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Bhagat Ji was a very keen listener and a good practioner of Hindu religion as a child. His awareness of Hindu Gods and Godesses and myths attached to them was very good. He had been visiting the local temple since he was a small boy. There were 10 – 12 tiny hindu idols of stone and clay which he would carefully wash and then dry them with a piece of clean cloth. He did all this with great love and care. He would pluck 21 leaves from a particular tree and would write “Om Namah Shivai” on each one in red chandan. Then he would offer it to the main Shiv idol.

He was equally exposed to Sikhism and was never stopped from attending any of the various religious congregations. There were two incidents which influenced his spiritual countenance and gave definite direction to his life.

On his way to the village one day, he stopped at the Neelkanth temple, and as was his routine, he washed the idols, dried them with cloth and prayed. It was fairly late and Bhagat Ji was hungry. The temple priest rang the bell for food and all the inmates sat down to eat. So did Bhagat Ji. The priest served the food to all others sitting there except Bhagat Ji. He said to Bhagat Ji “You dont belong here”. Bhagat Ji got up quietly without any argument and started for home. But for many days he was haunted by the question that if “I didn’t belong to God’s house then where and to whom did I belong?.”

He had appeared for his matric examination at Ludhiana and was returning to his boarding school. Bhagat Ji told ” I was extremely tense, for I knew that once the examinations were over, the hostel authorities would send me packing. My parents had already left for Montgomery and I had no home. Where would I go then? On the way back, it became dark, and as the roads were unfamiliar to me, I was scared that I might get lost. Somewhere near the canal, I met two Sikh farmers, one of whom was blind .He was reciting Rehraas Sahib while the other listened quietly. I also sat down and listened to him. When the prayer ended, I asked them, “Is there any place where I can spend night and get something to eat?” They directed me to Gurdwara Reru Sahib. I told them “I have kept fast today and to break it I can only eat sweetened rice”. The elder of the two gentlemen then took me to his house, made sweetened rice for me and gave me his own bed to sleep in.”

Such compassion by the two Sikhs attracted Bhagat Ji towards their religion like a magnet. Next morning , he started for Reru Sahib. On reaching, sweet melodies of Guru’s Shabad awakened the inner recesses of Bhagat Ji’s soul. With a strange sort of peace settling inside him, he sat down in the langar hall while the sewadar served sweetened lassi to him. In lunchtime sewadar called out “Langar is ready, Guru’s cherished followers. Come and eat.”

Bhagat ji said ” As those sweet words melted in my ears, I felt I was receiving answers to the several questions that had been bothering me for last so many years. I could feel myself melting into Sikh fold. It was like a mother enveloping her son in her warmth.”

Long before the Reru Sahib incident, Bhagat Ji had made notes in his diary as to how the physical aspects of Khalsahood impressed him. Bhagat ji had attended the Jor Mela at Fatehgarh Sahib. Fatehgarh Sahib is the place where “Chotte Sahibzadey” were bricked alive by Muslim ruler. Bhagat Ji recalled “I sat close to where Guru Granth Sahib was residing on a raised platform, watching everything and taking in every single detail, for I had never been part of such a large congregation”. At mela Bhagat Ji was very impressed with personlaity of ADC of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. Bhagat Ji , who till that time, had always tied a loose parna around his head, patted his head with a new interest. He went back home and told his mother, “something is missing here”, pointing towards top of his head.

Bhagat Ji told “When the whole congregation left barefoot for Gurdwara Jyoti Saroop, the maharaj too became part of that procession, and I thought, here is a religion which does not beleive in class or caste distinctions.
The life history of “Chotte Sahibzadey” inspired him beyond his own imagination. He said ” I felt strong emotional bond with the Sahibzadey as I bowed before the sacred place”.

Bhagat Ji followed his intuition to the last specific and adorned himself with the ways of Khalsahood for all his years to come.

