Sikhism Originated with Guru Nanak Five Centuries Ago. from an Early Age He Showed a Deeply Spiritual Character
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Bhai Mani Singh Contribtion in Sikh History
© 2018 JETIR August 2018, Volume 5, Issue 8 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162) BHAI MANI SINGH CONTRIBTION IN SIKH HISTORY Simranjeet Kaur, M.Phil. Research Scholar, History Department, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo. Dr. Daljeet Kaur Gill, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo. ABSTRACT Bhai Mani Singh is an important personality in Sikh History. He was a very good speaker and writer. He performed the service of a priest in Amritsar and played an important role in reforming the dismal conditions there. He spent all his life for saving the unity, integrity and honour of Sikh religion and promoted knowledge among the Sikhs by becoming the founder of the Giani Sect. He created an example for the coming generations by sacrificing himself at the age of ninety years. The sacrifice of Bhai Mani Singh filled every Sikh with a wave of anger and impassion. His unique martyrdom had turned the history of Sikhism forwards. His personality, in real meaning; is a source of inspiration for his followers. Sikh history, from the very beginning, has an important place in human welfare and social reforms for its sacrifices and martyrdoms. The ancestors and leaders of Sikh sect made important contributions at different times and places. Bhai Mani Singh showed his ability in different tasks initiated by Sikh Gurus by remaining in Sikh sect ant took the cause of social reforms to a new height. To keep the dignity of Sikh History intact, he sacrificed his life by getting himself chopped into pieces at the age of 90 for not being able to pay the prescribed taxes.1 While making an unparallel contribution in the Sikh history, Bhai Mani Singh performed the service of a priest in Amritsar and played an important role in reforming the dismal conditions there. -
Shri Guru Nanak Dev Life, Travels and Teachings Other Books by the Author
Shri Guru Nanak Dev Life, Travels and Teachings Other Books by the Author The other books by the author, Dr. G.S. Chauhan are: 1. Guru Nanak Dev's Japji Sahib. 2. Guru Arjan Dev's Sukhmani Sahib 3. Bani of Bhagats 4. The Gospel of the Sikh Gurus 5. Rahras & Kirtan Sohila 6. Nitnem All these books are being distributed 'free of cost' among the general public by the All India Pingalwara Charitable Society (Regd.), Amritsar. Shri Guru Nanak Dev Life, Travels and Teachings Dr G.S. Chauhan Dr Meenakshi Rajan Publisher : Dr. Inderjit Kaur President All India Pingalwara Charitable Society (Regd.) Amritsar Shri Guru Nanak Dev Life, Travels and Teachings by Dr. G.S. Chauhan Dr. Meenakshi Rajan © Writer March : 2012 ISBN: 978-81-923150-1-0 Publisher : Dr. Inderjit Kaur President All India Pingalwara Charitable Society (Regd.) Amritsar Printed at: Printwell 146, Industrial Focal Point, Amritsar Dedication This Humble effort to describe Shri Guru Nanak Dev's Life, Travels and Teachings is dedicated to the great saint of twentieth century, Bhagat Puran Singh, founder of All India Pingalwara Charitable Society (Regd.) Amritsar. It was due to his blessings when I met him in July 1991 that an ignorant person like me could study and understand Gurbani and write about the Guru' teachings. Bhagat Puran Singh was a great soul and even now, he guides and removes suffering of those who help his mission of running Pingalwara. I have seen that in many cases, when some people sent donations with full faith, their diseases were cured and problems solved. -
Where Are the Women? the Representation of Gender in the Bhai Bala Janamsakhi Tradition and the Women's Oral Janamsakhi Tradition
