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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312151022019-07-06T15:44:08.813+02:00TuhiTu - Sikh SakhisThe stories of one's ancestors make the children good children. They accept what is pleasing to the Will of the True Guru, and act accordingly. ( Guru Granth Sahib Ji - 951)

 Bhali Karre kartaar !!!!!Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-69691895415875721062018-01-16T10:45:00.001+01:002018-01-16T10:52:06.852+01:00Sakhi : Kavi Heer and poverty

Sakhi : Kavi Heer and poverty

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Sikhshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-46775944647122796742017-10-11T18:19:00.001+02:002017-10-11T18:19:38.022+02:00Sakhi Series :- 268 ( Mere Show of Devotion is of No Use)

Mere Show of Devotion is of No Use

(Source : [Book]The Gospel of the Sikh Gurus )

Bhai kalu, Nanu and Haari Kohli came to Guru Arjun Dev ji, prostrated and prayed for clarification that some devotees hear and recite 'Gurbani' and indulge in noble deeds. Yet

others indulge in evil deeds even after reciting 'Gurbani'. If the Guru's word is nectar, why are only some benefited and not others?

Guru ji said that those disciples who listen to 'Gurbani' with the noble intention of terminating their birth and death cycle are liberated. Other who recite 'Gurbani' to enhance

their ego or achieving objects of enjoyment, how can they be liberated? They are like a snake that attracts other insects with the light of the proverbial jewel on his head (mani)

and then swallows them. Similarly, evil persons who recite 'Gurbani' make a show of it to others and cheat them. They are not benefited.

Those who meditate on 'Narayan', the Unmanifested Lord with dedication and one-pointed mind are liberated.

A Real Warrior is One Who Battles His Own Mind

 Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-70578684278135283472017-05-27T12:11:00.001+02:002017-05-27T12:11:04.395+02:00Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

THE FALSE KING AND THE TRUE KING

We treasure a beautiful story of a Sikh of Agra who was a humble grass-cutter. The tents of the two kings being pitched side by side in the fields, the poor Sikh approached Jehangir's tent wifh an offering of two copper pice out of his wages, and desired to know where was "the True King" "Whom do you wish to see ?" said Jehangir. "I want to see the True King," said the grass-cutter. "I am the king," said Jehangir. The grass-cutter placed his offerings before him, bowed down to him, and rose and said, "0 True King! save me, thy slave, from this sea of darkness, and take me into thy refuge of light that is All Knowledge." On this the Emperor told him that he was not the king sought, and that the saviour's tent was pitched yonder. The grass-cutter hastily took back his offerings, and went running to the Guru.

The queen, NurJehan, took a deep interest in the Guru, and had many interviews with him. Also, with the poor frequenting the place, he was in much repute as a comforter.

During these days, Jehangir fell ill; and, following the barbarous advice of his Hindu ministers, he invited his astrologers to tell him of his evil stars that brought illness on him. These astrologers were heavily bribed by Chandu, who was always seeking to detach the Emperor from Guru Har Gobind. The astrologers accordingly, prophesied that a holy man of God should go to the Fort of Gwalior and pray for his recovery from there. Chandu then advised the Emperor that Har Gobind was the holiest of men and should be sent to Gwalior. Jehangir requested Guru Har Gobind to go; and though he saw through the plot of his enemies, he left for Gwalior immediately.

While Guru Har Gobind was at Gwalior, great was the distress of his Sikhs in Delhi and at Amritsar, who suspected foul play at the part of Chandu. In fact, Chandu did write to Hari Das, the Commander of Gwalior fort, urging him to poison the Guru or kill him in any way-and promising a large reward. Hari Das was by that time devoted to the Master; so he laid all these letters before him, who smiled and said nothing. The Guru met many other Rajahs who were prisoners in this fort, and made them happy. •

When Jehangir recovered, he thought of Guru Har Gobind again. Undoubtedly, Nur Jehan, who evinced a disciple-like devotion to the Master, had something to do with his recall from Gwalior. However, the Guru would not go unless the Emperor agreed to set all the prisoners in the fort at liberty. The Emperor at last gave way; and, on the personal security of the Guru, all the prisoners were released. The Guru was hailed at Gwalior as "Bandi Chhor" - the great deliverer who cuts fetters off the prisoners feet and sets them free. There remains, in the historic fort at Gwalior, a shrine of the Bandi Chhor Pir, worshipped by Hindus and Mussalmans alike, where they have lit a lamp in memory of the event, and where a Mohammedan Faqir sits in hallowed memory of some great one of whom he knows only the name-Bandi Chhor.

 Sikhshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-73075239243890290612017-04-09T12:05:00.001+02:002017-04-09T12:05:47.325+02:00Sakhi Series :- 267 ( Bhai Tara Singh ji Vaan)

Bhai Tara Singh ji

(Source : www.allaboutsikhs.com)
Bhai Tara Singh Wan was an eighteenth century Sikh. He was from the village of Wan, also known as Wan Tara Singh or Dall-Wan now in Amritsar district of the Eastern Punjab.

His father, Sardar Gurdas Singh, had received the rites of the Khalsa in the time of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, and had taken part in the Battle of Amritsar (April 1709), in which Bhai Mani Singh led the Sikhs and in which Har Sahai, a revenue official of Patti, was killed at his (Gurdas Singh's) hands. Baba Gurdas Singh took martyrdom in Bajwara (Hoshiarpur) when he went along with Baba Banda Singh to fight for Sirhind.

Bhai Tara Singh was the eldest of the five sons of Gurdas Singh and was born around 1687. He took Amrit from Bhai Mani Singh. Receiving the rites of initiation, he grew up to be a devout Sikh, skilled in the martial arts.

During Moghul rule, the village heads (Chaudhary) used to have considerable authority over local population. They often exercised these powers most mercilessly in order to awe the subjects into submission.

One such fellow Sahib Rai was head of village Naushahra. He was a hot headed and cruel person. He would often let loose his horses in the green fields of farmers of the village, causing extensive damage to their crops. If the aggrieved farmers complained to him about it, he used to abuse them, instead of sympathizing with them or redressing their grievances.

Once the sikh farmers of the village together requested him to keep his houses confined to the areas meant for grazing and not let them graze in their fields thereby destroying their crops.
 Instead of giving them any assurance, Sahib Rai turned them saying, "I will definitely tie my horses but with the ropes made out of your beautiful Keshas (Hair)." Such insulting words were unbearable for the Sikhs who valued their Keshas more than their lives. Deeply hurt, they narrated the incident to S. Baghel Singh and S. Amar Singh of the nearby village, Bhusay.

A few days later, S. Amar Singh and S. Baghel Singh caught hold of Sahib Rai's horses, while those were destroying the crops of Sikh farmers of village Naushehra, and sold them to S. Aala Singh, the then ruler of State of Patiala. The proceeds were donated to S. Tara Singh, a saint of village Waan for free Kitchen (Langer).

Bhai Tara Singh was God fearing devoted Sikh saint. He owned considerable agricultural land and had established a Gurudwara on his land. Sikhs passing through his village were provided shelter and free meals at this Gurudwara apart from other facilities required by them. S. Tara Singh, apart from being a saint, mostly absorbed in meditation, was a brave Sikh conversant with use of arms. He had fought many a battles under the leadership of Banda Singh Bahadur.

Chaudhary Sahib Rai found out through his agents that S. Baghel Singh and S. Tara Singh had caught and sold his horses. Accompanied by some of his supporters, he entered Bhai Tara Singh's residence unannounced, and uttered insulting remarks towards Sikh community. Bhai Tara Singh tried to pacify the Chaudhary, but failed to do so. At this, the Sikhs at the Gurudwara thrashed Sahib Rai and his men, making them run for their lives.

Thus infuriated Sahib Rai went straight to the police chief of the area based in the town Patti in Amritsar District and narrated to him the exaggerated version of the humiliation suffered by him at the hand of Sikhs. Jaffar Beg, the police chief, assisted by a contingent of 200 policemen proceeded towards the residence of Bhai Tara Singh to teach Sikhs a lesson.

S. Baghel Singh who had gone out of Bahi Tara Singh's residence to answer call of nature very early in the morning, noticed the raiding party. He asked them to stop and shouted, "BOLE SO NEHAL SAT SRI AKAL" at the top of his voice to alert other Sikhs. At the same time, he started firing at the invaders from his gun.

Bhai Tara Singh, on hearing gun shots, along with other Sikhs rushed to the assistance of Baghel Singh. They engaged the invading soldiers in a fierce battle. Despite superiority in numbers and better equipped, two nephews and ten other soldiers of Jaffar Beg were killed at the hands of brave Sikhs. S. Baghel Singh also attained martyrdom in that battle. He had engaged the raiders single handedly and by sacrificing his own life, managed to alert other sikhs.

Jaffar Beg could barely save his own life by beating a hasty retreat. Jaffar Beg went straight to Lahore and narrated the incident to Zakaria Khan, Governor of Lahore. He sought his support to avenge his humiliating defeat at the hands of Sikhs. Zakaria Khan was a sworn enemy of the Sikh community. He ordered his commander, Moman Khan, to immediately mount an attack on S. Tara Singh's abode and produce him dead or alive before him.

One of the Sikh residents of Lahore rushed to village Waan and informed Bhai Tara Singh of this impending attack by a huge Mughal force and advised him to go elsewhere. When Singh jee heard this, his face became red with Bir Rass. He said that he could not wait to combat the Mughals and declared that the bodies of Singhs and warriors get pure and sacred when they are cut by the weapons in the battlefield. In Panth Parkash, it is quoted as follows:

TAU SINGH JEE, UNN KAHEE SUNAAYE||

DEH PAVITTER HOYE, SHASTER LAGAAYE||

Bhai Tara Singh accompanied by about fifty sikhs present at that time in his dera (house), decided to stay and face the inevitable, bravely. The Sikhs planned their strategy and took up positions at vantage points to face the enemy and inflict maximum casualties on the raiders. Momin Khan, mobilising more forces enroute and accompanied by another commander Tara Beg, mounted attack on village Waan, much before Sunrise. The Sikhs were waiting and answered the attack by a deadly shower of bullets from their guns, felling the front row enemy soldiers dead.

Momin Khan ordered Takki Beg to engage Bhai Tara Singh. Bhai Ji, in a swift action, thrust his spear into Takki Beg's mouth. A shower of blood flowed from Takki Beg's mouth, who ran back to save his life. Momin Khan added insult to Takki Beg's misery by asking whether Takki Beg was chewing Paan in the battle field. Takki Beg, reacting sharply, told Momin Khan 'Yes I am eating Paan. Tara Singh is giving out free paans and if you want one, you too should move forward to get it. Why are you talking standing so far from the battlefield?'

