaker of two [[mazar (mausoleum)\|mazars]] (mausoleums of ~~religious leaders~~) located on the outskirts of Dhamiana. After his father's death, Bhaniara became the caretaker of these mazars. He started handing out medicines for various ailments, gaining recognition as a "baba" (holy ~~man~~) with healing powers. He started to attract a lot of followers, most of whom were [[Mazhabi Sikh]]s. The visitors to his ''[[dera (organization)\|dera]]'' included the [[Indian National Congress]] ~~leader~~ [[Buta Singh]], who was India's [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)\|Home Minister]] at that time.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}} Buta Singh visited Bhaniara several times between 1985 and 1995 for healing of his wife Manjit Kaur, who was suffering from several problems of the heart, kidney, skin and lungs.{{cn\|date=February 2023}}		Bhaniara's father served as the caretaker of two [[mazar (mausoleum)\|mazars]] (mausoleums of [[Sufism\|Sufi]] saints) located on the outskirts of Dhamiana. After his father's death, Bhaniara became the caretaker of these mazars. He started handing out medicines for various ailments, gaining recognition as a "[[Baba (honorific)\|baba]]" (holy father) with healing powers. He started to attract a lot of followers, most of whom were [[Mazhabi Sikh]]s. The visitors to his ''[[dera (organization)\|dera]]'' included the [[Indian National Congress]] politician [[Buta Singh]], who was India's [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)\|Home Minister]] at that time.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}} Buta Singh visited Bhaniara several times between 1985 and 1995{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}} for healing of his wife Manjit Kaur, who was suffering from several problems of the heart, kidney, skin and lungs.{{cn\|date=February 2023}}

	As Bhaniara's followers grew in numbers (600,000 according to police estimates), a number of politicians started visiting him for his help during elections. These politicians helped him build his 100+ acre ''dera'' at Dhamiana.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}		As Bhaniara's followers grew in numbers (600,000 according to police estimates), a number of politicians started visiting him for his [[Votebank\|help during elections]]. These politicians helped him build his 100+ acre ''dera'' at Dhamiana.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}

	=== Conflict with the Sikhs ===		=== Conflict with the Sikhs ===

	In 1998, the [[jathedar]] of the Sikh religious body [[Akal Takht]] ~~ex-communicated~~ Bhaniara, alleging that he was prone to say "nasty" things about Sikhism and its contemporary leaders.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}		In 1998, the [[Jathedar of the Akal Takht\|jathedar]] of the supreme Sikh religious body [[Akal Takht]] [[patit\|excommunicated]] Bhaniara, alleging that he was prone to say "nasty" things about Sikhism and its contemporary leaders.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}

	In the summer of 2000, a local [[gurudwara]] disallowed one of Bhaniara's followers from carrying the Sikh religious holy book ''[[Guru Granth Sahib]]''. This prompted Bhaniara's followers to write their own holy book (''granth''), resulting in the creation of the ''[[Bhavsagar Granth\|Bhavsagar Samunder Amrit Vani]]''. Some Sikhs alleged that ''Bhavsagar Granth'' copied several portions from the ''Guru Granth Sahib'', and that Bhaniara insultingly imitated the Sikh [[Guru Gobind Singh]] in several photos in the book.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}		In the summer of 2000, a local [[gurudwara]] disallowed one of Bhaniara's followers from carrying the Sikh religious holy book ''[[Guru Granth Sahib]]''. This prompted Bhaniara's followers to write their own holy book (''granth''), resulting in the creation of the ''[[Bhavsagar Granth\|Bhavsagar Samunder Amrit Vani Granth]]''. Some Sikhs alleged that ''Bhavsagar Granth'' copied several portions from the ''Guru Granth Sahib'', and that Bhaniara insultingly imitated the [[Sikh gurus\|Sikh Guru]] [[Guru Gobind Singh\|Gobind Singh]] in several photos in the book.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}

	In 2001, Akal Takht summoned Bhaniara, intending to chastise him for his large following. However, Bhaniara rejected the summons, arguing that he had no reason to obey the Akal Takht, because they had excommunicated him three years earlier.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}		In 2001, Akal Takht summoned Bhaniara, intending to chastise him for his large following. However, Bhaniara rejected the summons, arguing that he had no reason to obey the Akal Takht, because they had excommunicated him three years earlier.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}

