Mata Sahib Kaur was born on 1 November 1681 in Rohtas Fort Jhelum, Pakistan.
Her parents, Mata Jasdevi Ji and Bhai Rama ji were ardent devotees of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The devotion of her parents to Guruji influenced her very much and she also decided to devote her whole life in the service of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. She inherited humility, love for humanity and devotion to God from her parents and was deeply influenced by Gurbani during her formative years.
In her young age, she dedicated herself to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. When the proposal of her marriage was brought for discussion to Anandpur, Guru Gobind Singh had already been married. Therefore, Guruji said that he could not have another wife since he was already married. The dilemma before the parents of the girl was that, the proposal having become public, no Sikh would be willing to marry a woman who had been betrothed to the Guru.
Finally, Guruji agreed for her to stay at Anandpur but without accepting her as his wife on the term that the relationship with Mata Sahib Deva would be of a spiritual nature and not physical. The question arose, as most women desire to have children, how she could have one without being married.
Then Guruji told that, “She will be the ‘mother’ of a great son who will live forever and be known all over the world.” Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed her by giving her a unique title of MOTHER OF KHALSA.
Mata Sahib Kaur Ji accompanied Guruji throughout his life, even during battles, serving him in every possible way. During the battle of Anandpur Sahib, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji was split from the holy family of Guruji during the siege of Fort Keshgarh where along with Mata Sundar Kaur Ji they were escorted to safety to Sri Damdama Sahib. From there, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji accompanied Guru Gobind Singh Ji to Delhi and then on to Nanded. A Majestic Gurudwara at Nanded commemorates the memory of her stay.
It was in Nanded that Guru Gobind Singh Ji informed Mata Sahib Kaur Ji of his time to leave Earth for his heavenly abode and commanded her to leave for Delhi to be with Mata Sundar Kaur Ji. Guruji gave Mata Sahib Kaur Ji five weapons as his reminder and his Insignia. These weapons are today displayed at Gurdwara Rakabganj in Delhi. Mata Sahib Kaur Ji resided in Delhi with Mata Sundar Kaur ji and lived a life of Simran and Seva. Mata Ji guided the Sikhs through period of crisis many times and issued eight decrees in the name of Khalsa.
In 1747 at the age of 66 years Mata Sahib Kaur Ji renounced her body and left for her heavenly abode. The place of Mata Ji’s cremation is Gurdwara Bala Sahib Ji at Rohtas Fort.