Momin Khan, instead of himself moving forward, sent forward his nephew Mureed Khan, whose head was cut off with a sharp blow of sword, by S. Bhomi Singh, in a swift attack.
 Losing so many men and patience, Momin Khan ordered his entire force to attack the Sikhs at the same time. Thus ensued hand to hand fight. The Sikhs put up a brave fight, killing hundreds of enemy soldiers before laying down their own lives as well.

When Bhai Tara Singh jee entered the imperial army, he created a storm. He killed countless before he was shot from a distance. Yet, he still would not fall and kept fighting and slicing the soldiers. It was felt as if he was accompanied by thousands more hands. He sent several to Dharam Rai before finally attaining shaheedi there. Not a single Sikh surrendered to the enemy.

This is how the Sikhs tried to uproot the cruel Mughal regime from Punjab, lock, stock and barrel. They fought to the finish, inflicting very heavy casualties on the enemy forces. We should be thankful to the Sikhs because of whose bravery and sacrifices the mighty Mughal rule finally came to an end in Punjab towards the end of eighteenth Century

 Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-7583798716642044212017-03-16T13:45:00.001+01:002017-03-16T13:45:53.805+01:00Sakhi Series :- 266 ( Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke)

Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke

(Source : http://gursikhijivan.blogspot.co.uk)

In the Jagraon District of Punjab is a very blessed village called Kaunke. The Master of Miri Piri, Sahib Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji blessed this village stating the diamonds would be born from this village. Guru Ji stated this when he rested at the village on his journey to the Sind region. When he stayed at Kaunke village, one of its resident Gursikhs, Bhai Hira Ji did keertan seva. Guru Ji was very moved by the keertan and at this point stated in a 'Bachan' that many more diamonds would be born here.

So it happened, aswell as Bhai Hira Ji, Sardar Sham Singh Attari, the Great Mata Kishen Kaur Kaunke, Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke, and many countless young Gursikhs who have given all to the Sikh struggle, all were born in the village Kaunke.

The list of names that stood by the mission and ideologue of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bindranwale from this village is long, but one name stands out. That name is Jathedar Gurdev Singh Ji.

Bhai Gurdev Singh was born in 1949 in house of Bhai Gurdial Singh and Mata Chand Kaur Ji. Bhai sahib's grandfather was Jathedar Totha Singh, who was a companion of Baba Nand Singh Ji of Nanaksar. Hence Gursikhi was a part of the family tradition.

At a young age, Bhai Sahib was blessed with Amrit at the Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. Bhai Sahib's worldly education was only up to level 6. However he continued to study in his religious study at the Damdami Taksal. He was tutored by Baba Vir Singh Madoke and Giani Inder Singh Badni Wale, both of whom were companions of Baba Gurbachan Singh Khalsa. From here Bhai Sahib began to do seva of katha of Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth.

Due to the fact that Bhai Sahib inherited considerable land, his family needs were always satisfied, and therefore Bhai Sahib always did katha without selfish desire.

Bhai Sahib was very strict in his Amrit vela, rising everyday at 2am. From 2am to 8am, Bhai Sahib would do his nitnem, and would not speak to anyone during this period.

Operation Bluestar in 1984, had a deep impact on Bhai sahib. From this period, Bhai Sahib in his katha openly started condemning Brahmin Authorities, and their devious practices. Due to the sincere nature of Bhai Sahib's character, the parchar that Bhai Sahib did had a lot of influence on the sangat. Bhai Sahib was against all types of self-appointed Guru's & Sant's, and as a result of his parchar in the Jagraon area many deras, businesses of Brahminvaad, blind worship and ritualism were removed from every village and town.

Due to Bhai Sahib's parchar, the drug-ridden area of Jagraon, witnessed many Amrit Sanchaars, and kesri dastaars and black gatras could be seen everywhere. Once again the Malwa region strangled by drugs, witnessed a Khalsa revolution. At weddings, where previously dirty songs were heard, now Gurbani Keertan was heard. In buses, the Bollywood songs were replaced Dhadi Vaars and religious songs. Much of this social change was credited to Bhai Gurdev Singh Ji.

As a result of this, in January 1986, Bhai Sahib was chosen to the highest Seva in the Khalsa Panth, the Seva of Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib.

hese times were difficult, but Bhai Sahib did this Seva as a fearless General. It was only the first two days of Operation Black Thunder. Jathedar Ji's first action was to remove all the Government agents dressed as Sikh youth jujharoos from Sri Darbar Sahib. Next he ensured that the corrupt kharkoos who were having langars in their rooms in the Darbar Sahib complex were stopped, and everyone was made to have langar only in the Guru Ram Dass langar hall. Throughout his period as Jathedar, Bhai Sahib ensured he had only from Guru Ram Dass langar hall to ensure the Maryada of Sangat and Pangat remained.

At this time, the Kar Seva (building) of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib was happening. Jathedar Ji took control of the Golak to ensure it was not being siphoned off by unscrupulous characters. Bhai Sahib was completely sympathetic to the Khalistan cause, and felt that the Khalsa needed to fight for its independence. In his lectures, Jathedar Ji would say, those who have internal differences, kill innocent hindus, give threats like gangsters, they are traitors to the Sikh struggle and cause. He would often speak about the need to Sikhs to develop a revolutionary Spirit.

In his Katha, Jathedar Ji would often speak against the ill's of Punjabi society, and encouraged social change. In his period, he helped thousand's of poor girl's who were abandoned by their husbands because of the greed of dowry. Bhai Sahib would himself become involved in individual cases and ensure the girl's were accepted back into their homes. As a result of this parchar, in the Jagraon area, social ill's such as dowry, alcoholism, domestic violence were reduced dramatically.

Such was the impact of Jathedar Ji's sincere nature, that the population stopped taking their disputes to court's and police stations. Instead they would come to the Kaunke village, to Jathedar Ji, where they felt they would get justice. The sweet words of Jathedar Ji would leave both parties walking away happy.

As a result of this social change, the Police and other Sarkari (government) agents saw their incomes significantly decrease, as they were unable to get money as bribes or extortion from the disputes. They became dangerous enemies of Jathedar Ji, and started to plot against him.

In 1989, some kharkoo Singhs fired on the Ludhiana headquarters of the RSS (a right-wing Hindu fascist group). Jathedar Ji's enemies saw their opportunity. At that time, Ludhiana was under the control of an extremely vicious and brutal SSP called Sumedh Saini. To get Bhai Sahib to admit responsibility for the attack, he was hung upside down, and tortured for many hours.

Then later on, Jathedar Ji was one again arrested and was falsely implicated in the Bidar attack. But after one year, Jathedar Ji was again released. Then on 19th May 1991, Bhai Sahib was again arrested and tortured. He was imprisoned for another 18 months.

Jathedar Ji would never allow the sangat to bail him out, and always fought his cases with truth and full faith in Guru Maharaj, which always resulted in his release. In fact, the Government were often forced to admit in court that the charges against him were false. This led to great embarrassment for them. For the mud they slung at Jathedar Ji, he always came out whiter than white. The population witnessed the difference between the character of the Khalsa Singh, and the devious nature of the Brahmin authorities. As a result, the aura of Jathedar Ji's revolutionary Khalsa character was a huge thorn for the Brahmin agencies.

On 20th December 1992, the cowardly Police forces at 4am came to arrest the Lionheart Jathedar Gurdev Singh. However due to body of Bhai Sahib young nephew being at his house for cremation, they had to release Bhai Sahib after a few hours.

Five days later, under the command of Inspector Gurdeep Singh, the Police arrested Jathedar Ji when he finished Katha at Gurdwara Sahib in the early hours. Bhai Sahib asked them if he could go home first, then he would accompany them. Bhai Sahib walked home, followed by the Police party, and many local villagers. Once he arrived home, Bhai Sahib did ishnaan (bathed) and changed his clothes, and then went and sat in the Jeep. The whole road was filled with villagers. Jathedar Ji rose to address them. In his sincere nature, he asked the sangat to accept his final Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!. Jathedar Ji was aware his time had come, and sweetly accepted the will of Akaal. Fearing the wrath of the sangat, the police quickly sped off.

Jathedar Ji was tortured by the infamous and brutal Head of Jagraon Police, Swaran Gotna. Thus named for his use of the 'Gotna' in interrogation. This is a large log placed on the legs and rolled up and down them while two policemen stand on each side. He was assisted by Harbhagwan Sodhi and Inspector Gurdeep Singh, who today is a DSP in the Punjab Police. Then Jathedar Ji was further interrogated by CIA staff of Jagraon.

<img alt="Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke 3 Shaheed Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke" height="400" src="http://neverforget84.com/gallery/albums/Jathedar-Gurdev-Singh-Kaunke/Jathedar-Gurdev-Singh-Kaunke-3.jpg" title="Shaheed Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke" width="350" style="padding: 5px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238);">
Shaheed Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke

In them days, a rumour spread through the villages of Jagraon. When Swaran Gotna swore at Jathedar Ji and told him to remove his Kirpan and gatra. Jathedar Ji in a state of Bir-Rass (warrior spirit) replied, 'Stop, who are you threatening. This is worn because of the many Great Sacrifices.. A dog of the Brahmin like you will never understand its value..' A scuffle broke between the two and it took 5-7 commandos to restrain Bhai Sahib. His Kakkaars were removed and he was mercilessly beaten and tortured.

Jathedar Ji due to keeping Gurmat Bibek would never eat at the Police station. Everyday his family would bring prepared meals for him, but the brutal Police always refused to let him eat, and sent the family away. As a result, Bhai Sahib health became weak, but he never compromised of his religious principles of Gurmat Bibek.

In a nearby village Chaharchuk, an old bibi stated she had gone to the Police Station in relation to a case. She saw Bhai Sahib and he was in a very fragile state. At this point local villagers and Akali Leaders began putting pressure for Jathedar Ji's release. When local villagers with Akali leader Captain Harcharan Singh Rode met with Police officials, they were told that Bhai Sahib would be charged and sent to prison.

However on 1st January 1993, Swaran Gotna got his revenge. As a result, on the 3rd January 1993, the newly appointed SSP Harinder Chahal stated to newspapers that Bhai Sahib was leading them to the cache of arms used by militants, when on there way they were attacked. He said Bhai Sahib had escaped. However everyone knew that these stories by Punjab Police were always made up. In reality, Bhai Sahib was Shaheed on 1st January and thrown into a river.

