Remembering Bhai Sahib Jeevan Singh Jee...

 

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਸਵਾਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਚਲਿਆ ||

ਸਚੀ ਦਰਗਹ ਜਾਇ ਸਚਾ ਪਿੜੁ ਮਲਿਆ ||

"Spending this life fruitfully, the Gurmukh goes to the other world. There in the True court (of the Akaal Purakh) they get their True place."

(Bhai Sahib Gurdaas Jee, Vaar 19: 14)

 

On January Wednesday 7th January, Bhai Sahib Jeevan Singh jee of Akhand Keertani Jatha, left this world to go to the lap of the Guru at the worldly age of 88. Bhai Sahib was known for his humility and saintliness not in India but around the world. He devoted his life to the Panth and helping others. He was a highly respect personality in the Sikh Panth. He was a close companion of Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh jee. Bhai Sahib lived up to his name "Jeevan" and was a living image of what it means to be a Gursikh. Those who knew Bhai Sahib reveal that Bhai Sahib knew all of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee by memory, although epitomising humility he never claimed or discussed it. Bhai Sahib is a gem of the Panth who inspired countless people, including those who had not physically seen him.  

Guru jee blessed my mother and I with Bhai Sahib's darshan at his residence in Amritsar in February 2009. Although Bhai Sahib's health was poor at the time and he was unable to speak, his presence alone brought tears to the eyes. My mother gave him a cardigan which he hugged and stroked (because it was soft). He then struggled to put his arm down the bed. We thought he had dropped something and trying to pick it up. We then realised he was trying to touch my mum's feet! My mum is not Amritdhari and seeing such humility from Bhai Sahib made both her and I emotional. Waheguru. The dust of the feet of such Gursikhs is priceless.

A SHORT GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF
BHAI SAHIB JEEVAN SINGH JEE
(Collected from Gursikhs and from the Internet)

Background

Bhai Sahib was born on 15th March 1926 in the village Kot Rustana, district Jhang, now in Pakistan. His parents were Mata Kishan Kaur jee and Bhai Mehtaab Singh jee. He had three sisters - Bibi Lachhmi Kaur jee, Bibi Raaj Kaur jee and Bibi Sant Kaur jee, and one younger brother - Master Sher Singh jee. In 1942 he did Paatth seva for Akhand Paatths held at Sri Hamandir Sahib, Amritsar. He impressed everyone wit h his flawless and melodious recitation of paatth. In 1943 his Anand Kaaraj was done with Bibi Joginder Kaur jee in a nearby village. Thirteen years later Bhai Sahib was blessed with a son, named Jaspal Singh. From 1945-46 Bhai Sahib began keertan seva at Baoli Sahib Gurdwara, Sri Goindwal Sahib. But then in 1947 he began to do keertan at Sri Darbaar Sahib, Amritsar, with a Gursikh from Sindh province.

Meeting Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh Jee
In 1947 Bhai Jeevan Singh jee met Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh jee of Narangwal, Ludhiana. Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh jee was one the leading freedom fighters of the Gadar Movement, hero of the Lahore conspiracy case, first prisoner of the Gurdwara Reform Movement, and who was honoured as the 'Golden Sparrow' of the Panth. He had spent more than 15 years in prison and was a great mystic and keertani. When Bhai Jeevan Singh jee met Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh jee a spiritual relationship form and Bhai Jeevan Singh jee got inspiration and direction. From this point Bhai Jeevan Singh jee began to do selfless keertan with Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh jee's Jatha (group) which later became known as the 'Akhand Keertani Jatha'. 

Career as a Raagi
Some years later Bhai Sahib began to accompany Raagi Surjan Singh jee to do keertan from 1953 to 1954. Afterwards Bhai Sahib returned back to Ludhiana where Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh jee instructed him to do keertan at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Model Town, Ludhiana. Bhai Sahib did keertan seva at this Gurdwara Sahib for some time. Here, he settled with his wife and son and his brother-in-law Bhai Iqbal Singh jee and sister, Bibi Sant Kaur jee began to do sangat here. The fragrance of Bhai Sahib's keertan spread far and wide. The management committee of Takht Sri Patna Sahib were taken aback by Bhai Sahib's sweet voice and beautiful keertan and as a result he was made a Hazoori Raagi at Takht Sri Patna Sahib in 1972. Bhai Sahib's keertan changed the atmosphere. At the time Bhai Sahib would return to Panjab every year for 2 months and return back to Takht Patna Sahib with wheat donations for the Langar and other monetary donations he had collected from Panjab to give to the Takht Sahib. Bhai Sahib's seva led to his further respect.

Meetings with Giani Baba Kartar Singh Jee (Bhindran Wale)

Bhai Jeevan Singh jee used to be invited by Giani Baba Kartar Singh jee Bhindranwale to do keertan at Mehtaa. It has been said that Baba jee would wait at the train station for Bhai Sahib and the Akhand Keertani Jatha Singhs to come. When Bhai Sahib jee used to get off the train Baba jee would rush to the train to greet Bhai Sahib. When they would meet they would embrace one another with so much pyaar (love). Baba jee held Bhai Sahib jee in great regard. Baba jee himself would serve Bhai Jeevan Singh jee langar with his own hands. Whenever Bhai Jeevan Singh jee would enter the Diwaan where Baba Kartar Singh jee would be doing Kathaa, Baba jee would stop the Kathaa and request Gurmukh pyaare Bhai Jeevan Singh jee to do keertan for the Sangat.

Tour to Propagate Sikhi
In 1976 Takht Sri Patna Sahib management committee sent Bhai Sahib to Canada for Dharam Parchaar (propagation of Sikhi). This was his first foreign tour. At the time not many Parchaariks had travelled abroad. However, Bhai Sahib's unique point was that he was the first Parchaarik visiting the West that did not take money for himself. In the 1970s people living in the West had grown away from their Sikhi roots. Bhai Sahib decided that Sikhi education is fundamental and is importantly needed in the countries outside of India. His gentle sweet approach inspired thousands to stop drinking alcohol and eating meat and begin Nitnem, keep Rehat and take Amrit from the Guru-roop Panj Pyaare. At that time in Canada, it was difficult to find five Amritdhari Sikhs to do Amrit Sanchaar. So Bhai Rama Singh jee and Bhai Amrik Singh jee went from England for this purpose. The first Amrit Sanchaar in Vancouver was held in Tatt Khalsa Gurdwara. People came from faraway, including Sikhs from America. Eighty people were ready to receive Amrit. The Amrit Sanchaar programme started at 2am and ended in the afternoon. When the procession of eighty Sikhs who had received Amrit came out with the Panj Pyaare into the sangat, everyone was impressed. Many others were inspired to take Amrit.

The bloody Vaisakhi of 1978

On Vaisaakhi 1965 Bhai Fauja Singh jee's marriage took place with Bibi Amarjit Kaur jee and on this occasion Bhai Jeevan Singh jee performed the keertan. On 13th April 1978, the day of Vaisaakhi, about 125 Singhs, led by Bhai Fauja Singh jee, went to peacefully protest against the Nakli-Nirankari procession in Amritsar and against the cult leader Gurbachan's insults against the Sikh Gurus. The Nakli-Nirankari army fired at the unarmed Singhs, and Bhai Fauja Singh jee and 12 other Singhs became Shaheeds and 70-75 Singhs were wounded. On 22nd April 1978, Bhai Jeevan Singh was honoured with performing the Antim Ardaas (prayer for the last rites) of the 13 Shaheeds. The Ardaas was attended by all the main Panthic leaders.

