Gurmat Sangeet

An extract from an article from www.gurmatsangeetproject.com about the inaugural Gurmat Sangeet Darbar held 29-30 October, in Boston, USA.

The tradition of Gurmat Sangeet has been evolving from the times of the Gurus to the present. Historically this has largely been an oral tradition, which has been handed from generation to generation often from father to son in families that have been associated with Gurmat Sangeet since the times of the Gurus. The absence of a written tradition and the lack of a consistent framework for the documentation and preservation of Gurmat Sangeet has had a devastating effect, as this centuries-old system for the transmission of the tradition has broken down under the pressures of the modern world.

Baba Mardana Ji, first Kirtani in Sikh history, who accompanied Guru Nanak Dev Ji and did sewa of playing the Rabaab (rubeck) while Guru Ji sang Gurbaani.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji teaching handicapped persons how to play traditional instruments (Saaj), some which were actually designed by the Gurus themselves.

Drawing by W. Carpenter of Sri Harmandar in 1858, showing the Guru's Court open and Kirtani doing Raag Kirtan using traditional Gurmat Sangeet instruments.

Fortunately, at the turn of the century, a system for musical notation invented by Pandit Vishnu Narain Bhatkhande was adopted for use by S. Gian Singh Abbotabad, who under the auspices of the SGPC, produced two volumes titled Gurbani Sangeet in 1961. These volumes represented the first notable effort to document centuries old compositions that define Gurmat Sangeet and preserve them for posterity. This work was followed by other notable works by Bhai Avtar Singh and Bhai Gurcharan Singh as well as Gyani Dyal Singh of the Rakab Ganj Kirtan Vidyalay.

Despite these excellent efforts, Gurmat Sangeet suffered the onslaught of ‘modernization’, driven largely by the lure of popularity and financial gain, particularly in the last four decades. Ragis increasingly switched to popular tunes which required less effort and could be plagiarized from readily available sources such as film music, discovering that pandering to popular taste was often the shortest path to popularity and riches. The problem was exacerbated by the ready availability of very cheap mass marketed recordings, which further strengthened the grip of the banal form of Kirtan to the detriment of the Gurmat Sangeet tradition.

In recent times, particularly in the Sikh Diaspora, we have been fortunate to witness a reanissance of sorts, where young Sikhs in particular are beginning to show interest in understanding and preserving the traditions of Gurmat Sangeet.

Some Kirtan in Raag in accordance to the title Raag, which Guru Sahib wrote and intended it to be sung in:

Mouli dhartu mouliya akash
Manmmet Singh, Prabhjot Singh, Satpreet Singh
Raag Basant

Preet preet guriya mohan lalna
Manmmet Singh, Prabhjot Singh, Satpreet Singh
Raag Soohee

Har jas gavoh bhagwan
Rupinder Singh, Nampreet Singh, Shamsher Singh
Raag KaanRa

Har charan saran gobind dukh bhanjana
Bhai Gupal Singh
Raag Dhanaasri

Gun nad dhun anand bhed
Sonia Kaur
Yaman Kalyaan

Ramiya hou barak tera
Sonia Kaur
Raag Aasa

Halt sukh palat sukh
Amrit Kaur, Mehr Kaur
Raag Dhanaasri

At pritam man mohana
Amrit Kaur, Mehr Kaur
Raag BihaagRa

For more info on Gurmat Sangeet or to download Kirtan visit:
www.gurmatsangeetproject.com

Dhan Baba Zorawar Singh Ji

Today is the Birth day of Baba Zorawar Singh Ji. The post is in tribute to the Great Souls who made the Supreme Sacrifice. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru ke Pyaare.

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF SAKA SIRHIND
AND THE SUPREME SACRIFICE OF THE YOUNG SAHIBZAADEY

Evacuation of Sri Anandpur Sahib
Sahibzaada (prince), Baba Zorawar Singh ji, the third son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, was born to Mata Ajit Kaur Ji (also known as Mata Sundari Ji) at Sri Anandpur Sahib on this day, 28th November, in 1696. He was barely nine years old at the time of the evacuation of Sri Anandpur Sahib on the night of 5-6 December 1705. Mata Gujri Kaur Ji, his grandmother, looked after and cared for the younger two Sahibzaadey (princes) - Baba Zorowar Singh Ji and his younger brother Baba Fateh Singh Ji. Mata Ji took charge of both as Guru Sahib and the Singhs moved out of Sri Anandpur Sahib.


Meeting Gangu
While crossing the River Sarsa on horseback, in the darkness of the night and rush, Mata Gurjri Kaur Ji and the two younger Sahibzaadey were separated from Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the rest of the family. A cook of the Guru's Kitchen, named 'Gangu', also succeeded in crossing the River and came across Mata Ji and the Sahibzaadey in the journey. He escorted them to his own house in the village of Kheri, now known as Saheri, near Morinda in present day Ropardistrict. While unsaddling the horse he saw that there was some gold coins in the saddlebag of Mata Gujri Kaur Ji. This tempted him to treachery and turning his back to Guru Sahib. He not only stole the saddlebag during the night, but also planned to betray the fugitives to the government in hope of a reward.


Arrest & Detention
On the morning of 7th December 1705, the day of the fateful battle of Chamkaur Sahib, Baba Zorawar Singh ji, along with Baba Fateh Singh ji and their grandmother, were taken into custody by Jani Khan and Mani Khan Ranghar, the police official of Morinda. They were despatched on the following day to Sirhind where they were detained and kept in in the Cold Tower (Thandda Burj) of the Fort. Mata Ji and the Sahibzaadey stayed in the top of the Cold Tower, where there were no four walls to guard them from the winter cold and chill of December. The young children had no extra clothes or blankets to protect them from the winter chill, other than the warmth of listening to Gurbaani and the huddling around their beloved grandmother.


Presented in Court
On 9th December 1705, Baba Zorawar Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh ji were produced before the faujdaar, Nawaab Wazir Khan, who had just returned from Chamkaur Sahib with his feudal ally, Nawab Sher Muhammad Khan of Malerkotla. Wazir Khan tried to lure the Sahibzaadey to embrace Islam with promises of riches and honours, but they spurned the suggestion. He then threatened them with death, but they remained undaunted. Death sentence was finally pronounced. Upon Sher Muhammad Khan's intercession for the innocent children to be spared their lives, they were given some more time to ponder over the suggestion to convert.


Punished with Death
Baba Zorawar Singh ji and his brother spent another two days of the severe winter in their old grandmother's lap in the Cold Tower. Still adamant to live and die for the Sikh faith and to never turn their back to Guru Sahib, on 11th December 1705 a 'fatwa', religious edict, was issued for the Sahibzaadey to be bricked and sealed alive in a wall. Baba Zorawar Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh ji were martyrd by suffocating in the sealed wall. The aged Mata Gujari Kaur ji, who had all along been kept in the Cold Tower, only a little distance away, breathed her last while joined in the Simran (remembrance) of Waheguru, as the news reached her ears.

Cremation
Seth Todar Mall, a wealthy merchant of Sirhind, risked his life by seeking permission for performing the cremation of the three dead bodies of the great shaheeds (martrys) the following day. With Mata Gujri Ji and the younger sons of Guru Ji – Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji – shaheed (martyred) at the tender ages of 5 and 7 the despicable Mughal authorities refused their funeral rites on government land, it was decreed that there funeral rites could only be performed on land bought from Chaudhari Atta. Not only this, but the land could only be bought by laying gold coins (ashrifs) on the required area, vertically. Todar Mal did not shun his responsibility and laid down the required coins and made arrangements for the cremations and paid the heavy sum of 78,000 gold coins. Maybe he had to beg and borrow to raise the total amount, who knows, but the fact remains this was truly a noble deed. Todar Mal forsaked everything for his love of Guru Gobind Singh Ji , which is the reason why Sikhs hold Devan Todar Mal in such high esteem.

In Loving Memory: Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib
The site of the fateful happenings, since named Fatehgarh Sahib, close to the old town of Sirhind, is now marked by four Sikh Gurdwara Sahibs. A Jorr-Mela, large religious fair, is held there from 25th to 28th December every year to honour the memory of these great martyrs.

Pardip Singh's Birthday Bash!!

Last week it was Leamington Spa's Dhadi prodigy, my friend - Bhai Sahib Pardip Singh's 21st birthday! He is studying at University of Birmingham, and living out in halls of residence. Here are some photos from his birthday party bash, which he celebrated with his friends in Birmingham.


Pardip Singh's Birthday Card.


This reminds me of Sundays at the Gurdwara, when the Granthi Sahib gives a Siropa or Gutka to whoever's Akhand Paath it was on the weekend. By the way its of Pardeep Singh and Mandev Singh, who had just finished doing Rehraas Sahib da Paath.


"Smile for the camera!!" Bhaji Charan-Kamal Singh (aka 'Chan') and Bhaji Pardip Singh (looking bit serious I must say).


Main guest (Indy Bhaji) arrives for the Birthday Bash. I wonder what's in the bag?


Aaah!! How cute! lol. It reminds me of when someone gets married and all the uncle jis and aunty jis shove loads of laddoos and barfi in the boy's mouth!


Bhai Sahib takes opportunity to show off his Dhadi lecturing skills.


