Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Ram Das Ji ( Jin Sreya Tin Swareya )

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਜੀ

Guru Ramdas Sahib (Jetha ji) was born at Chuna Mandi, Lahore (in Pakistan), on Kartik Vadi 2nd, (23rd Assu) Samvat 1591 (September 24, 1534). Son of Mata Daya Kaur ji (Anup Kaur ji) and Baba Hari Das ji Sodhi Khatri was very handsome and promising child. His parents were too poor to meet even the daily needs and he had to earn his bread by selling boiled grams. His parents died when he was just 7 year old. His grandmother (mother's, mother) took him to her native village Basarke. He spent five years at village Basarke earning his bread by selling boiled grams. According to some chronicles, once Guru Amardas Sahib came village Basarke to condole with the grandmother of (Guru) Ramdas Sahib at the death of her son-in-law and developed deep affection for (Guru) Ramdas Sahib. Along with grandmother he left for Goidwal Sahib to settle there. There he resumed his profession of selling boiled grams and also began to take part in the religious congregation held by Guru Amardas Sahib. He also made active participation in the development of Goindwal Sahib.

(Guru) Ramdas Sahib was married to Bibi Bhani Ji (daughter of Guru Amardas Sahib). She bore him three sons: Prithi Chand Ji, Mahadev Ji and Arjan Sahib (Guru) Ji. After the marriage he stayed with his father-in-law and deeply associated himself with the Guru Ghar activities (Sikhism). He commanded full confidence of Guru Amardas Sahib and often accompanied him when the latter went on long missionary tours to different parts of India. 

ਬੀਬੀ ਭਾਨੀ  ਜੀ 

(Guru) Ramdas Sahib was a man of considerable merit. He became famous for his piety, devotion, energy and eloquence. Guru Amardas Sahib found him capable in every respect and worthy of the office of Guruship and installed him as Fourth Nanak on september 1, 1574. Guru Ramdas Sahib laid the foundation stone of Chak Ramdas or Ramdas Pur, which is now called Amritsar. For this purpose he purchased land from the zamindars of the villages: Tung, Gilwali and Gumtala, and began digging of Santokhsar Sarover. Later on he suspended the work on Santokhsar and concentrated his attention on digging Amritsar Sarovar. Bhai Sahlo Ji and Baba Budha Ji, the two devoted Sikhs were assigned the supervising work.

The new city (Chak Ramdas Pur) flourished soon as it was situated at the centre of international trade routes. It grew into an important center of trade in Punjab after Lahore. Guru Ramdas Sahib himself invited many merchants and artisans from the different walks of life and trades. Later on, it proved to be step of far-reaching importance. It provided a common place of worship to the Sikhs and paved the way for the future guidelines for the Sikhism as a different religion. Guru Ramdas Sahib introduced Masand system in place of Manji system and this step played a great role in the consolidation of Sikhism.

Guru Ramdas Sahib strengthened the Sikhism a step further by composing Four Lawans and advised the Sikhs to recite them in order to solemnize the marriages of their children. Thus he introduced a new matrimonial system based upon Sikhism instead of Hindu's Vedi system. Thus this distinct marriage code for the Sikhs separated them from the orthodox and traditional Hindu system. also made rapprochement with different sects of Udasis through Baba Shri Chand Ji. He, like his predecessors carried forward the tradition of Guru ka Langer. Superstitions, caste system and pilgrimages were strongly decried.

He wrote 638 hymns in 30 ragas, these include 246 Padei 138 Saloks, 31 Ashtpadis and 8 Vars and are a part of Guru Granth Sahib. He nominated his youngest son (Guru) Arjan Sahib as Fifth Nanak. After this he left Amritsar and retired to Goindwal Sahib. There, after a few days he passed away for heaven on Bhadon Sudi 3rd (2nd Assu) Samvat 1638 (September 1, 1581). 