Touring UK, Europe and other countries
Bhai Rama Singh jee requested Bhai Jeevan Singh jee to come to England and bless the sangat. So on his return from Canada to India, Bhai Sahib came to England for a week. He took part in a Rainsbaaee Keertan, and the sangat was deeply moved by his keertan. Bhai Sahib retired from his duties at Takht Sri Patna Sahib and dedicated his life to Gurmat Parchaar and Amrit Sanchaars. In this way the Akhand Keertani Jatha movement spread in Canada, America, UK and other countries. His wife, Bibi Joginder Kaur jee was supportive of his Parchaar and always accompanied him. Bhai Sahib's keertan was a greatly admired by youngsters at the time. Bhai Sahib performed Amrit Sanchaars with Gurmukh Pyaare Bhai Rama Singh jee and Bhai Rajinder Singh jee, in countries where Parchaariks had never visited such as Australia, New Zealand, Holland, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Philippeans, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore etc. He encouraged and inspired children towards Sikhi by started the tradition of giving religious gifts such as through giving away gifts like Kirpaans, Vaajay, Tablay, Cholay, Khanday for Dastaars, Gurbani Pothis and Soora religious magazine etc. Bhai Sahib inspire youngsters to give up intoxicants, and joined them to Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee and the Guru Khalsa Panth. Bhai Sahib would sit with children and do Nitnem with them. He would teach young and old to do Keertan without charging for anything.

Freedom Fighter and Supporter of the Panth
In June 1985 Bhai Sahib gave a bold speech at a Khalistan rally and protest against the Indian government for the attack on Sri Harmandar Sahib and killing thousands of Sikhs. After all the "leaders" had made their lengthy speeches, Bhai Saheb Jee was invited to the podium and at the US Capitol steps said: "Khalistaan Mangan Vaaleyo, Khalsey Bano!" ("Those asking for Khalistan, become Khalsa!"). Bhai Jeevan Singh jee used to tell the Sangat that we all have responsibility for the Panth. He gave encouragement to many Singhs who joined the freedom struggle and supported the families of Shaheed Singhs. Bhai Sahib used to donate the money he was given by the Sangat on his foreign tours to the Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh Orphanage and other projects that aided the families and children of Shaheed Singhs. Whenever the Singhs would go on a mission they would ask Bhai Jeevan Singh to do Ardaas in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. When speaking on the phone to Jhajaaroo Singhs, Bhai Sahib would say: "Let me kiss your feet Guru Pyaario." 

Khalsa Schools & Education
Bhai Sahib was the first to establish the idea of Sikh ethos run schools in the West. In 1986 Bhai Jeevan Singh jee suggested the idea of a Khalsa school in Vancouver, Canada, and agreed to support it financially by giving offerings made to him by the Sangat for the school. The Satnam Education Trust was set up and then in 1987 the school was built and made world history. Bhai Sahib was a firm believer that the Khalsa's future laid in the new generation and through Gurmat orientated education. Under Bhai Jeevan Singh jee's guidance and blessings, the Satnam Trust further progressed to form the first Sikh cooperative bank and later it was followed by Satnam Sarab Kalyan Trust in India, which has 300 schools in India that give Gurmat-orientated education. Children are taught Gurbani, Sikh history and Panthic Sikh Rehat Maryada, and Trust organizes Gurmat Competitions every year.  Khalsa School in Surrey now have five campuses, which covers from pre-school to high school. These Khalsa Schools have inspired other communities throughout Canada and UK to start Sikh ethos schools. Bhai Jeevan Singh jee also supported the schools run by Bhai Dharam Singh Khalsa Charitable Trust and Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh Charitable Trust (Amritsar).

Bhai Sahib and Amrit-Velaa

There was a young Singh in England who had taken Amrit for about a year. His Amrit-velaa (habit to wake up early) started getting slack. He used to do Amrit-velaa with Gursikhs regularly at a Gursikh's house but he gradually stopped attending daily. One day, early in the morning at Amrit-velaa, the Singh was asleep and hadn't woken up for Amrit-velaa. His father was at work on the night shift and his mother was up doing her paath when suddenly the phone rang. Bhai Jeevan Singh jee said, "Is bhaji there?" The Aunty jee replied, "No, he is working on a night shift." Bhai Sahib said, "No, I am not talking about Pita jee. Is Bhaji there." (Bhai Sahib always makes himself out to be the youngest, such is his humility). The Aunty jee rushed up to wake up the young Singh and tell him to answer the phone. The Singh shared the Guru's Fateh over the phone with Bhai Sahib and then Bhai Sahib said, "Bhaji, you haven't done kirpaa (mercy) on me today, it is Amrit-vela, and you forgot to wake me." There was a silence. The Singh felt so embarrassed for missing Amrit-vela. The Aunty jee and son looked at one another wondering how Bhai Sahib living in Canada knew that he had missed Amritvela that day.

Accepting Akaal Purakh's Will
Bhai Sahib visited a family in England in the late 1980s and stayed at the house for Akhand Paath sevaa. Bhai Sahib listened the Paath for many hours and corrected the Paathis (readers) when they made a grammatical or pronunciation error. Seven or eight years later Bhai Sahib came back to England and was invited to the same family. Several years earlier the Singh whose house it was had passed away. When Bhai Sahib jee asked the lady about her husband she became emotional and as soon as this happened Bhai Sahib jee went upstairs in Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee's room and stayed there. He never came down and after a good 4-5 hours the bibi asked her daughter to ask Bhai Sahib jee to come down. The girl went upstairs and found Bhai Sahib jee sitting in smaadhee (meditative pose). She asked them to come downstairs, to which Bhai Sahib replied that she should tell her mum that he will only come downstairs after her mum accepts the Bhaana (Will) of Akaal Purakh and not to become emotional about her husband. The Bibi agreed and Bhai Sahib jee came down and later did keertan at the house.

Bumping into a Mona
One evening, the Gursikhs had just finished doing kirtan at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Slough (England). A Singh phoned and said that had booked kirtan in Hounslow, and that the Gursikhs should come straight away. Bhai Jeevan Singh jee said, "Lets go quickly, we should always be on time". As Bhai Jeevan Singh jee, his singhni (wife), and two other Singhs walked downstairs into the shoes section, a mona (man with hair cut) was walking in to the Gurdwara. Accidentally, he bumped into Bhai sahib. He said "sorry," and looked into Bhai sahib's face. Those who know Bhai sahib know how enigmatic his smile is, and how his face always shines. Bhai sahib said to him, "I came here especially to see you, I have something for you." Bhai sahib then took off his dastaar (turban) and handed it to the youth. The mona youth could not believe his eyes; Bhai sahib said these words to him with so much honesty, pyaar (lovingness) and humility that from that day on the boy kept his kesh and came into Sikhi.

Respect from all Panthic Leaders

In 1995 Professor Manjit Singh, the then Jathedaar of Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib called a World Sikh Samellan (conference). Every Gurdwara, Sikh organization and jatha (group) from around the world was invited and many days were spent discussing Panthic (Sikh national) issues affecting Sikhs. Thousands of Sikhs gathered, including all the big leaders and personalities within the Panth. Many people such as political leaders were centred on themselves and wanted special treatment, but everyone was treated equally. No dignitary received special attention. However for some reason the Panj Jathedars of the five Takhats sat on a sofa in the complex where this was happening. As the A-Z of Sikh leadership sat in the sangat on the floor, a simple Gursikh walked into the complex building. He walked in humbly, did matha tekh, and went to sit in the sangat. However straight away, the Jathedaars got up and ran over to him, and said to him, he must sit on the sofa. Totally embarrassed he refused. But they brought him over and sat him on the sofa. He sat uncomfortably because he was not one for that kind of attention. That Gursikh was Bhai Jeevan Singh jee. It goes to show how highly Bhai sahib, his jeevan, his seva, and his nimarta is respected in the Panth, that only he was singled out for such attention. It is the virtues of Guru, such pure humility, that pulls at peoples hearts.