Sat Naam, Waaheguroo! Bhai Sahib Bhai Pardeep Singh doing Ardaas before the Pavitar Cake (eggless of course!) ready to do Bhog.


Cake cutting ceremony. Waheguru. Reminds me of weddings.


Group photo.


Pardip Singh checking his presents.


Rupinder Kaur giving out Langar. Going with the wedding theme - first of all I thought it looked like Rupinder was drawing a pattern on the floor, like aunty jis and the boy's sister do on the night before the wedding.


Someone's feeling hungry!


Singhs eating Langar Paani.


Tinsel wale Baba Ji giving darshan and blessings to the Sangat.


Tinsel wale Baba Ji addressing the followers and giving a lecture (after he drank half a bottle of Ribena!)

Peace of Sukhmani Sahib

For past few days I have been bit stressed with an essay, which is due tomorrow. Today I downloaded Sukhmani Sahib from the internet and loaded it on my ipod. I remembered that during my A-Levels I would listen to Sukhmani Sahib, while revising. So I thought I would listen to Sukhmani Sahib going to the library.

WAHEGUROO! Listening to Sukhmani today while going to the library and doing my work was AMAZING. So peaceful!! I felt stressed before, but listening to Sukhmani Sahib I felt care-free. I felt nothing to worry and felt reassured about my studies etc.

The feeling was so beautiful that I kept playing Sukhmani Sahib one after another. The feeling was like a child gets when his mother embraces and hugs him. Today, as I was on the bus I peered out of the window and saw a family. The 5 yr old child was skipping along the pavement with his mum. It was so nice that the father, mother and child were smiling, laughing and having a good time. The child seemed care-free and on top of the world.

Listening to Sukhmani Sahib I felt as if Guru Ji was hugging me and saying "Don't worry, you have nothing to worry about".

Strange feeling, but nice.

I definately recommend on listening to Sukhmani Sahib during the day and get the feeling of "Sukh" (peace) in this busy and hectic life. :)

Download Sukhmani Sahib Audio

Nirvana - Grand Finale of London Sikhi Week '05

To finish off London Sikhi Week 2005, and the week’s commemoration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday, students from across London got together on Wednesday evening, 23rd November, to sing the praises of the Creator, and join in the universal language of devotional music given to us by Guru Nanak Dev Ji for the individual to communicate with the Divine. With the sun setting and the beautiful view of London’s lighted sky line, there was a reflective and peaceful atmosphere in the midst of all the hustle of Central London.

Here are some photos:


Bhai Harjinder Singh Lallie doing Classical Raag Kirtan - very nice!


Translations of all the shabad were provided on a projector screen. So everyone could understand the meaning of the Shabad. And for those who couldn't read Panjabi, there was also romanised text on the projector screen.


Bhenji Dilpreet Kaur (wearing blue chunni). I don't know whose bags they are. Looks like someone has just come from India and brought their luggage with them.


Sant Baba Pritpal Singh Ji, LSE wale, contemplating on the Shabad Keertan.


Nice to know that we were all focused on the Kirtan! lol. It looks like these Bhenjis from LSE have seen a popstar or filmstar walking into the room. Wonder who it could be?


The night-time view of London from 28th floor of Guy's Tower




Students listening to Kirtan.


I don't know what is happening to me in the picture!! If anyone has any further information please let me know. Thank you!


Bhenji Jasvir Kaur, Bhenji Amanroop Kaur and Bhaji Pritpal Singh (aka Sant Baba Pritpal Singh Ji, LSE wale) sang a shabad really beautifully. It looks like there is a divine glowing light coming out of Hardeep Singh's shoulder (usually i thought divine light shines out of the head!). Ermm... or it could be a reflection of the flash. Rab Jaane!


The Happy Singh is Harjeet Singh, President of King's Sikh Soc. Next to him is Antony Singh. And the bhenji which looks like has veiled her face (as if she is living in Afghanistan or something) is Bhenji Simrit Kaur. "Bhenji no need to hide your face!" Aah Bechaari. :)


Guru-Ka-Langar (SHOLAY BHATOORAY!!) being served to Sangat and visitors


Looks like Tejpal Singh is tasting the Langar to make sure its fit for the Sangat to eat and giving his seal of approval. :)

Sikhi Workshop at Gosford Hill School...

On Tuesday I was invited to come to Gosford Hill School's Sixth Form Centre, which is in a small village called Kidlington, near Oxford to participate in leading a workshop/seminar on "Living in a Multi-Faith society". I was basically asked to talk about Sikhs, Sikhi and about Sikhs living in society. I was invited through a veer ji I know, Charandeep Singh, who attends the Sixth Form. I know veer ji from Oxford Gurdwara.

Well, on Monday after handing in my essay, I travelled to Banbury. Got home and felt tired after the long journey plus I had a bit of cold (will I don't know what it is, all I know is that I been sniffing, sneezing and feeling cold for a few weeks!). My mum made some really tastey sholay pureeaa(n). Yum, yum! PLUS mum made Gajrilaa.

Typical Panjabi mentality - I prepared the workshop and presentation, which I was planning to do at the School, on the night before! Mum, dad and my cousin helped out with suggestions and what to include in the PowerPoint presentation. The end result was that I had a PowerPoint with an introduction to Sikhi (very basic intro), loads of photos of different types of Sikhs (i.e. different age-groups, different ethnicities and Sikhs from different parts of the world), a few lines from Gurbaani to illustrate a few fundamental Sikh principles & values, and at the end I prepared workshop topics. There were four topics - (1) Problems a Sikh may possibly find having unshorn hair and wearing a turban in society, (2) How have Sikhs been effected 9/11 and 7/7 and how can society get over misconceptions, (3) How does the banning of religious symbols in France effect Sikhs, and (4) Name some virtues or values of the Sikh faith which can inspire and benefit individuals and society. In groups they had to discuss these topics, offer solutions and ways of solving the various issues.

THE JOURNEY THERE - I got to Banbury station at 7.50am. I had 3 minutes to get the 7.53am train, which was due to arrive in Oxford at 8.15am, where Charandeep Singh was going to pick me up from. Guess what happens? THE TRAIN IS 20 MINUTES LATE! Waheguroo! Then I thought I will get on the train to Bicester North train, and I will phone Charandeep Singh to pick me up from there instead of Oxford. I get on the train as I am trying to phone Charandeep about the change of places. Guess what happens? MY PHONE BATTERY GOES DEAD! Waheguroo! So I panic and think how will he know I am in Bicester!!! Rab Da Shukar that the train doors had not yet locked, I quickly got out and waited 20 minutes for the train to Oxford.

Eventually I get to Oxford at jus over 8.30am. I am about to pass the barrier. I show my ticket to the train guard to let me through. Guess what happens? "SORRY, YOUR TRAIN TICKET IS INVALID!" Waheguroo, Waheguroo! Apparently my ticket was off-peak ticket, and only peak time tickets were valid during the morning. The bloke looked Asian (Bengali or Gujrati) so I thought he might let me pass anway. But then another train guard comes and say I got to pay for another ticket. So he charges me £7!!

Arriving at the School, Charandeep walked me to his Sixth Form Centre. It was in a secondary school. So as I walked through the playground, it was ALL GORE. I could see people STARING at me and people were POINTING and LAUGHING. Waheguroo! Living in London, you get used to being accepted and no-one see's you as odd. However, for these people I was something new, as they had never seen a turbaned Sikh before. I felt bit weird, reminded me of school when people laughed and mocked me for having kesh. I thought "O mind, keep strong, smile back and look HAPPY!" So that’s what I did.

Entering the Sixth Form, the entire year 13 group were sitting down in their assembly. I could feel everyone looking at me. Chalo, Rab Rakha! The Archbishop of Oxford gave an introduction to the multi-faith conference day by stating the importance of multi-faith dialogue and how we are not the same, but equally we all share common values, which we can all learn and share from.

I did four presentations for four different groups. The Sixth Formers were very mature, respectful and were easy to get along and interact with. I went through the PowerPoint, shared experiences and then got them working on the discussion topics. At the end of each presentation (except the first one, because there was a minor problem with the laptop, i.e. the plug was off and no-one realised!) I showed the Desi DNA video, which came on BBC2 about non-Panjabi white Sikhs living in America. They were very impressed and there perceptions of Sikhs, whom most had very little knowledge of, became very positive.

During the break, the invited speakers were invited to the Staff Room for refreshments. The teacher asked me, "Would you like tea or coffee?" I said "tea". Then I looked around and the other people were drinking tea and coffee out of the staff mugs (which don't exactly look hygienic or nice!) So I quickly changed my mind and said, "Actually I will have a cup of water please." I was expecting to get some Paani (water) in a plastic cup! What happens? I GET WATER IN A STAFF MUG. Waheguroo! I felt sick looking at the mug. I don't know WHY I did, but I thought now the poor woman has brought the water, I better drink some. I took one gulp and THATS IT. I couldn't drink any more. The other invited speakers were from Hindu community (who had some weird views - that "true reality is the person, NOT God"... ermmm that makes sense! NOT!!), a Jewish speaker (seemed nice), a Baptist speaker (very friendly chap), a Muslim speaker (friendly down to earth gentleman) and a Humanist (basically an atheist who believes Humans should give values and morals rather than religion). I got NEGATIVE VIBES from the Humanist. Felt sorry for the poor chap because he seemed clueless about life and about things (I suppose he thought the same about me. lol.) The Hindu guy was getting a bit annoying... he kept ranting on about Hindu priests and how the new laws that priests have to speak English will effect Brahman Pandits from India and eventually the caste system will break down and blah blah blah. The Gore were thinking "caste system??" Then Oxford Mail newspaper-man came down and took photos of the different religions representatives.

