THE SII(H -

PERFECT PRESS PVT. LTD. INDIA Discovery of Golden Heritage The Sikh Guriis First Published in India in 1996 by Mrs. MAN]EET KAVR for PERFECT PRESS PVT. LTD. 30/1, East Patel Nagar, ew Delhi-110 008 Phones : 011 25850803

Concept & Picture Research Manor & Simple Associates

Illustrations Bodhraj, Mehar Singh, Ram Singh

Design Team Rajendra & Kamal

Photograph C. D. Singh & Pali

Text Harcharan Singh Sobti Arahac Inderjeec Singh

Acknowledgement Giani Bhajan Singh

Texc -e 1996, Perfen Press I've. Lcd. Printed in India by Perfen Press Pvc. Lcd. A-73, Seccor-2, OIDA-201 301 (U.I'.) ISBN 81-86212-05-1 All rights reserved throughout the world. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying) recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. CONTENTS

Preface 4 Perspective 6 Nanal< Dev 8 Guru Aogad Dev 10 Guru Amar Das 12 Guru Ram Das 14 Dev 16 Guru Harigobind 18 Guru Harirai 20 Guru Harikrishan 22 24 Guru Gobind Singh 26 Guru Granth Sahib 28 Mill Mantar 30 Five Takhatas 32 Arnrit 34 Nishan Sahib 35 Five Kakkaras 36 Glossary 38 Bibliography 39 * Guideline for phonetic transcription of Gurmukhi Script 40

* It is advisable to go through the Guideline before reading this book. Preface

This series on Discovery of Golden Heritage (1469-1947 A.D.) has been specially designed to educate the children to know and to imbibe the spirit of the Sikh history and the ikh faith. The mid - fifteenth and sixteenth century of medieval India, at the time of Guru anak Dev (1469-1539 A.D.), is marked as an anti-people. The people were suffering at the cruel hands of foreign invaders, local rulers and custodians of religious and social traditions, hypocritical in nature. Guru anak Sahib has described the malady of his Age in one of his hymns, as :

Kali karl raje kasai Dharamu pankha kari u<;iaria Kuru amavasa sachu chandrama Disai nahl kahi charhia.

The Kali [Kaliyug] is like a knife; The rulers are akin to butchers. And righteousness hath taken to wings; There is a pitch darkness of falsehood; And Truth that is akin to the moon; Is not visible, anywhere. Majh kJ Var Mahala 1 Guru Granth Sahib, p. 145.

Guru anak Dev came to the rescue of the suffering people who had lost all hopes and optimism in their lives. He equipped them with new ideas, aims and aspirations and exhorted them to dispense with hypocrisy, falsehood, pretentions and cast<>'prejudices.

o From Gunl Nanak Dev to Gunl Gobind Singh i.e, from 1469­ 1708 A.D; for more than cwo centuries, the Sikh Movement religiously continued to build-up the morale of the people. Its noble message had spread in every part of Indian sub-continent.

After Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708 A.D.), Banda Singh Bahadur (1670-1716 A.D.) at the instance of the Tenth Gunl took over the command of Sikh Movement and, as cherished by the Sikh GurUs, established an egalitarian rule in Panjab, though for a very short period. At much later stage, Maharaja RaJ)jit Singh (1780-1839 A.D.), in his peculiar way, attempted to establish a welfare State.

In modern times, during the 'Struggle for Freedom', the played an exemplary role to dislodge the British Masters. Hundreds of them were sent to jails. Millions of them had to suffer heavily as a consequence of the Partition of India in to Bharat and Pakistan, in the year 1947.

We have, so far, decided to cover the significant events of the Sikh history up to the times of the Partition of India.

The present volume provides informations about the Gunls of the Sikhs. But, in no case a skelton of informations. It also reflects the development of Sikhism pointing out the turning points in the Sikh history.

Alongwith this project, we have also planned to publish basic educational books in Panjabi to enable children to learn their mother-tongue in a systematic and scientific way.

Harcharan Singh Sobti Arahat Indcrjeet Singh Perspective

Guru Nanak Dev, although, was highly critical about the functionaries of the State and Brahamanical practices, yet, he was equally compassionate in his disposition towards AU. The successor-GuM up to Gunl Arjan, while adopting number of measures had built up the SaIJgat, outside the Brahamanical Order of caste-system. Motivations of the Sikh GUM and the feudal State being qualitatively variant with each other, inevitably, led to confrontation and the result was the martyrdom of Guru Arjan. The Sikh Movement, in the hands of Guru Hargobind, the Sixth Guru, with no options left, took to arms. The Guru expediated the process of turning the Saogat in to State, egalitarian in contents. The Movement moved a head towards building up a State \vithin the Empire. The confrontation between the Guru and the State, further, intensified and resulted in the second martyrdom of Gunl Tegh Bahadur. The Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh came forward with a novel idea of Order of and, thus, commenced an armed revolt against the feudal State. The struggle of Khalsa, righteous in its spirit and letter, continued, thereafter, as an unending process.

