ABSTRACT
In response to the political, demographic and cultural changes, the Udasis, Seva Panthis and Nirmalas founded more number of their respective establishments in the twentieth century. In the process, their beliefs and practices, codes of conduct and lifestyle changed. This chapter examines these developments and changes. The origin of these changes can be traced to the impact of the Gurdwara Reform Movement in the early twentieth century. The old Nirmala establishments still observe the Vedantic perspective of Sikhism whereas the newly established Nirmala deras/akharas respond to the monotheistic Sikhism represented by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC)/Khalsa Sikhs. However, all the Nirmala mahants, sants and babas maintain their distinct lifestyle. They enjoy a respectful position in the Panthic organizations and institutions. In all the Nirmala esablishments, the gurdwaras are an integral part. They observe maryada which is broadly acceptable to the SGPC.