JOURNEY BACK TO LONDON - Walking back through the School background, when leaving, I felt school kids STARING and some openly pointed and laughed. Again, I tried to keep smiling and portraying positive vibes. Charandeep's sister and kindly dropped me off me to the train station. Now, I got out my "OFF PEAK" train ticket, as now it was 3pm, so I could use it. The bloke was checking my ticket at the barrier, when another train inspector comes and says, "Oih mate, I saw you in the morning! I told you that your ticket was invalid. You come back again, using same ticket!" I said, "Its OFF-PEAK hours now! What's the problem." I was shocked at him saying, "Your ticket is for Chiltern trains only. Chiltern trains don't go from Oxford." I thought A TRAIN IS A TRAIN! I just wanted to get to London!!!! So they charge me AGAIN! This time £10! Waheguroo!! Expensive journey!


So that was my day travelling to Oxford and Kidlington. I went to Southall on way back to London, considering now I had paid like £17 EXTRA on top of my normal return journey ticket. Went to the Gurdwara Sahib and listened to Kirtan. Then I went back to Halls, dropped off my bags and food, which I had brought from home. On the way to halls I popped by to the weekly King's Simran to say 'Fateh' to everyone. Got back to halls at about 5.30pm. Then straightaway I left for Queen Mary University for the Sikhi Week event. So it was BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!

I had bit of headache after all the journey problems. But chalo - Rab De Rang! :)

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Pyaare!

A tribute article to my Satguru, Dhan Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji and his great Sikhs who gave shaheedi today at Chandni Chowk standing up for justice and against oppression not just for Sikhs, but for all humanity. Just think if the Guru's Sikhs are great, then how great must their Guru be.

When Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji went to sacrifice himself for the freedom of the Hindu nation, and stand up for dharam, righteousness and justice of the whole humanity, Guru Ji also had three other Sikhs who stayed with him and were martyred in front of Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji’s own eyes.

One of these great men was called Bhai Mati Daas Ji. The Qazi, the Muslim priest, asked Bhai Mati Daas Ji:“Accept Islam and you will receive all the happiness’ and comforts of the world. We will give you riches, as many wives as you wish, and make you a courtier of the Mughal royal court.”

Bhai Mati Daas Ji replied: “And if I don’t accept Islam then what will I face?”
“Then you will be faced with death! You will be sawn alive”, said the Qazi.

Bhai Mati Daas said to the Qazi: “O Qazi I have tasted all of the world’s happiness’ and comforts. My family are well off, I have a wife, children and parents. I am healthy and experienced all the world has to offer me… However I have not tasted the teeth of your beloved saw! I would rather taste the teeth of the executioner’s saw than have all the comforts of the world.”

The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered the executioners to give him a taste of the saw’s teeth. The executioners placed the saw on top of Bhai Mati Daas’ head and sawed downwards up to the length of four fingers. Blood was pouring from his head. His hair was shining bright red. His face was smothered with the colour of blood.

“You have tasted the teeth of the saw. Now tell me if you wish to accept Islam and have all the comforts and riches of the world or face death”, asked the Qazi. Bhai Mati Das Ji replied, “I would rather face death and take on the teeth of the saw than be engulfed in the pain and misery which the comforts of the world bring."

ਸਿਰ ਜਾਵੇ ਤਾ ਜਾਵੇ, ਪਰ ਮੇਰੀ ਸਿੱਖੀ ਸਿਦਕ ਨਾ ਜਾਵੇ ।
“If I have to die, so be it, but may my Sikh faith never go.”
(Sikh proverb)

The Qazi, the executioners and the rest of the crowds were shocked at Bhai Mati Daas’ decision. The executioners asked, “What is your last request?” Bhai Sahib said, “I don’t have one but two requests! Firstly may my body be facing Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji, I never wish to turn my back to my Beloved Guru. Secondly I request you to execute me slowly. I wish to recite ‘Jap Ji Sahib’. So do not saw my tongue off until I utter:

ਜਿਨੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਗਏ ਮਸਕਤਿ ਘਾਲਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇ ਮੁਖ ਉਜਲੇ ਕੇਤੀ ਛੁਟੀ ਨਾਲਿ ॥1॥
jinni naam dhiaayiaa, gaye masakhat ghaal; naanak te mukh ujley kehtee chhutee naal. 1.
"Those who have meditated on the Naam, the Name of the Lord, and departed after having worked by the sweat of their brows -O Nanak, their faces are radiant in the Court of the Lord, and many are saved along with them! .1."
(End Salokh (verse) of Japji Sahib, Ang 8, SGGS)

Gurbaani says:

ਸਲੋਕੁ ॥ ਜਹ ਸਾਧੂ ਗੋਬਿਦ ਭਜਨੁ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਨੀਤ ॥
ਣਾ ਹਉ ਣਾ ਤੂੰ ਣਹ ਛੁਟਹਿ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਨ ਜਾਈਅਹੁ ਦੂਤ ॥1॥
shalokh. jeh saadhoo gobind bhajan, keertan naanak neet.
Naa hau Naa too(n) Neh chhutehi, nikatt na jaaeeahu doot. 1.
“Salokh: Where the Holy people constantly vibrate on the Kirtan of the Praises of the Lord of the Universe, O Nanak - the Righteous Judge (Recorder of Karma) says, "Do not approach that place, O Messenger of Death, or else neither you nor I shall escape [from God]!"”
(Ang 256, SGGS)

The executioners were moved by this. “People usually ask us to hurry up the execution, so that they feel as little pain possible. We have never been requested to kill somebody slowly.”
The saw was put on Bhai Mati Daas Ji’s head, and the sound and vibration of Japji Sahib began:

“ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
Ek Ounkaar, Sat-naam, Karta Purkh, Nir-bhau, Nir-vair, Akaal Moorat, Ajooni, Sai-bhun(g), Gur-prasaad…”

Bhai Mati Daas showed no sign of distress and continued to recite Japji Sahib. Eventually his body split into two pieces.



Bhai Mati Daas never gave up Sikhi or the support of Gurbani when challenged with death. Bhai Mati Daas didn’t merely utter Gurbani but, he lived Gurbani and put Guru Ji’s Divine words into action.

Now we are not faced with the choice of choosing between torturous deaths, conversion or keeping our Sikh faith.

Have we held on tight to the support of Japji Sahib?
Have we held on to the immortal spirit of Sikhi?
Have we held on to the Guru’s gift of fearlessness and love?

Where did they get their faith, conviction and power from? The answer is Naam, Gurbaani and Rehat. So, I would like to suggest to the readers that if you have missed the starting date of the forty day Japji Sahib reading in commemoration of the young Sahibzaadey, not to worry! We are not to get ‘trapped’ by numbers etc. Perhaps start reading Japji Sahib today or tomorrow and try feeling the Divine Words revealed by Guru Nanak Ji. Don’t do it for yourself, or for your parents (so that they can be proud of you etc). Do it to remember, honour and show appreciation to those who died for our today, for those who lived and breathed Sikhi, and for those who kept the Glory of Sikhi shining forever with their sacrifices.

‘Remember those who laid their lives for our tomorrow.’

BE INSPIRED AND INSPIRE OTHERS!

May Waheguru bless you.


Shaheedaa Nu Lakh Lakh Parnaam...


Dhan Bhai Mati Daas Ji (martryed by being sawn alive)


Dhan Bhai Dayala Ji (martyred by being boiled alive)


Dhan Bhai Sati Daas Ji (martyred by being burnt alive)


Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji (martyred by being beheaded)

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Pyaare!!

Sad story about Chips

Today I went to the library. I've got an essay to hand in tomorrow. So I spent the day in the library, and didn't have time to eat lunch. When it turned 5 o'clock I thought okay, I am going to go now and have something to eat. In my mind I thought "yum, yum, it would be nice to have chips today - its been such a long time since I've had chips."

So I walked from the library to the Chip Shop near Waterloo Bridge. It takes about twenty to thirty minutes. So I thought I would walk rather than take the bus, and at same time do evening Rehraas Sahib da paath.

By the time I reached near Waterloo station I finished Rehraas Sahib da paath and had done Ardaas. I was looking forward to eat some warm chips in the cold weather. This chip shop is the only one I eat chips from because they cover their heads and it looks clean and hygienic. Plus they cook chips separate to the fish.

I felt an inner conversation with myself. "O mind! Don't have chips today, go home and cook something." Just as I thought this the bus arrived. Now the bus at waterloo campus is always late!! and takes about 30 mins to arrive. So I thought "ermm... shall I take the bus or shall I have chips." I had a choice. I chose "chips"!

Then I got outside the chip shop and thought I better see if I have the money to actually buy the chips. I don't want to go inside and then feel embarrassed if I don't have the right amount of money. So I opened my wallet outside the chip shop, and looked. OH NO! I couldn't see a pound. I thought "O Mind! Don't eat chips, go home and cook something. Don't eat chips." Did I listen? No! I count my five pennies and ten pennies and AT LAST I made a pound. So I went inside.