Guru Nanak Dev ~Foundcr-Gllnl of Sikhism

Born on : B~: There are two traditions of dates of birth of Total number of hymns, 947 in 19 Ragas, e.g. Guru anak Dev : Asa, Basanru, Dhanasari, Gaup Majh, Ramakah, 1. Vaisakh Sudi 3 (20 Vaisakh : Full moon), Sora~, Sn Rag and Suhi etc. He also recited Rikrami era, 1526 / April 15, 1469 AD. Tapu which is not in any Rag. His Bal)l under 2. Sudi (Full moon), Bikrami era, 1526/ various headings and in various Ragas, e.g. October-November, 1469 AD. Sidh Gosa~i, Arti, Paqi and Oankaru etc. is Bur his birth day in the Sikh world is, included in Guru Granth Sahib. invariably, celebrated on full moon night, In the of Kattak. His Message : He enjoined the Sikhs, as - Born at : 1. Kirat Karo. 2. Nama Tapo. 3. VaJ).<;! ke Rae Bhoi dl Talaval)<;h known as Nank3.I).a Chhako. 4. To shed away caste-prejudices, Sahib, now in Pakistan. because all human beings are equal. 5. To imbibe the spirit of Service and Humility. Born to : Father Mehta Kalayan Das City Founded : Mother : Mata Tripata He founded Kartarpur, a city on the banks of river Ravl in 1504 AD., which was later on Other Kith and Kin : washed out by the river water of Ravi. Sister : Ribi anakJ Guru ke Mahal : Bibi SulakhaJ)l Contemporary Rulers : Sahibazade: 1. Baba Sri Chand 1. Bahalol Lodhi (r. 1451-1489 AD.) 2. Baba Lakhami Das 2. Sikandar Lodlu (r. 1489-1517 AD.) 3. Ibrahim Lodhi (r. 1517-1526 AD.) God's Realization : 4. Emperor Babar (r. 1526-1530 AD.) While living at Sultanpur Lodlu, one morning 5. Emperor Humayun (r.1530-1540 AD.) he went to the rivulet Vein to take his usual bath. Therefrom he went to the nearby forest Succession to Gurgaddi : for ama-Simran and suddenly fell into trance. Guru Nanak Sahib named Bhai LehaJ).a as He was blessed with Divine Vision. His First ADgad and installed him as his successor. Sermon was : "Na ko Hindu hai, na ko Musalaman hai" Joti-Joti Samae : Neither there is any Hindu nor Muslim. On 23 Assu (Sud! 10), Bikrarru era, 1596 / SeptemlA:r 22, 1539 A.D. at Kartarpur (Ravi). Udasis : Gurll Sahib undertook five UdaSlS for the benefit of One and All and travelled extensively throughout Indian sub-continent apart from \'isiting Sri Lanka, Mecca (SaudI Arabia), Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan and other places. Guru Nanak Dev Dev Second Gun]

Born on : His Message : Vai~akh Vadl I (Vaisakh 5), Bikraml era, lIe enjoined the Sikhs 1561 / March 31, 1504 AD. I. To do selfless Service to humanity. 2. Complete surrender to the Will of God. Born at : 3. Disapproval of exhibitionism and hypocrisy. Matte dt Sarae, Disr. Firozpur in Panjab Special Contribution : Born to I. Compilation of the biography of Father Bhal Phem Mall Guru Nanak Dev, known as 'Bale Wali Mother: Mata Daya Kaur Janam akhi.' 2. Modification of GurmukIU Script. Other Kith and Kin : 3. Started a school at Kha(;hlr Sahib to teach <';lIrll ke Mahal : Blbi Khlvt children through Gurmukh! alphabet. Sahibazade: I. Baba Dasu 4. Encouraged sports and wrestling. 2. Baba Danl Sahibazadhlll: I. Blbl Amaro Contemporary Rulers: 2. Btb. Anokhl 1. Emperor Humayun (r. 1530-1540 AD.) 2. Sher Shah Sur! (r. 1542-1545 A.D.) Accession to Gurgaddi : 3. Islam Shah (r. 1545-1553 A.D.) all lIar 17, Bikraml era, 1596 / 1539 A.D. at I''lInrpur 011 the banks of river Rav!. Succession to Gurgaddi : Guru Aogad Dev nominated Amar Das Ba1)! : as the third Gum of the Sikhs. Total 1l1lmLx:r of hymlls 63, 111 the form of Sal()b~. Joti-Joti Samae : On Vaisakh 3 ( Sudi 4), Bikram! era, 1609 / March 29, 1552 AD. at Khac;iur Sahib in Panjab. Guru Al1gad Dev Third Gun]

Born on : His Message : Vaisakh SudJ 14 (Jerh 10), Bikrami era, 1536 / To dispense with the system of San and Parada. May 5, 1479 A.D. City Founded : Born at : Goindval on the banks of river Bias in 1552 Village Basarke in Dist. Amritsar. A.D.