Anger grew throughout Punjab as the news of Jathedar Ji's Shaheedi spread. Panthic Leaders throughout the world gathered at the bhog. However the Police and Army sealed off Kaunke village. Even the photographic cameras of the press were broken and removed. Akali leaders in attendance were beaten with lathi's (wooden sticks). Even the highly dubious Akali leader Parkash Badal demanded an investigation into the murder of Jathedar Ji, but decades on, nothing has happened. Whenever the family raises the issue, many more innocents became victims of Police excesses. Through infiltration of dubious people, fear, threats, and bribery, the case is always held up or shelved.

Even Jathedars Ji's young son, Hari Singh was not spared. A false case of a bomb explosion was placed on him, even though on that day he was at school, and the register confirms his attendance, which eventually led to his release. Bhai Sahib's elder son, Bhai Ram Singh was also picked up and tortured by Police on many occasions.

The Akali party fought the next election stating it would investigate the period of 1984 onwards and produce a white paper. It won the election by a huge landslide, but Badal soon forgot every promise and used his time to expand his own wealth.

When Bhai Sahib's family approached the Akali party for a full investigation, Police Officer Tiwari held an investigation. However just as the report on the investigation of the massacre of the 13 Singhs in 1978, the report of the murder of Bhai Sahib mysteriously disappeared somewhere in Badals administration, and was never seen again.

 Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-70547218702589905822017-03-13T12:32:00.001+01:002017-03-13T12:32:08.784+01:00Sakhi Series :- 265 ( The Lord – The Super King)

The Lord – The Super King

Ko-oo Har samaan nahee raja. Ei bhoopat sabh diwas chaar ke jhootthe karat diwaajaa (SGGS, Ang – 856)

(The Lord is the super king. No other King or lord is equal to Him. The worldly Kings are

for a short duration. Their display of power and pride is also temporary and hence false.)

 This was the Hukamnama read out from Guru Granth Sahib by Sant Attar Singh during the ceremonies at Delhi Darbar held in 1911 at the time of the visit of King George V (successor of Edward VII) to India. This was the third Darbar held by the British in Delhi.

Attar Singh Ji

 The first Darbar was held by Lord Lytton, the then Governor General, in 1877 in Delhi – not in Calcutta the capital of British India at that time. It was a grand show. Many rituals and religious systems of the Mughals were adopted in this Darbar as also in the two Delhi Darbars to be held later. Mughal systems were followed during these Darbars to assert that the British were the legitimate successors of the Mughals. Another important reason for holding the first Darbar was that Queen Victoria had proclaimed sovereignty over all the inhabitants of the parts of India occupied by the British or the states of the Rajas/Maharajas under them in November 1858. In this Darbar, she was announced as Kaiser-e-Hind (Ruler of India – successor of the last Mughal King). This was felt necessary by the British after the farcical trial of the last Mughal King, Bahadur Shah Zafar and his exile to Burma (now Myanmar), where he died in prison.

 The second Delhi Darbar was held in 1903 by Lord Curzon (who later divided Bengal in two parts in 1905 but had to retreat after the unrest caused in Bengal by the division). In this Darbar, coronation of King Edward VII, successor of Queen Victoria, was celebrated with pomp and show.

In the third Darbar the British made a very important and historical announcement declaring Delhi as the Capital of British India and emphasized that they were the successors of the Mughals with George V, the successor of Edward VII, being the King of the British Indian Empire. The celebrations held in the presence of King George V, were extremely lavish. Apart from drinks, dances, matches and various other entertainments there were prayers held by various religious leaders, specially invited to participate by eading out passages from their sacred scriptures in a huge gathering of all the high officials. Sant Attar

Singh also took part in the prayers because Khalsa College Committee of Amritsar as also the Sikh Maharajas of Jind, Nabha, Patiala and other states requested him to represent the Sikhs. Sant Ji reluctantly agreed ignoring his personal views regarding the celebrations of the foreign rulers.

Sant Ji reached Delhi with the Punjab Chiefs. A colorful procession of the Rajas and Maharajas from all over British India started under the patronage of Guru Granth Sahib from Patiala House towards the Pandal, meant for religious ceremonies. Guru Granth Sahib was installed on an elephant elegantly decorated to suit the occasion and Sant Ji doing the Chavar (fly-whisk). This scene presented a picture of holiness and overshadowed the show of the princes and other public in the procession. It was a procession of its own kind in the history of Delhi.

The elephant halted after entering the gate of the Pandal. King George V stood up followed by Governor General Hardinge (of Penshurt-not Henry Hardinge, who fought with leaderless Sikh army at Mudki in December, 1846 in Anglo- Sikh War I and had decided unconditional surrender and run back to Calcutta till the traitors reassured him their help). Thereafter all the British officials and the audience got up to pay respect to Guru Granth Sahib. Maharaja of Jind carried on his head the holy Granth Sahib up to the stage where it was gorgeously installed on a Palki (palanquin).

Various religious personalities read out paragraphs, Slokas and other relevant stanzas from their books/note books carried with them. Then came the turn of Sant Ji, who respectfully opened Guru Granth Sahib and read out the following sacred hymn on this occasion of extraordinary display of imperial power. The hymn rejected the false show of power of temporary worldly rulers – God Almighty being all powerful forever:

Ko-oo Har samaan nahee raja. Ei bhoopat sabh diwas chaar ke jhootthe karat diwaajaa. (Rahaa-o)

Tero jan ho-e so-e kat dolai teen bhavan per chhaajaa.

Haath pasaar sakai ko jan kau bol sakai na andaajaa.

Chet achet moorh mann mer-ei baaj-ei anhad baajaa.

Keh Kabir sansaa bharam chooko Dharoo Prehlad nivaajaa. (SGGS, Ang -856)

 {The Lord is the super king. No other King or lord is equal to Him. The worldly Kings are for a short duration. Their display of power and pride is also temporary and hence false (Pause). How can your servant (devotee) waver, your shadow (protection) is there for him in the three worlds. Who can raise his hand against your humble servant or can speak against him the least. Remember him, O my foolish mind so that melody (of musical sound) may resonate and resound. Says Kabir, do not have fears and doubts (The Lord is there to look after you and thus protect you). He did so for Dhruv and Prehlad.}

 Sant Ji explained the meanings of the hymn in details to the audience after reading it out (though it was not difficult to understand even by the British because all the British officials used to learn Punjabi language and Gurmukhi script on being posted in India since they had to deal with Punjabi soldiers).

As luck would have it, it took over 17 years to build the office blocks, other buildings and shift the capital in full form. By that time, in the year 1930 Indian National Congress held a conference at Lahore (in which Baba Kharak Singh's role was prominent) and passed historical resolution for full freedom.

As soon as this function ended King George V and Governor General Hardinge stood with folded hands in front of Sant Ji and thanked him.

The truth is that the Lord is the king of kings forever and all worldly kings with their pomp and show are temporary.

 Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-92052219802943344882017-01-22T18:55:00.001+01:002017-01-22T18:55:49.852+01:00Sakhhi Series : 264 ( Uchch Da Pir)

Gani Khan Nabi Khan

When Emperor Aurangzeb's army attacked the fortress of Chamkaur Sahib, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji successfully resisted their onslaught and slipped away into the forests of Machhiwara where his three companions, Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh and Bhai Man Singh rejoined him. The mughal forces were chasing.

There, Gulaba, an old masand of Machhiwara and a staunch disciple of Guruji, gave them shelter. But as the days drew into weeks Gulaba began to feel that his faith in the security of his house might be misplaced. There were reports of groups of Mughal soldiers going from door to door in search of Guru Gobind Singh ji. He realised that Guru ji was not safe anymore in his house.

At the same time GHANI KHAN and his brother NABI KHAN, Pathan horse dealers of Machhivara in present day Ludhiana district of the Punjab, were admirers of Guru Gobind Singh whom they had visited at Anandpur and to whom they had sold many good animals. When they learnt that, travelling in a lonely state after the battle of Chamkaur, the Guru had come to Machhivara, they at once turned out to meet him and offered their services. Gulaba and the two Pathan brothers decided that efforts should be made to whisk the guru out of the area before he could be found by the Mughals.

They provided Guruji with a blue coloured dress made by a Mata (old lady) who had been weaving it in the hope of presenting the same to Guru Gobind Singh ji when the time came.

So it was that the Guru was dressed in the robes of a saint (blue being honoured color of Muslim saints) and carried him out of Machhivara in a palanquin disguised as a Muslim divine. Ghani Khan and Nabhi Khan carried the front and Bhai Dharam singh carried the rear while Bhai Dya Singh waved a chaur sahib over Guruji. The doors of palanquin had been veiled by thich curtains to guard them agaonst curious eyes. Whenever they were stopped and asked as to who was in , the barers would reply "Uch da Pir" - the holy man of Uchch. Uchch was a very famous center of Muslim saints or pirs. THe moment the guards heard the name of they fell on their knees and asked for pir's blessing.

They escorted him thus up to Nehar in Ludhiana district, where a group of Sikhs relieved them. The Guru dismissed Ghani Khan and Nabi Khan with his blessings and a hukamnama meant to be a letter of commendation which has reverently been preserved by their descendants as one of their most prized possesion.

The family migrated to Pakistan in 1947. Their house in Machhivara is now a gurudwara known as Gurdwara Uchch da Pir (also known and Gurudwara Ghani Khan Nabi Khan)

Six generations of Ghani Khan, even after going to Pakistan after Partition, have kept this historic document safe.

A translated version of the 10- line Hukamnama reads: "The Sikhs may know that Ghani Khan and Nabi Khan are as sons to me. They have saved me. He who serves them would be blessed. Service rendered to them would be service done unto me".

Video : Zahur Khan from Gani Khan Nabi Khan Generation

 Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-69268358371474949922017-01-07T12:09:00.001+01:002017-01-07T12:09:55.577+01:00Sakhi Series :- 263 ( Baba Agarh Singh ji )

Baba Agar Singh ji

(Source : www.jathashaheedan.com )

Baba Agarh Singh ji was nephew of Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh ji and son of Bhai Nigahiys Singh ji, who presented a horse to Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj when he came to Alamgir.

Baba Agarh Singh ji took his vidya from Baba Mani Singh and stayed with him at Sri Amritsar Sahib. After Shaheedi of Bhai Mani Singh ji, Darbar Sahib was overtaken by Lahore Government who imposed restrictions on Sikhs visiting there.

Baba Agarh Singh ji along with handful of Singhs from Bhai Mani Singh ji's family moved to Damdama Sahib. It was here when both Jathas of Damdami Taksal merged. While Singhs started their routine sewa of Vidya and Santhya at Damdama Sahib, Baba Agarh Singh ji started going out on campaigns with Baba Deep Singh ji. He always had one wish, to somehow take revenge of Shaheedi of Bhai Mani Singh ji.