I waited to order. "I will have a bag of chips please." "Sorry, You will have to wait a few minutes." The man had handled money and stuff and then he went to the freezer to get some chips without washing his hands. I thought errr... come on BASIC HYGIENE. I could hear an inner conversation "I told you! You can still turn around and leave." I thought no, no.... erm as I have ordered; I will pay for it and then it give it to some tramps to eat (note: but usually you never find a tramp when you have something to give them!).

Then I felt a sickening tobacco smell. Where is it coming from? It was one of the workers on a break and talking to the man who was getting the chips from the kitchen. I felt sick. I had enough. Guru Ji had given me like four chances to turn around and go home. So I told the man "Sorry, its taking to long, I got to go."
So I left with no chips

(I don’t know whether there is a morale for the story or not - if there is please let me know. lol. thanks)

'Sikh & You Will Find'

Yesterday, Friday 19th November, there was a talk & discussion held at City University, titled 'Sikh & You Will Find', as part of London Sikhi Week.

Bhenji Navleen Kaur Ji led a fantastic talk about relationships. Bhenji identified the different types of relationships we have i.e. sister, brother, mother, father, husband, social, life partner etc. In particular the talk focused on the Jeevan Saathi (life partner) and how marriage and married life can help one's relationship with Divine, Waheguru.

It was interesting that throughout the talk there was silence and everyone was so attentive. It was obviously a topic, which affects young people and is very relevant for the age group. Bhenji went through the meanings of the four Laava(n) (vows) of the Anand Kaaraj (Sikh marriage ceremony). It was amazing at how Guru Sahib gives practical guidance in the Laava(n) and through following the guidance one can have a successful marriage between husband and wife, and also both can help one another to become one with Waheguru.

Students asked questions and discussions took place. The concept of divorce, perspective on mix religion marriages, how Anand Kaaraj's are merely show nowadays, and the importance of Amrit (Khande Di Pahul) were discussed. It was a really interesting, and nice to hear everyone's vichaar (thoughts). I am sure everyone learnt something from someone, and were all inspired with the Guru's wisdom.

Some photos:



Ice-braker activity. We had to talk to the person sitting infront of us, and behind us and find out 3 things about them. The exercise was to demonstrate how it can be difficult to form social relationships with people, and how one has to take a risk in forming a relationship. However, by doing so you meet someone really interesting who may become your best friend.


Bhenji Navleen Kaur talking about 'Jeevan Saathi'.



Students listening to the talk.


Bhenji Navleen Kaur engaging with the audience.


Samosay being served! Notice the plates - they were really thin and literally the chutney poured off the plate :( (Waheguroo)... Bhenji Kamaldeep Kaur is getting chutney poured into a cup. I don't whether she planned to drink that or dip her Samosa in the cup? Rab Jaane!


Photo of me going up to negotiate with Bhaji how many Samosay I am allowed to have. lol.


Veer Ji's from City Uni, enjoying the Samosay and taking advantage of the photo oppurtunity.


Easy Bhenji on the Samosay! I know they were swaad (tastey) but isn't two plates a bit overboard?


I'm trying to eat the Samosa without the Chutney spelling on my Kurta. (Waheguroo - Life can be challenging. lol).


Everyone relaxing, mingling and chilling out after the talk.

'The Eternal Truth'

On Thursday 18th November, there was a seminar held at London Metropolitant University, titled 'The Eternal Truth', as part of London Sikhi Week.

Dr. Dipinder Singh Ji from East London presented an interested presentation and talk on Guru Nanak Dev Ji as a person (i.e. 'Nanak') and the 'Guru' aspect of Guru Sahib. Bhai Sahib talked about how from an early age Guru Nanak Dev Ji showed wonder and amazement by being so devoted to Waheguru and yearning to become one with the Beloved. Day and night Guru Sahib would sing and be in bairaag (a state of longing) for the One Lord. Society thought Guru Ji was mad and crazy because they couldn't 'understand'.

If we can't understand someone we call them 'crazy' and 'mad'. But why? There are two types of people whom society sometimes percieves as mad or cannot 'understand' - firstly, the Gurmukhs, and secondly the mentally insane person. For the "normal" person, the Gurmukh is above his or her understanding, and, therefore, the Gurmukh is criticised by the Manmukh. On the other hand, the mentally insane person is talks under the normal person's understanding. And so they don't make any sense and are put into medical care.

In 1499 Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his companion Baba Mardana Ji did their regular routine of getting up at Amrit-vela and going to the River Bein to do ishnaan (bathe) and then focus themselves on Naam Simran. However, one day Guru Nanak Dev Ji went into the river, and never came out. People thought Guru Nanak Dev Ji had died. However, on the third day Guru Ji emerged out of the water with a gift for the world, given by the Almighty. Guru Sahib had received a Divine Revelation and given the Mool Mantr. And as a special gift to his disciples and devotees he gave them the Gur-Mantr (the Guru's Mantr), which one recieves when taking Amrit from the Guru.

Guru Sahib describes this Divine Revelation in Maajh Ki Vaar on Ang 150 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji:

ਪਉੜੀ ॥
Pauree:

ਹਉ ਢਾਢੀ ਵੇਕਾਰੁ ਕਾਰੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਰਾਿਤ ਿਦਹੈ ਕੈ ਵਾਰ ਧੁਰਹੁ ਫੁਰਮਾਇਆ ॥
I was free of work, when Waheguru took me into His service and gave the (true) work of being ’Dhadi’ (minstrel). Right from the start, Waheguru gave me His Hukam (Order) to sing His Praises day and night.

ਢਾਢੀ ਸਚੈ ਮਹਿਲ ਖਸਿਮ ਬੁਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਚੀ ਸਿਫਿਤ ਸਾਲਾਹ ਕਪੜਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Waheguru, my Lord and Master summoned me, His Dhadi (minstrel) (meaning, when he joined to Praise His Praises), to the True Mansion of His Presence. (Waheguru) The image of True Praise and Glory, gave me the Siropaao (Siropa), robe of honour.

ਸਚਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਆਇਆ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਖਾਧਾ ਰਿਜ ਿਤਿਨ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
The Amrit Naam, the True Name, which gives eternal giver of spiritual life, (given by Him) has become my food (for my soul‘s support). Those who follow the Guru's Teachings, who eat this food (of ‘Amrit Naam’) with satisfaction, obtain peace.

ਢਾਢੀ ਕਰੇ ਪਸਾਉ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਜਾਇਆ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਲਾਿਹ ਪੂਰਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥27॥ ਸੁਧੁ ॥
His Dhadi, minstrel, (Guru Nanak Dev Ji), spreads His Glory, singing and vibrating the Word of His Shabad (meaning, enjoying the ecstasy of Naam) O Nanak! Praising the True Lord, one obtains the Perfect Lord. 27. Shudh.

Bhai Sahib talked about Guru Nanak Dev Ji coming into this world with a universal message. The talk led into a discussion on the meaning of the first passage in Guru Granth Sahib Ji, called the ‘Mool Mantr', and how can one improve one's life and the world by understanding and putting into practice this simple universal message.

Some Photos:


Poor Raghbir Singh Bhaji! - I was testing out the flash of my camera. I think the flash was a bit too much and Bhaji felt slightly blinded by the double flash mode on my camera. (Waheguru)


A photo Bhaji Prabhdev Singh and Singhs from Lond Met uni, beofe the talk started.


Dr. Dipinder Singh Ji - guest speaker.


It was nice to see non-Sikhs also come to the seminar. However, I admit (with my hands up! lol) this is kind of a bad photo. O well!


This photo was not taken by me! Focus is kind of poor. Shame shame to the camerman. lol. The room was a bit dark!


Yum, yum! I was starving during the talk. The Bhaji sitting next to me, his tummy was rumbling. Poor person! I couldn't wait for the food (no offense to Bhai Sahib who gave the talk). Bhenji Hardeep Kaur made some nice pasta for us all and Rav Singh's mum made some nice Pakore. So if you missed out - your loss! :)

A Short Glimpse at the Life of Guru Nanak Ji

A special a article I have written in tribute to my SatGuru, marking Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Prakash Utsav (Birth date anniversary) gurpurb:

Social Revolution: Rejection of the 'Janeoo'
At the age of nine, when Pandit Hardyal asked the Guru Nanak Ji to put on Janeoo (’sacred‘ thread), he refused to have the thread that discriminated amongst humanity and represented the caste system. The Janeoo, which was made of the silk for a Brahman (Hindu priests), of cotton for a Khatri (Hindu warrior), of wool for a Vanish (Hindu skilled worker), and which was strictly forbidden for Shudr (so called ‘untouchables‘ or lower castes). And, again which is twisted with three folds for a Brahman, two folds for a Khatri and only one fold for a Vaish. He asked the Pandit if he had the thread made of compassion the cotton, contentment the yarn, continence the knot and purity the twist, he was ready to wear it. The Pandit was dumb-founded. Guru Ji says on Ang 471 in Sri Granth Sahib Ji in Aasa Raag:

ਦਇਆ ਕਪਾਹ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸੂਤੁ ਜਤੁ ਗੰਢੀ ਸਤੁ ਵਟੁ ॥

Make compassion the cotton, contentment the thread, modesty the knot and truth the twist.