	In September 2001, during a religious ceremony ~~organized~~ by Bhaniara's followers, a newly-formed ~~organization~~ called Khalsa Action Force attacked the function, seized the ''Bhavsagar Granth'' and burned it. This was followed by several instances of ''Guru Granth Sahib'' being burnt in the rural [[gurudwara]]s of Punjab. The ~~police~~ arrested and presented before media some young men, who stated that they had burned ''Guru Granth Sahib'' at the insistence of Bhaniara.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}		In September 2001, during a religious ceremony organised by Bhaniara's followers, a newly-formed organisation called Khalsa Action Force attacked the function, seized the ''Bhavsagar Granth'' and burned it. This was followed by several instances of ''Guru Granth Sahib'' being burnt in the rural [[gurudwara]]s of Punjab. The [[Punjab Police (India)\|Punjab Police]] arrested and presented before media some young men, who stated that they had burned ''Guru Granth Sahib'' at the insistence of Bhaniara.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}

	The arrests sparked off violence against Bhaniara's followers. In October 2001, Bhaniara was arrested under the [[National Security Act (India)\|National Security Act]], and charged with several crimes. His followers were put in jail, where they were attacked with acid and knives by people claiming to be Sikhs. Some of Bhaniara's ''dera''s were converted into [[Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee\|SGPC]]-administered gurudwaras. No action was taken against those who attacked Bhaniara's followers. Politicians who were associated with Bhaniara were punished by Akal Takht; many of them disavowed Bhaniara and asked for greater punishment to Bhaniara and his followers.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}		The arrests sparked off violence against Bhaniara's followers. In October 2001, Bhaniara was arrested under the [[National Security Act (India)\|National Security Act]], and charged with several crimes. His followers were put in jail, where they were attacked with acid and knives by people claiming to be Sikhs. Some of Bhaniara's ''dera''s were converted into [[Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee\|SGPC]]-administered gurudwaras. No action was taken against those who attacked Bhaniara's followers. Politicians who were associated with Bhaniara were punished by Akal Takht; many of them disavowed Bhaniara and asked for greater punishment to Bhaniara and his followers.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}

	The [[Parkash Singh Badal]]-led Punjab government banned ''Bhavsagar Granth'' and confiscated all its copies, arresting those who were found in possession of these copies. The print copy was probably destroyed by the police.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}} A 3-member SGPC committee published a 48-page report listing various acts of [[sacrilege]] committed by Bhaniara's followers. It also indicted several politicians for patronising Bhaniara: these included Buta Singh, Joginder Singh ~~Maan~~, Amrik Singh Aliwal, Gurdev Singh Badal, and Kewal Badal. It also blamed several [[Nihang]] leaders for propagating Bhaniara's cult.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1912}}		The [[Parkash Singh Badal]]-led Punjab government banned ''Bhavsagar Granth'' and confiscated all its copies, arresting those who were found in possession of these copies. The print copy was probably destroyed by the police.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}} A 3-member SGPC committee published a 48-page report listing various acts of [[sacrilege]] committed by Bhaniara's followers. It also indicted several politicians for patronising Bhaniara: these included [[Buta Singh]], [[Joginder Singh Mann]], [[Amrik Singh Aliwal]], [[Gurdev Singh Badal]] and Kewal Badal. It also blamed several [[Nihang]] leaders for propagating Bhaniara's cult.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1912}}

	In 2003, a man named Gopal Singh attempted to stab Bhaniara, when he was in Ambala to appear in the court in connection with his alleged involvement with the alleged burning of the copies of [[Guru Granth Sahib]].{{cn\|date=February ~~2023~~}}		In 2003, a man named Gopal Singh attempted to stab Bhaniara, when he was in [[Ambala]] to appear in the court in connection with his alleged involvement with the alleged burning of the copies of [[Guru Granth Sahib]].<ref>{{cite news \|date=10 May 2013 \|title=Bhaniara, 7 others held guilty in 2 'bir' burning cases \|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/bhaniara-7-others-held-guilty-in-2-bir-burning-cases/story-iMTw3OIlBsVhH9X0r9mbrN.html \|access-date=26 February 2026 \|work=Hindustan Times \|quote=On September 24, 2003, Bhaniara had survived a murder attempt in the courts complex at Ambala when he had come for a hearing. A youth had attacked him with a sharp-edged weapon.}}</ref>