Great humility A Muslim man passed by Bhai Sahib somewhere and he stopped and looked at Bhai Sahib's face. The man goes up to Bhai Jeevan Singh jee and says "I can see 'Allah Da Noor' (the Light of God) in you". Bhai Sahib folded his hands and humbly said, "O great man! Can you please give me your wonderful eyes with which you see such wonderful things." Another time, there was Sangat sitting in Canada and someone approached Bhai Sahib with a question in front of others. He said, "Bhai Sahib, you tell us - as you have met God." Bhai Sahib replied with a humble and astonished "Achhaa? (O really?)" and walked away.

Despite ill-health
Bhai Jeevan Singh jee lived 5-10 minutes away from Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar. Bhai Sahib would occasionally go and do keertan seva there whenever it was his turn/duty. One day his wife locked the door of his room to make sure he didn't go to do keertan seva that day because Bhai Sahib was very sick and she knew that Bhai Sahib would still want to go to Sri Darbaar Sahib. When his wife turned on the television she saw Bhai Sahib doing keertan (I think it was Aasa Kee Vaar keertan). She brought someone else to the television and showed them and they said it's probably a recording. Still in doubt they opened the locked room and went in and found that the window was wide open and Bhai Jeevan Singh jee no where to be found. He had jumped out of the window somehow and went to do keertan seva even though he was really sick. This was the dedication of a beloved Gursikh for his Guru.

End of Bhai Sahib's earthly journey
Bhai Sahib's last wish to hear the keertan of Sri Harmandir Sahib before he dies. His wish was fulfilled because the last part of his life he lived in an apartment across the road from Sri Harmandir Sahib. Bhai Sahib became old and frail and suffered health problems. He was cared for by Bhai Balwinder Singh jee and his wife. Bhai Balwinder Singh jee thousands of blessings from the Sangat for caring for Bhai Sahib. On Wednesday 7th January Bhai Sahib breathed his last breaths. On Thursday 8th January Bhai Sahib's last rites were performed. His body was cremated at crematorium of Chattiwind. Sangat in their thousands sang Gurbani loudly as they carried Bhai Sahib's body to the crematorium. The funeral was attend by former Sri Akaal Takht Sahib Jathedar, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti who led the recital Japji Sahib. Singh Sahib become emotional and had tears in eyes at the funeral. He told the media, "Bhai Jeevan Singh was the last sevadaar of his stature. He could do keertan for hours together without looking at a Pothi. There are still some Sikhs who have memorised Gurbani to a great extent, but there was none who could match him."

ਵਿਚਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਸੇਵ ਕਮਾਈਐ ॥ ਤਾ ਦਰਗਹ ਬੈਸਣੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥
vich duneeaa seva kamaaeeai. ta dargeh baaisan paaeeai.
"In the midst of this world, do seva (selfless service), and you shall be given a place of honour in the Court of Waheguru."
(Ang 26)

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare.

Vichaar on Rehat...

Bhai Manpreet Singh (Kanpur) vichaar on eating meat and Kakkaars given at a Camp Fulwari held at Gurdwara Rakaab Ganj Sahib, Delhi:

Happy Gurpurb!

Wishing everyone good wishes on the Parkaash Utsav of Guru Gobind Singh jee.

VAHEGUROO JEEO SAT

NASRO MANSOOR GURU GOBIND SINGH
EEZAD-I MANZOOR GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is victorious and assists us to succeed in life; he is accepted by God as His own.

HAQ RA GANJOOR GURU GOBIND SINGH
JUMLA FAIZ-O NOOR GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is the custodian of God’s treasure; he is the bestower of all the gifts.

HAQ HAQ AAGAAH GURU GOBIND SINGH
SHAHE SHAHAN SHAH GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh knows the ways of God; he is the emperor of emperors.

BAR DO ALAM SHAH GURU GOBIND SINGH
KHASAM RA JAN KAH GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh rules over both the worlds; he is the destroyer of the enemies.

FAA-EZ AL-ANWAAR GURU GOBIND SINGH
KASHIF AL-ASRAAR GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh illuminates our lives with abundance; he reveals secrets of God.

AALIM AL-ASTAAR GURU GOBIND SINGH
ABR-E REHMAT BAAR GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is aware of the secrets of the world; he showers his unlimited mercies.

MUQBAL-O MAQBOOL GURU GOBIND SINGH
WAASIL-O MAUSOOL GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is the favourite of Waheguru; he is with Him all the time.

JAAN FIROZ-E DAHAR GURU GOBIND SINGH
FAIZ-E HAQ RA BAHR GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh bestows life in this world; he is the sea of Waheguru’s blessings.

HAQ RA MEHBOOB GURU GOBIND SINGH
TALIB-O MATLOOB GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is loved by God; he is the seeker as well as the sought.

TEG RA FATTAH GURU GOBIND SINGH
JAN-O DIL RA RAH GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh achieved victories with his sword; he knows the secret of every heart.

SAHIB-E IKLEEL GURU GOBIND SINGH
ZILL-E HAQ TAZLEEL GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh wears the crown of the world; he lives in the shadow of Waheguru.

KHAAZAN-E HAR GANJ GURU GOBIND SINGH
MARHAM-E HAR RANJ GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh controls all the treasures of the world; he is the medicine of all ailments.

DAAWAR-E AAFAAQ GURU GOBIND SINGH
DAR DO AALAM TAAQ GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is the master of the world; both the worlds are under his shelter.

HAQ KHUD WASAAF GURU GOBIND SINGH
BARTAREEN AUSAAF GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is praised by God Himself; he is bestowed with highest qualities.

KHAASGAN DAR PAA-E GURU GOBIND SINGH
QUDSI-AAN BAAR-AAE GURU GOBIND SINGH
Great men are at the feet of Guru Gobind Singh; the angels visit him for audience.

MUQBAL-AAN MADDAH GURU GOBIND SINGH
JAAN-O DIL RA RAH GURU GOBIND SINGH
The fortunate ones admire Guru Gobind Singh; he knows every thing in our hearts.

LAA-MAKAAN PAABOS GURU GOBIND SINGH
BAR DO AALAM KOS GURU GOBIND SINGH
The poor kiss the feet of Guru Gobind Singh; the drum of his authority sounds in both the worlds.

SULS-HAM MAHKOOM GURU GOBIND SINGH
RUBEH HAM MAKHTOOM GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh rules over the three worlds; he has the stamp of his authority on the four Vedas.

SUDS HALQEH B-GOSH GURU GOBIND SINGH
DUSHMAN AFGAN JOSH GURU GOBIND SINGH
The six shastras are his slaves; he always defeats the enemy.

KHALAS-O BE-KEENEH GURU GOBIND SINGH
HAQ HAQ AINAA GURU GOBIND SINGH
Pure at heart, Guru Gobind Singh is free from ill will; he is the mirror through whom God reveals Himself.

HAQ HAQ ANDESH GURU GOBIND SINGH
BADSHAH DARVESH GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh meditates on God; he is a mystic and a king at the same time.

MAKRAM AL-FAZAAL GURU GOBIND SINGH
MUN-IM AL-MUT-AAL GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is virtue personified; his gifts to mankind are unending.

KAARAM AL-KIRAM GURU GOBIND SINGH
RAAHAM AL-RAHAAM GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is most generous and forgiver.

NAA-EM AL-MUN-AAM GURU GOBIND SINGH
FAHAM AL-FAHAAM GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh blesses even the benevolent; he bestows gifts even to those who give.

DAA-IM-O PAA-INDA GURU GOBIND SINGH
FARAKH-O FARKHUNDEH GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is eternal; he is auspicious for all.

FAIZ-E SUB-HAAN ZAAT GURU GOBIND SINGH
NOOR HAQ LAM-AAT GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is essence of God’s blessings; God Himself radiates through him.

SAMIAAN-E NAAM GURU GOBIND SINGH
HAQ BEEN Z IN-AAM GURU GOBIND SINGH
Those who have listened to the name of Guru Gobind Singh have received the gift of seeing God Himself.