ਏਹੁ ਜਨੇਊ ਜੀਅ ਕਾ ਹਈ ਤ ਪਾਡੇ ਘਤੁ ॥
This is the sacred thread of the soul; if you have it, then go ahead and put it on me.

ਨਾ ਏਹੁ ਤੁਟੈ ਨਾ ਮਲੁ ਲਗੈ ਨਾ ਏਹੁ ਜਲੈ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
It does not break, it cannot be soiled by filth, it cannot be burnt, or lost.

ਧੰਨੁ ਸੁ ਮਾਣਸ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜੋ ਗਲ ਚਲੇ ਪਾਇ ॥
Blessed are those mortal beings, O Nanak, who wear such a thread around their necks.

Guru Nanak Sahib Ji rejected the Brahman’s Janeoo (sacred thread). This was no normal act. Guru Ji overthrew the caste system by defying the Janeoo which was an embodiment and represented the ideology of the caste system and social division. Guru Sahib showed us that we must ‘what is the purpose’ of things. Blind practices and blind faith should be addressed. If we do not understand the purpose and meaning of something, then how will appreciate it?


Divine Revelation - SachKhand Darshan
In 1499, Guru Nanak Sahib Sahib Ji, at the age of 30, had a divine revelation, which is recorded in Maajh Ki Vaar on Ang 150 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji:

ਪਉੜੀ
Pauree:

ਹਉ ਢਾਢੀ ਵੇਕਾਰੁ ਕਾਰੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਰਾਤਿ ਦਿਹੈ ਕੈ ਵਾਰ ਧੁਰਹੁ ਫੁਰਮਾਇਆ ॥
I was free of work, when Waheguru took me into His service and gave the (true) work of being ’Dhadi’ (minstrel). Right from the start, Waheguru gave me His Hukam (Order) to sing His Praises day and night.

ਢਾਢੀ ਸਚੈ ਮਹਿਲ ਖਸਿਮ ਬੁਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਚੀ ਸਿਫਿਤ ਸਾਲਾਹ ਕਪੜਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Waheguru, my Lord and Master summoned me, His Dhadi (minstrel) (meaning, when he joined to Praise His Praises), to the True Mansion of His Presence. (Waheguru) The image of True Praise and Glory, gave me the Siropaao (Siropa), robe of honour.

ਸਚਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਆਇਆ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਖਾਧਾ ਰਜਿ ਤਿਨਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
The Amrit Naam, the True Name, which gives eternal giver of spiritual life, (given by Him) has become my food (for my soul‘s support). Those who follow the Guru's Teachings, who eat this food (of ‘Amrit Naam’) with satisfaction, obtain peace.

ਢਾਢੀ ਕਰੇ ਪਸਾਉ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਜਾਇਆ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ਪੂਰਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥27॥ ਸੁਧੁ ॥
His Dhadi, minstrel, (Guru Nanak Dev Ji), spreads His Glory, singing and vibrating the Word of His Shabad (meaning, enjoying the ecstasy of Naam) O Nanak! Praising the True Lord, one obtains the Perfect Lord. 27.Sudh.

First meeting with Bhai Lehna

The first meeting with Bhai Lehna Ji (who later becomes the Second Nanak, and renamed [Guru] ‘Angad’ Ji) is truly remarkable. Bhai Lehna Ji was a rich man, and he sought Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s darshan, blessed vision. He travelled to Kartarpur Sahib on horse, and saw a man who he thought he would approach and ask where Guru Ji’s House was. He stopped. Talking while sitting on the horse, Bhai Lehna Ji asked, “Excuse me, do you know where the House of Guru Nanak is?” “Yes,” replied the man. He held the rope of the horse and guided Bhai Lehna Ji on his horse to the house. “Here you go, this is Guru Nanak’s House.”
Bhai Lehna Ji then asked, “Do you know where I can find Guru Nanak?” To this the man replied, “I am [Guru] Nanak.” Hearing this Bhai Lehna Ji jumped off his horse and fell at Guru Nanak Ji’s feet.

How humbling to hear this Saakhi (account). So what do we learn from this incident. Firstly, that dialogue with the Guru is nothing physical or not to do with how your perceive things. Secondly, even when you think you are the biggest person, be careful how you operate.


Udaasis - Long Journeys
Guru Arjan Dev Ji says on Ang 615 in Guru Granth Sahib Ji, in Sorath Raag:

ਗੋਸਟਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੁਣਿ ਉਧਰੇ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
ਭਇਓ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਅਪੁਨਾ ਅਨਦ ਸੇਤੀ ਘਰਿ ਆਇਆ ॥4॥13॥24॥

"They are saved, who receive the Blessed Vision of His Darshan; they listen to the spiritual dialogue of the Naam. Nanak's God has become Merciful to him; he has arrived home in ecstasy. 4.13.24."

Let us reflect upon Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Udasis (journeys). Guru Sahib didn’t lecture people, unlike we do. Guru Ji had ‘dialogue’ with common people. Relating to their level he communicated and won people’s hearts with the sweet words of Wisdom. Guru Ji lectured only religious intellectuals such as the Pandits and Qazis, who were hypocritical and abusing the power of religious authority on the simple common folk. Dr. Iqbal, writing about Guru Nanak Ji says that Guru Ji “effectively communicated with common people.” Yes, our Guru was an effective communicator. He listened to people, unlike us today. Guru Sahib was innovative and energetic in the way he inspired and showed people the True Path. For example, at the Ganga (River Ganges), Guru Sahib witnessed the Hindu Brahmans throwing water towards the sun, believing that it would quench the thirst of their dead ancestors. Guru Ji could have laughed at them or shouted at them and said “stop, this is wrong!” However, blessed is my Guru who uses marvellous ways to teach our minds to wake up. Instead Guru Nanak Ji started throwing water in the opposite direction. When the Brahman saw this, they asked, “Why are throwing water in the opposite direction.” Guru Ji replied, “If your water can reach the Sun, which is billions of miles way, then can’t my water reach my fields in Kartarpur Sahib which is not as far?” The Brahmans ‘realised’ their ignorance and blind faith and bowed down Guru Nanak Ji and the Infinite Wisdom he shared with the world.

In Guru Nanak Ji on Ang 465 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in Raag Aasa says:

ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਲਘਾਏ ਪਾਰਿ ॥

"Sikhi is learning by contemplating on the Shabd Guru, granting His Grace, He carries His servants across."

City of Katarpur Sahib
Guru Nanak Ji founded Kartarpur Sahib. Sadly, nowadays, we can’t successfully make a family forget an organisation. However, Guru Ji created cities! How amazing. See the vision of the Guru. The Guru planned big and thought big, not small. The vision of Sikh sovereignty did not originate from Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The seeds of Sikh Sovereignty were planted by Guru Nanak Ji. Guru Ji demonstrated this by finding and constructing cities. This is not an easy task. Prophets of other religions did not do this type of work, what Guru Nanak Ji did. This tradition and vision of Sikh Sovereignty was carried on by other Guru Sahibaans, who continued to find and build various cities.


Fellow Companion - Baba Mardana Ji

ਇਕ ਬਾਬਾ ਅਕਾਲ ਰੂਪ ਦੂਜਾ ਰਬਾਬੀ ਮਰਦਾਨਾ ॥

“There was one Baba [Guru Nanak Dev Ji], who himself was the image of the Timeless (Waheguru), and secondly, he had his companion Bhai Mardana, the Rabaabi, rebeck player.”
(Vaar 1, Pauree 35, Bhai Gurdaas Ji)

Lastly, I wish to touch upon Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s companionship with Baba Mardana Ji. When going on a long expedition in different foreign langs, think who would you take to accompany you? Translators, scholars, linguists etc? Guru Nanak Ji did not choose a linguist, scholar etc, instead he choose a musician. Not any musician, but a musician of social background, which society considered the lowest class. Guru Nanak Ji says in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on Ang 15 in Siree Raag:

ਨੀਚਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਨੀਚ ਜਾਤਿ ਨੀਚੀ ਹੂ ਅਤਿ ਨੀਚੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਤਿਨ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਾਥਿ ਵਡਿਆ ਸਿਉ ਕਿਆ ਰੀਸ ॥ ਜਿਥੈ ਨੀਚ ਸਮਾਲੀਅਨਿ ਤਿਥੈ ਨਦਰਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਖਸੀਸ ॥4॥3॥

“(O Waheguru! I I beg this from You, that Your) Nanak attains the company of those people of who consider themselves the lowest of the low class, the very lowest of the low. I have no urge to walk on the path of ‘Maya-dhari’, those caught up in the illusion of the world, (because I know) the Blessings of Your Glance of Grace rain down where the lowly are cared for. 43”

How wonderful is this. Guru Nanak Ji overthrew all social barriers, not merely with Gurbani, but by through actual real life. Hence, Gurbaani is not a philosophy but a reality.


