Golden Temple Video Row: Muslim Youth Apologises After Sarovar Footage Sparks Outrage

Amritsar: A young Muslim man has come forward to apologise after a video showing him performing wudu using water from the Golden Temple’s holy sarovar went viral on social media, triggering sharp reactions from Sikh groups and religious leaders. 

The incident, which unfolded earlier this week, prompted calls for restraint even as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) took note of the matter.

What happened at the Golden Temple?

The video, shot inside the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, shows the youth using water from the sacred sarovar for wudu, the Islamic ritual of washing before prayers. As the clip spread rapidly online, many Sikh organisations said the act hurt religious sentiments, stressing that the sarovar holds deep spiritual significance for the Sikh community.

The SGPC said the sanctity of the shrine must be respected by all visitors, irrespective of faith. Officials also pointed out that the Golden Temple welcomes people from every religion, but expects everyone to follow established religious norms.

Who is the youth and what did he say?

After the backlash, the youth released a video message apologising for his actions. He said he had no intention of hurting anyone’s religious feelings and claimed his act was driven by ignorance rather than disrespect. He appealed for forgiveness and urged people not to view the incident through a communal lens.

“I made a mistake unknowingly. I respect Sikhism and the Golden Temple,” he said in his apology, adding that he would be more mindful in the future.

“I did not know about the maryada of Sri Harmandir Sahib. I sincerely apologise to all my Sikh brothers and sisters. I will soon visit the Golden Temple again to personally seek forgiveness,” he said.

How did Sikh bodies respond?

As the controversy escalated, the matter reached the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). SGPC chief secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan confirmed that the committee has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident.

Mannan said the SGPC would examine whether the viral video is authentic or has been created or altered using artificial intelligence. He also raised concerns about the presence and role of on-duty sewadars at the time of the incident.

The SGPC has already imposed restrictions on making reels and videos inside the Golden Temple premises to prevent actions that may hurt religious sentiments. Sewadars have been instructed to intervene immediately if anyone attempts to record objectionable content.