WAASIF-AAN-E ZAAT GURU GOBIND SINGH
WASIL AZ BARKAAT GURU GOBIND SINGH
Those who sang the praises of Guru Gobind Singh were united with God.

RAAQMAANE WASF GURU GOBIND SINGH
NAAMWAR AZ LUTF GURU GOBIND SINGH
Those who wrote in praise of Guru Gobind Singh received fame the world over with his grace.

NAAZRAN-E ROO-E GURU GOBIND SINGH
MAST HAQ DAR KOO-E GURU GOBIND SINGH
Those who had seen the face of Guru Gobind Singh moved in his lanes intoxicated with God’s Name.

KHAAK BOS-E PAA-E GURU GOBIND SINGH
MUQBAL AZ AALAA-E GURU GOBIND SINGH
Those who kissed the dust under the feet of Guru Gobind Singh were fortunate and were elevated in life.

QADIR-E HAR KAR GURU GOBIND SINGH
BE-KASAAN RA YAAR GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is the doer of all that is happening in this world, he is friend of the poor.

SAAJID-O MASJOOD GURU GOBIND SINGH
JUMLEH FAIZ-O JOOD GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh worships (God); he is also worshipped (by the whole creation).He is generous with all the bounties he gives.

SARWRAAN RA TAJ GURU GOBIND SINGH
BARTAREEN MI-ARAJ GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is the chief of all the kings; he occupies the loftiest position.

ASHAR QUDSI RAM GURU GOBIND SINGH
WASIF-E IKRAM GURU GOBIND SINGH
The ten (Greek) gods are under the command of Guru Gobind Singh and they sing his praises in reverence.

UM QUDAS B-KAR GURU GOBIND SINGH
GAASHIA BARDAAR GURU GOBIND SINGH
The sacred goddesses of the world are also working for Guru Gobind Singh and they are his servants.

QADR-O QUDRAT PEISH GURU GOBIND SINGH
INKIYAAD ANDESH GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh controls our destinies; still he meditates on God in submission.

TISYA ULVI KHAAK GURU GOBIND SINGH
CHAAKAR-E CHALAAK GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is above the highest thrones; he moves in the heavens.

BARTAR AZ HAR QADR GURU GOBIND SINGH
JAAWDANI SADR GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is supreme in all virtues; he is eternal and above everyone else.

AALAM-E RAUSHAN Z GURU GOBIND SINGH
JAAN-O DIL GULSHAN Z GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh gives light to the world; our hearts and souls blossom because of him.

ROZ AFZOON JAAH GURU GOBIND SINGH
ZEB TAKHT-O GAAH GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh’s stature is increasing every day; he is the beauty of all thrones.

MURSHID AL-DAAREEN GURU GOBIND SINGH
BEENASH-E HAR EIN GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is our guide in both the worlds; he is the sight of every eye.

JUMLA DAR FURMAAN GURU GOBIND SINGH
BARTAR AAMAD SHAAN GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh commands the whole creation; he is supreme in stature.

HAR DO AALAM KHEIL GURU GOBIND SINGH
JUMLA ANDAR ZEIL GURU GOBIND SINGH
Both the worlds are the army of Guru Gobind Singh; all are under his protection.

WAAHAB AL-WAHAAB GURU GOBIND SINGH
FAATEH HAR BAAB GURU GOBIND SINGH
The most generous Guru Gobind Singh is the conqueror of every battle.

SHAAMIL AL-ASHFAAQ GURU GOBIND SINGH
KAAMIL AL-AKHLAAQ GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh’s blessings are unending; he is virtue personified.

ROOH DAR HAR JISM GURU GOBIND SINGH
NOOR DAR HAR CHASHM GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh is the soul of every one; he is the light of every eye.

JUMLA ROZI KHWAAR GURU GOBIND SINGH
FEIZ-E HAQ AMTAAR GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh provides sustenance to all; he showers His graces.

BIST-O HAFT GADAA-E GURU GOBIND SINGH
KHAAK ROB SARAA-E GURU GOBIND SINGH
The twenty-seven gods are the beggars of Guru Gobind Singh; they are engaged in sweeping his house.

KHAMS WASF PEI-RAA-E GURU GOBIND SINGH
HAFT HAM SHEIDAA-E GURU GOBIND SINGH
The five elements praise Guru Gobind Singh; the seven worlds admire him.

BAR DO AALAM DAST GURU GOBIND SINGH
JUMLA ULVI PAST GURU GOBIND SINGH
Guru Gobind Singh has his hand on both the worlds; all the angels are inferior

LAL SAG GULAAM GURU GOBIND SINGH
DAAD-DAAR-E NAAM GURU GOBIND SINGH
Nand LaL is the slave dog of Guru Gobind Singh; he carries the stamp of Guru Gobind Singh on him.

KAMTAREEN Z SGAAN GURU GOBIND SINGH
REZAA CHEEN-E KHAAN GURU GOBIND SINGH
Nand Lal is lower than all the dogs of Guru Gobind Singh; he (pecks) at the left overs of his dinner table.

SAA-EL AZ IN-AAM GURU GOBIND SINGH
KHAAK-E PAAK IQDAAM GURU GOBIND SINGH
Nand Lal is begging to get the gift of holy dust of Guru Gobind Singh’s feet.

BAAD JAANASH FIDAA-E GURU GOBIND SINGH
FARQ-O BAR PAA-E GURU GOBIND SINGH
His (Nand Lal’s) life may be sacrificed for Guru Gobind Singh and Nand Lal’s head may always remain at his feet.

(Ganjnama, Bhai Nand Lal Singh)

Connect2Sikhi Winter Camp 2014...

Last weekend, Connect2Sikhi Winter Camp 2014 was held at Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Seven Kings, Ilford. The camp took place from Saturday 27th December to Monday 29th December. The camp is aimed at children aged from 6 to 16 years, however parents and adults also joined in the classes to learn about Sikhi. Connect2Sikhi holds an annual week long summer camp and shorter weekend and an annual winter weekend camp, as well as other Gurdwara based camps and programmes throughout the year. Connect2Sikhi camps, which are based in East London, are one of my favourite camps that I am invited to do seva. The children attending the camp have always left a positive lasting impression and have inspired me, and the sevadaars have always shown utmost dedication to seva and enthusiasm for Sikhi.

 Youngest group in the camp busy doing Gurmat learning activities

 Eldest group learning about the Sahibzaade

At the recent camp they had various speakers, which included Bhai Vijay Singh from Luton, Kaurs Corner sevadaars, Bhai Jagmeet Singh from Basics of Sikhi, Bhai Mankamal Singh and Bhenji Davinder Kaur. The theme of the camp was the Chaar Sahibzaade. The talks covered the history of Anandpur Sahib and how the Hindu hill kings and the Mughal forces conspired against Guru Gobind Singh jee to the Shaheedi of the elder and younger Sahibzaade. I was amazed at how much information the children, from the younger ones to the elders, had learnt in the camp talks. The questions the campers came up with were very thoughtful and deep and took the sevadaars by surprise. The camp included keertan, talks, discussions, fun learning activities, dastaar tying, quizzes, games, and questions and answers sessions.

Dastaar tying lesson

There was one Bhenji at the camp who tied a Dastaar for the first time and she said she planned to keep wearing a Dastaar when going to college. Another younger bhenji, around 10 or 11 years old, said that she recites full Nitnem morning and evening, wakes up Amrit-vela and keeps Rehat and really wants to take Amrit. She was so thirsty for Amrit but her parents were not into Sikhi and don't think she should take Amrit, however she is still hunger for the Guru's gift and asked a sevadaar to speak to her parents. She proudly wore a Dastaar during the camp. Seeing such thirst for Sikhi is humbling and moving.