WHERE ARE THE WOMEN? THE REPRESENTATION OF GENDER IN THE BHAI BALA JANAMSAKHI TRADITION AND THE WOMEN'S ORAL JANAMSAKHI TRADITION by Ranbir Kaur Johal B.A., The University of British Columbia, 1997 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS in THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES (Department of Asian Studies) We accept this thesis as conforming to the required standard THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA April 2001 © Ranbir Kaur Johal, 2001 In presenting this thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for an advanced degree at the University of British Columbia, I agree that the Library shall make it freely available for reference and study. I further agree that permission for extensive copying of this thesis for scholarly purposes may be granted by the head of my department or by his or her representatives. It is understood that copying or publication of this thesis for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. Department of Asia" SJ-ndUS The University of British Columbia Vancouver, Canada DE-6 (2/88) Abstract: The janamsakhis are a Sikh literary tradition, which consist of hagiographies concerning Guru Nanak's life and teachings. Although the janamsakhis are not reliable historical sources concerning the life of Guru Nanak, they are beneficial in imparting knowledge upon the time period in which they developed. The representation of women within these sakhis can give us an indication of the general views of women of the time. A lack of representation of women within the janamsakhi supports the argument that women have traditionally been assigned a subordinate role within patriarchal society. -
Guru Tegh Bahadur
Second Edition: Revised and updated with Gurbani of Guru Tegh Bahadur. GURU TEGH BAHADUR (1621-1675) The True Story Gurmukh Singh OBE (UK) Published by: Author’s note: This Digital Edition is available to Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations for publication with own cover design and introductory messages. Contact author for permission: Gurmukh Singh OBE E-mail: [email protected] Second edition © 2021 Gurmukh Singh © 2021 Gurmukh Singh All rights reserved by the author. Except for quotations with acknowledgement, no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or medium without the specific written permission of the author or his legal representatives. The account which follows is that of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Nanak IX. His martyrdom was a momentous and unique event. Never in the annals of human history had the leader of one religion given his life for the religious freedom of others. Tegh Bahadur’s deed [martyrdom] was unique (Guru Gobind Singh, Bachittar Natak.) A martyrdom to stabilize the world (Bhai Gurdas Singh (II) Vaar 41 Pauri 23) ***** First edition: April 2017 Second edition: May 2021 Revised and updated with interpretation of the main themes of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Gurbani. References to other religions in this book: Sikhi (Sikhism) respects all religious paths to the One Creator Being of all. Guru Nanak used the same lens of Truthful Conduct and egalitarian human values to judge all religions as practised while showing the right way to all in a spirit of Sarbatt da Bhala (wellbeing of all). His teachings were accepted by most good followers of the main religions of his time who understood the essence of religion, while others opposed. -
Know Your Heritage Introductory Essays on Primary Sources of Sikhism
KNOW YOUR HERIGAGE INTRODUCTORY ESSAYS ON PRIMARY SOURCES OF SIKHISM INSTITUTE OF S IKH S TUDIES , C HANDIGARH KNOW YOUR HERITAGE INTRODUCTORY ESSAYS ON PRIMARY SOURCES OF SIKHISM Dr Dharam Singh Prof Kulwant Singh INSTITUTE OF S IKH S TUDIES CHANDIGARH Know Your Heritage – Introductory Essays on Primary Sikh Sources by Prof Dharam Singh & Prof Kulwant Singh ISBN: 81-85815-39-9 All rights are reserved First Edition: 2017 Copies: 1100 Price: Rs. 400/- Published by Institute of Sikh Studies Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Kanthala, Indl Area Phase II Chandigarh -160 002 (India). Printed at Adarsh Publication, Sector 92, Mohali Contents Foreword – Dr Kirpal Singh 7 Introduction 9 Sri Guru Granth Sahib – Dr Dharam Singh 33 Vars and Kabit Swiyyas of Bhai Gurdas – Prof Kulwant Singh 72 Janamsakhis Literature – Prof Kulwant Singh 109 Sri Gur Sobha – Prof Kulwant Singh 138 Gurbilas Literature – Dr Dharam Singh 173 Bansavalinama Dasan Patshahian Ka – Dr Dharam Singh 209 Mehma Prakash – Dr Dharam Singh 233 Sri Gur Panth Parkash – Prof Kulwant Singh 257 Sri Gur Partap Suraj Granth – Prof Kulwant Singh 288 Rehatnamas – Dr Dharam Singh 305 Know your Heritage 6 Know your Heritage FOREWORD Despite the widespread sweep of globalization making the entire world a global village, its different constituent countries and nations continue to retain, follow and promote their respective religious, cultural and civilizational heritage. Each one of them endeavours to preserve their distinctive identity and take pains to imbibe and inculcate its religio- cultural attributes in their younger generations, so that they continue to remain firmly attached to their roots even while assimilating the modern technology’s influence and peripheral lifestyle mannerisms of the new age. -