Born to : Special Contribution Father Bhaf Tej Bhan 1. Established 22 centres called Mailjf on the Mother : Mata SulakhaJ)f Mughal pattern of 22 paragaJ)as to strengthen the economy of the Other Kith and Kin : Sikh Movement. Guru ke Mahal : Bfbf Mansa Devf 2. Provided new vigour to the system of Sahibaza:de 1. Baba Mohan Laogar. When Emperor Akbar visited the 2. Baba Moharf Guru Sahib, the former was asked first to Sahibaza:dJan 1. Bfbf Dani take Laogar. 2. Bfbf Bhanf 3. On the plea of Guru Sahib, Emperor Akbar abolished Jazfa - a tax imposed upon Accession to Gurgaddi : non-Muslims. On Vaisakh 3, Bikramf era, 1609 / 1552 A.D. at Kha<;tur Sahib. Contemporary Ruler Emperor Akbar (r. 1556-1605 A.D.) B~: Total number of hymns 869 in 17 Ragas, e.g. Succession to Gurgaddi : Srf Rag, Asa, Majh, Gujarf, Sorarhf and Galiri Guru Sahib nominated Bhar Jerha, his etc. Guru Sahib recited Anandu in Rag son-in law, with the name of Guru Ram Das, Rimakali in the year 1554 A.D. which is his as the fourth Guru of the Sikhs. unique Bfu:ll that describes the rich experience of Eternal Bliss. Joti-Joti Samae : On Bhadau SudJ 15 (Assu 2) Bikramf era, 1631 / September 1, 1574 A.D. at Goindval, Dist. Amritsar. Guru Amar Das Guru Ram Das Fourth Gum

Born on : His Message : Assu 26 (Kattak Vadi 2), BikrarTII era, 1591 / Hc cnjoined his devotees: 1534 AD. 1. To be truc Sikhs. 2. To imbibe the Name of God. Born at : 3. To Sing the Glory of thc Gun\. Chum MaDc;lI 111 Lahore, now in Pakistan City Founded and Construction Work Born to 1. City of Amritsar in 1574 A.D., earlier Father Bhal Hari Das known as Chakk Guru ka and Ramdaspur. Mother : Mata Daya Kaur 2. Excavation of Amrit Sarovar (Pool of ectar) at Golden Tcmple in Amritsar. Other Kith and Kin : Guru ke Mahal : Bibl Bhal1l Contemporary Ruler : Sahibazade: 1. Baba Prithl Chand Empcror Akbar (r. 1556-1605 AD.) 2. Baba Maha Dev 3. (Gunl) Arjan Dcv Succession to Gurgaddi : Guru Sahib nominated his youngest son Arjan Accession to Gurgaddi Dcv as thc fifth Guru. On Assu 2, Bikraml era, 1631 / 1574 AD. at Goindval. JOti-Jot Samae : On ASSll 2 (Bhadau SuciJ 3), Bikraml cra, Bat)1 : 1638 / 1581 A.D. at Goindval in Amritsar. Total number of hymns 638 in 30 Ragas, e.g. Asa, Basanul, Gaup, Majh, Ramakah and Suh. etc. Guru Sahib composed 'Four Lavan' in Rag Suhl, consisting of thirty cight stanzas, symbolicaUy rcprcsenting the union of Soul with thc Suprcmc Being. This Bal.!l, now tc)rms an integral part of the ceremony of thc marriagc of thc Sikhs. Guru Ram Das Guru Arjan Dev Fifth Gun]

Born on : Special Contribution : Vaisakh 19 (Vaisakh VadI 7), Bikrami era, 1. He compiled the Granth Sahib in the 1620 / April 15, 1563 AD. year 1604 AD; now revered as Guru Granth Sahib by the Sikhs. Born at : 2. He enjoined the Sikhs to contribute one Goindval in Dist. Amritsar tenth of their righteous earnings, called Dasavandh, for community purposes. Thi Born to : measure was undertaken to strengthen the Father Guru Ram Das Sikh Movement, economically. Mother: Mata BhanI 3. He was the first martyr who laid the foundation of great Sikh tradition of Other Kith and Kin : Martyrdom. Guru ke Mahal : Blbi GaJJga Devi Sahibazada : (Guru) Harigobind Cities Founded and Construction Work 1. He completed the construction of tanks of Accession to Gurgaddl : Santokhasar in 1588. On Assii 2, Bikrami era, 1638 / September I, 2. Started the construction of Harimandar Sahib 1581 AD. at GoindvaI. in 1588 AD. 3. Started the work of digging of a tank at a B

His Message : Contemporary Rulers : In his Sukhamaru, recited in Rag Gauri during 1. Emperor Akbar (r. 1556-1605 AD.) the years 1601-1604 A.D; he describes the 2. Emperor Jahangir (r. 1605-1626 AD.) essence of true life, the union of Soul with the Supreme Being and great importance of the Succession to Gurgaddl : Guru and the saintly people in one's life. Guru Sahib nominated his son, Harigobind as the sixth Guru of the Sikhs.