The camp atmosphere as always was very family-orientated, friendly and welcoming. It was nice to see young and old attend the camp and a number of parents and elders volunteer to help with the camp. I would definitely recommend that children (and adults!) to attend future camps organised by Connect2Sikhi.You can keep up to date with their programmes and events on their facebook.

Below are some photos from the camp (taken from Basics of Sikhi Facebook and Singh Sabha London East Facebook):

 Hukamnama

 Older group with Bhaji Jagmeet Singh

 Middle group learning about the Shaheedi of the Chhote Sahibzaade. They listened very carefully and paid attention.

Youngest group with Bhai Vijay Singh

 Simran and Keertan with elder group

 Gurmat competition and quiz with the youngest group. The children seem excited!


 Langar

Talk with elder group on the Vadde Sahibzaade

Story board activity about the Chhote Sahibzaade

Bhai Mankamal Singh and Bhenji Davinder Kaur teaching the middle group

 Eldest group doing drama work in groups

  Eldest group doing drama work in groups

 Bibi teaching Keertan to the middle group

 Youngest group drawing out story scenes from the story of the Chaar Sahibzaade.

 Questions and answers session with Bhaji Mankamal Singh and Bhenji Davinder Kaur

 Group photo with Bhai Jagmeet Singh and Bikramjit singh. Bhai Jagmeet Singh was very good with the younger children. Lots of energy and enthusiasm!

 Dastaar tying session. All the campers showed so much enthusiasm and pyaar for tying a dastaar.

 Bhai Vijay Singh's talk on Heroes with the youngest group. Children doing simran before the talk.

Questions and answers session

The youngest group showing off their Panj Kakkaar booklets they made and their activity learning books.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Story of Bhenji Kirpa Kaur Khalsa...

Below is the story of Bhenji Kirpa Kaur Khalsa who is from Australia and is currently studying in the UK. Bhenji recently took Amrit and became a member of the Khalsa family. May Guru jee bless bhenji with more Chardi Kalaa and Gursikhi Jeevan!

Ruby Palmer to Kirpa Kaur Khalsa

GURU SAHIB BLESSED ME WITH AMRIT

Vaheguroo Ji ka Khalsa, Vaheguroo Ji ki fateh!

Pyaaree Saadh Sangat Ji. I first felt a connection with Guru Sahib when I was 5 years old looking through a picture book in my school library in Australia. Growing up I continued to witness the amazing power of Guru Sahib. Every step closer I took to Guru Sahib, on my discovery I felt so much Pyaar (love) and such a strong presence guiding me on this beautiful lifelong path. Guru Sahib brought me to England on an university exchange and continued to shower me with blessings and guidance- the amount of Pyaar Guru Sahib gives his children is beyond anything in this world. On 20th December 2014 in Coventry, Guru Sahib blessed me into the Khalsa Family. There is no way to describe this feeling! All I can say is my soul is at peace now. Vaheguroo!

Vaheguroo! With the power of Naam and Guru Sahib's Pyaar, there is no way we can ever feel alone or empty. When I was really young I just felt fascinated by the people in the [school library] book and mesmerised by Sri Harmandir Sahib. When I looked at the pictures I felt like I had found my place in the world. It was like I had a connection with it from past janams (lives). Where I am from in Australia there are not a lot of Gursikhs. However, with Vaheguroo Ji's kirpa I applied for exchange programs all over the world and Guru Sahib brought me to England and surrounded me with so many inspirational Gursikhs.

Leading up to me leaving Australia, even two weeks before my plane was supposed to leave, I thought I wasn't going to be able to come to the UK. I had so many problems and hurdles to get here but Guru ji did not let me fail any. Even in the last hurdle with my visa I had no certainty that I would be even allowed into the country to stay, but I felt that confidence to just to go and everything would work out - and it did. Vaheguroo Ji's kirpa everything happened perfectly - I know Guru Sahib wanted me to come here and be amongst Gursikhs and the Saadh Sangat. It's an amazing feeling - everything is done for a reason!

I am still in England. I'm here until the 25th May. My name before was Ruby Palmer. My family are beautiful people. I love them so much but it is hard for them to understand as they don't believe in religion. There have been a lot of hurdles and the image of a dastaar (turban) is confronting for them because it's so different to anything they know. However, I just explain to them with Pyaar why I am doing things and with time they're getting more and more use to it- it’s just about changing what they perceive as normal. The bottom line is that they just want me to be happy, and following Guru Sahib’s path is what makes me feel the most happiest and fulfilled. Vaheguroo.

...20^th December was the best day of my life and the start of my life. Vaheguroo! I still get shivers thinking about it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: Thank you to Bhenji Kirpa Kaur Jee for writing her personal story and sharing it with the Sangat.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Upcoming Sikhi Camps...

 COVENTRY 

26-30 December

Time: 9am to 5pm

Location: Singh Sabha Gurdwara, 47-49 Cross Road, Coventry, CV6 5GR

WOLVERHAMPTON

26-27 December

Time: 9am to 6.30pm

Location: Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Sedgley Street, Wolverhampton, WV2 3AJ 

ILFORD, LONDON

27-29 December 

Time: 8am to 5pm

Location: Gurdwara Singh Sabha London East, High Road, Seven Kings, Ilford.

BELVEDERE/ERITH

29 December

Time: 10am to 2pm

Location: Guru Nanak Darbar, 31 Mitchell Close, Belvedere, DA17 6AA.

Sikh History in December - Part 4: Chamkaur Sahib...

Continued...

Shaheedi of Baba Jujhar Singh Jee

Seeing his brother become Shaheed, Baba Jujhar Singh jee pulled his sword out of it's sheath and asked Guru jee for permission to join his brother in Shaheedi. Guru jee replied, "Do not rush." Bhai Dya Singh jee was horrified and said, "What will the world say? How can we allow the Guru's sons to go and die in the battlefield?" Guru jee told Baba Jujhar Singh jee, "O son! There is no hurry. But you are very young. You have not fought in battle before." Baba Jujhar Singh jee replied, "I might not be able to fight but I know how to die...." Guru jee blessed Baba Jujhar Singh and gave him a Teg (sword) and dressed him with a Kalgi (plume). Guru jee said to Baba Jujhar Singh jee, "I have one request. I wish to see you fight with the sword, and see you become Shaheed." Guru jee fired arrows from the above the fort to allow Baba Jujhar Singh and the accompanying Singhs access to enter into the enemy territory. The enemy soldiers began shouting "It's the Guru's son!" Baba Jujhar was hit with arrows on his body and fell off his horse near Baba Ajeet Singh's body. Before breathing his last breaths he turned his face to face Guru jee and said, "Look! I have been attacked from the front, not from the back." He then looked at his brother and said, "Look at me, I have also on the path of Shaheedi." At this point, Bhai Dya Singh jee was about to run to battlefield and fight but Guru jee stops him and instead sends Bhai Deva Singh. 

  Uniqueness of Guru Gobind Singh Jee

According to the Quran, Prophet Abraham could not bear to sacrifice his son to God, and so covered his eyes with a blindfold. In the Islamic version of the story of the Prophet Jacob (Ya'qoob), when he becomes separated from his son Ya'qoob he became depressed and cried so much that his eyesight began to fail and he became blind (Ref: Surah  12:  Ayah  7-20).  When Prophet Muhammad's son Ibrahim died at the age of sixteen months, he fell to knees and cried.  In Hindu story of Mahabharat, when Arjan's son, Abhimanyu, is killed in battle, Arjan falls on the floor, throws down his weapon and repeatedly cries out his sons name. Then Krishan has to come up to him and preach the teachings of the Geeta for him to stand back up and fight and get other's sons killed. In the Hindu story of Ramayan, when Raam is exiled his father, Dashrath, became so sad that he takes his own life. In the Bible it says that the night before Jesus' crucifixion, he prayed, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this Cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will but as you will" (Matthew 26:29). Throughout world history, the greatest of religious leaders have been humbled before pain and sorrow. However, Guru Gobind Singh jee, prepared and sent his two sons to go on the battlefield and become Shaheed.