Guru Nanak's Message
Sikhism Guru Nanak’s Message Guru Nanak’s Message Summary: Guru Nanak taught that there is one God who dwells within the human heart and can be known by the grace of the guru. Guru Nanak espoused a vision of equality across caste and religion, and he called for Sikhs to be fully socially engaged. Guru Nanak’s understanding of God is summed up in the Mul Mantar, the opening stanza of what is called the Japji, the morning prayer recited by Guru Nanak and by all Sikhs everywhere. The Mul Mantar, a root teaching of the Sikh tradition, lays a foundation for a universal religious vision: There is one God, Eternal truth is his name, Creator of all things and the all-pervading spirit. Fearless and without hatred, Timeless and formless. Beyond birth and death, Self-created. By the grace of the Guru he is known. Guru Nanak emphasized the “formless” God, spoken of as Nirankar. God may be spoken of in many ways—as Allah or Brahman, Ram or Rahim. But the great name of God is Truth. God cannot be known in any image or form; the Nirankar is invisible, infinite, beyond the confines of form. Even so, this transcendent God can be known by the grace of the Guru. The love of God is the highest goal of humanity. God dwells within the human heart. The nectar of the Divine name, heard and sung, fills the heart to the brim. Thus, the very center of Sikh worship is the singing and hearing of God’s word in the form of the shabads, or devotional songs. -
Sikhism Reinterpreted: the Creation of Sikh Identity
Lake Forest College Lake Forest College Publications Senior Theses Student Publications 4-16-2014 Sikhism Reinterpreted: The rC eation of Sikh Identity Brittany Fay Puller Lake Forest College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://publications.lakeforest.edu/seniortheses Part of the Asian History Commons, History of Religion Commons, and the Religion Commons Recommended Citation Puller, Brittany Fay, "Sikhism Reinterpreted: The rC eation of Sikh Identity" (2014). Senior Theses. This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Publications at Lake Forest College Publications. It has been accepted for inclusion in Senior Theses by an authorized administrator of Lake Forest College Publications. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Sikhism Reinterpreted: The rC eation of Sikh Identity Abstract The iS kh identity has been misinterpreted and redefined amidst the contemporary political inclinations of elitist Sikh organizations and the British census, which caused the revival and alteration of Sikh history. This thesis serves as a historical timeline of Punjab’s religious transitions, first identifying Sikhism’s emergence and pluralism among Bhakti Hinduism and Chishti Sufism, then analyzing the effects of Sikhism’s conduct codes in favor of militancy following the human Guruship’s termination, and finally recognizing the identity-driven politics of colonialism that led to the partition of Punjabi land and identity in 1947. Contemporary practices of ritualism within Hinduism, Chishti Sufism, and Sikhism were also explored through research at the Golden Temple, Gurudwara Tapiana Sahib Bhagat Namdevji, and Haider Shaikh dargah, which were found to share identical features of Punjabi religious worship tradition that dated back to their origins. -
1 Do Not Reproduce This Article in Part Or Full Without Written Permission of Author How the British Divided Punjab Into Hindu
