Shaheed Baba Gurbaksh Singh Jee

1st December marks the day when Baba Gurbaksh Singh jee gave an amazing Shaheedi defending Siree Darbaar Sahib in Amritsar in 1764. Baba jee's martyrdom is an inspiration for all of us and shows how a Gursikh fights in the battlefield. Baba jee's heroic sacrifice inspired many Shaheeds after him. Shaheedaa'n Nu Lakh Lakh Parnaam!

A SHORT GLIMPSE AT THE SHAHEEDI OF BABA GURBAKSH SINGH JEE
Taken from translation of Rattan Singh Bhagoo's 'Pracheen Panth Parkaash' by Tapoban.org Sevadaars

Childhood

Baba jee was of village Leel near Siree Amritsar. His Father was Bhai Dasaundha Singh jee and mother Mata Lachmee Kaur jee. Baba jee's parents served Satguru Gobind Singh jee and Baba jee received amrit at the age of 11, due to the inspiration of Bhai Mani Singh jee. He spent time with Baba Deep Singh jee and Bhai Mani Singh jee and became a very good scholar and warrior.

Character

Baba Gurbaksh Singh was always dressed in blue baaNaa and kept a very strong Rehit (discipline). He would awake at Amrit-vela (early hours before sunrise) and do ishnaan (bathe). Then, while reciting Gurbaani, Baba jee would tie his tall dastaar. Baba jee loved Sarbloh (pure iron) and would adorn his body and dastaar with iron Shastars (weapons) and armour. Every Amrit-vela Baba jee sat in the divaan at Siree Akaal Takhat Sahib. Rich or poor, he greeted all people with the same respect. He had absolutely no worldly aspirations or greed. Whenever there was a battle, Baba jee would be in the forefront carrying the the Nishaan Sahib (Sikh flag) and advancing to the forward to the beat of the nagaara (war drum).

Abdali's Oppression and the Khalsa Scatters
The Khalsa had scattered to the jungle and mountain areas when the Afghan invader, Ahmed Shah Abdali, brought his army through Panjab in 1765. It was Abdali's 10th invasion. At Amritsar, the Sarbat Khalsa (the collective gathering of all the Khalsa) gathered one day and after the night divaan, decided to abandon Amritsar and leave together as a group for Malwa (south Panjab).


Baba Jee Offers His Shaheedee
After the decision had been made, Baba Gurbaksh Singh rose and addressed the Singhs. Baba jee asked whether there is any Sikh who is devoted to Naam and has strong Rehit that is willing to sacrifice themselves and spill their blood for the Chardi Kalaa of the Panth. The Singhs replied, "Baba jee, is there any Singh better for this than you? There is no one with more kamaeee (spiritual wealth). No one else has the power to abandon their body and go to Dargah (Court of the Lord) like you do. No one else's request will be more acceptable to Waheguru than yours." Baba jee listened to these words and then bowed his head and agreed to the request.


Baba jee Prepares His Wedding Party
Baba jee then called out, "I want to be Shaheed! If there is any other Gurmukh who wishes to come with me to Dargah, then let them also come. When there is a marriage, the groom goes with his Sarbaalha (best man) and with a large baraat (marriage party). I am going to marry the bride of Death. Are there Singhs who would be my Sarbaalhas?"Hearing Baba jee's call, many Singhs rose and stood with Baba jee to become the "Sarbalhas" and the others joined saying they would be the "Baraat" (marriage party).


The Singhs Prepare for The "Wedding"
Hearing of the advance of Abdali from Lahore, some people left Amritsar. Only about 30 Singhs now remained who were all Chardee Kalaa Naam Abhyaasee (repeaters of the Divine-Name) Gursikhs. They prepared for their death like a groom prepares for his wedding. They all had new cholas (dresses) sewn. Some decided to sew blue, and others wore white and others saffron. After bathing in the holy Sarovar (pool of nectar), along with the other 30 Sikhs, Baba jee offered Karah Parshaad at Siree Harmandir Sahib and did Ardaas: "Satguru jee may our Sikhi last with our Kesh (hair) intact until our last breath." After taking Hukam (edict) from Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee and reciting "Ghoriaa'n" (a prayer abot marriage), the Sikhs stated that they were going to wed death. They returned to Sree Akaal Takhat Sahib to listen to keertan of marriage hymns and await the enemy. In this way, the entire night passed in listening to keertan. At day break, the enemy had arrived.