The Khalsa's Hukam

By the evening of 22nd December, both of the Sahibzaade and 29 Singhs had become Shaheed. Guru Gobind Singh jee planned to leave the fort and fight next in the battlefield. Knowing this, five Singhs (Bhai Dya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Maan Singh, Bhai Raam Singh and Bhai Dya Singh Prohit) under the leadership of Bhai Dya Singh asked Guru jee to not leave the fort to fight. Guru jee replied, "How can this be? People will say that Gobind Singh had other's sons killed at the fort of Chamkaur. I am going to go and fight now." Bhai Dya Singh jee replied, "Guru jee, when you blessed us with the gift of Amrit, you bestowed the Khalsa with the respect of being your Perfect Guru. Today the Khalsa gives you the order to leave the fort of Chamkaur. We first requested you but now we are ordering you." 

Leaving Chamkaur Sahib

Guru jee then gave his Dastaar and Kalgi to Bhai Sangat Singh. Bhai Sangat Singh and 7 other Singhs were left behind at Chamkaur. Guru Sahib had not left quietly. On leaving, Guru Sahib blew his horn and stood on high ground and clapped his hands three times saying "Peer-e-Hind ravvad" ("The "Peer" of India is leaving"). Whether a battle is successful or not, is based on the intention of the battle. In the letter written to Aurangzeb called 'Zafarnama', Guru Gobind Singh jee writes that "O Aurangzeb your intention was to either finish off me or to imprison me and present me in your court. But look Aurangzeb! You have not been able to touch a hair of mine.... You martyred my younger children thinking that I will surrender and bow before you, but remember if you have martyred my four children, the Khalsa is alive and will deliver justice."

Aurangzeb's Death

Historical records as recorded by Bhai Santokh Singh show that the emperor had lost all appetite and power of digestion and could not expel any waste, whatever he took acted as poison in his body. He was in great pain and torment and he remained in this condition for several days, terrified, as it were, by angels of death. He died on 3rd March 1707 at the age of 91. His last Will was recorded by Maulvi Hamid-ud Din in chapter 8 of his hand written book in Persian about the life of Aurangzeb:

1. There is no doubt that I have been the emperor of India and I have ruled over this country. But I am sorry to say that I have not been able to do a good deed in my lifetime. My inner soul is cursing me as a sinner. But know it is of no avail. It is my wish that my last rites be performed by my dear son Azam, nobody else should touch my body. 
2. My servant, Aya Beg, has my purse in which I have carefully kept my earnings of 4 Rs and 2 annas. In my spare time I have been writing the Koran and stitching caps. It was by selling the caps that I made an honest earning of 4 Rs and 2 annas. My coffin should be purchase with this amount. No other money should be spent for covering the body of a sinner. This is my dying wish. By selling the copies of the Koran I collected 305 Rs. That money is also with Aya Beg. It is my will that poor Mohammedans should be fed with sweet rice purchased by this money. 
3. All my articles - clothes, ink stand, pens and books should be given to my son Azam. The labour charges for digging my grave will be paid by Prince Azam. 
4. My grave should be dug in a dense forest. When I am buried my face should remain uncovered. Do not bury my face in earth. I want to present myself to Allah with a naked face. I am told whoever goes to the supreme court with a naked face will have his sins forgiven. 
5. My coffin should be made of thick Khaddar. Do not place a costly shawl on the corpse. The route of my funeral should not be showered with flowers. No one should be permitted to place any flowers on my body. No music should be played or sung, I hate music. 
6. No tomb should be built for me. Only a chabootra or platform may be erected. 
7. I have not been able to pay the salaries of my soldiers and my personal servants for several months. I bequeath that after my death at least my personal servents be paid in full as the treasury is empty. Niamat Ali has served my very faithfully he has cleaned my body and has never let my bed remain dirty. 
8. No mausoleum should be raised in my memory. No stone with my name should be placed at my grave. There should be no trees planted near the grave. A sinner like me does not deserve the protection of a shady tree. 
9. My son, Azam has the authority to rule from the throne of Delhi. Kam Bakhsh should be entrusted with the governance of Bijapur and Golconda States. 
10. Allah should not make anyone an emperor, the most unfortunate person is he who is an emperor. My sins should not be mentioned in any social gathering. No story of my life should be told to anyone.

Sikh History in December - Part 3: Chamkaur Sahib...

Continued...

Arriving at Chamkaur Sahib

Guru Gobind Singh jee, the elder Sahibzaade and 40 Sikhs arrived at Chamkaur Sahib and rested in an open garden. On a hill there belonged a Haveli (private mansion) made of mud that belonged to two brothers, Bhai Budhi Chand jee and Bhai Gareeboo jee. Bhai Budhi Chand jee came to see Guru jee and offered his Haveli for Guru jee and the Sikhs to say. "My Haveli is on top of a hill and will allow you to see far and wide and spot the enemy forces coming." Guru jee accepted Bhai Buddhi Chand's offer. Guru Sahib and the 40 Singhs moved into house of Bhai Budhi Chand jee situated on the hill, which now became the mud-fort (Kachee Garhee) for the Sikhs. When Guru jee entered the Garhee (fort) he got out his Khanjar (dagger) and scraped the wall. Gathering the dust of the wall, Guru jee closed his fist and then opened it and blew the dust. Bhai Dya Singh jee asked, "Guru jee, please explain to us the meaning of what you have done?" Guru jee replied, "I have been waiting for this place. There is why I will sacrifice my children for the Panth and send them to God. Till the end of time people will come to this place and pay respects to the dust of the Garhee."

First Night at Chamkaur Sahib

That evening Guru jee and all the Sikhs recited the evening prayer of Rehraas Sahib. Bhai Budhi Chand did his best to arrange some raw food for the Sikhs, however it was not enough to satisfy the hunger of the Sikhs. Two brothers of the names Bhai Madan Singh and Bhai Kaattha Singh volunteered for guarding the gate of the Garhee. Guru jee positioned 8 Singhs at each of the 4 corners of the Garhee, with 3 Singhs and the elder Sahibzaade with Guru jee. The Singhs were cold, sleepy, wet and had no blanket or pillow. They used the blanket kept underneath the horse saddle as a pillow. During the night Guru jee approached Bhai Madan Singh and Bhai Kaattha Singh and asked them for permission to do the guard duty and for them to rest for tomorrow. As it was Guru jee asking, they could not say no and therefore accepted Guru jee's wishes. That night, Guru jee went up to each Singh sleeping and ensured that their dastaar was properly tied on, that their Kes were secure and that their body was properly covered. The wounds of the Singhs were kissed by Guru jee and each Singh was blessed by Guru jee.

Enemy forces gather around Chamkaur Sahib

At Amrit-vela, Guru jee woke up the Singhs and did Nitnem. The Mughal spies had sent a report back asking for the army to be sent quickly. The army report stated that there was nothing to concerned about because the Guru had with him mostly so-called low castes and untrained soldiers - 4 Aroras, 5 Bhatias, 2 Rangretas (Bhai Sangat Singh & Bhai Sant Singh), 2 Kulals, 2 Jatts, and 2 Brahmins (Bhai Lal Singh and Bhai Kirpa Singh). For three days the the Singhs were hungry, thirsty and cold. The armies of Wazir Khan, Zabardast Khan, Ajmer Chand, Lal Chand, Naahar Khan, Mahmood Ali Khan, Anwar Khan and Khwaja Mardood arrived outside Chamkaur Sahib. 40 Sikhs were being surrounded by an army of 10 Lakh (1 million).