	=== After release ===		=== After release ===

	Bhaniara was released in 2003, but the District Magistrate of ~~Ropar~~ banned his entry into the ~~Ropar~~ district, thus preventing him from visiting his ''dera'' at Dhamiana. Bhaniara and his followers successfully challenged this ban in the court. The local administration ordered him not to ~~organize~~ large gatherings, but despite this, a large number of his followers continued visiting him on his birthday (23 August). There has been no further violence between Bhaniara's followers and the Sikhs, although in 2004, there were protests by Sikh organisations, when a gurudwara allowed Bhaniara's followers to carry a copy of ''Guru Granth Sahib''.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1912}} A member of [[Babbar Khalsa]], Gurdeep Singh Rana was arrested for trying to assassinate Bhaniara using a bomb in January 2005.{{cn\|date=February 2023}}		Bhaniara was released in 2003, but the [[District Magistrate]] of Rupnagar banned his entry into the [[Rupnagar district]], thus preventing him from visiting his ''dera'' at Dhamiana. Bhaniara and his followers successfully challenged this ban in the court. The local administration ordered him not to organise large gatherings, but despite this, a large number of his followers continued visiting him on his birthday (23 August). There has been no further violence between Bhaniara's followers and the Sikhs, although in 2004, there were protests by Sikh organisations, when a gurudwara allowed Bhaniara's followers to carry a copy of ''Guru Granth Sahib''.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1912}} A member of [[Babbar Khalsa]], Gurdeep Singh Rana was arrested for trying to assassinate Bhaniara using a bomb in January 2005.{{cn\|date=February 2023}}

			=== Death ===
			Bhaniara died on December 30, 2019, after developing chest pain and complaining suffocation, following which he was being taken to a hospital in [[Mohali]], but he died on the way in [[Kharar, SAS Nagar\|Kharar]].<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Controversial Dera head Piara Singh Bhaniara Wala dies at 61 \|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/controversial-dera-head-piara-singh-bhaniara-wala-dies-at-61-19135 \|access-date=2024-12-23 \|website=The Tribune \|language=en}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
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	[[Category:1958 births]]		[[Category:1958 births]]
	[[Category:2019 deaths]]		[[Category:2019 deaths]]
	~~[[Category:Indian religious leaders]]~~
	[[Category:People from Rupnagar]]		[[Category:People from Rupnagar]]
	[[Category:~~Dalit~~ religious leaders]]		[[Category:Indian Sikh religious leaders]]
	[[Category:Sikh groups and sects]]		[[Category:Sikh groups and sects]]

Ajay Kumar: Updated the article +/-

2023-08-12T16:06:07Z

Updated the article +/-

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:36, 12 August 2023
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	{{~~short~~ description\|Indian religious leader}}		{{Short description\|Indian religious leader (1958–2019)}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=October 2016}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=October 2016}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=October 2016}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=October 2016}}
	{{~~sources\|date=December 2019~~}}		[[File:Piara Singh Bhaniara.jpg\|thumb\|Photograph of Piara Singh Bhaniara]]
	'''Piara Singh Bhaniara''' (23 August 1958 – December 30, 2019)<ref> {{Cite web\|last=Service\|first=Tribune News\|title=Controversial Dera head Piara Singh Bhaniara Wala dies at 61\|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/controversial-dera-head-piara-singh-bhaniara-wala-dies-at-61-19135\|access-date=2020-12-22\|website=Tribuneindia News Service\|language=en}} </ref> also known as '''Baba Bhaniara''' (or Bhaniarawala), was a [[Dalit]] religious leader from [[Punjab, India]]. He established a breakaway [[Sikh]] ~~sect~~ in the 1980s, which was opposed by orthodox Sikhs as insulting to their faith. In 2001, his followers published their own holy text ''[[Bhavsagar Granth]]'', and allegedly insulted the Sikh holy book ''[[Guru Granth Sahib]]''. This sparked violence against Bhaniara's followers. The Punjab government banned ''Bhavsagar Granth'', and arrested and jailed Bhaniara.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Controversial self-proclaimed god man Baba Piara Singh Bhaniara Wala dead\|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/dec/30/controversial-self-proclaimed-god-man-baba-piara-singh-bhaniara-wala-dead-2082761.html\|access-date=2020-12-22\|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>		{{Sikhism sidebar}}
			'''Piara Singh Bhaniara''' (23 August 1958 – December 30, 2019)<ref> {{Cite web\|last=Service\|first=Tribune News\|title=Controversial Dera head Piara Singh Bhaniara Wala dies at 61\|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/controversial-dera-head-piara-singh-bhaniara-wala-dies-at-61-19135\|access-date=2020-12-22\|website=Tribuneindia News Service\|language=en}} </ref> also known as '''Baba Bhaniara''' (or Bhaniarawala), was a [[Dalit]] religious leader from [[Punjab, India]]. He established a breakaway [[Sects of Sikhism\|Sikh sect]] in the 1980s, which was opposed by orthodox Sikhs as insulting to their faith. In 2001, his followers published their own holy text ''[[Bhavsagar Granth]]'', and allegedly insulted the Sikh holy book ''[[Guru Granth Sahib]]''. This sparked violence against Bhaniara's followers. The Punjab government banned ''Bhavsagar Granth'', and arrested and jailed Bhaniara.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Controversial self-proclaimed god man Baba Piara Singh Bhaniara Wala dead\|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/dec/30/controversial-self-proclaimed-god-man-baba-piara-singh-bhaniara-wala-dead-2082761.html\|access-date=2020-12-22\|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

