Nirmalas

The Nirmala is a separate sect in the Sikh religion, consisting of scholars and learned persons. The name of this sect is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘nirmala,’ which means ‘pure and spotless.’ This sect was formed out of the necessity to instill the knowledge and wisdom of the ancient Sanskrit scriptures into the common man’s mind.

Guru Gobind Singh, the last guru of Sikhism, felt the need to educate his followers in the Sanskrit language. But finding a tutor for this language was not simple, since the language was considered to be the domain of the upper caste Brahmins. The Guru promptly sent 5 of his followers, disguised as upper caste persons, to Benares, modern Varanasi, which was the center of Hindu learning. These persons trained hard under various scholars and became accomplished scholars themselves. On their return to the Guru, they were named Nirmalas because of their pure manners. The followers of this sect spread to various parts of north India and established their own learning centers.

The Nirmalas abide by the Sikh religion. But they also follow the principles exalted in the Vedas. They are known for their preaching of the Sikh religion. They are also involved in literary compositions done in various languages like Sanskrit, Braj, Hindi and Punjabi.