The Afghans Arrive & The Battle Begins
The Nishaan Sahibs were furling and the beat of nagaaraas was echoing. The Singhs were like grooms anxious to marry a beautiful wife and seeing the time come closer, becoming more and more excited. The Singhs were surrounded on all four sides and the Afghans began to close in. Baba jee called out to all the Singhs, "Singhs! Step forward and embrace martyrdom! If we step forward, our honour remains intact, if we step back, they will say we are retreating! Do not look for assistance anymore, just go forward! Now go forward and give your heads!" Hearing Baba jee's cry, the Singhs all charged forward. They fell upon the Afghans like a lion on deer.


The Afghans Fall Back & Reinforcements
Wherever the Singhs stood their ground against the Afghans, they eventually fell. Afghan reinforcements also arrived. Not one Singh stepped back. Some Afghans even began to run away. Many Singhs standing with Baba jee fell to the rain of bullets. Baba jee then took out his heavy Tegha (double-edged sword) and ran towards the enemy. He swung his Tegha with such force that it cut through the armour of the Afghans. The Afghans continued to fall back and began to wonder whether these few Singhs would cause their defeat. They could not bear the brunt of the Singhs' sword blows. They fell back and began to fire bullets and arrows.


Baba Jee's Shaheedee
Baba jee's body was pierced by many bullets and arrows and his wounds could not be counted. But neither did the Singhs accept defeat nor would they acknowledge any pain. Although tired and weak from loss of blood, Baba jee was careful that no one would say he retreated. Baba jee called to the remaining Singhs, "Singhs! Do not shame the BaaNaa we wear! May our Shaheedees be perfect and may we fall in the battlefield!" By this time, even more Afghan reinforcements arrived. The new Afghans surrounded the wounded Baba jee and pierced him with their long spears. Baba jee fell to his knees. Not willing to accept anything but martyrdom, Baba jee then again raised his khanda and called to the Afghans, "Come! Try to take my head!" Again the enemy surround him and fighting on his knees, Baba jee was beheaded and attained martyrdom. Baba jee's vow was completed.


The Aftermath
Night fell and the Afghans were in shock after seeing such a bloody battle. They set up camp near the Bhangi fort and fell into a deep sleep. The few Singhs that had remained hidden in the area attacked the camp at night. The remaining Afghans could not sleep in peace and at day break, they quickly fled from the area. The same night, a few other Singhs came to the scene of the battle. They saw the headless bodies of the Singhs and many many Afghans. The Singhs gathered all the bodies are cremated them together behind Siree Akaal Takhat Sahib. Degh was distributed and the Singhs celebrated as though a great wedding had taken place. The Shaheed Ganj of Baba Gurbaksh Singh still stands at that place. Baba jee's Shaheedee was glorious and indeed, the Afghan power did begin to fall after this point. Within a few years, the Sikhs began to rule Punjab and the Sikh Kingdoms were established.


Lesson Learnt:
It is a misconception that we the Khalsa today are weak. We still have the same basic ingredients that our precessors had - Gurbani and Amrit of the double-edged sword. What we lack are Simran and Rehat. A nation that forgets it's history is like a dying tree. The Blood of Martyrs is fertiliser to this tree of the Khalsa, and even reading about them is invigorating. We need to share our history - to be inspired and inspire others.

Happy Gurpurb - Dhan Guru Nanak!

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਿਆ ਮਿਟੀ ਧੁੰਧ ਜਗ ਚਾਨਣ ਹੋਆ ॥
satgur naanak pragattiaa mittee dhundh jag chaanan hoaa.
When the True Guru, Satguru Nanak, manifested, the mist (of ignorance) cleared and the light (of wisdom) scattered all around.
(Bhai Gurdaas jee)

Saturday 24th November commemorates the 538th Parkaash Diwas of Guru Nanak Sahib jee. Happy Gurpurb to everyone! In tribute to Guru Nanak Sahib jee, below is a short Saakhi from Guru Sahib's jeevan.

SAAKHI - WHAT CAN YOU SEE?

Guru Nanak Sahib jee was sitting in the gathering of the Sangat along with his sons, when he lifted one takka (a 2 paise coin) and held it in his hand. Guru jee asked Baba Siri Chand, his elder son, "What do you see lying in my hand?" Baba Siri Chand replied, "I see only a coin, which you had just lifted in front of the entire Sangat. What else could it be?" Guru jee then turned to his younger son, Baba Lakhmi Daas, to ask him the same question, which he got the same reply.