	== Early life ==		== Early life ==
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	== Religious career ==		== Religious career ==

	Bhaniara's father served as the caretaker of two [[mazar (mausoleum)\|mazars]] (mausoleums of religious leaders) located on the outskirts of Dhamiana. After his father's death, Bhaniara became the caretaker of these mazars. He started handing out medicines for various ailments, gaining recognition as a "baba" (holy man) with healing powers. He started to attract a lot of followers, most of whom were [[Mazhabi Sikh]]s. The visitors to his ''[[dera (organization)\|dera]]'' included the [[Indian National Congress]] leader [[Buta Singh]], who was India's [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)\|Home Minister]] at that time.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}} Buta Singh visited Bhaniara several times between 1985 and 1995 for healing of his wife Manjit Kaur, who was suffering from several problems of the heart, kidney, skin and lungs.		Bhaniara's father served as the caretaker of two [[mazar (mausoleum)\|mazars]] (mausoleums of religious leaders) located on the outskirts of Dhamiana. After his father's death, Bhaniara became the caretaker of these mazars. He started handing out medicines for various ailments, gaining recognition as a "baba" (holy man) with healing powers. He started to attract a lot of followers, most of whom were [[Mazhabi Sikh]]s. The visitors to his ''[[dera (organization)\|dera]]'' included the [[Indian National Congress]] leader [[Buta Singh]], who was India's [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)\|Home Minister]] at that time.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}} Buta Singh visited Bhaniara several times between 1985 and 1995 for healing of his wife Manjit Kaur, who was suffering from several problems of the heart, kidney, skin and lungs.{{cn\|date=February 2023}}

	As Bhaniara's followers grew in numbers (600,000 according to police estimates), a number of politicians started visiting him for his help during elections. These politicians helped him build his 100+ acre ''dera'' at Dhamiana.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}		As Bhaniara's followers grew in numbers (600,000 according to police estimates), a number of politicians started visiting him for his help during elections. These politicians helped him build his 100+ acre ''dera'' at Dhamiana.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}}
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	The [[Parkash Singh Badal]]-led Punjab government banned ''Bhavsagar Granth'' and confiscated all its copies, arresting those who were found in possession of these copies. The print copy was probably destroyed by the police.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}} A 3-member SGPC committee published a 48-page report listing various acts of [[sacrilege]] committed by Bhaniara's followers. It also indicted several politicians for patronising Bhaniara: these included Buta Singh, Joginder Singh Maan, Amrik Singh Aliwal, Gurdev Singh Badal, and Kewal Badal. It also blamed several [[Nihang]] leaders for propagating Bhaniara's cult.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1912}}		The [[Parkash Singh Badal]]-led Punjab government banned ''Bhavsagar Granth'' and confiscated all its copies, arresting those who were found in possession of these copies. The print copy was probably destroyed by the police.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1911}} A 3-member SGPC committee published a 48-page report listing various acts of [[sacrilege]] committed by Bhaniara's followers. It also indicted several politicians for patronising Bhaniara: these included Buta Singh, Joginder Singh Maan, Amrik Singh Aliwal, Gurdev Singh Badal, and Kewal Badal. It also blamed several [[Nihang]] leaders for propagating Bhaniara's cult.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1912}}

	In 2003, a man named Gopal Singh attempted to stab Bhaniara, when he was in Ambala to appear in the court in connection with his alleged involvement with the alleged burning of the copies of [[Guru Granth Sahib]].		In 2003, a man named Gopal Singh attempted to stab Bhaniara, when he was in Ambala to appear in the court in connection with his alleged involvement with the alleged burning of the copies of [[Guru Granth Sahib]].{{cn\|date=February 2023}}