Baba Sri Chand Ji

Sri Chand (1494–1629) was the first son of Guru Nanak, raised by his sister. Sri Chand was a renounciate yogi. After his father left Sri Chand stayed in Dera Baba Nanak and maintained Guru Nanak's temple. He established the Udasi order who travelled far and wide to spread the teachings of Nanak.

After Baba Sri Chand's death at the age of 170 , the son of Guru Hargobind, Baba Gurditta became his successor as head of the Udasis. The Udasis protected and maintained the historical shrines of Anandpur, Hazoor Sahib and Amritsar for over a hundred years after Guru Gobind Singh's death. They established schools of learning to keep the Sikh tradition alive.

He devoted his long life to meditation,preaching,and helping the poor,the downtrodden, and those in need.

Baba Sri Chand ji - the great mystic saint and elder son of Guru Nanak Dev ji. his life spanned the 149 years from 1494 to 1543. The emperor once asked his fakir, Syed Mia Mir, " As I am the Emperor all of India, who is the greatest spiritual king amongst you all"? Mia Mir Replied, "Guru Nanak's elder son, King of all Fakirs." The consensus conducted at the time of Shah Jahan showed that Baba Sri Chand ji had the greatest following throughout his entire kingdom.

While the Guru Gaddi was passed to Guru Angad Dev ji, Baba Sri Chand ji accepted his responsibility from his father and Guru of uniting the various spiritual schools of India. He was revered by Muslims and Hindus, ascetics and householders alike. He carried Guru Nanak Dev message throughout the subcontinent from Sindh to Gilgit Valley and from Kandahar to Kabul.

Guru Amar Das Ji offered Baba Mohan ji, who is the best known as the custodian of Guru Sahib's Pothis (hand written verses) from which Guru Arjun Dev ji compiled the Guru Granth Sahib. And Guru Hargobind Sahib offered Baba Gurditta, who became SriChand's successor and is regarded as the patriarch of the Udasi Sampardai. Interestingly, Baba Gurditta was father of Guru Har Rai, grandfather of Guru Harkrishan ji, the older brother of Guru Tegh Bahadur and the uncle of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Born on Bhadon Sudi 9 of Samat1551(1494 AD) in Sultanpur Lodhi, Punjab. His right ear lobe was extended in a ring of flesh, leaving no doubt that he was a born "yogi."

With Nanaki Ji

In 1558, when he was seven, Guru Nanak Dev left for his first Udasi (long preaching journey as a renunciate). Babaji was placed in the care of Nanaki, the elder sister of Guru Nanak. Sri Chand visited Pakhoke and Talwandi also to meet his grandparents. Though he was a child, his face was glowing with friendliness and his wide knowledge, sharp intelligence, and spiritual achievements at such a tender age made him popular everywhere. The Nawabs at these places especially paid homage, as they did to Guru Nanak. When Guru Nanak returned from his first Udasi, he found his son, a lad of fifteen, very firm in his principles and fully devoted to meditation. Guru Nanak, during his brief stay at Sultanpur and before leaving for the second Udasi, gave maximum time to him and blessed him with NAAM. On return from the second Udasi, Guru Nanak advised him to study Vedas and other Shastras to continue his religious education, even though both sets of grandparents wanted him to enter business, in accordance with the family tradition.

Education in Kashmir

Sri Chand was in Srinagar for two and a half years in the famous school of Pandit Purshotam Das Kaul. He was the best student and surprised everybody with his intelligence, maturity, and perspicacity. For example, when his teacher was challenged to a debate by a well-known and proud Brahmin of Kashi, Pandit Som Nath Tripathi, Babaji stepped in place of his teacher and in no time demolished the arguments of Pandit Som Nath Tripathi, who felt so nervous that he left in a huff.

Aarta

His soul had now started to merge with God. While meditating with complete devotion, he saw the whole universe, Supreme Akal Purkh, in reverence to Guru Nanak Dev Ji. From that vision he composed "Aarta" in praise of his father and Guru. Thus, when Guru Nanak returned from his third Udasi, he was greeted with candlelights and showered with flowers and saffron and welcomed by his son with recitation of divine hymns in his honor.