In August 1745, after Zakriya Khan, Governor of Lahore died, his son Yahya Khan took on administration of Punjab. He sent out Mughal army to capture and kill Sikhs from villages, cities, hills and forests. This campaign was led by notorious General Moman Khan, responsible for Shaheedi of Gusikhs like Baba Taara Singh, Bhai Mani Singh, Bhai Taru Singh and Bhai Mehtab Singh ji.

During one of the raids near Kahnuwaan in Gurdaspur, on banks of River Ravi, a small group of Singhs of Misal Shaheedan led by Baba Agarh Singh ji were surrounded by Moman Khan. Baba Agarh Singh saw it as a golden chance to finish Dusht Moman Khan. Singhs worked on strategy and lured Mughal forces deep in Jungle. As the Mughal Army entered the dense forest, Singhs, who were known as Kings of Forest pounced upon Mughal army and started Chatka of mughal army. Here Baba Agarh Singh ji, in a hand to hand fight, chopped off head of Dusht Moman Khan, thus avenging the death of thousands of innocent Sikhs and presented his head before Khalsa Panth at Damdama Sahib, where he was given a Siropa, Siri Sahib and a Horse by Panth's Jathedar Baba Kapoor Singh ji.

Babaji took part in Battle of Sirhind in May 1763, when eight Misals of Khalsa Panth united and destroyed city of Sirhind. Governor of Sirhind Jain Khan and his nephew Said Khan led Mughal Army, and in the ensuing battle, Baba Agarh Singh ji and Said Khan shared a 'Saanjha Vaar'(simultaneous stroke) due to which heads of both warriors were cut at same time. Babaji attained Shaheedi in Sirhind in 1763.

( On Chandigarh- Hoshiarpur road is village Tutomajra, where Babaji stayed for many years and did intense Bhagti and Jap-Tap. At Babaji's Tap-Asthaan , a Gurudwara sahib has been built by Jathedar Baba Nihal Singh ji, Misal Shaheedan Harianbela Dal, and Misal looks after sewa of this holy Asthaan)

 Sikhshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-33103743670257193182016-12-23T11:44:00.001+01:002016-12-23T12:01:51.369+01:00Sakhi Series :- 262 ( Bhai Sada Nand and Bibi Lajwanti - Mata Premo)

Bhai Sada Nand and Bibi Lajwanti

Bhai Sada Nand Ji was the son of Bhai Jas Bhan, Grand-Son of Bhai Sukh Bhan and Great-Grand-Son of Bhai Kalyana Ji.

Bhai Kalyana Ji and the family had served the Guru's establishment from the first Gurus to the sixth Gurus. He participated along with his family in voluntary service (Kar Seva) at Darbar Sahib and under the orders of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. He performed the task of bringing timber from Mandi State. His name is mentioned in the Hukamnamahs of Guru Har Gobind Sahib Ji and Bhai Sada Nand Ji's is mentioned in the Hukamnamahs of Guru Tegh Bahadur from which it can be realized what a respectable place this family had in the Guru's establishment. They were also great scholars, musicians and excellent singers of their time.

Further more, Baba Jiwan Singh( Bhai Jaita ji) the son of Bhai Sadanand ji and Bibi Lajwanti was a Sikh General and an accomplice, companion and friend of Guru Gobind Singh ji. As well as his military prowess he was a poet and a warrior who managed to bring the "sees" - head of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (after the martrydom) to Sri Anandpur Sahib where the young Gobind Singh Ji was staying at that time. He eventually became a Sikh martyr and an icon when he fell during the siege of Chamkaur in 1705 against the Mughal armies. He also taught gatka, shabad kirtan, archery, horse riding, and swimming to Sahibjada Ajit Singh.

Please listen to attached sakhi (in Punjabi).

Sikhshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-80448091557893738532016-03-24T10:05:00.001+01:002016-03-24T10:05:01.451+01:00Fwd: Mobile App on Sikh History & Ideology

Saakhi : Mobile App on Sikh History & Ideology.

Waheguruji ka Khalsa Waheguruji Ki Fateh.

Sikh community is passing through a very turbulent phase. Mostly people are neither aware of proud sikh history, nor are they aware of basic sikh concepts. That's why we find large chunk of sikh population moving away from sikh way of life. Instead we found ourselves completely engulfed in brahminical practices.

I always used to think reason behind this. How come Sikhs started following all those rituals which are clearly rejected by Gurbani? One answer that we often hear in our casual group discussions is that, our so called religious leaders, priest class, are least interested in spreading the true message of guru, but are more interested in identifying ways to increase the size of 'golak.' So next question arises - Then why do Sikhs follow these pujaris? The only answer that is left with me is - Sikhs do not invest time in self study. Whereas we were clearly instructed to get in direct touch with 'shabad guru' without any mediator - 'sab sikhan ko hukam hai, guru manio granth'.

The decadence in our society can be judged from one simple observation: Sikh people those who have grown old would recall listening to stories on sikh history from their parents in their childhood. The next generation, who is now in adolescent stage, would fondly remember listening to bedtime saakhis from their grand-parents (dada-dadi or nana-nani), regrettably not from their parents. But the new generation who is now in childhood stage is very unfortunate, as neither their parents nor grand-parents have the knowledge base that they can download to the coming generation. This serious concern always keeps bothering all like-minded well wishers of sikh panth.

But does it take a big effort telling stories to kids from the chapters of sikh history? All one has to do is to purchase good story books from the market, then simply read 1-2 stories for children during bedtime. It's so simple and effortless to spend 15-30min with children daily, and try to answer their innocent questions. But it's a bitter fact that books on sikh history and literature are not easily available in our homes. And even if they are available, they are not read. Reason is same - Sikhs do not invest time in self-study. I strongly believe, there's no substitute of self-study. But can we fill the gap to some extent with the help of modern day technology? While pondering on these questions, idea of 'Saakhi' came to existence. Waheguruji blessed me with the effort to prepare a mobile application on sikh history and ideology.

In this mobile app, stories are presented not in written form but as audio files. It contains short audio stories with average length of just 4-6min only. Users can listen 'ik saakhi har roz' along with their children. Each story is ended up with a short message to make the learning relevant in modern day times. Folder of 'Sawaal Jawaab' is also there, containing frequently asked questions on sikh way of life.

Hope this small initiative will be liked and will be useful to promote universal message of Gurbani. I will keep on enriching the content on the basis of feedback received from your side.

Currently 'Saakhi' app can be downloaded from Google Play Store or from sikhsaakhi.com. It will be available shortly for iphone also.

Gurpreet Singh (G.P.)

To unsubscribe click here.

 Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-83612767331023821932015-08-08T14:00:00.001+02:002015-08-08T14:00:20.620+02:00Sakhi Series :- 261 ( Bhai Malla and Bhai Lahoura Singh)

Gooroo and Peer assist only to that man who does not procure his livelihood by unlawful means.

(Source : Sakhi Book Guru Gobind Singh ji by Sardar Attar Singh)

Once in the month of Bhado, the raining season, when it was night, the Gooroo went on the top of his house to sleep. There was a certain servant of the Gooroo called
Bhai Lahoura Singh, who owed a certain sum of money to a banker called Malla Singh, who was now in reduced circumstances, but was possessed of modesty, Malla Singh asked every day for the payment of debt due by Lahoura Singh, but Lahoura Singh took no notice of it and evaded him. One night Malla Singh was induced by his wife and being much vexed, went to Lahoura Singh's house and quarrelled with him, Lahoura Singh said, it is not a matter of anxiety, if a Sikh has consumed another Sikh's property.

Gooroo has allowed every one to eat, drink, and be merry, and every one gets as is allotted to him by God. Hearing this Malla Singh said to not become violent, those who act falsely will be punished in the next world, and will be beaten before the Yama (the Judge of the deceased ones). They will then weep and repent. The debtor then said no one will call for account when the Gooroo will forgive.

The Gooroo, as he was lying down in bed on the top of his house, heard this conversation (for that house of Lahoura Singh was closed to Gooroo's house) and thought himself that my Skh has made himself positive on wrong points and has thrown his burden upon the Gooroo. He has learnt the verse, but has acted very little upon it. The Gooroo then spoke out and gave the following three answers to Lahoura Singh's remarks.

1. A man eating out of his brother's pocket should not become his enemy, but should remain under the command of his brother.

2. The Gooroo makes a man reap according to his own acts.

3. Baba Nanak has said that another man's due is like cow-flesh to Hindoos and like hog-flesh to Mahammedan.

Gooroo and Peer assist only to that man who does not procure his livelihood by unlawful means. Lahoura Singh hearing this, was pressed, and paid off his debt on the following morning, after which he went to the Gooroo and having made a bow before him said, Gooroo the forgiver please take me back. Gooroo Ji we are sinners who dont walk on the path of Truth. We have families and forget that this world is false"

Gooroo Ji with a laugh said, "Dont do any wrong to anyone," always follow the teachings of the Gooroo. Then Gooroo Ji had him sit with him to teach and all the Sikhs sitting there were also listening.

 Sikhshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-69011466191784881682015-07-11T11:09:00.001+02:002015-07-11T11:09:47.695+02:00Sakhi Series :- 260 ( Ideal Granthi - Bhai Mansha Singh)

Ideal Granthi - Bhai Mansha Singh

Bhai Mansha Singh jee was one of the best kirtaniya in Siri Harmandir Sahib jee during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. At that time Giani Sant Singh jee was the Head Granthi of Siri Harmandir Sahib and at the same time he was the top administrator of Siri Amritsar Sahib.

Once Raja Ranjit Singh jee came to Siri Amritsar Sahib and after darshan of Siri Darbar Sahib, he went to see Giani Sant Singh jee. As they were talking casually, Raja Ranjit Singh asked Giani jee if everything was okay at Siri Amritsar Sahib.

At this Giani jee thought of Bhai Mansha Singh jee who was very poor financially. Bhai Sahib jee was a singh of high spiritual state and stayed intoxicated in Naam and Gurbani. He did not care about making money. He did not accept salary for his services at Siri Harmandir Sahib. He used to accept a very minimal amount for food and clothing. Overall, worldly way, he was considered a poor person.

Giani jee spoke to Raja jee about how Bhai Mansha Singh was a very good kirtaniya and how he was very poor. Raja Ranjit Singh felt sorry for him and immediately ordered 100,000 mohars (Gold coins) from his treasurer and asked him to arrange that as soon as possible. Raja jee said that he wanted to payoff the debt of Bhai Mansha Singh.

The next day, Raja jee ordered one of his officers to request Bhai Mansha Singh jee to come and see him. Raja jee also asked his minister to take along a paalki to bring Bhai Mansha Singh and that he be treated with full respect and dignity.