The Battle Begins

The Nawab Wazir Khan announced in the early morning that if Guru Jee and the rest of the Khalsa gave them selves up then their lives will be spared. The reply to this was with arrows from Guru Jee, the Mughals too started firing arrows at the Haveli but no one had the courage to come to the entrance of the Khalsa’s fort. One of the Mugal Generals Naahar Khan tried to quietly place a ladder on the Haveli and tried to climb it in hope to behead Guru jee and present his head to Aurangzeb. However, when he raised his head over the roof Guru jee hit him with an arrow. Then the Mughal officer, Ghani Khan, tried to climb up and Guru jee threw down a Gurj (mace) at him, which killed him. Then Mughal officer of the name of Khawaja Mahmood came forward after taking an oath to behead the Guru but instead hid behind the wall. An attack on the Haveli was ordered by the Nawaab of Sirhind. To combat the assault Guru jee divided the Singhs into 8 groups of 5 under the command of Pyaare Bhai Dya Singh jee. Bhai Himmat Singh, volunteered to be part of the first batch to fight the oncoming army. Whilst the five Singhs fought, the enemy realised that Bhai Himmat Singh was one of the original Panj Pyaare. The enemy army increased and all of the five became Shaheed. Bhai Madan Singh and Bhai Kaattha Singh opened the gates to send the second batch of Singhs, and all attained Shaheedi. Then the third batch was then sent and all of them became Shaheed.  

Shaheedi of Baba Ajeet Singh

After the third batch of Singhs became Shaheed, Bhai Dya Singh jee approached Guru jee and pleaded, "Guru jee please save yourself and the Sahibzaade and leave the Garhee." Hearing this Guru Jee said “which Sahibzaade are you talking about , you are all my Sahibzaade. I keep no difference between my Sikhs and my Sahibzaade”. Then 18 years old Baba Ajeet Singh jee asked Guru jee for permission to go and fight. Guru embraced Baba Ajeet Singh jee and told him, "I wish to remind you that in your veins you have the blood of the one who sacrificed his life being burnt on the hot plate flowing through. Your veins have the blood of the one sacrificed his head in Chandi Chowk flowing through you. You are the son of Guru Gobind Singh. The day you were born I won the first battle. Go and fight, but don't turn your face away and come back to me. I wish to see you become Shaheed." Guru Gobind Singh jee opened the gate of Chamkaur with his own hands and sent his son to the battlefield. Bhai Mohkam Singh, Bhai Deva Singh, Bhai Keertee Singh, Bhai Ishar Singh and Bhai Nand Singh accompanied Baba Ajeet Singh to the battlefield. The Mughal forces echoed, "This is eldest son of Gobind Singh. Kill him!" Allah Yaar Khan Yogi describes that Baba Ajeet Singh jee entered the battlefield like Death was coming to hug someone and then goes away. Baba Jee hit one of the Mughal Generals with his spear, the spear got stuck in the body of the General and could not be taken out. He then took out his sword  and kept fighting with this on horseback. Baba jee's horse became wounded and therefore fought on the ground. The enemy attacked in one go and Baba jee attained Shaheedi. Seeing Baba Ajeet Singh's body lay down on the ground, Guru jee said:

ਜਿਸ ਕੀ ਬਸਤੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਆਗੈ ਰਾਖੈ || ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਆਗਿਆ ਮਾਨੈ ਮਾਥੈ ||
ਉਸ ਤੇ ਚਉਗੁਨ ਕਰੈ ਨਿਹਾਲੁ || ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਦਾ ਦਇਆਲੁ ||੨||
"When one offers to the Lord, that which belongs to the Lord, and willingly abides by the Will of God's Order, the Lord will make him happy four times over. O Nanak, our Lord and Master is merciful forever."
(Ang 268)

Baba Ajeet Singh jee's body had 400 wounds because the Mughal soldiers believed that whichever soldier's sword would help to kill Baba Ajeet Singh would get rewarded in Heaven.

To be continued...

Sikh History in December - Part 2: Kotla Nihang Khan...

Continued...

Bhai Bachitar Singh jee's Jatha attacked

Bhai Bachitar Singh jee was the commander of a group of 100 Singhs when leaving Anandpur Sahib. Bhai Sahib's Jatha (group) was at the front. Whilst watching pursuers from the front at the direction of Ropar, Bhai Bachitar Singh jee and his Singhs were attacked by Mughals near Malikpur Ranghran. All the Singhs became Shaheed and Bhai Sahib was seriously injured and near to death. He was carried to Bhai Nihang Khan jee's house in village Kotla (now known as Kotla Nihang Khan) by Sahibzada Baba Ajeet Singh jee and Bhai Madan Singh jee. Bhai Nihang Khan was a Muslim whose grandfather had served Guru Hargobind Sahib jee and had great love for the Guru's House. Every month he would take his family and children to Anandpur Sahib to have Darshan of Guru jee and receive Guru jee's blessings. Guru Gobind Singh jee asked Bhai Nihang Khan jee to look after Bhai Bachittar Singh jee, after which they proceeded with the remaining forty Sikhs and the elder Sahibzaade towards Chamkaur Sahib. Before leaving Guru jee blessed Bhai Nihang Khan's family by giving them the gift of a shield, Khanjar (dagger) and Talwar (sword).

Mughals surround Bhai Nihang Khan's house

The Mughals received news that Bhai Nihang Khan was housing some Sikhs. Bhai Nihang Khan jee said to the Mughal soldiers, "I am a Muslim. I have no enemies in my house and nor would I give the enemies any help. Search the house if you must." Bhai Nihang Khan jee spoke to the truth. For him the Sikhs were not the enemies or Kafirs (Infidels) but sent by God to share goodness in this world. To satisfy themselves the Mughals searched the house. Bhai Bachitar Singh jee was in a room being nursed by Bhai Nihang Khan jee's daughter, Bibi Mumtaaz jee. When the Mughals asked to go inside the room, Bhai Nihang Khan jee replied, "My daughter is in there with her husband." Bhai Bachitar Singh had his face and body covered with a blanket and Bibi Mumtaaz jee was massaging and pressing his feet and legs. Seeing this the Mughals apologised and left Bhai Nihang Khan jee's house. That night Bhai Bachitar Singh jee died of his fatal wounds.

Cremation of Bhai Bachitar Singh jee

To try and avoid the Mughals discovering Bhai Bachitar Singh jee, the funeral was delayed to the next day. It was not possible to take Bhai Sahib's body out of the house so Bhai Nihang Khan jee cremated Bhai Bachitar Singh jee's body inside his house in his courtyard. Bhai Nihang Khan jee conducted the last rites in accordance to Gurmat. Bibi Mumtaaz jee was engaged prior to this, however after that day she told her father, "Father, I am now married and have a husband. I cannot marry anyone else." Bibi Mumtaaz jee took her father's words that Bhai Bachitar Singh jee was her husband to heart. Her father was proud of her Sikhi Sidak and accepted this. All her life Bibi Mumtaaz jee never married and considered Bhai Bachitar Singh jee as her husband. She was a great reciter of Gurbani and remained immersed in the Bhagti (devotion) of Gurbani till her last breath.







To be continued....

Sikh History in December - Part 1: Leaving Anandpur Sahib

This month is very special in Sikh history. It marks the martyrdoms of the four Sahibzaade (princes) of Guru Gobind Singh jee, Mata Gujar Kaur jee (Guru jee's mother) and countless other beloved Gursikhs who died sacrificing themselves for the Sikh nation. As a small tribute to the Sahibzaade and all the great Shaheeds, with Guru's kirpaa Daas has attempted to write up a brief summary of the historical events leading up to Saka Chamkaur Sahib and Saka Sirhind based on lectures of Dr. Sukhpreet Singh Udhoke and Giani Pinderpal Singh.