How the British divided Punjab into Hindu and Sikh By Sanjeev Nayyar December 2016 This is chapter 2 from the E book on Khalistan Movement published by www.swarajyamag.com During a 2012 visit to Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh, about an hour's drive from Anandpur Sahib, I wondered why so many Sikhs come to the temple for darshan. The answer lies in the events of 1699. In the Chandi Charitra, the tenth Guru says that in the past god had deputed Goddess Durga to destroy evil doers. That duty was now assigned to him hence he wanted her blessings. So he invited Pandit Kesho from Kashi to conduct the ceremony at the hill of Naina Devi. The ceremony started on Durga Ashtami day, in the autumn of October 1698, and lasted for six months. At the end of this period, the sacred spring Navratras began on 21 March 1699. Then, “When all the ghee and incense had been burnt and the goddess had yet not appeared, the Guru came forward with a naked sword and, flashing it before the assembly declared: ‘This is the goddess of power!” This took place on 28 March 1699, the Durga Ashtami day. The congregation was then asked to move to Anandpur, where on New Year Day of 1st Baisakh, 1699, the Guru would create a new nation.” 3 On 30 March 1699, at Anandpur, Govind Singhji gave a stirring speech to the assembly about the need to protect their spiritual and temporal rights. He then asked if anyone would offer his head in the services of God, Truth and Religion. -
The Institution of the Akal Takht: the Transformation of Authority in Sikh History
religions Article The Institution of the Akal Takht: The Transformation of Authority in Sikh History Gurbeer Singh Department of Religious Studies, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; [email protected] Abstract: The Akal Takht is considered to be the central seat of authority in the Sikh tradition. This article uses theories of legitimacy and authority to explore the validity of the authority and legitimacy of the Akal Takht and its leaders throughout time. Starting from the initial institution of the Akal Takht and ending at the Akal Takht today, the article applies Weber’s three types of legitimate authority to the various leaderships and custodianships throughout Sikh history. The article also uses Berger and Luckmann’s theory of the symbolic universe to establish the constant presence of traditional authority in the leadership of the Akal Takht. Merton’s concept of group norms is used to explain the loss of legitimacy at certain points of history, even if one or more types of Weber’s legitimate authority match the situation. This article shows that the Akal Takht’s authority, as with other political religious institutions, is in the reciprocal relationship between the Sikh population and those in charge. This fluidity in authority is used to explain and offer a solution on the issue of authenticity and authority in the Sikh tradition. Keywords: Akal Takht; jathedar; Sikh institutions; Sikh Rehat Maryada; Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC); authority; legitimacy Citation: Singh, Gurbeer. 2021. The Institution of the Akal Takht: The 1. Introduction Transformation of Authority in Sikh History. Religions 12: 390. https:// The Akal Takht, originally known as the Akal Bunga, is the seat of temporal and doi.org/10.3390/rel12060390 spiritual authority of the Sikh tradition. -
THE EVOLUTION of the ROLE of WOMEN in the SIKH RELIGION Chapter Page
UGC MINOR RESEARCH PROJECT FILE NO: 23-515/08 SPIRITUAL WARRIORS: THE EVOLUTION OF THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE SIKH RELIGION SUBMITTED BY DR. MEENAKSHI RAJAN DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY S.K SOMAIYA COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE AND COMMERCE, VIDYAVIHAR, MUMBAI 400077 MARCH 2010 SPIRITUAL WARRIORS: THE EVOLUTION OF THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE SIKH RELIGION Chapter Page Number 1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 ROLE OF WOMEN IN SIKH HISTORY 12 3 MATA TRIPTA 27 4 BIBI NANAKI 30 5 MATA KHIVI 36 6 BIBI BHANI 47 7 MATA SUNDARI 53 8 MAI BHAGO 57 9 SARDARNI SADA KAUR 65 10 CONCLUSION 69 BIBLIOGRAPHY 71 i Acknowledgement I acknowledge my obligation to the University Grants Commission for the financial assistance of this Minor Research Project on Spiritual Warriors: The Evolution of the Role of Women in the Sikh Religion. I extend my thanks to Principal K.Venkataramani