Bhai Mansha Singh had just arrived back from Siri Harmandir Sahib when Raja jee's officer met him at his home. The officer very humbly requested Bhai Sahib to accompany him to see Raja Ranjit Singh and have his lunch there.

Bhai Mansha Singh humbly replied, "I would have come but now I have already arranged for lunch at home. Please convey my thanks to Maharaja jee for inviting me".

"It would have been good if you had come Bhai Sahib jee, " the officer requested again.

"It would be good too, if I don't go. Please let Maharaja know that Mansha Singh eats food only at home".

The officer came back empty handed. Maharaja was waiting and was taken aback when he heard Bhai Sahib's answer. He did not expect Bhai Sahib to refuse to see him. After all, who would think of refusing to see a king.

He started thinking what to do next. He found out that he had made a mistake by not going to see him personally, instead of having him to see him. He immediately ordered an elephant to ride there. By then someone told Bhai Sahib too that Raja Ranjit Singh was coming to see him and offer him 100,000 Mohars.

Bhai Sahib went in his house and locked his door. Maharaja arrived at Bhai Sahib's house and saw the door locked. He asked his officer to open the door but Bhai Sahib did not open it.

"Bhai Mansha jee, please open the door. Maharaja jee has come to see you".

"Why has he come to see me", Bhai Sahib replied from inside.

"First please open the door, then I will let you know why I have come", requested Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who by now had arrived at the door himself.

"I don't want to meet the shareek of Guru Parmeshar", replied Bhai Mansha Singh.

Maharaja said, "What have I done that makes you think that I am acting as a shareek of Guru Parmeshar"?

"Why have you brought one lakh mohars for me".

"I have brought them for you Bhai Sahib jee", said Maharaja defensively.

"But did I ask for the mohars?"

"No"

"Then why did you bring them?"

"I have brought them as a bheta (offering) for kirtan you sing. You are kirtaniya of Guru ghar".

"Offering for kirtan should be taken to Siri Harmandir Sahib. Please take it there".

"But Bhai Sahib jee, at least let me have your darshan", pleaded Maharaja.

"No! You have come to me thinking I am poor. I had been informed by someone before your arrival. You tell me, doesn't Guru Sahib know about my financial situation? Does he not have the power to take away my poverty? You consider yourself equal to him?"

"I have come here, probably inspired by that Guru that you believe in. And what can we say about our Guru Sahib. He takes care about everyone", said Raja Ranjit Singh.

"If you believe that Guru Sahib takes care of everyone, then why are you trying to take that role? Is this not acting like a shareek of Guru Sahib?"

"Then how will you let me have your darshan", pleaded Raja Ranjit Singh.

"For the reason you came here, I will not see you. Just think. Does not Guru know about my situation? If he is there to worry about me, why should I accept anything from you?

In the end, Maharaja had to come back empty-handed and could not donate mohars to Bhai Mansha Singh. On his way back he gave all the one lakh mohars to Giani Sant Singh and asked him to offer these at Siri Harmandir Sahib.

Eventually, Bhai Mansha Singh and Raja Ranjit Singh did meet but at Harmandir Sahib where Bhai Sahib used to do kirtan. All life, Bhai Sahib led a very contented life and spent all his life in sewa and simran. He was a great gursikh.

 Sikhshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-19182309711483082002015-05-02T11:55:00.001+02:002015-05-02T11:55:39.251+02:00Banda Singh Bahadur

Banda Singh Bahadur :

In the prominent royal Mogul court of Delhi
King's sleep will break-up hundred times daily
There was such a dreadful fright in his heart
In his consciousness painful sighs were brought

What fire scorched his heart no one knows
All of a sudden he was jumping in fiery blows
It appeared like red hot sky from the Delhi court
King's heart shaking, seeking Godly support

Rivers of blood were flowing on the five rivers' land
Sikhs were facing persecutions for some ideal ground
Smeared in blood, they were saying thanks in gratitude
Patiently, regardless of comforts, they were in solitude

They crossed their way with the Moguls might
With faithful heart they remembered God in sight
Maiden decorated with mark of blood, their foreheads
What sort of people are Sikhs, with such eagerness

They move like moth, looking at burning all around
Without delay they line up ready to fight duty bound
They play jokes with death, and like lions they roar
Wherever they stare and rebuke, enemy is no more

Brave warriors jumped in fray with hand to hand attack
They quickly hawk assaulting caught the deadly foe
Like flying hawk assaulting a deadly poisonous snake
Squeezing them in his claws from tip to toe

Innumerable was the enemy army, Sikhs were very few
They were surrounded in chains and were put in queue
Clothes soaked in blood, bodies full of wounds and bruises
Intestines fall in tummy but they had faith and confidence

The enemy was battered by the dashing Banda Singh sage
Moguls fought back and tied him like brave lion in cage
Surrounded him from all the sides and imprisoned the hero chum
Then they moved towards Delhi, on the beat of kettle-drum

The Mogul army departed towards the Capital of Delhi city
They moved like hurricane, without stopping or any pity
Seven hundred Sikhs were imprisoned and curled-up in chains
It was a disgusting sight, an extraordinary incident, full of pains

On every pointed spear, the head of Sikh was hanging
Streams of blood dripping, the sight will give a panging
Sikh prisoners shackled in chains, shouted this voice of cry
O! our true saviour preserve thy honour, don't let panth shy

Spectators gathered in the heart of Delhi's Chandni Chowk
This caravan of Sikhs was quite out of strength and in shock
Outside they were dull and defeated, inside enjoying thrill
Greeting loudly the victory of Guru and obedient to His will

The onlookers revealed an extraordinary and peculiar tale
The prisoners started argument as no body wanted to fail
Everybody wanted to be first in their turn to meet the fate
All wanted to meet the Beloved, Gobind through life's gate

The wheel of death started, the murderers were on assault
An applause was echoed, whenever the sword was at fault
The Sikhs were being butchered, going forward for sacrifice
It was game of seven days for seven hundred heroes nice

Chief Banda Singh was in the clutches of destiny or fate
Next they brought forward to kill his little son ever so great
The Kazi passed on to banda Singh the killer sword grand
He ordered to cut his son's head as it was royal command

Sons are symbols of worldliness for formality in social affairs
If someone rebukes them one feels like to pull his hairs
What sort of test in life, to kill one's own son, was shaping
The thing one can't even imagine, the same was happening

Banda first picked his son and loved and caressed him
Then he tried to explain the role and character of Sikhism
Prince Fateh and Jujhar Singh were also children like you
Now in the test time and what they achieved you can also do

Greeting the victory loudly, the little son was revitalized
If life goes, the custom of Sikhism is, let it be sacrificed
For holder of righteousness definite victory will be at last
His love won't be wasted, he meets the Beleoved very fast

The Kazi became angry as he could not bear the splendour
The executioner attacked the child and he started to flutter
Even then this strange trick of destiny could not succeed
Plump intestines jumping softly, the earth was red indeed

It is written in the history that Banda remaned unmoved
In his mouth soft plump heart of slayed child was forced
In this hard probation Banda remained unshaken, steady
The history will cry when going through its own study

It was such a dreadful scene that onlookers could not spy
Snatching with pincers first they took out his both eyes
Iron bars were made red hot to burn his body limbs ready
The Sikh greeted the victory loudly and soul left the body

The Sky echoed with kettle-drum beat, banner flying like kite
Once a hero takes a battlefield, he is eager to show his might
A true warrior is one, who fights for sake of humble and meek
He might cut into the pieces, but to leave battlefield will never seek

- An English translation of "Bandadir"(The Chained Hero) written by Rabindranath Tagore. (This poem was originally written in Bengali. )

 Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-26256843401442866612015-04-05T15:40:00.001+02:002015-04-05T15:40:24.920+02:00Book : The Sikh Generals (pdf)

The Sikh Generals

Download (pdf) :  https://archive.org/details/TheSikhGenerals

From Banda Singh Bahadur to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the brave Khalsa generals who contributed to the formation of the Khalsa Raj !

No one is my enemy

No one is a foreigner

With all I am at peace

God within us renders us

Incapable of hate and prejudice- Guru Nanak Dev ji ( Guru Granth Sahib)

One Granth, One Panth, One Sikh Rehat Maryada

 Sikhshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-49746750484187847192015-03-01T09:44:00.001+01:002015-03-01T09:44:58.348+01:00Sakhi Series :- 259 ( Akaali Baba Hanuman Singh Ji )

Akaali Baba Hanuman Singh Ji

(Source: https://sikhunity.wordpress.com)

Akaali Baba Hanuman Singh Ji, The 7th leader of the Budha Dal, was born to Baba Garja Singh Ji and Mata Harnam Kaur Ji in November 1755. Baba Ji fought in many great battles under the leadership of Akaali Baba Naina Singh Ji and Akaali Baba Phula Singh Ji (the 5th and 6th Jathedars of Budha Dal).

After the Shaheedi of Akaali Phula Singh Ji at Naushera in 1823, Baba Hanuman Singh Ji became the leader of the Akaali Nihangs, as well as the Jathedar of Akaal Takht Sahib at the age of 68 years old.

Akaali Baba Hanuman Singh Ji's tenure as Jathedar of the Sikh nation came as the Panth was experiencing a very critical time. The Maharaja of the Punjab, Ranjit Singh died from stroke complications, his successors were murdered, the treacherous Dogra's sold out the Lahore Darbar to the British, and the British were planning on annexing the Punjab.

Trusted Sikh general Sardar Sham Singh Attari came to the city of Amritsar and approached Jathedar Hanuman Singh for assistance against the British.

Meeting at the Akaal Takht, Sham Singh said to Baba Hanuman Singh "Baba Ji, I wish to fight against the British, but have no army. I have no more then myself and my sons."

Baba Ji replied "Oh Singh Ji, who does this Akaali fauj belong to, if not to the Sikh nation."

During the battle of Sabroan, Sardar Sham Singh Ji and many Sikh warriors received martyrdom fighting the British soldiers, inflicting huge losses to the invaders.

Baba Hanuman Singh Ji and the remaining Singhs went to camp out in the Sikh Princely state of Patiala. The King of Patiala, Maharaja Karam Singh upon receiving word that the knights of the Guru were camped out in his state, out of fear of retribution for his support to the British, Karam Singh informed the British of the whereabouts of the Jathedar and Sikh army.

Baba Ji and the Sikh soldiers were surrounded by the British and their Sikh cohorts, the Princes' of Patiala, Jind, Faridkot and other traitors.

The British army and their Sikh stooges opened up cannon fire on the Sikhs. 15,000 Sikhs attained martyrdom at the spot where Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran now stands in the district of Patiala. Budha Dal oral tradition states that 32,000 Singhs became shaheed during this battle.

