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...

"I just wanted to say something to you..."

An elderly Gora came up to me and said, "I just wanted to say something to you..." I smiled back and said, "Yes." He said, "Have you been watching the television documentaries that have shown the Sikh contributions in the World Wars?" I said, "Yes. But not all of them." He smiled back and said, "It is just amazing. You must be so proud. The Sikhs have done so much for this country."

He then went on to say, "I think Sikhs look wonderful. They look so elegant with their turbans and beards. Whenever I see a Sikh I think they look great."

At the end of the conversation, he smiled again and said, "There is one last thing... You Sikhs really know how to celebrate!" I thought "O deary me! Here we go!" The man said, "I work with a Sikh and he invited me to his wedding. All I can say that Sikhs know how to celebrate." Saying that the man had to go off.

Although it makes me feel proud that a Gora respects Sikhs so much because of our history, it was very saddening to see how the modern Punjabi culture of drinking alcohol, getting drunk and shamelessly dancing has clouded over the true character of of a Sikh and how the impression of the Sikh community has been stained.