~ Source – simransewa.blogspot.in

The Emperor Shah Jahan had four sons by different wives: Dara Shikoh, Shuja Muhammad, Aurangzeb, and Murad Baksh. Dara Shikoh was the heir-apparent, and was very dear to his father. Aurangzeb was very cunning, clever and ambitious, and was fixated on succeeding to the throne. (The name Aurangzeb means – fit for the throne) He administered tiger’s whiskers in a dish to his eldest brother and he became dangerously ill as a result. Astrologers were sent for, pirs and fakirs were called, all known charms, spells and incantations were tried but to no avail. Wise men were assembled together and they came to the decision that until the tiger’s whiskers could be removed, there was no hope of a recovery.

They were of the opinion that if two ounces of chebulic myrobalan (scientific name: Terminalia chebula; known in Ayurvedic medicine as Aralu, credited with having laxative and stomachic properties) and a clove weighing one masha were administered, his health could be restored. The Emperor searched everywhere for the ingredients but they could not be found – it was only until his Prime Minister, who had heard of the Gurus’ fame, was informed that there were available from the Gurus’ storehouse, that hope was restored.

Guru Har Rai Saves Dara Shikoh’s Life

Although the Emperor was hostile to the Guru, yet as the Guru’s house was a mine of sympathy and compassion for all, there was no doubt that he would grant the articles required. The Emperor humbled himself before the Guru and sent a letter.

The Guru was pleased that the Emperor had such confidence in him as to write such a friendly letter, and consented to give the required medicines. “Behold,” said the Guru, “with one hand man breaks flowers and with one hand offers them, but the flowers perfume both hands alike. The axe cuts the sandal tree, yet the sandal perfumes the axe. The Guru ought, therefore, to return good for evil.”

The ingredients were weighed and it was explained that these medicines would cause the hardest substance taken to be digested. To these ingredients, the Guru added a pearl which was to be ground and used as a subsidiary remedy. The Emperor was naturally very pleased and forgot all his enmity with the Guru, and vowed that he would never again cause him annoyance. His medicine was administered and effected a speedy and complete cure.

~ Source: DAILY SIKH UPDATES

The most significant story concerning the baaj is in 1699 when Guru Sahib Ji had created Amrit (holy nector) for the precise purpose of creating the Khalsa brotherhood. A few drops of Amrit had fallen from the iron cauldron, which were readily consumed by a few sparrows. The sparrows turned onto the Baaj and repeatedly assaulted him to such an extent that he had to take flight, followed vigorously by the sparrows. This incident showed the Sikhs that the Amrit created by the Tenth Guru had immense power, after drinking a few drops a small sparrow not only had the courage to take on a bird of prey but to harass it until it took flight and fled.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji said “I will create my Khalsa of such courage and vigour that he will take on armies of the enemy, he will stand up for the poor and the downtrodden –

“Sava Lakh say ek ladaho”
(One will confront a lakh and a quarter of the enemy)”

In 1984 amongst the turmoil and terrible fate of so many Sikhs a white baaj appeared, seen by many it circled and perched on a branch, telling the Sikhs that the Guru was with them. From time to time, it is said that a white Baaj is seen in the mountains of the Himalayas in the surrounding areas of Hemkunt Sahib where Guru Gobind Singh Ji performed much hard meditation to merge with the Almighty.

~ Source: Sikhiwiki

The British were going to Auction Sri Harimandir Sahib Ji on April 30, 1877, the plans were to build a giant church. But Sat Guru Ji Did not let it Happen. A Miracle changed everything, on Morning of April 30, 1877.

