Question

Two statements as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and choose the correct option:
Assertion (A): Baba Guru k Devji advocated Nirgu Bhakti.
Reason (R): For Baba Guru k, the absolute or 'rab' had no gender or form.

• A. Assertion (A) is correct and Reason (R) is the correct explation of Assertion (A).
• B. Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is not the correct explation of Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is incorrect.
• D. Assertion (A) is incorrect, but Reason (R) is correct.

Hint:

In devotiol history: Nirgu = Formless, attribute-less Divine (e.g., Kabir, Guru k); Sagu = Manifested Divine with attributes, form, and incartion (e.g., Mirabai, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Tulsidas).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Evaluating the Assertion (A):
Baba Guru k (1469--1539), the founder of Sikhism, spoke out against outward rituals, idol worship, and sacrifices. He advocated Nirgu Bhakti, which is the devotion to a formless, attribute-less, and absolute divine presence. Thus, the Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 2: Evaluating the Reason (R):
Guru k taught that God (whom he often addressed as 'Rab' or 'Onkar') is eterl, omnipresent, and formless (Nirankar). According to his teachings, the divine transcends physical attributes, gender, and incartions. Thus, the Reason (R) is correct.

Step 3: Determining the Logical Link:
Why did Guru k advocate Nirgu Bhakti (worship of a formless God) over Sagu Bhakti (worship of god with attributes/incartions)? He did so because he believed that the supreme reality (Rab) has no gender, shape, or physical form, making the worship of physical idols or human incartions spiritually unnecessary. Thus, the Reason (R) directly explains the Assertion (A), making option (A) the correct choice.