Summary
Bhai Nand Lal [Singh] Ji, a contemporary and court-poet of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, wrote a poem about all the Ten Guru Sahibaans. He described each Guru with one word, which summarised their nature and character. All the Guru’s shared each of the ten personalities nature and virtue, however each one demonstrated and highlighted the virtue in their life. Bhai Nand Lal [Singh] Ji summarises Guru Nanak Ji with the word ‘Humility’. This ‘gun’, virtue, was instilled within the Sikhs.

Sikhs everday say in the daily Ardaas (prayer):

ਸਿਖਾਂ ਦਾ ਮਨ ਨੀਵਾਂ, ਮਤ ਉਚੀ, ਮਤ ਦਾ ਰਾਖਾ ਆਪਿ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ॥

“May the minds of all Sikhs remain humble and their wisdom be profound, You are the protector of wisdom O Waheguru.”

Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji!

Many happy returns to everyone on the Prakash Utsav of Guru Nanak Ji.

ਖਤ੍ਰੀ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣ ਸੂਦ ਵੈਸ ਸਭ ਏਕੈ ਨਾਮਿ ਤਰਾਨਥ ॥

ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਕਹਤੁ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਸੁਨੈ ਸੋ ਪਾਰਿ ਪਰਾਨਥ ॥4॥1॥10॥

The Khatri, Brahmans, Shoodr and Vanish (i.e. everyone from society) all cross over, through ‘Naam’, the Name of the One Lord. Guru Nanak speaks the Teachings; whoever listens to them is carried across. 4.1.10.
(Ang 1001, Raag Maaroo, Sri Granth Sahib Ji)

Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji

Yesterday was Baba Deep Singh Ji's Shaheedi Diwas. In honour of Baba Deep Singh Ji's Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) and also the other Singhs who became Shaheed (martyrs) while fighting alongside Baba Deep Singh Ji in protecting the sanctity of Sri Harmandar Sahib, I have written an article on Baba Ji's Jeewan (life):

A GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF SHAHEED BABA DEEP SINGH JEE

Childhood and meeting Guru Sahib
Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji was born on January 20, 1682, in the village of Pahuwind, district Amritsar. His father's name was Bhai Bhagtu Ji. At the age of twelve, Baba Deep Singh Ji went with his parents to Anandpur Sahib to meet Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh guru. They stayed at Anandpur Sahib for several days, doing sewa (service) with the Sangat. When his parents were ready to return to their village, Guru Gobind Singh Ji asked Baba Deep Singh Ji to stay with him. He humbly accepted Guru Ji's command and began serving him.


Training & knowledge
From Bhai Mani Singh Ji Baba Ji began learning reading and writing Gurmukhi and santhiyaa (exegesis) of Gurbaani. As well as gurmukhi he learnt several other languages. Guru Gobind Singh Ji also taught him horseback riding, hunting and Shastar-vidiyaa (weaponry). At the age of eighteen, on the Vaisakhi of 1700, he received the blessing of Khande-di-pahul, amrit, from the Guru-roop Panj Piaare. As an Amritdhari Sikh, Baba Deep Singh Ji took an oath to serve in Akaal Purakh's Fauj (the Almighty’s army), and that following the way of the Khalsa one is to always help the weak and needy, and to fight for truth and justice. Baba Deep Singh Ji soon became one of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's most beloved Sikhs.


Return back home
Baba Deep Singh Ji stayed in Guru Gobind Singh Ji's service for about eight years. At Guru Ji's request, he returned to his village to help his parents and he got married. Guru Gobind Singh Ji met Baba Deep Singh Ji at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo in 1705. Here, he learned that two of the Guru' sons, Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, had become Shaheed (martyred) in the battle of Chamkaur Sahib. Guru Ji also told him that his two younger sons, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, were cold-heartedly bricked alive and attained Shaheedi (martyrdom) at Sirhind under the orders of the governor Wazir Khan.

Sent Message to meet Guru Sahib at Damdama Sahib

In 1706, Guru Gobind Singh Ji placed Baba Deep Singh Ji in charge at Damdama Sahib, while Bhai Mani Singh Ji was made Head Granthi of Sri Harmander Sahib in Amritsar. After Guru Sahib left for Delhi, he took up the duty of preparing copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and carried on the sewa blessed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji of managing this Sikh Centre. ‘Taksal’ means a minting factory. Sri Damdama Sahib, had become a factory where Sikhs would come to mint and prepare their shastars (weapons), as well as mint their minds and enshrine Gurbaani within their hearts through learning the correct pronunciation and grammar of reading Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. As a result this centre of education and weaponry was known as “Damdami Taksal”. Baba Deep Singh Ji spent many years at Sri Damdama Sahib preaching Sikh values and teachings and doing sewa of the Sangat. He was always ready to serve those in need and to fight for justice.

The Khalsa delivers justice to the Tyrants
In 1709, Baba Ji joined Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadar in punishing the tyrants of Sadhaura and Sirhind. In 1733 Nawab Kapoor Singh Ji, the commander of the Khalsa forces, appointed Baba Ji as the leader of one of the jathas (groups) of Dal Khalsa (a united and collective body of groups of Khalsa divided and dispersed across Panjab). On Vaisakhi day of 1748, when Dal Khalsa was reorganised into twelve misls, he was entrusted with the leadership of Shaheedaa(n) di Misl.


News of sacrilege at Amritsar
In April 1757, Ahmed Shah Abdali, after his fourth invasion, was returning to Kabul from Delhi with precious booty and young men and women as captives. Singhs made a plan to retrieve the valuables and set the prisoners free. The jatha (squad) of Baba Deep Singh Ji was deployed near Kurkhetar (also called Kurukshetra). His squad freed large number of prisoners and lightened the burden of valuables of Abdali considerably. While departing from Lahore, Abdali appointed his son Taimur Shah, the Governor of Lahore and told him, "Try to finish the Sikhs". In Accordance with his orders, Taimur Shah started demolishing Gurdwaré and filling the sarovars (pool tanks) with debris and alcohol. When Baba Deep Singh Ji came to know of this beadbi (violation of sanctity) and demolition of Sri Harmandar Sahib, he narrated it to the Sangat (congregation) of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, and said, "Diwali will be celebrated at Amritsar this year." Five hundred Singhs came forward to go with him. Baba Deep Singh Ji offered an Ardaas (pray) before starting for Amritsar, "May my head fall at Sri Harmandar Sahib."

Baba jee leaves for Amritsar
Although Baba Deep Singh Ji was seventy-five years old, he still had the strength of a young warrior. He gathered a large group of Sikhs and advanced towards Sir Harmandar Sahib. By the time they reached the Taran Taaran, about ten miles from Amritsar, the number of Singhs had risen to about five thousand. At this time, Baba Ji drew a line on the ground with his Khanda (double-edged sword), and asked only those who were willing to fight and die to cross the line. Those willing to die for the Guru and give up their attachment for their homes and families crossed the line eagerly. Baba Deep Singh Ji then recited the shabad:

ਜਉ ਤਉ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਖੇਲਣ ਕਾ ਚਾਉ ॥ ਸਿਰੁ ਧਰਿ ਤਲੀ ਗਲੀ ਮੇਰੀ ਆਉ ॥
ਇਤੁ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਪੈਰੁ ਧਰੀਜੈ ॥ ਸਿਰੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਕਾਣਿ ਨ ਕੀਜੈ ॥20॥

“Those who wish to play the game of love (follow the Guru‘s path), come to me with your head in your palm. If you wish your feet to travel this path, don't delay in accepting to give your head. 20”
(Ang 1412, SGGS)

Clash with the Mughals
At the news of the approach of Singhs, the Governor of Lahore sent one of his generals with an army of twenty thousand to face them. His army took up position six miles north of Amritsar and waited for the Singhs there. Both the armies clashed near Gohalwarh on the 11th November, 1757. Fighting bravely, the Singhs pushed the army back and reached village Chabba where Attal Khan came forward and fierce battle ensued during which Attal Khan inflicted a blow on Baba Deep Singh Ji severing his head from his body. Baba Deep Singh, more than seventy-five years of age at that time, started to lose his footing under the impact of the blow, when a Sikh reminded him, "Baba ji, you had resolved (Ardaasa soddhyaa see) to reach the Parkarma of Sri Darbar Sahib." On hearing this, an inhuman energy suddenly took over, and Baba ji placed his head on the palm of one hand and with the other hand moved his 14kg Khanda (double-edged sword) with such ferocity and strength that enemy soldiers started running away in panic. Thus, Baba Deep Singh made his way to the Parkarma of Sri Harmandar Sahib where, due to the severe injury, attained martyrdom.

Baba jee lays to rest at Harmandir Sahib
The Singhs celebrated the Diwali of 1757 in Sri Harmandar Sahib. The place where his head had fallen is marked by a stone and the Sikhs go past this place on their way to pay obeisance in Sri Darbar Sahib. It reminds them that the way to Sri Darbar Sahib is paved with the sacrifices of people like Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji.


Summary
Baba Deep Singh Ji's shaheedi incited the Sikhs to continue to fight against oppression for many years. Even today, his life serves as an example for all Sikhs on how to live and die with dignity, and never stand or tolerate the beadbi (violation of sanctity) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji or the Guru Ghar (Gurdwara). This is a message, which we can all learn from and aspire to follow, and ensure that Gurdwaré and individuals upkeep the respect and dignity of Gurmat and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, something which has been highlighted by Panthic Weekly in recent months with the reports of various Gurdwaré using Gurdwara property to allow parties, which cater for alcohol, and Granthi Singhs taking Guru Ji’s Saroops to Hotel, Clubs and Banqueting Halls.