September 2, 2013: For those of us who’ve been to Darbaar Sahib Amritsar, we may have noticed a sign outside on the Darshani Deori that reads:

“It is for the knowledge of all that in Harimandir Sahib on April 30, 1877 at 4.30 in the morning, a strange thing happened. There were about four hundred devotees enjoying spiritual peace of celestial music in Harimandir Sahib when suddenly a flash of lighting was seen which in the form of a big resplendence entered through the door on the mountain-side and exploded exactly like a ball in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and illuminating everything then went out, becoming a streak of light through the southern door–though at the time of its exploding there was a dreadful and forceful sound, no harm of any kind occurred to any devotee sitting inside and no harm to the building or anything else in the precinct. All the people described this supernatural scene as the wonderful doing of Sri Guru Ram Das himself”

(translation based on one in “Strange but True in Sikhism” by SS Kohli p.11)

This miracle transformed the Panth and brought it back from the brink of oblivion.
After the fall of the Sikh Kingdom in 1849, the Sikhs were in very serious trouble. The Gurdwaras were in control of Mahants who had installed Hindu Idols and barred “low castes” from entering. British observers wrote that Amrit Sinchaars almost never took place. Sikh women lost their distinct appearance and no longer followed rehit or took amrit.

The British even began to photograph Sikhs as they believed this “fading sect” ought to be recorded in history and one day shown in museums as a part of India’s history. The British also started a heavy mission of conversion amongst the Sikhs. Many notable Sikhs left the faith at this time. Raja Ranjit Singh’s general, Jowand Sikh Mokhal’s family embraced Islam, Beharwala Sardar Isher Singh became Muslim under the influence of a prostitute, Harnam Singh of the Kapurthala Royal family became Christian, Dayal Singh Majithia became a Brahmo Samajist and gave over the Daily Tribune, Dayal Singh College and a Library to the sect.

Big Sikh landlords Mangal Singh Virk and Charat Singh of Barhar became Muslims for Muslim women as well. In 1873, 4 Sikh boys Aya Singh, Attar Singh, Sadhu Singh and Santokh Singh announced they were converting ot Christianity and prepared to cut their hair. Later they were convinced not to do this.

Harmandir Sahib was under the control of the British Government and they had appointed a Sikh manager, Mangal Singh to look after the site for them. The British had nefarious designs for the Sikhs. They had intended to make Sree Darbaar Sahib the main Diocese for the Christian Church and convert the complex into a giant church. Crucifixes were even put near the entrance of Sree Darbaar Sahib near the foot-wash area. Sardar Mangal Singh heard these rumours and despite being pro-British, felt very upset. He met with Punjab’s Lt. Governor to ask about this issue and he did not give any reassurance but asked him to speak with the Viceroy.

The Viceroy was at this time in Gobind Garh fort in Amritsar. Sardar Mangal Singh went to meet him and was told that the British were lawfully entitled to own, manage and dispose of all property owned earlier by the Sikh regime. They could do as they wish in the future. The Sikhs came out very dejected and sat in a Gurdwara trying to understand what to do. They decided to hold and Akhand Path Sahib in Darbaar Sahib and do Ardaas that the most precious place of the Sikhs would be saved.

The next day, the sangat gathered at Harmandir Sahib and Asa Di Vaar began. An intelligence officer sent by the Viceroy was also present to watch over the gathering. At 4.30AM, the ball of light entered and stopped in front of Guru Granth Sahib ji and then did as was described above. The Sangat began to repeat “Dhan Guru Ram Das!”. News of this event went all over Punjab. The hundreds of witnesses all gave their names as proof of this great miracle. The intelligence officer too was stunned and advised the British Government that any attempt to take over Darbaar Sahib would be wrong. This incident was Guru Ram Das himself blessing the Sikhs. It showed the Sikhs that Guru was not far, but always watching over his Panth. At a time where amritdhari Singhs were almost extinct and Hindu ritual had taken hold in the Gurdwaras and Sikhs were converting away en masse, Guru Ram Das enacted this miracle and revived and awakened the Sikhs. The Gurdwara Reform Movement gathered steam. The entire Panth rose up to save Sikhi. The Sikhs were saved from the brink of extinction.

~ Source: DailySikhUpdate

For the first time, some of the most important Sikh holidays and observances are included into the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 calendars. United Sikhs worked closely with the Anti-Defamation League’s Florida office to have the Sikh holidays listed with their respective dates and an explanation of each day’s significance.

