Monday, November 14, 2005

Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji

Yesterday was Baba Deep Singh Ji's Shaheedi Diwas. In honour of Baba Deep Singh Ji's Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) and also the other Singhs who became Shaheed (martyrs) while fighting alongside Baba Deep Singh Ji in protecting the sanctity of Sri Harmandar Sahib, I have written an article on Baba Ji's Jeewan (life):
A GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF SHAHEED BABA DEEP SINGH JEE
Childhood and meeting Guru Sahib Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji was born on January 20, 1682, in the village of Pahu-vind, district Amritsar. His father's name was Bhai Bhagtu Ji. At the age of twelve, Baba Deep Singh Ji went with his parents to Anandpur Sahib to meet Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh guru. They stayed at Anandpur Sahib for several days, doing sewa (service) with the Sangat. When his parents were ready to return to their village, Guru Gobind Singh Ji asked Baba Deep Singh Ji to stay with him. He humbly accepted Guru Ji's command and began serving him. Training & knowledge From Bhai Mani Singh Ji Baba Ji began learning reading and writing Gurmukhi and santhiyaa (exegesis) of Gurbaani. As well as gurmukhi he learnt several other languages. Guru Gobind Singh Ji also taught him horseback riding, hunting and Shastar-vidiyaa (weaponry). At the age of eighteen, on the Vaisakhi of 1700, he received the blessing of Khande-di-pahul, amrit, from the Guru-roop Panj Piaare. As an Amritdhari Sikh, Baba Deep Singh Ji took an oath to serve in Akaal Purakh's Fauj (the Almighty’s army), and that following the way of the Khalsa one is to always help the weak and needy, and to fight for truth and justice. Baba Deep Singh Ji soon became one of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's most beloved Sikhs. During this time countless spiritually elevated souls were residing in Anandpur, doing Sangat with them and with the Guru's blessings, the Sangat recognised the young Deep Singh Ji as a "Baba" (wise person) and gave him this title. Return back home Baba Deep Singh Ji stayed in Guru Gobind Singh Ji's service for about eight years. At Guru Ji's request, he returned to his village to help his parents. Guru Gobind Singh Ji met Baba Deep Singh Ji at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo in 1705. Here, he learned that two of the Guru' sons, Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, had become Shaheed (martyred) in the battle of Chamkaur Sahib. Guru Ji also told him that his two younger sons, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, were cold-heartedly bricked alive and attained Shaheedi (martyrdom) at Sirhind under the orders of the governor Wazir Khan.
Sent Message to meet Guru Sahib at Damdama Sahib
In 1706, Guru Gobind Singh Ji placed Baba Deep Singh Ji in charge at Damdama Sahib, while Bhai Mani Singh Ji was made Head Granthi of Sri Harmander Sahib in Amritsar. After Guru Sahib left for Delhi, he took up the duty of preparing copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and carried on the sewa blessed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji of managing this Sikh Centre. ‘Taksal’ means a minting factory. Sri Damdama Sahib, had become a factory where Sikhs would come to mint and prepare their shastars (weapons), as well as mint their minds and enshrine Gurbaani within their hearts through learning the correct pronunciation and grammar of reading Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. As a result this centre of education and weaponry was known as “Damdami Taksal”. Baba Deep Singh Ji spent many years at Sri Damdama Sahib preaching Sikh values and teachings and doing sewa of the Sangat. He was always ready to serve those in need and to fight for justice.
The Khalsa delivers justice to the Tyrants In 1709, Baba Ji joined Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadar in punishing the tyrants of Sadhaura and Sirhind. Baba Ji fought so bravely without care for his life, that Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadur entrusted Baba Ji with the title "Jinda Shaheed" (living martyr). Since that moment Baba Ji was called "Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji". It is noteworthy that Baba Ji wasn't called "Shaheed" after he died, but during his own lifetime. In 1733 Nawab Kapoor Singh Ji, the commander of the Khalsa forces, appointed Baba Ji as the leader of one of the jathas (groups) of Dal Khalsa (a united and collective body of groups of Khalsa divided and dispersed across Panjab). On Vaisakhi day of 1748, when Dal Khalsa was reorganised into twelve misls, he was entrusted with the leadership of Shaheedaa(n) di Misl. News of sacrilege at Amritsar In April 1757, Ahmed Shah Abdali, after his fourth invasion, was returning to Kabul from Delhi with precious booty and young men and women as captives. Singhs made a plan to retrieve the valuables and set the prisoners free. The jatha (squad) of Baba Deep Singh Ji was deployed near Kurkhetar (also called Kurukshetra). His squad freed large number of prisoners and lightened the burden of valuables of Abdali considerably. While departing from Lahore, Abdali appointed his son Taimur Shah, the Governor of Lahore and told him, "Try to finish the Sikhs". In Accordance with his orders, Taimur Shah started demolishing Gurdwaré and filling the sarovars (pool tanks) with debris and alcohol. When Baba Deep Singh Ji came to know of this beadbi (violation of sanctity) and demolition of Sri Harmandar Sahib, he narrated it to the Sangat (congregation) of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, and said, "Diwali will be celebrated at Amritsar this year." Five hundred Singhs came forward to go with him. Baba Deep Singh Ji offered an Ardaas (pray) before starting for Amritsar, "May my head fall at Sri Harmandar Sahib."
Baba jee leaves for Amritsar Although Baba Deep Singh Ji was seventy-five years old, he still had the strength of a young warrior. He gathered a large group of Sikhs and advanced towards Sir Harmandar Sahib. By the time they reached the Taran Taaran, about ten miles from Amritsar, the number of Singhs had risen to about five thousand. At this time, Baba Ji drew a line on the ground with his Khanda (double-edged sword), and asked only those who were willing to fight and die to cross the line. Those willing to die for the Guru and give up their attachment for their homes and families crossed the line eagerly. Baba Deep Singh Ji then recited the shabad:
ਜਉ ਤਉ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਖੇਲਣ ਕਾ ਚਾਉ ॥ ਸਿਰੁ ਧਰਿ ਤਲੀ ਗਲੀ ਮੇਰੀ ਆਉ ॥ ਇਤੁ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਪੈਰੁ ਧਰੀਜੈ ॥ ਸਿਰੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਕਾਣਿ ਨ ਕੀਜੈ ॥20॥
“Those who wish to play the game of love (follow the Guru‘s path), come to me with your head in your palm. If you wish your feet to travel this path, don't delay in accepting to give your head. 20” (Ang 1412, SGGS)
Clash with the Mughals At the news of the approach of Singhs, the Governor of Lahore sent one of his generals with an army of twenty thousand to face them. His army took up position six miles north of Amritsar and waited for the Singhs there. Both the armies clashed near Gohalwarh on the 11th November, 1757. Fighting bravely, the Singhs pushed the army back and reached village Chabba where Attal Khan came forward and fierce battle ensued during which Attal Khan inflicted a blow on Baba Deep Singh Ji severing his head from his body. Baba Deep Singh, more than seventy-five years of age at that time, started to lose his footing under the impact of the blow, when a Sikh reminded him, "Baba ji, you had resolved (Ardaasa soddhyaa see) to reach the Parkarma of Sri Darbar Sahib." On hearing this, an inhuman energy suddenly took over, and Baba ji placed his head on the palm of one hand and with the other hand moved his 14kg Khanda (double-edged sword) with such ferocity and strength that enemy soldiers started running away in panic. Thus, Baba Deep Singh made his way to the Parkarma of Sri Harmandar Sahib where, due to the severe injury, attained martyrdom.
Baba jee lays to rest at Harmandir Sahib The Singhs celebrated the Diwali of 1757 in Sri Harmandar Sahib. The place where his head had fallen is marked by a stone and the Sikhs go past this place on their way to pay obeisance in Sri Darbar Sahib. It reminds them that the way to Sri Darbar Sahib is paved with the sacrifices of people like Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji. Summary Baba Deep Singh Ji's shaheedi incited the Sikhs to continue to fight against oppression for many years. Even today, his life serves as an example for all Sikhs on how to live and die with dignity, and never stand or tolerate the beadbi (violation of sanctity) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji or the Guru Ghar (Gurdwara). This is a message, which we can all learn from and aspire to follow, and ensure that Gurdwaré and individuals upkeep the respect and dignity of Gurmat and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, something which has been highlighted by Panthic Weekly in recent months with the reports of various Gurdwaré using Gurdwara property to allow parties, which cater for alcohol, and Granthi Singhs taking Guru Ji’s Saroops to Hotel, Clubs and Banqueting Halls. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Piaare. Dhan Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji.
ਧੰਨ ਉਹ ਧਰਤੀ ਧੰਨ ਉਹ ਬਾਪੂ, ਧੰਨ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਮਾਈ ।
ਢੰਗ ਜਿਉਣ ਦਾ ਜਿਸਦਾ ਪੁੱਤਰ, ਦੱਸ ਗਿਆ ਸਦੀਆ ਸਾਈਂ ।
“Blessed is that land, blessed is that father, blessed is the great mother. Who’s son has shown the way to live, for centuries to come.”