	=== After release ===		=== After release ===

	Bhaniara was released in 2003, but the District Magistrate of Ropar banned his entry into the Ropar district, thus preventing him from visiting his ''dera'' at Dhamiana. Bhaniara and his followers successfully challenged this ban in the court. The local administration ordered him not to organize large gatherings, but despite this, a large number of his followers continued visiting him on his birthday (23 August). There has been no further violence between Bhaniara's followers and the Sikhs, although in 2004, there were protests by Sikh organisations, when a gurudwara allowed Bhaniara's followers to carry a copy of ''Guru Granth Sahib''.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1912}} A member of [[Babbar Khalsa]], Gurdeep Singh Rana was arrested for trying to assassinate Bhaniara using a bomb in January 2005.		Bhaniara was released in 2003, but the District Magistrate of Ropar banned his entry into the Ropar district, thus preventing him from visiting his ''dera'' at Dhamiana. Bhaniara and his followers successfully challenged this ban in the court. The local administration ordered him not to organize large gatherings, but despite this, a large number of his followers continued visiting him on his birthday (23 August). There has been no further violence between Bhaniara's followers and the Sikhs, although in 2004, there were protests by Sikh organisations, when a gurudwara allowed Bhaniara's followers to carry a copy of ''Guru Granth Sahib''.{{sfn\|Meeta\|Rajivlochan\|2007\|p=1912}} A member of [[Babbar Khalsa]], Gurdeep Singh Rana was arrested for trying to assassinate Bhaniara using a bomb in January 2005.{{cn\|date=February 2023}}

	==References==		==References==

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{{short description|Indian religious leader}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2016}}
{{sources|date=December 2019}}
'''Piara Singh Bhaniara''' (23 August 1958 – December 30, 2019)<ref> {{Cite web|last=Service|first=Tribune News|title=Controversial Dera head Piara Singh Bhaniara Wala dies at 61|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/controversial-dera-head-piara-singh-bhaniara-wala-dies-at-61-19135|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Tribuneindia News Service|language=en}} </ref> also known as '''Baba Bhaniara''' (or Bhaniarawala), was a [[Dalit]] religious leader from [[Punjab, India]]. He established a breakaway [[Sikh]] sect in the 1980s, which was opposed by orthodox Sikhs as insulting to their faith. In 2001, his followers published their own holy text ''[[Bhavsagar Granth]]'', and allegedly insulted the Sikh holy book ''[[Guru Granth Sahib]]''. This sparked violence against Bhaniara's followers. The Punjab government banned ''Bhavsagar Granth'', and arrested and jailed Bhaniara.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Controversial self-proclaimed god man Baba Piara Singh Bhaniara Wala dead|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/dec/30/controversial-self-proclaimed-god-man-baba-piara-singh-bhaniara-wala-dead-2082761.html|access-date=2020-12-22|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

== Early life ==

Piara Singh Bhaniara was from the Dhamiana village of [[Ropar district]]. He was one of the 7 children of Tulsi Ram, a mason. Before becoming a religious leader, Bhaniara was working in a [[sericulture]] farm in Asmanpur village, as a Class IV employee of the Punjab state's [[horticulture]] department.{{sfn|Meeta|Rajivlochan|2007|p=1911}}

== Religious career ==

Bhaniara's father served as the caretaker of two [[mazar (mausoleum)|mazars]] (mausoleums of religious leaders) located on the outskirts of Dhamiana. After his father's death, Bhaniara became the caretaker of these mazars. He started handing out medicines for various ailments, gaining recognition as a "baba" (holy man) with healing powers. He started to attract a lot of followers, most of whom were [[Mazhabi Sikh]]s. The visitors to his ''[[dera (organization)|dera]]'' included the [[Indian National Congress]] leader [[Buta Singh]], who was India's [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Home Minister]] at that time.{{sfn|Meeta|Rajivlochan|2007|p=1911}} Buta Singh visited Bhaniara several times between 1985 and 1995 for healing of his wife Manjit Kaur, who was suffering from several problems of the heart, kidney, skin and lungs.