Leader of the Sikh army, Jathedar Baba Hanuman Singh Ji and around 500 Nihang warriors survived this attack, and continued to fight the heavy cannon fire of the British, with swords, bows and arrows, axes and matchlock fire.

Finally after running out of gun powder and watching thousands of Sikh warriors achieve shaheedi, the brave Jathedar of the Guru's beloved Khalsa, Akaali Baba Hanuman Singh Ji died fighting for the freedom of the people of Punjab at the age of 90.

After the martyrdom of Baba Hanuman Singh, Akaali Baba Prehlada Singh Ji became the 8th leader of the Akaali Nihang Singh Khalsa. The British implemented a shoot to kill order on the Nihang Singhs, and Baba Prehlada Singh left for the holy Takht Sahib at Nander to regroup the Akaali army. The few remaining Nihang Singhs, left with Baba Ji towards Hazoor Sahib, or moved camp to the jungles of Punjab and Rajputana to preserve the heritage of the Guru's army.

Gurdwara Sohana Sahib Ji located in the Mohali district of Punjab, was built on the shaheedi asthan (place of martrydom) of Baba Hanuman Singh Ji, in memory of a brave leader of the Sikh nation.

Baba Ji lived the life of a true Khalsa, and embodied the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. In the immortal words of Bhagat Kabir Ji:

ਗਗਨ ਦਮਾਮਾ ਬਾਜਿਓ ਪਰਿਓ ਨੀਸਾਨੈ ਘਾਉ ॥ The battle-drum beats in the sky of the mind; aim is taken, and the wound is inflicted.

ਖੇਤੁ ਜੁ ਮਾਂਡਿਓ ਸੂਰਮਾ ਅਬ ਜੂਝਨ ਕੋ ਦਾਉ ॥੧॥ The spiritual warriors enter the field of battle; now is the time to fight!

ਸੂਰਾ ਸੋ ਪਹਿਚਾਨੀਐ ਜੁ ਲਰੈ ਦੀਨ ਕੇ ਹੇਤ ॥ He alone is known as a spiritual hero, who fights in defense of religion.

ਪੁਰਜਾ ਪੁਰਜਾ ਕਟਿ ਮਰੈ ਕਬਹੂ ਨ ਛਾਡੈ ਖੇਤੁ ॥੨॥੨॥ He may be cut apart, piece by piece, but he never leaves the field of battle

 Sikhshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-64539417532887571102015-01-31T11:41:00.001+01:002015-01-31T11:41:48.164+01:00Sakhi Series :- 258 ( Waheguru's mauj and dharshan)

Lord Narayana's Love For His Devotee

It so happened that once sage Narada upon his tour around the world in spreading God's Glory happened to meet a devotee of the Lord sitting under a huge banyan tree. Upon seeing the great sage, the devotee prostrated before him and said, "Oh great one, when will you be going to Vaikuntha to meet the Lord?" Narada replied, "After my trip around the world spreading the message of the Lord I will surely go to Vaikuntha." The devotee then put forward his prayer. "I have been meditating for so many years. Please ask the Lord when He will give me His Darshan?"

And so the sage consented to put forward the prayer of this devotee and proceeded to Vaikuntha. There Lord Narayana asked him, "Narada, what is your news?" Narada then put forward the prayer that the devotee had made and Lord Narayana said, "Tell the devotee that I will give him Darshan only after a number of births, a number equal to the number of leaves on the tree under which he is meditating.

Narada was dejected, but he was only a messenger and so he went to the devotee but was bit apprehensive to deliver the message. When the devotee saw narada he didn't inquire about his question, but he started doing service to him: he gave him a good seat to sit on, and he served him tea, and he made everything for him. After drinking tea, he finally had to give the message; he prepared himself to run if he began to beat him, and at the same time he said, "The Lord will surely come to give you Darshan but it will be after a number of births, equal to the number of leaves on the tree under which you are meditating."

Hearing that, instead of becoming displeased, that meditator became very happy, and started dancing in that joy, and said, "Blessed are you -thankyou very much- that you have brought me this reply from my Lord God. At last He has promised me that He will meet me. No matter how many years it takes, now I am sure that I will reach Him!" And he started thanking God and thanking Narada, and he was dancing with joy. So in that happiness, and that thankfulness, he was intoxicated so much that his inner vision was opened, and the Lord God appeared on the scene. As Narada stood there, fuming and fretting, the Lord and the devotee met. It was like a calf running to meet its mother, or a river surging to meet the ocean.

After the union, the Lord came to Narada and said, "Narada why do you look so upset?" Then Narada said, "Lord, you said one thing and did something so contrary to it. Please explain."

Lord said, Narada, look at the tree and when Narada looked at the tree there were no leaves left on the tree !!! Then Lord God went on to explain: "It is the Faith the devotee had. He had Faith – complete Faith. I had given my assurance. It does not matter how long it will take, but I had given my word, and that Faith gave him all the joy that I am going to give him Darshan, and so I had to appear in front of him."

Thus it is said in gurmat there is no fixed time; it depends on our love, our devotion, and our effort.

In this domain of God there is no question of "if" and "but." Every "if" and "but" is "cut"! It's a question of 100% Faith or no Faith at all.

But the plight of man is so miserable that we are ready to believe in anything and everything except our own inner voice. Every time we get into a bus we place our life in the hands of the driver, a mortal like us. But when the Jagad Guru comes and says, "My child, give me your heart and I will ferry you across the ocean of life," we are not interested.

Waheguru ..

 Sikhshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-92195542377577397612014-12-21T11:37:00.001+01:002014-12-21T11:37:31.980+01:00Fwd: Sakhi Series :- 257 ( Diwan Todar Mal)

Diwan Todar Mal

Diwan Todar Mall was a wealthy Hindu merchant of Sirhind, who on the 13 December 1705 performed the cremation of the three martyred bodies of the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Zorawar Singh aged about 6, Fateh Singh aged about 9 and their grandmother, Mata Gujari.

Background :

On hearing the news of capture and imprisonment of Guru ji's mother, Mata Gujri and young sahibzada's - Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh ji, a rich Sikh called Diwan Todar Mal, hastened to the Faujdar(viceroy) Wazir Khan's of Sirhind with the intention of ransoming them, but arrived too late. The Sahibzada's had alreay been matryed and Mata Gujri ji, who was sitting in meditation in the tower(burj), breathed her last.

The same evening Dewan Todar Mal risked his life and reached Nawab Wazir Khan's court for permission to cremate the dead bodies of the two Sahibzadas and Mata Gurji. The Nawab agreed on condition that the Dewan pay for the required piece of land by spreading as many Gold coins as would cover the entire spot. Even after this Diwan Todar Mal did not shun his responsibility but instead accepted the terms, marked the site and spread coins on entire piece of land he selected for cremation. He sacrificed all his fortune at the alter of faith.

The two martyred young sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji were cremated with full honors along with their grandmother.

This incident occurred after the Sahibzade had been executed by the Mughal authorities in December 1705 for not renouncing their faith.

A splended Gurdwara, Gurdwara Jyoti Saroop, now stands at the place where these three martyrs were cremated. This Gurdwara is at a distance of about a mile to the east of the main Gurdwara at Fatehgarh Sahib and the road connecting the two Gurdwaras is known as Diwan Todar Mal Marg and a commemorative gate called the Diwan Todar Mal commemorative gate has also been built on this connecting road.

 Sikhshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-12266110397459883422014-12-20T12:16:00.001+01:002014-12-20T12:16:21.396+01:00Baba Moti Ram Mehra

Sakhi Series :- 139 ( Baba Moti Ram Mehra - EDITED )

http://tuhitu.blogspot.co.uk/2009/09/sakhi-series-139-baba-moti-ram-mehra.html

 Sikhshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-28837736977561292014-11-28T13:06:00.001+01:002014-11-28T13:06:18.362+01:00Sakhi Series :- 256 (Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji)

Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji

(Source : http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?/topic/46460-bhai-suman-ji-and-bhai-moosan-ji/ )

Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji were a father and son who were beloved Gursikhs of Dhan Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj. Although these two Gursikhs were very poor materialistically they were very rich spiritually. On one occasion they had travelled to be blessed with Guru Ji's darshan. After arriving in Guru Ji's darbar and kissing Maharaj's charankamal they did a benti to Guru Sahib to bless their village with his holy presence. Maharaj smiled at his two beloved Sikhs and accepted their request. In the presence of his Sangat Maharaj told all the Sikhs that they would be going to Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji's house on such and such a day.

Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji headed home with tears of happiness as they had been blessed by Maharaj with such a mahaan seva. Many times we often question how we will be able to do a seva that Guru Sahib has himself given us. But look at these two beloved Sikhs of Guru Sahib who didn't have any maya to their name begging Maharaj for this seva.

Bhai Suman Ji and his son Bhai Moosan Ji began to work day and night on the land of a rich man. Every day they would take the Name of Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj on their lips and would not stop working for sleep or food or water. With Maharaj firmly implanted in their minds all they thought about was the seva that they had been blessed with.

After working very hard in this way finally the day of their payment had arrived. Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji had planned to use this money to buy all the things they required to make Guru Sahib's langar with their own hands. When they went to see the rich man to collect their payment their clothes were dripping with sweat and had been stained with blood from their limbs. The rich man opened his door when he noticed Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji were coming, looked at them and simply refused to pay them for the work that they had done.

Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji were heartbroken and went home. They were deeply saddened not that the rich man had refused to pay them but that they would not be able to perform Guru Sahib's seva. After a while they though to themselves that the money they are owed is their right. They soon made a plan to go back to the rich man's house in the night to take what was rightfully theirs.

At night Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji used a ladder to climb into the house of the rich man. Bhai Moosan Ji went in first, slipped and was dangling from the rich man's ceiling. As Bhai Moosan Ji was dangling he began to hear voices and realised that the rich man's family had woken up. Without a second thought Bhai Moosan Ji looked up to his father had said, "Pita Ji cut my head off". Bhai Moosan Ji had asked his father to do this as he knew that if the rich man came and saw him dangling there word would get around that Sikhs of Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj are thieves. This is the love Gursikhs have for their Guru. Bhai Suman Ji knew this too and quickly took out his sword and with one blow cut his son's head off. This is the love Gursikhs have for their Guru. Bhai Suman Ji wrapped his son's head in a cloth and went home leaving his body there.