Guru Nanak Sahib jee asked the Sangat members what they saw, which they humbly replied, “O Guru Gareeb Niwaaj (O Guru, Sanctury of the Helpless) due to our limited vision we can only say that there is one coin (takka) in your palm." When Guru jee asked Bhai Lehna jee, "O Dear Sikh! What do you see lying in my hand?” Bhai Lehna jee with utmost humility, tears rolling down his eyes and with folded hands said, “O Sachey Paatshaah (O True King!), with my little vision, I see all the wealth and happiness of this world (lok) and the next world (parlok) in your hands. I am unable to see beyond that”.


May Waheguru do kirpaa on us all that when we look at Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee, we don't just see ink, paper and the colourful decorated rumaalay (draperies). Instead, may we be blessed with the vision of seeing living, speaking and ever-present Jyot (Divine Light) of Guru Nanak Sahib jee manifest in full glory in the Partak Guru, Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.

Video of Paris Smaagam in Memory of Bhai Sahib

On Saturday 10th November a special Keertan Darbaar was held at Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Bobigny, Paris in memory of the late Bhai Sahib Rajinder Singh (Dudley, UK) from the Chalda Vaheer Jathaa. (Read more about Chalda Vaheer Jatha here.)

Below is a video kindly sent by Bhaajee Manpreet Singh (Paris) showing the highlights from the Smaagam:

Kirtan Smagam Paris
Uploaded by jeanjy


Note:

End of Month Keertan Darbaar
Saturday 24th November 2007

7pm till 12am (Main Diwaan), Singh Sabha Gurdwara,

Park Avenue, Southall ,

UB1 3AG

Part of London of Sikhi Month.

Photos from the Leamington Gurmat Camp

I've been emailed photos from the Gurmat Camp that took place at Leamington & Warwick Gurdwara Sahib from 26th to 28th October 2007. It was Leamington's first ever weekend camp, which went very well with Waheguru's Kirpaa. All the sevadaars and local Sangat worked hard organising and running the camp, in particular Bhaajee Jaspal Singh, Bhaajee Bal Singh and Bhai Pardip Singh (Dhadi). May Waheguru keep them in Chardikalaa and bless them with more seva.

Here's some of the photos:


Bhaajee Vijay Singh talking about the different functions and important things that happen within a Gurdwara with the younger group of children.


Under 10s talking about Mool Mantar and Simran.


Langar.


Campers doing Keertan.


Dr. Gurnam Singh jee with elder children's group.


Giani Harbans Singh jee doing Vichaar with children.



Under 10s learning exercises for good posture.


Bhai Harjinder Singh Lallie doing Keertan.

On Sunday, the girls and boys were offered an opportunity of having Keskis (small turbans) and Dastaars (turbans):






Group photo from Friday.



Note:

Keertan Darbaar
Friday 23rd November 2007

7pm till late (Hall no. 2), Gurdwara Leamington & Warwick
Tachbrook Park Drive,
Leamington Spa,

CV31 3LZ

For Parkaash of Guru Nanak Sahib jee
and foundation laying of the new Gurdwara.

Bandi Chhor Diwas & Sikhs in World Wars

Happy Bandi Chhor Diwas! On Diwali Sikhs remember and mark the release of the Sixth Nanak, Guru Hargobind Sahib jee, from the Gwalior Fort along with 52 Rajas (kings) who were innocent political prisoners. Guru Sahib was known as "Bandi Chhor" (The Liberator). Today also marks the martyrdom of Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh jee. Read more about the history of Bandi Chhor Diwas here.

What do we learn from Bandi-Chhor Diwas?

52 Hindu Kings were freed with Guru Sahib. Guru Hargobind Sahib jee could have left the Fort when he was offered the chance (he was not a forced prisoner). However, Guru jee thought of others before himself. Others freedom and rights were more important than his own. Guru Sahib is always thinking of everyone's emancipation, not his own or only his Sikhs. This is the attitude and virtue which Guru Sahib filled within his Sikhs by putting into reality this positive message.

