Bhai Mani Singh was an 18th-century Sikh scholar and martyr. He was a childhood companion of Guru Gobind Singh and took the vows of Sikhism when the Guru inaugurated the Khalsa in March 1699. Soon after that, the Guru sent him to Amritsar to take charge of Harmandir Sahib, which had been without a custodian since 1696. He took control and steered the course of Sikh destiny at a critical stage in Sikh history. The nature of his death in which he was dismembered joint by joint has become a part of the daily Sikh Ardas (prayer). Family Ancestry Mani Singh was originally called Mani Ram, and was the son of Mai Das of Alipur. He had two elder brothers: Jet (Bhai Jetha Singh) and Dayal Das. Mani Singh was one of the 12 sons of Mai Das. His grandfather was Rao Ballu, a reputable warrior, who was a general in Guru Hargobind's army. Mani Singh's family consisted of notable warriors, among them his cousin Bhagwant Singh Bangeshwar, who was a ruler in Aurangzeb time. His brother, Dayala was killed at Delhi with Guru Tegh Bahadur. Mani Singh spent a considerable part of his life in service at Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. Marriages and children At the age of 15, Mani Singh was married to Seeto Bai, daughter of Raav Lakhi Rai Jadhaun Jadovanshi Raav (King) of Khairpur Tamewali now in Pakistan. List of Bhai Mani Singh's sons: Chitar Singh, killed with Mani Singh in Lahore in 1734. Bachitar Singh, killed in the battle of Nihan near Anandpur Sahib in 1704. Udai Singh, killed in Sahi Tibi near Anandpur Sahib in 1704. Anaik Singh, killed in the battle of Chamkaur in 1704. Ajab Singh, killed in the battle of Chamkaur in 1704. Ajaib Singh, killed in the battle of Chamkaur in 1704. Gurbaksh Singh, killed with Mani Singh in Lahore in 1734. Bhagwan Singh Balram Singh Desa Singh – the author of the Rehat Maryada (Code of conduct) of the Khalsa. Seven of Mani Singh's sons were from his first wife, Seeto Bai Ji and the remainder from his second wife Khemi Bai Ji . Life and work Service of Guru Har Rai When Mani Singh was 13 years old, his father, Rao Mai Das, took him to Guru Har Rai at Kiratpur to pay homage. Mani Singh spent about two years at Kiratpur in the service of Guru Har