Let us sing the praises of Nanak, King of kings,

Emperor of both worlds.

The whole cosmos is His temple

Congregations sing sweet songs in His praise.

Millions of goddesses burn holy lamps in His honour

Millions of gods sing psalms in His praise.

Millions wash His lotus feet
The moon and sun get their radiance from Him.
Masses of flowers are offering Him fragrance.
The True Master, the True Light, He is merciful to the poor.

The King of the Winds fans Him

While saints and sages meditate on His holiness.

He is accepted in the cosmos as the perfect Guru

The entire cosmos vibrates with his celestial song.

Bells ring out the tone -ONKAR-
Continuously illuminating the heavens.
He is one with God, Whose Name is Truth,
In Nanak's Name saints find their support.

Siri Chand, Nanak's son, declares,

"Nanak is unattainable, unfathomable, unshakeable, and pure.

Whoever sings Emperor Nanak's praises

Resides in heaven and achieves complete salvation.

Oh kind Master, protect those who seek your shelter
Oh Nanak! You are the saviour; we are just your children.

Guru Granth Sahib about Sri Chand

In Guru Granth Sahib, On Page No. 967, in Bani Ramkali Ki Vaar, it is clearly Mentioned that Sri Chand became rebelious and did not walk on Guru Nanak's Path and adopted himself as a Yogi. Sri Chand put earings in his ears and started a new order called Udasi in opposition o Sikh Panth. Following are extracts of Balwand/Satta hymns from Guru Granth Sahib.

ਸਚੁ ਜਿ ਗੁਰਿ ਫੁਰਮਾਇਆ ਕਿਉ ਏਦੂ ਬੋਲਹੁ ਹਟੀਐ ॥
The Guru gave the True Command; why should we hesitate to proclaim this?

ਪੁਤ੍ਰੀ ਕਉਲੁ ਨ ਪਾਲਿਓ ਕਰਿ ਪੀਰਹੁ ਕੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਮੁਰਟੀਐ ॥
His sons did obey His Word ਦਿਲਿ ਖੋਟੈ ਆਕੀ ਫਿਰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਬੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਭਾਰੁ ਉਚਾਇਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਛਟੀਐ ॥
Those who donot follow guru path; evil-hearted ones became rebellious; they carry loads of sin on their backs.

ਜਿਨਿ ਆਖੀ ਸੋਈ ਕਰੇ ਜਿਨਿ ਕੀਤੀ ਤਿਨੈ ਥਟੀਐ ॥
Whatever the Guru said, Lehna did, and so he was installed on the throne.

ਕਉਣੁ ਹਾਰੇ ਕਿਨਿ ਉਵਟੀਐ ॥੨॥
Who has lost, and who has won? ||2||

ਜਿਨਿ ਕੀਤੀ ਸੋ ਮੰਨਣਾ ਕੋ ਸਾਲੁ ਜਿਵਾਹੇ ਸਾਲੀ ॥
He who did the work, is accepted as Guru; so which is better - the thistle or the rice?

Sikhs' bravery in world wars

AMRITSAR: To remember the forgotten Sikh soldiers and make the world aware of their heroic deeds in 'Sikhi Saroop' (complete Sikh appearance), Birmingham-based film-maker Jay Singh Sohal officially released his documentary movie 'Sikhs at War' on the net on Thursday.

The film recalls the forgotten Indian Sikhs who had fought the world wars for the British Empire in the name of king and country they had never seen.

Earlier, the movie was screened in the British Parliament in December.

More than 1,00,000 Sikhs had participated in these wars. Sikhs comprised 20% of the British Indian army in action, despite being only 2% of the Indian population.

Fighting on all fronts in Europe, Turkey and Africa, miles away from their homeland, the Sikhs displayed immense bravery and courage.

Of the 22 Military Crosses awarded for conspicuous gallantry to Indians, 14 were to Sikhs. Out of those, who had left the lush fields of Punjab, thousands did not return.