Joti-Jot Samae : On Jer}1 Sud! 4 (Har 2), Bikrami era, 1663 / May 30, 1606 AD. at Lahore, now in Pakistan. Guru Arjan Dev Gum Harigobind SilTh Gunl

Born on : Imprisonment : Har 21 (Vadt 6), Bikrami era, 1652 / June 14, He was imprisoned in the fon of Gwiliar for 1595 A.D. one year. When he was released he insisted upon that his 52 fellow-prisoners, who were Born at : Rajpl!t Rajas, should also be set free. It was Gun! ld Vagili U1 Dist. Amritsar agreed upon and on the orders of Emperor Jahanglr, they were also released from the Born to : prison. It is on this account that Guru Sahib is Father : Guru Arjan Dev deified as Bandt-chhor. Mother : Mata Ganga Devt Battles: Other Kith and Kin : Gum Sahib fought four battles with the Gun! ke Mahal 1. Blbt Damodart Mughals during the reign of Shahjahan against- 2. Rlbt Nanakt 1. Mukhlis Khan at Amritsar in 1628 A.D. 3. Rlbt Maha Devt 2. Abdullah Khan at Sn Harigobindpur in the Sahibaziide 1. Baba Gurditta (Mata Damodart) year 1630 AD. 2. Baba Siiraj Mal 3. Qamar Beg ncar Gumsar in 1631 AD. (Mata Maha Devt) 4. Kale Khan and Painde Khan at Kanarpur in 3. Baba A.1:Jt Rai (Mata Damodart) Dist. Jalandhar in 1634 A.D. 4. Baba Aral Rai (Mata Maha Devt) City Founded : 5. (Guru) Tegh Bahadur He founded Klratpur city in the year 1628 (Mata Nanakl) AD. in Dist. Ropar in Pailjab. Sahibaziidt : Btbt BIro (Mata Damodarl) Pilgrimages : Accession to Gurgaddi : He travelled extensively covering many parts of On Jerh 29 (Vadt 14), Bikramt era, 1663 / Pailjab, Delhi, Pihbhlt and Kashmir to meet his May 25, 1606 AD. devotees and to inspire them to imbibe higher ideals in life. Special Contribution 1. He transformed the character of the Sikh Contemporary Rulers Movement and manializcd it as a precaution Emperor Jahinglr (r. 1605-1626 AD.) against future contigencies. Emperor Shahjahiin (r. 1627-1658 A.D.) 2. He put on two swords one signifying Mtrt (Temporal) and other Ptrt (Spiritul). Succession to Gurgaddi : 3. Constructed Akal Takhat (or Akal BUlJga), He nominated his grandson, Harirai as a seat of authority in 1608 AD. facing the seventh Gun! of the Sikhs. Harimandar Sahib at Amritsar in Pailjab. Joti-Joti Samae : On Chet 7 Sudt 5, Bikrami era, 1701 / March 3, 1644 A.D. at Ktratpur. (illrfl Harigobind Guru Harirai Guru Harikrishan f:i"ghth Guru

Born on : Contemporary Rulel' : '1.1\.11.1 X (Vadl 10), Hikraml era, 1713 Jul~' 7, Emporer Auranb'7eb (r. 1658-1707 A,D,) 10;)6..\.D. Successoin to Gurgaddi : Born at : \\'hen C;uru Sahib comracted sn1.lllpox he Klr.ltpur, Dist, Ropar In Panjab poimed to his de\'orees th.lt the ncxt C;uru was at Hakala (Bab,l Hable), Disr. Amrits,lr. The Born to : reference was to the nimh Guru, (;uru Tegh f,lthl.T (;uru Harirai H,II1.ldur. .\1orher : .\!Iata Kishan Kaur Joti-Jot Samae : Accession to Gurgaddi On Chcr SlIlh 14 (V'lis,lkh 3), Hikr.lml I.T.l, K'ltt.lk X, Bikraml era, 171 X / Oetober 7, 1661 Inl / March 30,1664 A,D, at Delhi, ,\.D. ,It Klratpur, ,It the age of 5. Memorials in Delhi : Visit to Delhi : I. (;urd\\.lra B.mgala ~.lhlb \dlere he st.1\ul Curu ~.Ihib \'isited Delhi on the imitation of during his \ lsit to Delhi. R,lj.1 1.li ~ingh of Amber (J.lipur), ,IS desired [w 2, C;urdwara B,lla S,lhib \\ here he \\ ,1\ Emperor Aurangzeb .1Ild stayed at his banglow, cremated, lie imparted religious instructions to the multiutde of people. In those d,!\'s the emire ctr\' \\ ,IS in the grip of smallpox epll.kmics. Thous.lIlds of people died of sm,llipox infection, 1'0 prmide 1"'lief to the sutkring people Guru 'I.lhth got Chu!'.Khcl1.l cOll\tructed just outside 1m room, I Ie poured \\.lter in it; picked up little water ,lnd again poured in it. I Ie put his tilor in the Chuhachcha and, thus, prepared Ch,lI\lIl-pahul. The people would recite '~,ltin.ln1.l V,lhiguru' t'lke amnt trom the Chubachcha ,1Ild \\'(lldd cure. Since then e\Tn'One coming to Gurdwar,l Hangala Sahib would .lrdeml\' t,lke ,1I11rit trom the Chubachcl1.l. Guru Harikrishan Guru Tegh Bahadur Ninth GurU

Born on : City Founded: Vaisakh 5 (Vaisakh Vadf 5), Bikramf era, Anandpur Sahib, Dist Ropar in Paiijab. 1678 / April 1, 1621 AD. Pilgrimages : Born at : Gum Sahib visited many parts of Paiijab, Guru ke Mahal 111 Amritsar Uttar Pardesh, Bihar, Baugal and Assam to bless his devotees. Born to : Father Guru Harigobind Contemporary Ruler Mother : Mata anakJ Emperor Auraugzeb (r. 1658-1707 AD.)