PART 1: THE STORY OF
LEAVING ANANDPUR SAHIB

Siege of Anandpur Sahib

Anandpur Sahib is in a valley in North-East Panjab. The hills that surround Anandpur Sahib had small kingdoms of 22 Hindu kings. The Hindu kings had a growing enmity with Guru Gobind Singh jee as Guru Gobind Singh jee was against idolatry and the caste system. One of the Hindu hill kings called Ajmer Chand of Kahlir and his father Bheem Chand personally went to the Emperor Aurangzeb and stirred up the Emperor to attack and finish Guru Gobind Singh jee who was said to be a threat to not only the Hindu religion but also the Islamic rule of India. Armies were sent from across Northern India to surround Anandpur Sahib. The army was so big that if each soldier picked up a handful of soil and threw it at Anandpur Sahib, the city would get buried in soil. The siege lasted from about May to December. The food ran out and the Sikhs struggled for even water. Just to get water, a small band of Sikhs would leave the fort and most of them would die fighting in the process. Despite the lack of food, water and the growing cold and wet weather, the Sikhs kept in good spirits.

ਜੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਦੇਹਿ ਤ ਤੁਝਹਿ ਅਰਾਧੀ ਦੁਖਿ ਭੀ ਤੁਝੈ ਧਿਆਈ||੨||
ਜੇ ਭੁਖ ਦੇਹਿ ਤ ਇਤ ਹੀ ਰਾਜਾ ਦੁਖ ਵਿਚਿ ਸੂਖ ਮਨਾਈ||੩||
"If You will bless me with happiness, then I will worship and adore You. Even in pain, I will meditate on You. ||2|| Even if You give me hunger, I will still feel satisfied; I am joyful, even in the midst of sorrow. ||3||"
(Ang 757)

Attempt to attack the Fort of Anandpur Sahib

Guru Gobind Singh jee had his own Intelligence wing that gathered information from different sources. The Head of Intelligence for the Sikhs was called Bhai Chatur Singh Brar. Bhai Sahib informed Guru Sahib three days before that the Mughals planned to send a drunk elephant equipped with lethal armour to break the gate of the Lohgarh Fort. Guru Sahib chose a 4ft tall Singh that was slim build, called Bhai Bachitar Singh jee, to go and fight with the lethal drunk elephant. As the lethal drunk elephant approached the gate, Bhai Bachittar Singh who was on horseback, made a powerful thrust with his spear piercing the elephant's armour plate and injuring the animal in the forehead. The wounded elephant ran back creating havoc and great damage in the enemy's ranks. Bhai Sahib showed that it is not necessarily physical build and strength that is needed for victory but spiritual strength, fearlessness and courage that is gained from Rehit, Gurbani and Simran.

 The Oath of the Hindu Hill Kings

The 22 Hindu hill kings sent a Hindu priest called Pandit Parmanand to see Guru Gobind Singh jee. Pandit Parmanand came holding a cow statue made out of flour and told Guru jee, "The Hindu hill kings have sent me on their behalf. They take an oath on the holy cow that if you leave Anandpur Sahib and head for Deena Kangar, they will not attack you and allow you to leave with dignity and respect." Mata Gujar Kaur jee afterwards tells Guru jee, "They are taking an oath on their holy cow. We should perhaps accept this." Guru jee replied, "Mata jee, they are taking an oath on an animal, not even a human being. I will show you how much their oath means to them." Guru jee got some bullock driven carts to be filled with rubbish and then covered with expensive material. Guru jee then asked the Sikhs to send these carts outside of the city gates so that it looked like the Sikhs were leaving. When this happened, straight away the Hindu hill kings got their armies and attacked. Guru jee proved how much integrity these kings really had.

 The Oath of Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb then sent a Muslim priest, Qazi Syyed Wali Hassan, to see Guru jee at Anandpur Sahib. The Qazi supposedly belonged to the blood line of Prophet Muhammad. He lived in the city of Samana, which is the same place where the executioners of Guru Teg Bahadur jee and the Chhote Sahibzaade lived. Wali Hassan brought a Quran with him that was handwritten by Emperor Aurangzeb. On the first empty page of the Quran, Aurangzeb had written that he swears on the Quran that if the Guru leaves Anandpur Sahib he will not attack him and let him go peacefully. Guru jee knew everything. Guru jee became a mirror in which the Mughals could see themselves and expose the ugly truth of how treacherous they really were.

Leaving Anandpur Sahib

On the night of 20th December (Panjabi month of 6 Poh), Guru Gobind Singh jee, his family, and all the Sikhs left Anandpur Sahib. As it was night time the Mughals did not realise that Sikhs had left. Imagine if someone asked us to leave our home over night and never to see it again. We would remember the room that we decorated with our own hands, the kitchen that our father made and the garden that our mother looked after. We would be pained to leave it, even if it was a small house. Yet, Guru jee left behind a whole city founded by his father, Guru Teg Bahadur jee, and built up over time by his own hands and the hands of his beloved Gursikhs. Eventually the Mughals got news of Guru jee and the Sikhs leaving Anandpur Sahib. During the night 20th December leading up the morning of 21st December, Guru jee and his Sikhs were attacked by the Mughal army at the river Sarsa, at a distance of about 25 kilometres from Anandpur Sahib. The Mughals broke their oath on Allah and the Quran that they would not attack.

Amritvela at River Sarsa

Guru jee and the Sikhs arrived at Kiratpur Sahib and paid their respects there. Guru Gobind Singh jee had his eldest son, along with Bhai Udde Singh jee, Bhai Jeevan Singh jee, and Bhai Bachitar Singh jee, at the back of the caravan of Sikhs to keep back the attacking Mughal army. Guru jee kept his own son at the back to fight so that no one would have any doubt that Guru jee made any distinction between his own sons and the Sikhs. Bhai Udde Singh jee along with 50 Sikhs under his command become Shaheed at Shahi Tibba. Bhai Jeevan Singh along with 100 Sikhs under his command become Shaheed fighting in another direction. Bhai Bachitar Singh who was also commanding a group of Sikhs ahead of Guru jee and the rest of the Sikhs in the direction of Ropar was wounded and eventually becomes Shaheed. The accompanying group of Sikhs with Bhai Bachitar Singh all became Shaheed. Guru Gobind Singh jee asked the Sikhs to stop and sit down at the river bank of River Sarsa for Amritvela Nitnem (morning prayers). Bhai Dya Singh jee, said, "But Guru jee, the enemy is coming..." Guru jee replied, "A Sikh's wealth is Amritvela and Bani. Without it, the enemy can finish you anywhere and you will not get to God." That Amrit-vela, Guru jee himself recited Nitnem and then led the Keertan of Aasa Ki Vaar. Guru jee proved to Sikhs the importance of Amrit-vela and Nitnem (daily prayers).

Separation of the Family  

After Aasa Ki Vaar keertan, Guru jee and the Sikhs moved towards the River Sarsa to cross it. It was the early morning of 21st December. The sun had not yet risen and it was dark with stormy weather. Guru jee's family members and the Sikhs were on horses. The river was cold and the water was flowing very fast. Many Sikhs perished in crossing the cold river and got swept away by the current of the river. During the confusion in crossing the River Sarsa, Guru jee's family was divided into three directions. In one direction were Guru jee's wives and Bhai Mani Singh jee, the second direction was Guru jee, his two eldest sons and 40 Sikhs, and in third direction was Mata Gujar Kaur jee and the two younger sons of Guru jee, accompanied by Bhai Duna Singh 'Hindoria' and his wife* (*based on Katha Gur Sutan Kee Granth, a historical manuscript written by Bhai Duna Singh but was burnt along with other precious religious literature in 1984 during the Indian army attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib. A copy of this historical manuscript was made by Prof. Piara Singh Padam before it was destroyed in the attack). Gurdwara Parivaar Vichhora Sahib is built on the spot where the battle occurred and the Gurus family were separated.

To be continued...