A Calendar of Observance created by the Anti-Defamation League has been used nationally as a tool to address diversity and religious accommodation issues in United States public schools. The calendar previously included important religious holidays observed by the following faiths: American Orthodox Christian, Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Eastern Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Western Christian, and Zoroastrian. But it did not include Sikhism.

The calendar is placed in ADL’s No Place for Hate Guides which go to over 1,500 participating schools. Denver, Colorado produces a print version of the calendar and distributes 25,000 of them out as well. This means thousands of schools and students are being educated on Sikh holidays!

The 2015-2018 calendars all include the following Sikh holidays:

• Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Birthday
• Vaisakhi
• Bandi-Chhor Diwas
• Holla Mohalla
• Gur-Gaddi Guru Granth Sahib

With approximately 69% of turbaned Sikh youths being bullied in schools, United Sikhs has remained committed to educating Sikh students on how to deal with bullying while educating non-Sikh students about Sikhism through our Anti-Bullying Campaign.

The inclusion of Sikhism into this calendar will further assist the Anti-Bullying Campaign and the community to educate public schools on the Sikh faith and its important days of observance. Schools who use it have said it helped with more inclusive and thoughtful scheduling.

The purpose of ADL’s interfaith calendar of observances is to enhance mutual understanding by reflecting America’s ever expanding religious diversity. The new year presented an opportune time to recognize the Sikh community and its rich religious traditions,” said David Waren, Anti-Defamation League Director of Education.

~ By: ANISHA SINGH, UNITED SIKHS

A profound step towards creating interfaith harmony between Muslims and Sikhs has taken place in Hounslow. About 30 women and children from the borough’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Baitul Wahid Mosque, in Raleigh Way, Hanworth, were welcomed to Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha on Alice Way, Hounslow, on January 31.

They were given a guided tour of the Gurdwara where they were able to see first-hand some of the similarities between Islam and Sikhism and how both places of worship are committed to serving their surrounding community in education and through voluntary work. This was followed by a hot meal and the presentation of two copies of the Holy Quran; one in English and another translated in Punjabi for the Gurdwara library.

Members of the Sikh community also presented two faith books to the group of women which will be stored in the Baitul Wahid Mosque library. A donation was made by the Ahmadiyya Muslim ladies and they invited the Sikh community to visit their mosque. Bushra Bhatti, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, said: “This visit was very successful in bringing respect and harmony between both communities.”

~ Source: www.getwestlondon.co.uk

The film “Eh Janam Tumhare Lekhe”, based on the life of Pingalwara founder late Bhagat Puran Singh, has got an overwhelming response from viewers in the state.

The first week’s box office collections of the film stand at Rs 69 lakh. There is also an increase in the number of volunteers at the Pingalwara here.

The film highlights the way the disabled and destitute are treated at Pingalwaras across the state.
A youth, Bhupinder Singh, who was in the direction team and has played a small role in the film, has approached the All India Pingalwara Charitable Society, seeking to marry a girl who has been brought up at Pingalwara. The society has accepted his proposal.

The film, inspired by the life of humanitarian saint Bhagat Puran Singh was released worldwide on January 30. The film is running successfully in 95 cinema halls in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Pune and Mumbai.
Dr Inderjit Kaur, director, Pingalwara society, said they had made special arrangements for free shows for school children.

“Inspired by the film, many people from various parts of the country and abroad have come forward to serve patients at the Pingalwara centre. A youth has showed inclination to marry a girl from the centre. Pingalwara is not just an institution, it is a movement initiated by Bhagat Puran Singh,” she said.

The movie is directed by Harjit Singh. The role of Bhagat Puran Singh was enacted by actor Pawan Malhotra. The childhood role of the saint was played by a KG student of Pingalwara School, Yuvraj. Punjabi singer and actor Daljit Dosanjh has sung the songs without charging a single penny.

~ Source: Tribune