Other Kith and Kin : Succession to Gurgaddl : Gum ke Mahal: Blbf Gujari Guru Sahib nominated his son, Gobind Rai, Sahibazada : Gobind Rai as the tenth Gum of the Sikhs.

Accession to Gurgaddl : Joti-Joti Samae : On Chet udl 14 (Chet 24), Bikraml era, On Maghar Sudf 5, Bikramf era, 1732 / 1722 / March 20, 1665 A.D. at Baba Bakala in ovembcr 11, 1675 AD. at Delhi. Dist. Amritsar. Memorials in Delhi : Bii.Q.i 1. Gurdwara Sis Gaiij, Chandanf Chowk, Delhi, Total number of hymns 115 in IS Ragas, where he was beheaded. e.g. Asa, Sor~hi, To<;H, Mam, Ramakah and 2. Gurdwara Rakab Gaflj Sahib, Delhi, where Gaurf etc. his body was cremated at the re idence of Lakhi Shah VaJ)jara. His Message Non-attachment and renunciation is the central theme of his Biil)i.

Special Contribution : Guru Sahib sacrificed his life upholding the 'Right to Freedom of Religion' in Delhi on the orders of Emperor Auraogzeb, in the year 1675 AD. Guru Tegh Bahadur Guru Gobind Singh Tenth Guni

Born on : Special Contribution : Sudi 7 (Poh 23), Bikraml era 1723 / 1. He was a Saint-solider and a poet. He t(x>k December 22, 1666 A.D. to sword to fight against the oppression generated by the contemporary rulers. Born at : 2. He infused martial spirit in the people by Pa~na Sahib III State of Bihar in India. soul-inspiring and heart-stirring heroic poetry. Born to : 3. On March 30, 1699 he e"oh'ed a new Order Father : Guru Tegh Bahadur in more than two centuries old Sikh tradi Mother : Mata Gujari tion. The Order is known as Khalsa.

Other Kith and Kin Battles: Guru ke Mahal I. Bibi Jito He tought several battles against 2. Bibl Sundri Mughal monarchy and Hill Chiefs. 3. Bibi Sahib Kaur Sahibazade: 1. Baba Ajlt Singh (Mata Sundn) City Founded : 2. Baba Jujhar Singh (Mata Tlto) Paon~a Sahib in Himachal Pradesh III 1685 3. Baba Zorawar Singh (Mata Tito) A.D. 4. Baba Fateh Singh (Mata Tito) First two Sahibazade attained martyrdom at Pilgramages Chamkaur Sahib in Dist. Ropar in 1704 and He visited number of places 111 Bihar, last two were bricked alive at Sirhind Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhaya Pradesh and (Fatehgarh Sahib in Palijab) in the same year. Maharash~ra to meet his Sikhs.

Accession to Gurgaddi : Contemporary Rulers : On Maghar 12, Bikraml era 1732 / 1. Emperor Aurangzcb (r.1658-1707 A.D.) ovember II, 1675 A.D. at Anandpur ahib III 2. Emperor Bahadur Shah (r.1707-1708 A.D.) Dist. Ropar. Succession to Gurgaddi : B3.t:ti He instructed the Sikhs to rever Granrh ahjb One Salak in the Salokas of Guru Tegh as Gunl. Bahadur, included in Gunl Granth Sahib. Jap Sahib, Akala Ustati, Var Bhagoti Ti Ki Joti-Joti Samae (Chan(;H di Var), Zafarnama etc. included On Kattak Sudi 5 (Kattak 8) Bikrami era in Dasam Granth. 1765/ October 7, 1708 at ader 111 Maharash~a. Guru Gobind Singh GurU Granth Sahib An Everlasting GurU