and Prof. Parvathi Venkatesh for their constant encouragement. I am indebted to the college and library staff for their support. My endeavour could not have been realised without the love, support and encouragement from my husband, Mr.Murli Rajan and my daughter Radhika. I am grateful to my father, Dr. G.S Chauhan for sharing his deep knowledge of Sikhism and being my guiding light. ii 1 CHAPTER - 1 INTRODUCTION Sikhism is one of the youngest among world religions. It centers on the Guru –Sikh [teacher -disciple] relationship, which is considered to be sacred. The development of Sikhism is a remarkable story of a socio- religious movement which under the leadership of ten human Gurus’ developed into a well organized force in Punjab.1Conceived in northern India, this belief system preached and propagated values of universalism, liberalism, humanism and pluralism within the context of a “medieval age.” Its teachings were “revealed’ by Guru Nanak (1469-1539 AD) who was, in turn, succeeded by nine other Gurus’. -
Janamsakhi Tradition – an Analytical Study –
Janamsakhi Tradition – An Analytical Study – Janamsakhi Tradition – An Analytical Study – DR. KIRPAL SINGH M.A., Ph.D Edited by Prithipal Singh Kapur Singh Brothers Amritsar JANAMSAKHI TRADITION – AN ANALYTICAL STUDY – by DR KIRPAL SINGH M.A., Ph.D. Former Professor & Head Punjab Historical Studies Deptt. Punjabi University, Patiala ISBN 81-7205-311-8 Firs Edition March 2004 Price : Rs 395-00 Publishers: Singh Brothers Bazar Mai Sewan, Amritsar - 143 006 S.C.O. 223-24, City Centre, Amrisar - 143 001 E-mail : [email protected] Website : www.singhbrothers.com Printers : PRINWELL, 146, INDUSTRIAL FOCAL POINT, AMRITSAR Contents – Preface 7 – Introduction 13 1. Genesis of the Janamsakhi Tradition 25 2. Analytical Study of the Janamsakhi Tradition - I 55 3. Analytical Study of the Janamsakhi Tradition - II 204 4. Light Merges with the Divine Light 223 Appendices (i) Glossary of Historical Names in the Janamsakhi 233 (ii) Bibliography 235 – Index 241 6 7 Preface With the Guru’s Grace knowledge is analysed — Guru Nanak (GG 1329) The Janamsakhi literature as such relates exclusively to the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The spectrum of this genre of literature has several strands. It elucidates mystic concepts of spiritual elevation, provides the earliest exegesis of the hymns of Guru Nanak and illustrates the teachings of Guru Nanak by narrating interesting anecdotes. The most significant aspect of the Janamsakhi literature is that it has preserved the tradition of Guru Nanak’s life that became the primary source of information for all the writings on Guru Nanak. Of late the historical validity of this material has been called to question in the name of methodology. -
The Sixth – Eighth Nanaks
The Sixth Nanak - The Eighth Nanak Guru HARGOBIND JI, Guru HAR RAI JI, Guru HAR KRISHAN JI January 26, 2020 by dedidated Sewadars of Sri Hemkunt Foundation Inc. INDEX # Title Page The Sixth Nanak (Guru Hargobind ji) 1 Early Life 3 2 Temporal and Spiritual Guru 4 3 Bandi Chhor Diwas 6 4 True King 7 5 Visiting Punjab & Kashmir 8 6 Bibi Kaulan 10 7 Five Battles of Sikhs 11 8 Kiratpur as Residence 14 9 Highlights of Guru Hargobind ji 15 The Seventh Nanak (Guru Har Rai ji) 10 Early Life 17 11 Guru’s Dispensary 18 12 Sikhs’ Love toward Guru ji 19 13 Eternal Happiness 20 14 Invitation from Aurangzeb 21 15 Desertion of Ram Rai 22 16 Passed on the Spiritual Light 23 17 Highlights of Guru Har Rai ji 24 The Eighth Nanak (Guru Har Krishan ji) 18 Guru is a light not a body 26 19 Request for Glimpse 26 20 Humanitarian Work 27 21 Highlights of Guru Har Krishan ji 28 22 Significant World Events 28 23 References 29 2 1. Early Life Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was born at village Guru Ki Wadali, Amritsar on June 19, 1595. He was very handsome and the only son of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib ji and Mata Ganga Ji. Physical and spiritual training of Hargobind Singh Ji took place under the able supervision of Baba Buddha ji and Bhai Gurdas ji respectively. Baba Buddha ji taught him martial arts making him an expert in the use of weapons and horse riding. Bhai Paraga and Bhai Ganga Sehgal taught him the art of warfare.