The question of whether portraits of Sikh Gurus are historically accurate, and the theological implications of their reverence in Sikh practice, is both nuanced and important to understand. Most commonly displayed images of the Sikh Gurus were created after their lifetimes and cannot be considered historically accurate depictions. The earliest known portraits of Guru Nanak were painted over 150 years after his death, and no contemporaneous images exist of the first nine Gurus. The traditional images we see today developed over centuries through artistic interpretations, with certain visual conventions becoming standardized over time. For Guru Gobind Singh, some portraits may have been created during his lifetime, but historical verification remains difficult.
The Sikh theological position on images stems from core principles in the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhism emphasizes Waheguru (God) as formless (nirankar) and beyond human representation. The Gurus explicitly rejected idol worship and the veneration of physical objects as divine. After Guru Gobind Singh, spiritual authority was invested in the scripture rather than any human or physical representation.
You’re highlighting an important distinction between theory and practice. While Sikh theology clearly discourages murti puja (idol worship), many Sikhs do show reverence to portraits of the Gurus through practices that might appear similar to idol worship. These include placing images in positions of honor, bowing before portraits, offering flowers or other items, and performing arti (ceremonial waving of lights).
Several factors explain this apparent contradiction. Many Sikhs distinguish between worshiping an image as divine (prohibited) versus honoring it as a reminder of the Guru’s teachings (considered acceptable). Centuries of coexistence with Hindu traditions has influenced some Sikh practices, especially in regions where religious boundaries are fluid. Visual representations also serve as powerful reminders and focal points for devotion, fulfilling a natural human desire for tangible connections. Additionally, images serve as teaching tools, especially for children and those who cannot read Gurmukhi.
Sikh reformist movements, particularly the Singh Sabha movement of the late 19th century and contemporary organizations like the Akhand Kirtani Jatha, have advocated for practices more aligned with scriptural teachings. They encourage Sikhs to focus devotion on the Guru Granth Sahib rather than images, understand portraits as historical art rather than objects of worship, and avoid ritual practices that resemble murti puja.
The relationship between Sikhs and images of the Gurus reflects the complex interplay between theological principles and lived religious experience. While Sikh doctrine discourages idolatry and image worship, many Sikhs maintain a reverential relationship with Guru portraits as a means of connection to their spiritual heritage. The ongoing conversation within the Sikh community about appropriate practices reflects a living tradition that continually reexamines how to balance scriptural principles with meaningful devotional expression.