Compiled by : Minstrels and Bards Guru Arjan Dev in the year 1604 AD. 1. BhaI Mardana (b. 15th-16th Century AD.) Village TalvaJ)<;iI now ank3.J)a Sahib, Pakistan. Contributors 2. Sundar (1560-1603 AD.) 3. Kal 4. Kalsahar 5. Tal 6. Jalap 7. Jal 8.Kirat 9. Sal 10. Bhalah Gurus 11. Nalah 12. BhIkkha 13. Jalan 14. Das 1. Guru Nanak Dev 2. Guru Augad Dev 15. Gyand 16. Sewak 17. Mathura 18. Bal 3. Guru Amar Das 4. Guru Ram Das 19. Haribans 20. and 21. Satta & Rai BalvaJ)<;i 5. Guru Arjan Dev 6. Guru Tegh Bahadur Note : No infOrmation regarding life period 7. Guru Gobind Singh and place of birth is available about the Bards from Kal to BalvaIJr;!. Bhagatas 1. Jai Dev (b. 1170 AD.) Total numbers of hymns Village Kan<;iiili, West Bengal 5867 2. Shaikh Farid (1173-1266 A.D.) Village Khotwal, Dist. Multan, Pakistan Total numbers of pages : 3. Trilochan (b. 1267 AD.) 1430 Village Bars!, Dist. Sholapur, Maharashrra 4. Namdev (b. 1270 AD.) Total numbers of Ragas Village Narsi Baroni, Maharasht:ra. 31 5. Sadhana (b. 13th Century AD.) Sehuain, Sindh, Pakistan. First Prakash 6. Ramanand (b. 1359 A.D.) October 16, 1604 AD. at Harirnandar Sahib, Mailkot, Uttar Pradesh. Amritsar. 7. Kabir (1398-1494 AD.) Village Maghar, Uttar Pardesh. First Granthi : 8. Dhana (b. 1415 AD.) Baba Bu<;i<;iha JI (1506-1630 A.D.) Village Dhuan agar, Rajasthan. 9. Pipa (b.1425 AD.) Final Shape : Gagnon Garh. The final shape to Guru Granth Sahib was 10. Sail) (b.15th Century A.D.) given by Guru Gobind Singh at Damadama Uttar Pardesh. Sahib in Paiijab during 1705-1706 AD. 11. Ravi Das (b. 15th Century AD.) Uttar Pradesh. Succession to Gurgaddi : 12. Bhikhan (d. 1574 AD.) On October 7, in the year 1708 AD. before Kakon, Lucknow. hi departure from the world Guru Sahib 13. sUr Das (b. 1529 AD.) instructed the Sikhs as : 14. Bai1)I (?) To rever Granth as [their} Gun] 15. Parmanand (?) ('Bharr VahI' TalaU1)<;ia Pargana, Jind) Village Bars!, Dist. Sholapur, Maharasht:ra. Guru Granth Sahib Mill Mantar

J) IIII

Nishan Sahib in Sri Guru Arjan DeY's hand from Sri Kartarpuri Bir 9.fi Ika Oankara

~ add' ~ Satinamu Karata purakhu

f(')d9~ f(,)d~.Sl Nirabhau Niravairu

>}fo(lP) ~ ~F& Alcala murati AjunI saibhan

dTO 1..fl1Tfu I - " Gura prasadi.

By the Grace of the One Supreme Being, The Eternal, the All-pervading Purusha, The Creator, Without Fear, Without Hate, the Being Beyond Time, ot-incarnated, Self-existent, The Enlightener. *

Courtesy : Dr. Gopal Singh Five Takhatas Seat ofAuthority

Takhat is a Persian word which means a royal throne. In the Sikh tradition Takhat symbolizes a seat of authority combining both the temporal and eternal. The Sikh tradition recoganizcs, in all, Five Takhatas viz. Akal Takhar, Harirnandar Sahib, Kesagarh Sahib, Hazfu Sahib and Damadama Sahib. The foremo t important of all the five is Akal Takhat. The issues concerning an entire Sikh community are debted at Akal Takhat, alone, therefore, Gurmatas or Counsel of Guru passed at Aka.! Takhat are binding on the Sikhs, all over the world. Moreover, the call for Sarbat Khalsa- a theo-political doctrine- can be given only from Akal Takhat and it is obligatory, under the normal circumstances, to hold Sarbat Khalsa at Akal Takhat .The other four Takhatas are of provincial nature.On these four Takhatas the dilemmas involving, exclusively, the local Sikh community are discussesd and resolved . The Gurmatas passed, therefore, are obligatory for the local Sikh alone, but these Gurmatas in order to become mandatory must be endorsed by the Aka! Takhat. generally referred to as Golden Temple, in Amritsar. The decisions taken at Sarbat Khalsa assemblies held at Akal Takhat and Hukamanama· or decrees issued by the Akal Takhat are binding upon all Sikhs, all over the world. Harimandar Sahib was raised by Guru Arjan Dev right in the middle of Sarovar (Holy Tank) and its construction was tarted in 1588 A.D.

Harimandar Sahib : Harimandar Sahib is a Akal Takhat : Akal Takhat, the first Takhat of Gurdwara, raised to commemorate the birth of Guru the Sikhs i.e. a seat ofboth temporal and eternal authority, Gobind Singh at PaPla Sahib in the State of Bihar. It was raised by Guru Harigobind Sahib in 1606 A.D. It is revered as the second Takhat of the Sikh . tands facing Harimandar Sahib, Kesagarh Sahib: Kesagarh Sahib, the third Takhat of the Sikhs, at Anandpur Sahib, symobolizes the turning point in Sikh history. It was at this shrine that Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 A.D. baptized Paiij Piaras and, thus created a new Order of Khalsa.

Hazftr Sahib : The Gurdwara of Hazllr Sahib situated on the banks of river GodavarI in Maharash~a State and fourth Takhat of the Sikhs also known as Abcha! Nagar and Sach KhaJJQ., is a holy shrine where Guru Gobind Singh immersed in Divine Light in 1708 A.D.