Sunday marks Remembrance Day when the world remembers those soldiers who gave up their tomorrow for our today. The Sikhs did not just fight for their own freedom in India, but they also fought for the freedom of others who lived in foreign lands through volunteering to fight against tyrants threatening the world. This is where the colour that Guru Hargobind Sahib jee filled within the Sikhs comes to light. The British had oppressed the Sikhs and Panjab (as well as having some good times), but nevertheless, the Sikhs rose to give sacrifices for freedom, liberty and justice. This is the blessings of Guru Hargobind Sahib jee.

"Finally we that live on can never forget those comrades who, in giving their lives gave so much that is great to the story of the Sikh Regiment. No living glory can transcend that of their supreme sacrifice.

May they rest in peace.

In the last two World Wars 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded. they all died or were wounded for the freedom of Britain and the World, enduring shell fire with no other protection but the turban, the symbol of their faith"
General Sir Frank Messervy, K.C.S.I., K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O.

Photos from World War I


Lahore Division brought to the Flanders front in London double-decker buses, Oct.1914 ( from a newspaper of that time).


General Egerton commander of the Ferozepore Brigade in Wijtschate, end of October 1914.


Company of the 15th Sikhs performing Keertan (singing sacred hymns) in their billets after being relieved from the line.


Wounded Indian soldiers, according to one source in a French village and another in Ieper, 31 October 1914.


Sikhs soldiers off-duty presenting a gift to local boy


The arrival of Sikh soldiers in Marseilles, 1914. "Gentlemen of India marching to chasten German hooligans" says a French postcard.


Sikh pipe band marching through France in 1914.


Sikh soldiers in Flanders 1914-15.


Sikh soldiers using gas masks while defending Ieper in April, 1915. On 22nd April 1915 at 5 p.m. the 2nd Battle of Ypres began with the first successful gas attack in history. (Note: they did not compromise their turban or sacred hair.)


Maharaja of Patiala Bhupinder Singh with Belgian Generals on the front-line, Belgium (April 1915).


Wounded Sikh & Indian soldiers in a ward of the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, 1915


Injured Sikh soldier in wheelchair in the grounds of the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, 1915.


Wounded Sikh soldiers in Brighton. England. 1916


French woman gives flower to marching Sikh soldier during WWI


A contingent of Sikhs marching across the Mall in London at the Victory March of 19th July 1919.


Guard inspection by the Maharaja of Patiala (Maharajah Bhupinder Singh) and his Sikh officers at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, 1921.


Photos from World War II


Sikhs marching in Mesopotamia carrying Guru Granth Sahib jee, the Sikh Sacred Scripture, themselves.


Sikh soldiers of the 8th Army with local boys in San Felice.


Sikhs guarding the streets of Jerusalem


Sikhs guarding the gates of Jerusalem during Ramadan.


A Sikh Soldier escorting prisoners of War 1941


An Italian soldier surrenders to a Sikh, during Operation Crusader, of an unnamed Division and Regiment, on 8th December 1941.


Sikh mountain gunners cleaning Italian guns captured by the 5th Indian Division in Eritrea. Circa 1941.


It was taken in 1942 & it shows some Singhs from a Sikh regiment during the African campaign


This picture was taken in 1943 during the Sicilian campaign.


Sikh soldier of the 11th Sikh Regiment with a captured Nazi flag in Italy at the end of the Second World War.


War Memorials in Memory of Sikhs


Memorial at Kranji , Singapore


Memorial in Coventry, UK. This 22ft marble monument which incorporates the insignia of all the Sikh Regiments which served in the Army from 1850 until 1945 stands in the middle of a traffic island on the Stoney Stanton Road at the crosspoint of the North South Road in Coventry. It is a unique monument marking 200 years of Sikh involvement in British history and the last two world wars.


Memorial in Brighton, UK. The Chattri, a small domed shaped monument on the Downs near Patcham. During the Great War, many Indian soldiers were treated for their injuries in Brighton. Those Sikh and Hindu soldiers who did not survive were cremated on the Downs above the town. In 1921 a memorial to these soldiers, built on the spot where the funeral pyre had been, was unveiled by the Prince of Wales. An inscription in Urdu, Hindi and English says:

"To the memory of all Indian soldiers who gave their lives for their King-Emperor in the Great War, this monument, erected on the site of the funeral pyre where Hindus and Sikhs who died in hospital at Brighton passed through the fire, is in grateful admiration and brotherly affection dedicated"