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Piaare.
Dhan Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji.

ਧੰਨ ਉਹ ਧਰਤੀ ਧੰਨ ਉਹ ਬਾਪੂ, ਧੰਨ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਮਾਈ ।

ਢੰਗ ਜਿਉਣ ਦਾ ਜਿਸਦਾ ਪੁੱਤਰ, ਦੱਸ ਗਿਆ ਸਦੀਆ ਸਾਈਂ ।

“Blessed is that land, blessed is that father, blessed is the great mother. Who’s son has shown the way to live, for centuries to come.”

Photos of My Brother

Here's some photos of my brother, Benjit. He's twenty five years old and at the moment is Second Lieutenant Officer in the British Army. He's on duty abroad. Guru Rakha!


Posing outside the main Sandhurst building


My brother told me that marching is quite hard, because you have to keep your back straight and its very tiring on the body.


Photo of my brother with his platoon whom he trained with


Training expedition in Lake District


Morning exercise - running and carrying a large heavy pole. (Doesn't look like fun!)


During the training period, the army holds days for the family's of cadet's to visit. The cadet's do a special parade march and afterwards there is a Barbeque for the families. Here's some photos from our family visit to Sandhurst to see my brother:


I'm standing with my brother and mum outside the main Sandhurst building.


This is a window painting found in the main Sandhurst building chapel hall. In the corridor there is a gallery of pictures of Sikhs and Indians who fought for the British. Most of the pictures of Sikh Sardars :)


My dad and brother looking towards the lake.


This is a picture of my brother's cupboard in his room at Sandhurst. Every single thing has to put in certain place and kept in order. If not then you get disciplined (Waheguru!).



Commissiong day - April 2005




Photos of Commissioning Parade and ceremony



My brother now is deployed in Poland. He is away from home for 6 months. Rab Rakha. May Guru Ji bless him with Gursikhi Jeevan and keep him in chardikala.

Ban Smoking in Public Places!!!

WAHEGUROO!! ... Yesterday I was invited to Westminster Uni to do a talk and bit of Kirtan in their Sikh Society simran programme, which is going to be a weekly thing.

Firstly, I got the WRONG CAMPUS. I was sitting on jubilee line from London Bridge to Baker Street and I thought to myself, "Wow. I have arrived bit early. That's good. Usually people turn up late when doing talks and stuff, but today I am bit earlier." Bhenji and Bhaji from Sikh Society didn't want me to come late, so I was chuffed (happy) with myself that I was 5 minutes earlier (rather than turning up on Pindoo timing).

Coming out the station I saw loads of Panjabis and a few Singhs. I was thinking 'shall I approach them and say, "Come to Sikh society"? But then I thought to myself, 'well I don't know the room number or know exactly where to go. On top of that no-one from Westminster Sikh Society is answering their phone.' So it would be bit embarrassing if I asked people to come to Sikh Society but I didn't know which room it is happening.

I got to the main entrance and for the FIFTH time or so I tried ringing the Westminster Sikh Society people. NO ONE PICKED. O dear - was it a wasted journey? I rang another Singh and asked him to look on the Internet which room the simran programme is (I know - I should have done that before I left!). SHOCK HORROR!!!! I was standing at the WRONG CAMPUS.

”WAHEGUROO! WAHEGUROO! WAHEGUROO!” rolled off my tongue. O dear me! My pride of turning up on time (according to English time) was smashed! lol. I was meant to have gone to the Regent Street Campus, which near Oxford Circus tube station. So I hopped on the tube and got off at Oxford Circus.

WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? Coming out of the station I thought - 'hun mai kithe jaavaa(n)?' I tried ringing AGAIN, but no-one picked up their phone. I thought 'Chalo - Rab Rakha, let's see where I turn up'.

I started walking up Regent Street (hoping I was walking in the right direction). I thought I would ring bhenji from Westminster Uni again and give it a go. I got my phone out of my pocket and dialled the number. Just as waited for the phone to be answered someone walked by and was smoking. It was DISGUSTING. They were so inconsiderate and blew out their Cigarette smoke in my face. WAHEGUROO! I felt sick. I was coughing and felt like I choking on it. Bhenji answered the phone and I could barely breathe NEVER MIND TALKING! I said "Ek minute" and tried to get some air and clear my throat and air passage. I was so annoyed! Firstly, I am asthmatic and secondly, I hate tobacco and cigarette smell or smoke!

It took me a good few second to be able to breathe properly and talk to Bhenji. Then I saw a building saying 'Westminster University'. WAHEGUROO! Rab Da Shukar!! I had found the university. Bhenji was standing outside.

I didn't feel like talking! Because after the incident I felt sick, and I felt my air passage was violated by the dirty smoke, and congested or something. I felt like coughing! Sitting infront of the Vaaja I thought 'hope I can talk properly, because I felt queasy'. But with Guru's Kirpa I did a small talk and sangat joined together to sing a shabad and bhenji Tasvinder Kaur led some nice Simran.

From Westminster Uni I was going to my university library. I was doing Rehraas Sahib and walking and "PRAISE THE LORD" i coughed and my air passage and lungs or dil (chest-area) felt clear AT LAST! It was now all decongested and I felt I could breathe without being traumatized by the experience with the inconsiderate smoker.

I really hope that the government bans smoking in all public places. Firstly, it harms those who consume tobacco, and secondly, those who inhale other's smoke are at greater health risk.


To end with, I want to share what Guru Ji tells us about tobacco:

paan supaaree khaateeaa, mukh beeReeaa laaeeaa.
har har kade na chetiou, jam pakaR chalaaeeaa. 13
“Those who eat ‘paan’ (betel leaves which contain nicotine) and betel nuts and their mouths touch cigarettes, but do not contemplate the Lord, Har, Har, the Messenger of Death will sieze them and take them away (and made to enter the cycle of reincarnation). 13”
(Ang 726, SGGS)

suN gursikh kee rehit ko, taje tamaakoo sang.
marNee marai tau at bhalaa, jagat joot nehee ang.
"Listen to the Rehit (discipline) of the Gursikh who relinquishes the accompaniment of tobacco, avoding bodily contact with tobacco as he/she knows that he/she is better off dead than having to touch tobacco."
(Rehitnaama Bhai Nand Lal [Singh] Ji)

Trip to Southall Nagar Kirtan

Yesterday, their was a Nagar Kirtan in Southall to celebrate the Parkash Ustav of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Nagar Kirtan took place between 12pm – 3.30pm, starting from Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Havelock Road and ended at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Park Avenue. It went through King Street, South Road, then High Street, Uxbridge Rd., Green Drive, following onto Park Avenue.

The weather was wet and cold, but it was great to see so many people out on the day and joining in the celebrations. Young and old were all present. Due to weather not as many people turned up on the streets and joined the Nagar Kirtan as in previous Nagar Kirtans. However, still there was a good amount of Sangat present.

The highlight for me in the Nagar Kirtan was the Afghani Kabuli Sikh Sangat. They are inspiration. Firstly, there attitude and devotion to Sewa is humbling to see. From the sewa of looking-after the Sangat's shoes, to sweeping the streets and picking up rubbish. It was amazing to see this enthusiasm. Furthermore, I loved the way they sang Shabds in the Nagar Kirtan. It was in true spirit of the meaning of "Nagar Kirtan" (moving Kirtan procession through a village/city/town).
Here are some photos from the day:

Young Sewadaars helped to clear rubbish and sweep the streets


Youngsters doing sewa



Nagar Kirtan procession being led by Panj Singhs


Youngsters who recently took Amrit participate in sewa of Panj. I thought it would have been nice to give them same shoes or something, and also a rain jacket (perhaps see-through or orange colour). I felt sorry for the Singhs afterwards when I saw them at Havelock Rd. Gurdwara. They were freezing, drenched, and looked pale :(


Sangat singing along to Shabad Kirtan despite the poor weather conditions


The Nagar Kirtan stopped for a short while at Park Avenue Gurdwara



Even though it was raining, young and old came out to celebrate Guru Nanak Ji's Prakash Utsav


The Kabuli Sikh Sangat of Southall celebrated with great enthusiam and energy through singing Shabads


Students from Ramgarhia Gurdwara Sunday School sang Shabads and did Simran while walking. Saw a lot of friends there who attend the Sunday School and help out with Sewa. Throughout the whole Nagar Kirta families, businesses and homes offered Langar Pani (food and refreshments) to the Sangat


The Southall Afghani Sikh community demonstrated immense pyaar (love) and shardaa (devotion), and created an energetic and joyous atmosphere through their singing of Shabads


Young Afghani Sikhs singing shabads under a plastic sheet, covering them from the rain


Young children siting on floats (they look a bit serious!)


Sangat approaching Park Avenue Gurdwara for Samaapti


Near the end of the Nagar Kirtan - this pretty much sums up the day... cold and wet


Ardaas for the conclusion of the Nagar Kirtan


Guru Granth Sahib Ji being carried back inside the Gurdwara Sahib with great awe and reverence.