When the rich man came out he saw a dead body which had been decapitated on the floor. He then began to think that if people come to know that there is a dead body in my house they will think that I am a murderer. With the help of one of his servants he put Bhai Moosan Ji's body on a cart and decided to take the body to the house of Bhai Suman Ji and Bhai Moosan Ji as these were the only honest people that he knew who he could depend on. When he arrived at Bhai Suman Ji's house he gave Bhai Suman Ji the money that was owed to them. He then told him that there was a body that he had bought with him in the cart that he wanted them to get rid of.

Bhai Suman Ji took his son's body from the cart and into his house. He then placed it with the head of Bhai Moosan Ji that he had brought back and covered both with a sheet. Bhai Suman Ji did an ardas to Maharaj and thanked Guru Ji. He then began to make the langar for all the sangat who were due to arrive the following morning.

In the morning Bhai Suman Ji's beloved Guru arrived with his sangat. As Guru Ji was about to have his langar he looked at Bhai Suman Ji and said, "Suman where is your son Moosan I haven't seen him. Go and call him."

Guru Ji then turned towards the house where Bhai Suman Ji had covered his son's head and body and started calling out to Moosan. As soon as Guru Maharaj did this Bhai Moosan Ji came out of the house and bowed together with his father Bhai Suman Ji at the charankamal of their beloved Guru.

Akho Satnaam Sri Waheguru.

Dhan Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj !!! Dhan Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj !!!

 Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-62139512712268355782014-11-08T14:20:00.001+01:002014-11-08T14:20:55.913+01:00Sakhi Series :- 255 ( Baba Ram Kaur Singh jee)

Baba Ram Kaur Singh jee

Once Mata Gujree jee humbly pressed her palms together and asked Guru Gobind Singh jee, "Son is there anyway I could be blessed with the sight of a Brahm-gianee, a Knower-of God!" Sangat jee, no matter how famous or spiritual a person is, even if he is a Brahm-gianee, he will have to receive amrit

Guru jee replied, "Mata jee get up at amrit-vela, get ready, meditate on Guru Nanak jee, prepare prashad and do Ardas. A Brahm-gianee will come to you, you will not have to go anywhere." At that time Brahm-gianee Baba Ram Kaur jee was engrossed in God's Name and instantly knew that he had to meet Mata Gujree jee. He got on his horse and came to Mata jee's house. With pressed palms she said, "I am greatly blessed, greatly blessed to have the holy sight of you Brahm-gianee jee." She respected him greatly. Baba Ram Kaur jee went to have the sacred vision of Guru Gobind Singh jee the next day. Guru Gobind Singh jee greeted him and said, "Baba Ram Kaur jee, receive Khanda-batta-da-amrit (amrit prepared in an iron bowl and stirred by the symbol of God's power the mighty double edged sword) and belong to the Guru."

Baba jee was taken aback, he said, "Guru jee, I've been blessed with the knowledge of God (Brahm Gian) yet am I still without a Guru? Surely, I don't need to receive amrit? Guru jee began to say, "Baba jee, you haven't received amrit yet, you aren't living according to the code of conduct of the Guru's house. When you receive amrit and live by the code of conduct of the Guru's house then you have become the Guru's." Baba jee said, "Guru jee, I read God's Word (Gurbanee) everyday, in Sukmanee Sahib it says that the Brahm-giani is God himself, so what's the need for me to receive?" Guru jee spent great efforts to make him understand.

Some time passed, winter came a great festival was about to begin. The officials of Anandpur were clearing the place of stray and wild dogs. They were feeding the dogs poison. Baba Ram Kaur jee came out and was taken curious about what the officials were doing. He said to them, "Brother, you keep feeding the stray dogs poison, but you leave the ones with collars alone. Why make the distinction? They're all wandering the streets." The officials said, "O Baba jee, the dogs with collars belong to someone. The ones without collars don't belong to anyone. We can kill countless stray dogs and no one will object. But, if we kill even one dog with a collar, it's master will go to the Government court and complain against us. We will be called up and punished. That is the difference, dogs without collars belong to no one, dogs with collars belong to someone."

Baba Ram Kaur jee finally understood what Guru jee was saying about belonging to the Guru. He thought "Ram Kaur, don't get mislead that just because you have got Brahm-Gian, the knowledge-of-God, that you are safe. You still don't belong to the Guru."

There are two types of Sikhs: ones that belong to the Guru; and ones that don't. The ones that receive amrit and live out the Rehat, or code of conduct, belong to the Guru, the ones that don't will suffer the same fate as the collar-less dogs. At the last breath, Guru Gobind Singh jee will take his Sikhs by the arm, the ones without a Guru will be left to suffer like the collar-less dogs.

Baba Ram Kaur jee couldn't sleep that night, because he realised he didn't belong to the Guru. In the morning he went to have the sacred sight, or darshan, of Guru Gobind Singh jee. Joining his hands together he greeted Guru jee and was asked, "Baba jee, I haven't seen you for some time, what made you remember me today?"

-"Guru jee, bless me with the gift of amrit."

-"Baba Ram Kaur jee, you are a Brahm-gianee, the same as God, what need is there for you to receive amrit?"

-"Yesterday I saw the dog catchers poison the dogs without collars and spare the dogs with collars. I thought both are dogs, but some were spared some were killed. The dog catcher told me that if a dog with a collar is killed then the master will come and make a report against them. O Guru jee that greatly affected my mind, just because I'm a Brahm-gianee it doesn't mean I don't need a Guru. I realised the ones who've received amrit will be protected by you in the true court. Bless me with amrit Guru jee."

Guru Gobind Singh jee told Bhai Daya Singh jee to prepare for the amrit ceremony. Baba Ram Kaur jee was from the same lineage as Baba Budda jee, he received amrit and became Baba Ram Kaur Singh jee.

 Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-70664467734364071252014-10-04T13:04:00.001+02:002014-10-04T13:40:10.912+02:00Sakhi Series :- 254 ( Bhai Moola ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji)

Gurudwara Shikaar Ghat Sahib

It is said that Guru Gobind Singh ji came here(Shikaar Ghat, Nanded, Maharashtra, India) following the chase (shikar) and killed a rabbit which in a former birth had been Bhai Mula, who belonged to Sialkot (now in Pakistan). He had once accompanied Guru Nanak Dev ji during his travels. Once when Guru Nanak Dev ji went to visit him, Mula (on the request of his wife) avoided the Guru and hid himself for fear that the Guru might take him away on another long journey. Sensing this Guru Nanak Dev ji went away, but such is the travesty of fate that Mula died soon after of snakebite.

His wife realising her folly begged Guru Nanak Dev ji for forgiveness. Guru Sahib said he was my Sikh and thus I will surely free him but in my 10th form. Since then his repentant soul had been wandering in different sub-human bodies (joons) until Guru Gobind Singh ji (10th Nanak) emancipated it (now in the form/joon of a Rabbit) by the touch of his arrow. When questioned by his Siksh why he'd killed an innocent animal, Guru jee explained that it was Bhai Moola and he had liberated his soul.

Also see : Bhai Moola ji and Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-78087874117905673852014-09-20T14:18:00.001+02:002014-09-20T14:18:12.363+02:00Sakhi Series :- 253 ( Village Palahi )

Tiag Mal to Tegh Bahadur ji

Palahi is a very old village. It has the privilege and grace of having the touch of the pious feet of Guru Hargobind and his son Guru Teg Bahadur. The time when Guru Hargobind visited Palahi, Guru Teg Bahadur accompanied him who had not yet gone in seclusion dungeon for meditation. He took part in the battle here with his father. Afterwards the seventh Guru Har Rai also visited Palahi.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji was martyred at Lahore in 1606. The mention of this has been in the autobiography known as "Juzak-e-Jehangir" by Emprorer Jehangir himself. Guru Arjan Dev ji before his martrydom left a message for his brave, breaker of the enemy installations and warrior son(Hargobind Sahib)) that a time has come to hold the sheath of the sword.

After which Guru Hargobind Sahib ji adopted two Kirpans(swords). He organised his own army within four years from 1606 to 1610. He got built Akal Takhat in Amritsar in 1608. It became the political capital of the sikhs and got constructed the fort of Loh Garh in Amritsar.

Observing his military preparations the Mughal Government arrested him in 1609 and he remained in detention in the fort of Gowaliar uptil 1612. Realising his fault, Jahangir honourably released Guru Hargobind Sahib ji along-with 52 other emperors. However Guru Hargobind ji carried on his military preparations and moved to Doaba in 1614. He made Kartarpur, his headquarter. Paindey Khan also joined the army of Guru Hargobind at this place.

In the meantime Guru Hargobind settled in Kiratpur Sahib which was the best strategic place from the military point of view. In 1627, after the death of Jehangir, scuffle developed between the sikh organisation and the Mughal ruler. The Subedar of Lahore felt irritated at the royal ascendancy of Guru Hargobind Sahib. Consequently the first battle of Sikh History was fought at Amritsar. Guru Hargobind led the Sikh Army. This occurred on 15th May 1629. Three other battles were fought afterwards. The second battle was fought in Doaba. This battle was fought at Sri Hargobindpur. The third battle was fought in Malwa. The fourth battle was again fought in Doaba. This battle was fought at Palahi and is said to be the most fierce battle. At the time of this battle Guru Hargobind ji had come to Kartarpur to ceremonise the marriage of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The festival of Baisakhi was also celebrated here. Piandey Khan who had become arrogant and become hostile to Guru Hargobind ji, joined warring army against Guru Hargobind. The first encounter was held at Kartarpur. Paindey Khan was killed and the Mughal army was defeated. Marching from Kartarpur Guru Hargobind ji came to Palahi and again encountered with Mughal Army here.

Principal Satbir Singh mentions thus about the battle of Palahi in his recently published book 'Guru Hargobind' that Guru Hargobind had just reached Palahi near Phagwara from Kartarpur when small troop of Emperor's army chasing Guru came here also. It was being led by Ahmed Khan son of Abdul Khan. Rais Jamal, Fateh Khan of Basti Sheikh, Jafat Khan of Alawalpur and many other Pathans from other parts of the area were with the Mughal army.

As the attack was sudden and unexpected, all the Sikhs faced it bravely with whatever they could catch hold of. Fateh Khan and Ahmed Khan were killed and the opponent troops fled away. In this battle the youngest son Baba Tiag Mall of Guru Hargobind fought so boldly that all the witnessers applauded it. As a matter of applause Guru ji exclaimed, "Your name is not Tiag Mall but you are Tegh Bahadur(Master of the Sword)". Since that day this name was permanently recognised.

The memorials of the battle fought at Palahi have been preserved till today. When the deep foundations of the present splendid building of the Gurudwara were being dug, lot of rust torn weapons and the hooves of the horses were obtained. These historical memorials are still securely preserved in the Gurudwara.

 Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-55608051113270127342014-09-06T12:35:00.001+02:002014-09-06T12:35:43.466+02:00Sakhi Series :- 252 (GURU AMARDAS JI AND BHAI GANGU SHAH)

GURU AMARDAS JI AND BHAI GANGU SHAH

At Govindval, a poor Sikh approached Guru Amardas jee and asked for help in getting his daughter married. This Sikh was very poor but a really good Sikh. Guru Sahib wrote a *hundi*, signed by him, addressed to one Bhai Gangu Shah in Delhi, and asked the poor Sikh to get the money from Gangu Shah. Guru Sahib thought that since Gangu Shah had acquired a lot of wealth, it was a good time to test him.

<**HUNDI** : Hundis are used as a form of remittance instrument to transfer money from place to place, as a form of credit instrument or IOU to borrow money and as a bill of exchange in trade transactions>

Only the fortunate ones can withstand the tests of Guru Sahib. Only if Guru Sahib himself does kirpa, we can pass tests from him. Anyway, Gangu Shah, received this poor Sikh with warmth and inquired about Govindval. The Sikh told him all about Govindval and finally told him the purpose of his visit. He gave Gangu shah the hundi written and signed by Guru Sahib.

Gangu Shah saw the hundi and was about to give the money to the poor Sikh, when his mind corrupted him. Some bad karma from his previous lives blossomed and ruined him. Gangu Shah started thinking that it is true that he is rich but who in this world can afford to just give away money like that. He thought that, Guru Sahib is not into worldly affairs and does not understand the worldly affairs. Guru Sahib knows more about spiritual world as opposed to the worldly affairs. The Sikhs are taking advantage of Guru Sahib and will try to take away Gangu's money. He thought that if today, he gives money to this poor Sikh, tomorrow there will be a line-up of beggars.

It was great misfortune of Gangu Shah that he got trapped in the tricks of mind. His mind got taken over by maaya. He finally agreed to his mind and told the poor Sikh that he cannot give him any money as his money is stuck somewhere.

The Sikh understood that Gangu Shah was reluctant to give money, so he did not argue further with Gangu Shah and travelled back to Govindval. He narrated everything that occurred, to Guru Amardas jee. The all-knowing Guru Sahib knew everything and just smiled after hearing about Gangu Shah's refusal to give money. He arranged money for the poor Sikh through other means.

On the other hand, the abundant force of Waheguru came into action after the huge negative karma of Gangu Shah. Within days he lost everything he had earned. When he lost everything and came on the street, he realized his mistake. He realized that all that he had was by the kirpa of Guru Sahib. He realized his blunder and regretted refusing money to that Sikh.

Fortunately, he had good karma and he thought of going back to Govindval Sahib. He came to Govindval Sahib and started doing sewa day and night. Guru Sahib did kirpa and he recited naam at very early amrit hours. All day he kept reciting naam and gurbani. All this time, he did not go in front of Guru Sahib and hid from other Sikhs who could recognize him. It is written in Suraj Parkash Granth that, with all this sewa and simran, his face started glowing with naam.

Guru Sahib who knew everything, was waiting for the right time to approach him. With his sewa and naam jaap, he washed away his sins. Guru Sahib one day, called him in. With great hesitation and with great sharam (pashemaani, sharmindagi), he came to the darbar of Guru Sahib. He was thinking that how he could show his face to Guru Sahib after refusing to honour the hundi written and signed by Guru Sahib himself. Guru Sahib is no human and does not have human qualities. Guru Sahib is Waheguru himself and has qualities of Waheguru. Waheguru does not consider one's bad deeds when doing kirpa.

Guru Sahib, called him Shah jee and told him that he was very happy with his sewa. He fell at the lotus-feet of Satguru and asked for forgiveness of his black deeds. Guru Sahib lifted him up and embraced him and gave him a lot of asees. With all these asees, Gangu Shah became a blessed soul.

Now Gangu Shah had seen how unstable the material world is and he asked for only naam and more naam. Guru Sahib blessed him with the top spiritual state where one becomes one with Waheguru. Gangu Shah, became the real shah i.e. the shah of Naam.

 Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-82945971154512149742014-08-02T15:19:00.001+02:002014-08-02T15:19:40.988+02:00Sakhi Series :- 251 (The Discourse Between Shah Sharaf And Sree Guru Nanak Dev Jee)

Guru Nanak Dev Jee on his travels to the west met a Fakir by the name of Shah Sharaf. The Fakir had been harbouring many questions and was looking for someone to put his mind to rest. Seeing Guru Nanak Dev Jee he took the opportunity to conclude his search. Only a true Fakir could satisfy him and answer his questions.

The following is the discourse that originally took place in Farsi between Shah Sharaf and Sree Guru Nanak Dev Jee. The questions and answers were short but the meanings are very deep. There is a lot to be learnt from this conversation.

(Note Q: are questions from Shah Sharaf and A: are answers from Sree Guru Nanak Dev Jee)
Q : What is the beginning for a Fakir (recluse) ?
A : The beginning for a Fakir is to destroy ones self

Q: Where does Fakiree end?
A: The end is God

Q: What is the Key?
A: The Key is abyass/repetition (without this the door will not open)

Q: What are the chains? (to keep you away from falling)
 A: Bandagi/worship are the chains that will save you

Q: Which is the tomb? (where one shall place himself to rest safely)
A: Modesty is the place to reside (this is the only place which gives peace)

Q: Which is the Chest? (where all the treasures reside)
 A: Sat Sangat is the chest (where all the treasures and jewels lie)

Q: What is the Light (that shows us the way)
A: Gian/knowledge (from Guru Jee is the light)

Q: What brings expansion/increment?
 A: Understanding/learning (is the only commodity worth expanding/increasing)

Q: What is happiness?
A: Didar/Sight (of the supreme Lord is the only thing that can bring true happiness)

Q: Which is the Food?
A: Contentment is the Food (nothing else can fill someone)

Q: Which is the Robe/Garment (to be worn)?
 A: Truthfulness (only this can cover you gracefully)

Q: What is the necklace of a Fakir?
A: To live whilst being dead (to remember death is the necklace)

Q: Which is the smoke for the Fakirs?
A: Firm wisdom and a Firm placement is the Smoke

Q: What brings benefit?
A: Oneness

Q: What is used to cover the head?
A: To live in the will (of the Lord)

Q: Which is the home?
A: Being untroubled is the home

Q: What are the words? (to be spoken)
 A: Truth

Q: Which is the boat? (to ferry us across)
A: Good deeds are your boat

Q: Which is the loincloth/underwear to be worn? (to protect against sexual desires)
A: Chastity is the underwear (for a true Fakir)

Q: What is Liberation?
A: Faith (To give your head but not your Faith)

Q: What is Life?
A: It is 'Just'

Q: What is existence/being?
A: To be able to relate to all in existence

Q: Which are the arms?
 A: To befriend (other true seekers)

Q: Which is the position?
A: To be like the joint in Iron

Q: What is a Journey?
A: A hold of air

 Sikhshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-31215102.post-12186477428851060852014-06-13T11:02:00.001+02:002014-06-13T11:02:47.003+02:00Sakhi Series :- 250 (Karamat qahar hai)

Baba Atal Rai Ji

The Guru's opposition to the misuse of spiritual powers is well illustrated in the story of the sixth Master's son, Baba Atal. Young Baba Atal was adored by all the Guru's Sikhs. People considered him most precocious. Whatever he said, even s a joke, always turned out to have some deep meaning attached to it.

Atal Rai died at the tender age of nine years. The circumstances of his death, as narrated in Gurbilas Chhevi Patshahi, were most extraordinary.

The Guru's son had a playmate named Mohan. Once they played a favourite bat and ball game of theirs all day long. At nightfall, they agreed to go home and that Mohan would serve a penalty he had earned in the game when they resumed in the morning.

At dawn, Baba Atal went to his playmate's house to resume the game where they had left off. Mohan's family, however, was grieving when he arrived. They told the Guru's son that his young friend had been bitten by a snake and died during the night.

Baba Atal however was determined to continue his game and he was not about to be off.

"Mohan's not dead," he said, "He's alive. Come, I'll get him." Arriving in the room where his friend's body lay, Baba Atal touched Mohan's cold remains with his bat and called out, "Mohan, get up! Say "Waheguru!" Open your eyes! You should not sleep so late. Get up! It's your turn to serve." On Baba Atal speaking these words, his friend who had shown no signs of life for four and a half hours, rose as if he had been sleeping. Mohan's family was naturally amazed and grateful to Baba Atal.

When the Guru heard of the people's rejoicing, he was not so pleased. "karamat qahar hai - Miracle-making is violence! None should attempt to intervene in the Will of the Lord," he told his son.

Atal Rai took the admonition to heart. Making a respectful bow, he quietly retired from the Guru's presence.

Atal Rai took the admonition to heart. Making a respectful bow, he quietly retired from the Guru's presence. Baba Atal went for a bath in the sarovaar of the Harimandar. After bathing himself, he walked four times around the temple and sat on the rim of the adjacent Kaulsar pool.  Having recited Japji Sahib on the bank of Kaulsar, he lay down on the ground with the stick underneath his head and went to his eternal repose.

 Sikhshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com


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Navan Hotels
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A fantastic base for exploring County Meath and the North-East of Ireland, Navan is a great choice for a short break. Originally a Norman fort settlement, the county town is now perhaps best known for its horse-racing. The charming Market Square and the impressive St Mary's Church are the must-see places in the town, whilst the controversial statue The Bull of Navan is well worth a look too.
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Century Hotel (2001)
David Weaver makes his feature debut with this omnibus film in which each tale is told during different points during the 20th century, but in the same hotel room -- room 720. The film opens during the swinging '20s when a beautiful young woman, married against her will to a brutish thug of a man, endures a tension-fraught honeymoon. During the Depression segment, a mail-order bride from China meets her husband for the first time. Following the end of WWII, a soldier returns home to meet his girlfriend and his best friend. During the paranoia of the 1950s, a professor searches for his wife. During the 1980s, a lawyer has too much sex and debt, and during the dawn of the millennium, a woman comes to a newly refurbished room 720 to meet her Internet lover. Such acclaimed Canadian actors as Tom McCamus, Sandrine Holt, and Colm Feore star in this film, which was screened at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival.
- David Weaver
- David Weaver
- Bridget Newson
- Release Date: 2001-09-09
- Views: 88
- Country: CA
- Language: English
- Runtime: 95
Colm Feore
Noam Jenkins
Lindy Booth
Mia Kirshner
Janet Kidder
Sandrine Holt
David Hewlett
Joel Bissonnette
Albert Chung
Marvin Kaye
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