Damadama Sahib : Damadama Sahib Gurdwara is situated in the vicinity of Sabo kt Ta!vaJJQ.l, a village, in district BathilJQ.a in Paiijab. Guru Gobind Singh stayed here for about one year and gave final shape to Guru Granth Sahib, earlier compiled by Guru Arjan Dev. Amrit KhaIJcje ka Pahul

Thc first ninc Gurus of thc Sikhs i.e. from Guru male Dev to Guru Tegh Baha.dur at the time of initiating some one as a Sikh, into their fold, called dikhia, used to administer, charan-amrit, also called charan-pahul, prepared by washing their acred Feet. Guru Gobind ingh, the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs, modified the prevailing practice and introduced a novel method of initiation into the Order of Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh continued with the practice ofadministering amrit as a prerequisite for becoming a disciple. But, now, the amrit was of different kind and it was to be prepared in a different way. The Five, who had already been baptized, are to dissolve sugar plums (patasha) in pure water contained in a round bowl of steel while stirring it with the double-edged dagger called KhaI)c;ia. These Five, called amritadhari, while preparing amrit, must also recite Japu Ji, Jap Sahib, Chaupai, Sawaiyai and portion of Anandu Sahib, while sitting in vir-asan and in the Divine Presence of Guru Granth Sahib. These Five, moreover, ought to be perfect in physique, health and bearing. Amrit, historically, therefore, in the Sikh tradition with its shifting of emphasis from charan (foot) to double edged dagger or Khal)c;ia, signifies a new kind of metamorphism, transforming a Sikh into Singh - a martial being - deified as Saint-solider enjoincd to serve One and All. Nishan Sahib

The ishan Sahib, made of cotton or silk cloth and triangular in shape, is another name of the flag of Sikh nation that symbolizes sovereignty. When we study the verses of the bards that form an integral part of Guru Granth Sahib - the scripture of the Sikhs - we learn that there was a practice of hoisting of flag during the divine ministery of Guru Arnar Das, Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan Dev. The color of Nishan Sahib during this phase of the Sikh history was white. Its color underwent a change, from white to saffron, in the hands of Guru Harigobind and it was first time hoisted at Aka! Takhat Sahib in the year 1609 A.D. The Nishan Sahib, that is in vogue today, is supported by a pole of timber or metal having KhaI)Qa - a double-edged sword fixed at its top. It has also an emblem put on it consisting of (i) two swords, symbolizing temporal and spiritual powers, (ii) KhaI)c;ia or disintegrator - a double-edged sword represent­ ing uprooting of an illusion and ignorance and (iii) a circular ring symbolizing cyclic order of the universe. This ishan Sahib, as a matter of religious injunction, must hoist at each and every building of the Gurdwara. It is this Nishan Sahib that is referred to in the daily prayer of the Sikhs asking for its immortality. Five Kakkaras

Guru Gobind Singh at the time of creation of Khalsa, apart from administering KhaDQe ka Pahul, made it obligatory for every Khalsa to adopt five 'Articles of Faith', each beginning with the Gurmukhi letter 'lSI" (Kakka). These, henceforth called five Kakkaras consist of Kachch (Underwear), Kara (Iron Bangle), Kirpan (Sword), Kaogha (Comb) and Kes (unshorn hair). The disregard for the said injunction of the Guru shall amount to degeneration (patit) and hence, ensuing suspension from the brotherhood of Khalsa.

Kachch : Every member of the Order Kaogha : KalJgha or comb is to be of the Khalsa must wear a Kachch, in order to kept in the hair of the head so as to keep the cover not only the genitals, it should also cover hair, while combing, clean and, thus, saving the thighs up to the knees. The covering of them from matted condition. The matted hair, genitals enjoins him/her to live under the strict at the same time, symbolize renunciation of the discipline of self-control. Also, the Kachch world which is contrary to the Sikh tradition. stands to repudiate the idea of nudity so dear Kes : The Khalsa must adopt all the to Indian asceticism. The Sikh religion advo­ Kakkaras with equal devotion to all the five. cates, in tead, all round development of one's But, the trimming or shaving of hair is consid­ personality possible only when adhering to ered an unpardonable act evoking contempt filr social norms as a balanced social being. the offender of this injunction of the Tenth Kara : Every Khalsa is enjoined to wear Guru. Kara made of iron on the right wrist. Kara One having Kes of head and beard, being circular in shape symbolizes wheel which symbolizes a cosmic Man who in Gurbal)l, is itself , when viewed in the background of described as, 'SohaDa nakka jini lamre wala' : Indian heritage, simultaneously stands for having beautiful nose and unshorn hair'. Gunl Dharma and Chakarvarti Raja (universal mon­ Gobind Singh created Khalsa in the image of arch). Therefore, Kara manifests two meanings, this Cosmic Man. This also means that human eternal and temporal and the Khalsa is enjoined body is nothing but micro cosmic form of to imbibe both. cosmos-macrocosm. It is a folk belief that whosoever wears The unshorn hair, also, when juxtaposed iron bangle it protects himfher from the on­ to cutting of the hair, indicates a fulsome lite slaught of bad spirit. of householder. As there has been a practice of cutting of hair of head and beard when re­ Kirpan : The Khalsa is under obligation nouncing the world. Keeping of the ha.ir of the to keep a Kirpan. Kirpan as a symbol, in Sikh religion, is a weapon that cuts avidiya or body underlined the ideal of living a lite of householder which is one of the basic tenets of spiritual blindne~s from its roots and hence, signifies transcendental knowledge. Kirpan Sikhism. therefore, also symbolizes God Himself as it is He who destroys avidya or ignorance. Kirpan, besides having spiritual dimensions, is a weapon to be used both in offence and defence. Its use of first kind must, necessarily, perpetuate up­ holding dharma or righteousness. Kangha _