As many as 83,005 Sikh soldiers were killed during both the world wars and more than 1,09,045 were wounded.

Sohal said launch of the movie in the British parliament was a momentous occasion and expressed gratitude towards the British attorney general, Dominic Grieve, for his support to the Sikh community.

''For a senior government official to pay such a tribute is a sign of how important the Sikh contribution has
historically been and how vital this vibrant community still is in all walks of British life,'' he said.

The film narrates Sikhs' story for the first time by following a young teenager retracing his great grandfather's footsteps in the trenches of Flanders.

Jaspal Singh, 15, was inspired by his forefather's heroic action during the wars to maintain his own Sikh identity (with uncut hair and turban) despite being bullied.

''From his hometown of Coventry to Ypres and Neuve Chapelle, Jaspal discovers the important role that the Sikh soldiers had played in stopping the German advance towards Europe,'' said Hardeep Singh, who is also attached with the movie crew.

Source:-http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Sikhs-bravery-in-world-wars/articleshow/7338356.cms

World's longest beard makes New York debut

S. Swaran Singh a surrey sikh priest poses a photograph with his 8'2" long beard on
September  21, 2011

       






















NEW YORK — A.B.C. world-record holder showed off his eight-foot-long beard in New York earlier this week.Sikh priest Sarwan Singh from the Vancouver suburb of Surrey appeared on the Regis and Kelly show on Tuesday to show millions of television viewers his impressive facial hair.

At eight feet 2 1/2 inches, it's believed to be the longest beard in the world. Singh has been the Guinness World Records long-beard champion since 2008.Singh serves as high priest of Guru Nanak temple and also the principal, president and music teacher at Surrey's Akal Academy.

"I am very proud to have been given the opportunity to represent the Sikh and Surrey communities," Singh said of his guest appearance on the show.

He was speaking through his translator and friend Dr. Pargat Bhurji, a Surrey pediatrician who accompanied him to New York.

"This is history in the making," Bhurji said. "Out of the 6.5 billion people in the world, he is the only one standing there."

Sikhs must not cut their hair as an article of their faith and Singh, 45, has been growing his beard since he was 15 years old.

His brother, Balvir Singh, also has a long beard, at six feet.

Sant Singh Tegh's 100 Years long Journey (By Balraj Puri )

Citizens of Jammu belonging to all walks of life, who had attended birth centenary of the veteran freedom fighter Sardar Sant Singh Tegh on August 6 bade a final farewell to him on September 17. His 100 years long journey from Muzaffarabad to Jogigate is a saga of ceaseless and self-less struggle against foreign rule and oppressive indigenous regimes. True to his tradition he died in action during a tour of Doda district where he fell from horseback.Thus came to an end my own over 65 years old close association with the great man.

Here is a brief eventful life

Sardar Sant Singh Tegh was born on April 13, 1907 at Hattian in Muzaffarabad district. He is the oldest surviving freedom fighter in the state who had come in contact with almost entire galaxy of  leaders of the freedom movement, like Mahatma Gandhi Jawaharlal Nehru, Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Jayaprakash Narayan. Sheikh Abdullah, Mahatma Budh Singh, Giani Zail Singh, Master Tara Singh, Teja Singh Swantantra, Subash Chander Bose, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Zakir Hussain. He spent 17 years in jail.

He joined freedom movement during his student days and organized protest of the youth of the area to protest against death sentence of Bhagat Singh and his colleagues.

On his fiery speech against British imperialism and ruler of the state, his arrest warrants were issued. But he slipped away to Kabul along with Trilok Nath Sharma who used to work there. He came in contact with the great revolutionary Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh. Along with him he visited Soviet Union and central Asian countries.