As Bhaniara's followers grew in numbers (600,000 according to police estimates), a number of politicians started visiting him for his help during elections. These politicians helped him build his 100+ acre ''dera'' at Dhamiana.{{sfn|Meeta|Rajivlochan|2007|p=1911}}

=== Conflict with the Sikhs ===

In 1998, the [[jathedar]] of the Sikh religious body [[Akal Takht]] ex-communicated Bhaniara, alleging that he was prone to say "nasty" things about Sikhism and its contemporary leaders.{{sfn|Meeta|Rajivlochan|2007|p=1911}}

In the summer of 2000, a local [[gurudwara]] disallowed one of Bhaniara's followers from carrying the Sikh religious holy book ''[[Guru Granth Sahib]]''. This prompted Bhaniara's followers to write their own holy book (''granth''), resulting in the creation of the ''[[Bhavsagar Granth|Bhavsagar Samunder Amrit Vani]]''. Some Sikhs alleged that ''Bhavsagar Granth'' copied several portions from the ''Guru Granth Sahib'', and that Bhaniara insultingly imitated the Sikh [[Guru Gobind Singh]] in several photos in the book.{{sfn|Meeta|Rajivlochan|2007|p=1911}}

In 2001, Akal Takht summoned Bhaniara, intending to chastise him for his large following. However, Bhaniara rejected the summons, arguing that he had no reason to obey the Akal Takht, because they had excommunicated him three years earlier.{{sfn|Meeta|Rajivlochan|2007|p=1911}}

In September 2001, during a religious ceremony organized by Bhaniara's followers, a newly-formed organization called Khalsa Action Force attacked the function, seized the ''Bhavsagar Granth'' and burned it. This was followed by several instances of ''Guru Granth Sahib'' being burnt in the rural [[gurudwara]]s of Punjab. The police arrested and presented before media some young men, who stated that they had burned ''Guru Granth Sahib'' at the insistence of Bhaniara.{{sfn|Meeta|Rajivlochan|2007|p=1911}}

The arrests sparked off violence against Bhaniara's followers. In October 2001, Bhaniara was arrested under the [[National Security Act (India)|National Security Act]], and charged with several crimes. His followers were put in jail, where they were attacked with acid and knives by people claiming to be Sikhs. Some of Bhaniara's ''dera''s were converted into [[Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee|SGPC]]-administered gurudwaras. No action was taken against those who attacked Bhaniara's followers. Politicians who were associated with Bhaniara were punished by Akal Takht; many of them disavowed Bhaniara and asked for greater punishment to Bhaniara and his followers.{{sfn|Meeta|Rajivlochan|2007|p=1911}}

The [[Parkash Singh Badal]]-led Punjab government banned ''Bhavsagar Granth'' and confiscated all its copies, arresting those who were found in possession of these copies. The print copy was probably destroyed by the police.{{sfn|Meeta|Rajivlochan|2007|p=1911}} A 3-member SGPC committee published a 48-page report listing various acts of [[sacrilege]] committed by Bhaniara's followers. It also indicted several politicians for patronising Bhaniara: these included Buta Singh, Joginder Singh Maan, Amrik Singh Aliwal, Gurdev Singh Badal, and Kewal Badal. It also blamed several [[Nihang]] leaders for propagating Bhaniara's cult.{{sfn|Meeta|Rajivlochan|2007|p=1912}}

In 2003, a man named Gopal Singh attempted to stab Bhaniara, when he was in Ambala to appear in the court in connection with his alleged involvement with the alleged burning of the copies of [[Guru Granth Sahib]].

=== After release ===

Bhaniara was released in 2003, but the District Magistrate of Ropar banned his entry into the Ropar district, thus preventing him from visiting his ''dera'' at Dhamiana. Bhaniara and his followers successfully challenged this ban in the court. The local administration ordered him not to organize large gatherings, but despite this, a large number of his followers continued visiting him on his birthday (23 August). There has been no further violence between Bhaniara's followers and the Sikhs, although in 2004, there were protests by Sikh organisations, when a gurudwara allowed Bhaniara's followers to carry a copy of ''Guru Granth Sahib''.{{sfn|Meeta|Rajivlochan|2007|p=1912}} A member of [[Babbar Khalsa]], Gurdeep Singh Rana was arrested for trying to assassinate Bhaniara using a bomb in January 2005.

==References==
{{reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===

* {{cite journal |author1=Meeta |author2=Rajivlochan |title=Caste and Religion in Punjab: Case of the Bhaniarawala Phenomenon |journal=Economic and Political Weekly |volume=42 |issue=21 |year=2007 |pages=1909–1913 |jstor=4419630 }}
{{Sikhism}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bhaniara, Baba}}
[[Category:1958 births]]
[[Category:2019 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian religious leaders]]
[[Category:People from Rupnagar]]
[[Category:Dalit religious leaders]]
[[Category:Sikh groups and sects]]