/

Kachch----_ Glossary

A.D. : Anno Domini (Christian era). Japu :A poetical composition. Akal Ustati : A poetical composition. Jazia : A ta,x levied upon non-Muslims. Anandu : A poetical composition. Joti-Joti SamaUQa : Immersion of light m Arti : A poetical composition. Light. Baba : A prefix showing respect for an elderly Khalsa A piece of land directly belonging to man. the king. Guru Gobind Singh used it as Bandi-chhor One who helps m the release of analogy denoting relationship between God and the prisoners. Khalsa. Benti Chaupai : A poetical composition. Kirat Karo : Righteous earmng. BiiJ).i : Verses included in Guru Granth Sahib. Langar : A community kitchen. Bhagat : A devotee of God. Lavan: A poetical composition. Bh3.i : Means brother. Also a Sikh preacher. Maiiji : Literally means bedstead occupied by Bibi : A prefix showing respect for a married masandas or agents. girl. Mata : A prefix showing respect for elderly Bikrami era After the name of Raja woman. Bikaramaditya. Miri : Tempor~ authority. DakhaQi Oankar :A poetical composition. PaW :A poetical composition. Dasam Granth :A collection of work of Guru Paiij Piare : The Five beloved of Guru Gobind Gobind ingh. Singh. Dasavandh : One tenth of one's righteous Parda :A custom among muslim women of earnmg. covering their bodies with cloak. Granthi : Reciter of Guru Granth Sahib. Also PargaI).a : An area consisting of several villages. the custodian of Gurdwara. Piri : Spiritual authority. Gurmukhi :A script. Salok A form of verse.

Gurii. ke, Mahal :A place of residence of Sikh Sahib :A S:'ff'1X showing reverence for person, Guru and/or his wife/wives. place and object. Gurdwara :A Sikh temple. Sahibazada : Son of the Sikh Guru. Hukamanama :A letter containing the Order Sahibazadi : Daughter of the Sikh Guru. of the Sikh Guru/s or the Sikh Sangat. Sati : An old custom of burning of widow with her husband on funeral pyre. Udasian Travels or pilgrimages of Guru Sawaiya :A form of verse. Niinak. Sarbat Khii.lsa : An assembly of the Sikhs Vadi : Dark aspect of lunar month. empowered to pass decrees and take decisions. Va.Q

Bibliography

C. Shackle: A Gum Nanak Glossary, Hentage Publishers, New Delhi. 1981. Fauja Singh Kirpal Singh : Adas : Travels of Gum Nanak, Punjabi University, Patiala. 1976. Gopal Singh (Tr.) : Sn" Gum Granth Sahib, World Book Centre, ew Delhi. 1989. Harbans Singh (Editor in Chief) : The Encydopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University Patiala, Vol. 1. 1992. H. S. Singha : Mim· Encydopaedia ofSikhism, Hemkunt Press Delhi, 1989. J. P. Singh Oberoi : 'The Five Symbols of Sikhism' in Perspective on Gum Nanak, (Ed.) Harbans Singh, Punjabi University, Patiala, 1975. Kahan Singh abha: Mahan Kosh, (Encydopaedia of Sikh Literamre), Bhasha Vibhag Panjab, Patiala, Second Edition: 1960 (First published in 1932). Kapur Singh I.C.S. : Parsharprasna or The Baisakhi of Gum Gobind Singh, Hind Publishers Ltd; Jalandhar. 1959. Khushwant Singh: A History of the Sikhs, Oxford India, Paperbacks 2 Vols. 1991. Kirpal Singh (Ed.) : Janam Sakhi Prampara, Publication Bureau, Punjabi University, Patiala, 1969. Max Arthur Macauliffe : The Sikh ReHgion Low Price Publications, Delpi, 6 Vols. 1993. Surindar Singh Kohli : Gum Granth Sahib, Singh Bros, Amritsar, 1992. Taran Singh : Sn· Gum Granth Sahib da Sahitak Itihas, Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee, Amritsar, 1963. Vir Singh, Bhai (Commentator) : Varan Bhai Gurdas, Khalsa Samachar, Amritsar, 1991. Guideline for the phonetic transcnptIon of GurmukhI scnpt

VOWELS ))f fu" . a a 1 1 u u ..., E" ))f"" e al 0 au an/am a

CONSONANTS q k kh g gh lJ

B" t1 chic chh/ch J jh n C 0" 3'" t th 4 3" cr t th d dh n tI ~ ..... P ph b bh ill "5 a g y r 1 v/w r

H ~ F.r }:f .~ s h s/sh kh z f

an/am symbol stands for a homorganic nasal consonant, i.e., the nasal consonant will take the articulatory shape of the following consonants : -- !! before velar consonants, fi before palatal consonants, I.l before retroflex consonants, n before alveolar consonants and m before bilabial consonants. a - a - sign over a vowel indicates a nasalised vowel. • The voiced aspirated stops gh, jh, <,lb, dh and bh are generally articulated as ka, ca, ta, ta and pa with a native accent, respectively, in the word initial position. •A single graphemic consonant like csr is phonetically percieved as csr+>If (k+a = ka). Hence, this phonetic fact has been represented in all examples.