Satsangs (congregations)

Sant Nirankari members have no particular place of worship as it is considered that regardless of wherever you are, whatever you are doing, you can worship formless God. The members meet at places called Satsang Bhawans (Congregation Halls), to share their spiritual experiences and praise the almighty formless God. The mission believes that congregations help devotees to strengthen their faith, increase their devotion towards Nirankar and attain spiritual steadfastness. This is reflected by the verse 56 of Avtar Bani, which says that “Seek the company of True Saint, this will bring spiritual glow on your face; seek the company of True Saint, this will remove impurity from your heart.” (Please note that there are other verses 57, 112, 138 and 223 that elaborate on this point. Please also refer to the Punjabi version for the original description as this is only an English translation)

The congregations are open to all without any discrimination of religion, caste, nationality, colour or race, and irrespective of whether one is rich or poor, and literate or illiterate. Holy scriptures of different religions or sects are also read and the common aim of all religions i.e. selfless love for all is stressed upon.

In Satsang Bhawans a chair on a stage (platform) is reserved for a pre-decided devotee who will represent the Satguru (His Holiness) and other devotees pay respect to Satguru by bowing down to him. Another devotee known as stage secretary sits on stage floor and manages events. Nirankari's also bow down (to touch the feet) of one another irrespective of age, gender, financial or social position as they believe and perceive the presence of God in all. Touching each others feet is also seen as a practice useful in removing pride or ego from a devotee's mind.

According to official biography of Nirankari Sants written by Balwant Gargi. Describing Buta Singhs death Gargi writes "At 2pm they about thiry in numbers, filed past their guru, touching his feet and offering money. As he received each offering, he rubbed it against his chest and then laid it by his side. His aged mother, sitting by his side, asked, "even now so much love for money, dear son".^[5]Balwant Gargi in his biography gives eye-witness account of a senior civil officer, Hardev Singh Chinna, and his wife, Naresh, drinking the footwash of the Baba for sipritual enlightenment immediatly after gulping several glasses of whiskey which were freely served and enjoyed. "Naresh had emptied her glass and fixed herself another" She took a short gulp and said dreamily "i am happy". Chinna, her husband, said strongly, "Babaji is the tangible form of the formless"^[6]