AM I ALONE - Inspiring Poem

I came across this poem on RSingh's blogspot:

AM I ALONE?
AM I ALONE?

Am I alone
Or is there someone else
Who feels my pain
At the state of the Panth.

We’ve forgotten the message
The message of Guru Nanak
“The path to Divinity
Needs no intermediary.”

We’ve become lazy
Want to be spoon-fed
It’s way to difficult
To understand the path of Guru Nanak.

These sants and babas
Have readily filled this need
Pseudo-claimants, Bedis and Sodhis
Have even claimed Guru-ships.

Heads bow to them
They are held in awe
For we lazy Gur-Sikhs
Believe they have the powers.

We’ve elevated them
To a state above their worth
By paying them special homage
Inflating their inflated egos.

Special utensils are brought
As they partake in “Guru ka Langar”
They sit in designated areas
Separated from the sangat.

I witness these shows
And don’t know what to say
My head hangs in shame
My eyes fill with tears.

I feel a sadness
As I hear the sangat share their stories
Of how these babas and sants
Can guarantee the birth of a son.

These sants and babas
In their white cholaas
Wearing Rado watches
Are the Sikh ‘Pundits’ of today.

“Ardaas” on wheels
Is the new wave
It is the easiest way
To fleece the sangat o f today.

Wake up my fellow Sikhs
And see them for who they are
Just a bunch of clever orators
Claiming spiritual authority.

Take away their power
Do not cater to their egos
The path to Divinity
Lies in the Guru Granth.

I write this with love
As sewa to the Guru Panth
Wake up my fellow Sikhs
Bow only to the Guru Granth.

Inni Kaur, 2003

Some Family Photos

I thought I would share some of my family photos.


This photo is of my Grandparents in the middle. My elder bhua ji on the left hand side, younger bhua ji on the right hand side and my dad in the middle. The photo was taken in Delhi in 1965.


Photo of my mum and dad. My mum and dad have been supportive of me following the Guru's Path. My dad from a young age got me involved in doing small sewa in the Gurdwara, from giving out Parshaad or tissues, and distributing Langar. He is also taught me Sa-Re-Ga-Ma on the Vaaja and taught me Shabd Kirtan at a young age. On Gurpurbs my dad would get me to read out a Saakhi, sing a Shabd, or read out a Pauree from Japji, which dad had taught me with its meaning in English. It was a great way to build up my confidence in public as well take an interest in Gurmat.

My mum has always been supportive of me, and also spurred me to walk in the walk direction and giving me the confidence and encouragement, when I needed it. I remember my Mum would always having faith in Waheguru. When scared, when in a problem etc my mum would say, "Say 'Satnaam Waheguru'" and "Remember Rab, and Baba Ji will lookafter you".

I thankful to them for their love and support. May Guru Ji bless them with Gursikhi Jeevan and keep them in Chardikala.


My mum is a very sociable and down to earth person. She's been a town councillor for about thirteen years. She became a councillor after a family friend from Leamington Spa suggested that my mum should become a councillor. At the time there were no other Sikh, Asian or non-white councillors in our town or area. She really enjoys talking to people and helping people with their problems to the best of her abilities. In June 2004 she was chosen to be the Town Lord Mayor of Banbury. She was the first non-white in Oxfordshire, and first Sikh lady to be Mayor in the UK. It was a proud moment. My mum kept busy while being mayor. Hardly ever at home! lol. But it was nice that she enjoyed it.


This photo was taken at Houses of Parliament at Vaisakhi celebrations. I am standing with my mum and dad, and the MP for Panjabis in Britain, John McDonnell. That day my dastaar was really tight. Too tight! My forehead was acheing, so I pushed my Dastaar up. Hence in the photo my Keski is looking lop-sided! :(



In the summer holidays my mum's bhua ji came over from Canada. She is such a nice lady. Doesn't do any nindiaa of anyone, reads Gurbani and loves to listen to Keertan. She is like an angel! Really nice person. My dad took a photo of Nanni Ji wearing my mum's Mayoral chain. It looks so funny, because poor Nanny Ji looks like she is a prisoner of war or something wearing that big chain. lol.



This is a photo of Remembrance Sunday, commemorating those who died in the World Wars. My mum thought why don't we remember the Sikh soldiers who died in the war. Ever since, every year my family and few other Sikhs (there's only a very small Sikh community) gather and participate in the Remembrance Sunday march. We get some young Sikh children to lay a reef. The Vicar and organisers are so friendly and pleasant that they ask the Sikhs to do an Ardaas as well. So every year I do a small public Ardaas to remember and honour the shaheeds and for world peace, alongside a Muslim and Christian.

My fuffar Ji is standing next to me. He is a Gurmukh person and has keen interest on Gurmat. Always good to do vichaar with him and share saakhis, gurbaani knowledge and any interesting gurmat issues. He is very supportative of me being an Amritdhari and leading a Sikh way of life, like the rest of my family.


This is a photo of the Remembrance Sunday Ceremony in the Park. Two young Singhs and I walked to the Memorial place and laid a Reef, and the little Singh shouted a Jaikaara. The public was suprised but intrigued. When I explained to people what the Jaikaara is they were amazed and they held a lot of respect for the Sikh soldiers.



My brother, who is five years older than me, graduated with a degree in Computer Science from UCL. He wanted to go into investment banking, but then chose to join the British Army. He spent a year at Sandhurst for training (which was extremely hard! WAHEGUROO!), and graduated as an Officer in April 2005. At the moment he has gone abroad for 6 months! Long time! He's posted incharge of a platoon in Poland at the moment. He was in Germany before that. Soon he will be going in Iraq. Rab Rakha!

Its bit loney sometimes at home without him. He can be annoying but at same time its nice to have him around - suppose thats like all brother relationships. lol. He's coming back home to visit during Christmas time, so that should be good.



When I went to visit my brother at Sandhurst with my mum and dad, my brother suited me up with his gear. It was HEAVY! Its unbelievable how people in the army run around with so much baggage and weight.



My brother is standing outside the main Sandhurst building. Inside they have a gallery of pictures. I was pleasantly suprised to see that most of the photos inside were dedicated to Sikh and Indian soldiers. Most of the photos were of Singhs fighting in battles and being honoured etc. It was really inspiring.


ermm... will i don't have any more photos on my laptop to load up. Perhaps when i get some more scanned and loaded on the computer, i will add them to my blog.

Dhan Mata Sahib Kaur Ji

Today is the Janam Din (Birth day) of my mother, the mother of the Khalsa, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji. Lakh Lakh Vadhaayee to everyone.

A SHORT GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF MATA SAHIB KAUR JEE
- MOTHER OF THE KHALSA -

Birth house of Mata Sahib Devan at Rohtas, Jhelum

In Sikh history Mata Sahib Kaur is known as the Mother of the Khalsa. This honour was bestowed upon her by the Tenth Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. When a Sikh receives the gift of Khande Dee Pauhul (Amrit), he/she is told that from today onward your father is Guru Gobind Singh Ji and you mother is Mata Sahib Kaur Ji.


Childhood

Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, whose name before taking Amrit was Mata Sahib Devan Ji, was born on the 1st November 1681 in a village called Rohtas, District Jehlum, in West Panjab, (now in Pakistan). Her mother’s name was Mata Jasdevi Ji and father’s name was Bhai Rama Ji. Her father, who was an ardent sewak (devotee) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, influenced her to the extent that she wanted to devote her whole life in the service of the Guru Sahib. From her childhood, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji was a sweet and quiet natured girl. Because of the religious atmosphere at home, she was deeply influenced by Gurbaani during her formative years. It is possible that in her childhood she might have seen Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib during the visit of her family. She had inherited humility, love and sacrifice to humanity and devotion to Waheguru.

Becoming a member of the Guru's Family
When she came of age, her father and other devotees of village Rohtas, took her to Sri Anandpur Sahib and requested Guru Gobind Singh Ji to take her as his bride. Guru Ji told the Sangat that he was already married and could not marry again. However, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji's father had pledged his daughter to Guru Sahib and no-one else would marry her now. Therefore, Guru Sahib agreed that Mata Sahib Kaur Ji could stay with the Guru's family, however, they could not marry or ever have children. Guru Sahib instead promised Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, that you will become a great Mother to thousands. Mata Sahib Kaur Ji lived in the Guru's household and served Guru Ji and the Sangat with full shardaa (devotion).


Great Sevaa of Mata Jee
Mata Sahib Kaur Ji accompanied Guru Sahib throughout his life, even during battles, serving him in every possible way. On Vaisakhi 1699, in the first Amrit-Sanchaar, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji participated in the sewa of the Amrit-Sanchaar by adding Pataasey (sugar wafers) to the Amrit, and was bestowed the honour of eternal motherhood of Khalsa Panth. Mata Ji guided the Khalsa Panth through period of crisis many times and issued eight decrees in the name of Khalsa.


Final Years
When Guru Gobind Singh reached Abchal Nagar (Sri Hazoor Sahib), he sent Mata Sahib Kaur Ji to Delhi and gave her five weapons of the Sixth Nanak, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, for safekeeping. These weapons are today displayed at Gurdwara Rakabganj in Delhi. Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, passed away before Mata Sundri Ji. She left for heavenly abode at the age of sixty six in 1747 and her last rites were performed in Bala Sahib, Delhi.