Question

What is the meaning of the Manji system and why was it started?

Answer 1

The Manji or Manji System along with the Piri System, were innovative systems established by the third Guru, Guru Amar Das, Ji at Goindwal to spread Sikhi across Punjab and India under a logical and well planned method of administration. Twenty two devoted Gursikhs, all noble, devout men and women (called sangatia or masands) were appointed by Guru Amar Das Ji to spread Guru Nanak Dev Ji’ s message, provide spiritual guidance, and keep the Sangat (congregation) in touch with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message. Each Manji (dioceses) was also responsible for the offerings of each Sangat (the Dasvand), which they made in token of their reverence to the Guru. The Sikhs' offering was used for langar, (the community kitchen) and after meeting the expenses of the local chapters, the surplus was to be passed on to the Guru’s golak (the community chest) at Goindwal.

Goindwal was becoming a very busy place, with ever increasing numbers of Sikhs coming to have the Guru's Darshan. Therefore, the Guru's presence had become necessary. Guru Ji wanted to allow his disciples to be able to keep their normal routine life, but by doing this, he hoped that they could all be taught equally in the discipline of Sikhi.

The word Manji refers to the low wooden cots on which the Sikh Sangatia would sit and teach the Sikhi doctrines and principles to their sangats and sing Shabads (hymns), followed in chorus by the congregation.

Answer 2

Manji System:

Explanation:

• The manji system was established by Guru Amar Das he is the third leader of Sikhism.
• It is associated with an administrative unit of Sikh religious.
• The important aim of this system is similar to “diocese system" in "Christianity” and similarly important in “Sikh missionary activity”.
• Manji refers to the religious administrative activities and sangatias  is appointed as a chief to the each zone of religious administrative and official representative known as masand.
• Manji was started with 94 men and 52 women as piris for spread Sikhism.