“Bhai Manvir Singh”, “Bhai Manvir Singh”, “Bhai Manvir Singh”. “Bhai Manvir Singh UK”, “Bhai Manvir Singh UK”, “Bhai Manvir Singh UK”. “Manvir Singh Khalsa”, “Manvir Singh Khalsa”, “Manvir Singh Khalsa”. “Manvir Singh”, “Manvir Singh”, “Manvir Singh”.

Friday, November 11, 2005

Photos of My Brother

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


Posing outside the main Sandhurst building


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


Photo of my brother with his platoon whom he trained with


Training expedition in Lake District


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


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


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


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


My dad and brother looking towards the lake.


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



Commissiong day - April 2005




Photos of Commissioning Parade and ceremony



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

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Ban Smoking in Public Places!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


suN gursikh kee rehit ko, taje tamaakoo sang.
marNee marai tau at bhalaa, jagat joot nehee ang.

"Listen to the Rehit (discipline) of the Gursikh who relinquishes the accompaniment of tobacco, avoding bodily contact with tobacco as he/she knows that he/she is better off dead than having to touch tobacco."
(Rehitnaama Bhai Nand Lal [Singh] Ji)


Monday, November 07, 2005

Trip to Southall Nagar Kirtan

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

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

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

Young Sewadaars helped to clear rubbish and sweep the streets


Youngsters doing sewa



Nagar Kirtan procession being led by Panj Singhs


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


Sangat singing along to Shabad Kirtan despite the poor weather conditions


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



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


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


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


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


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


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


Sangat approaching Park Avenue Gurdwara for Samaapti


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


Ardaas for the conclusion of the Nagar Kirtan


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

Saturday, November 05, 2005

AM I ALONE - Inspiring Poem

I came across this poem on RSingh's blogspot:

AM I ALONE?
AM I ALONE?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inni Kaur, 2003

Friday, November 04, 2005

Some Family Photos

I thought I would share some of my family photos.

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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


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

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


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


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


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

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Dhan Mata Sahib Kaur Ji

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

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


Birth house of Mata Sahib Devan at Rohtas, Jhelum

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


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


Becoming a member of the Guru's Family

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

Great Sevaa of Mata Jee

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


Final Years

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