He also attended the Congress session at Karachi. Eventually he came back to Muzaffarabad, where one of his first activity was to join a reception to Sheikh Abdullah and Maulana Massodi, who had just been released from jail, at Chhati Padshahi Gurudwara where they assured the audience that their fight was for all the people of the state and not merely for Muslims. The Sheikh had heard the name of Sant Singh Tegh and was impressed by his speech there. He asked for the services of Tegh for the freedom movement of the state as he did not belong to the Sikhs only. From there on a life long companionship between the two started.

At Muzaffarabad Tegh formed Kisan Committee, Garhi Kashmir Motor Union and Forest Labour Union to fight for the rights of the exploited people. He arranged free trip to people of Muzaffarabad who wanted to attend the National Conference session in Srinagar. He became president of the party at Hattian while master Abdul Aziz was the president of the district committee of Muzaffarabad.

 

CM attends cremation of Tegh, describes him a selfless leader

JAMMU , SEPTEMBER 17- Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today paid last respects to S. Sant Singh Tegh, the veteran freedom fighter, who passed away here yesterday.

Azad visited Jogi Gate cremation ground and laid wreath on mortal remains of the late leader.

The Chief Minister met members of the bereaved family and expressed his heartfelt condolences on Tegh's demise.

Paying rich tributes to the memory of Tegh, the Chief Minister said that he greatly contributed to the freedom struggle of the country and worked for the uplift of the people, particularly striving for the welfare of the weaker sections of the society.

Describing Tegh as a selfless leader who did not ask for anything for himself or his family, the Chief Minister said that he remained connected with the people all through his life.

Besides the Chief Minister, Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma, MPs Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah and Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Narinder Singh were among large number of people who attended the cremation of Tegh.  

(Sheerin News of Kashmir)

BATTLE OF ATTOCK

The Battle of Attock (also known as the Battle of Chuch or the Battle of Haidru) took place on 13 July 1813 between the Sikh Empire and the Durrani Empire. The battle was the first significant Sikh victory over the Durranis.

Background

In 1811–12, Ranjit Singh invaded the hill states of Bhimber, Rajauri, and Kullu in preparation for an invasion of Kashmir. In late 1812, Fateh Khan, the Vizier of Kabul, crossed the Indus river under orders from Mahmud Shah Durrani to raid Kashmir and to free Shuja Shah Durrani from its renegade vizier, Atta Muhammad Khan. In an 1812 interview with Ranjit Singh, Fateh Khan agreed to a joint invasion of Kashmir. He could not invade Kashmir if he was opposed by the Sikh Empire, and agreed that a small Sikh force under Dewan Mokham Chand would receive one third of the plunder.

Both invasions began at Jhelum, but once the armies reached the Pir Panjal Range, Fateh Khan used a heavy snowfall to double march his veteran mountain troops through the range. However, Dewan Mokham Chand offered the Rajauri raja a large jagir if he could find a path through the range that would allow the Sikhs to reach the valley of Kashmir at the same time as the Afghan troops and was able to have a small body of troops under Jodh Singh Kalsia and Nihal Singh Attari present at the captures of Hari Parbat and Shergarh. The vizier of Kashmir, Atta Muhammad Khan, had offered no resistance to either army but Fateh Khan refused to share the spoils. Shuja Shah Durrani chose to be escorted by Dewan Mokham Chand to Lahore, the capital of the Sikh Empire, out of fear of becoming a prisoner at Kabul.

Ranjit Singh became annoyed at Fateh Khan's refusal to share plunder and opened negotiations with the renegade governor of Attock, Jahandad Khan, brother to the recently deposed Atta Muhammad Khan of Kashmir, and took control of the fort at Attock. After Jahandad Khan accepted his jagir, Dia Singh, a Sardar with a small contingent of troops in the area, took control of Fort Attock including 3,510 Maunds of grain, 439 rounds of cannon shot, 70 cannon and small mortars, and 255 Maunds of rock salt. Hari Singh Nalwa arrrived with Dewan Devi Das and a detachment of cavalry to support the garrison at an unknown date.

Battle

Attock Fort, whose capture by the Sikh Empire lead to the Battle of Attock

Accusing Ranjit Singh of treachery, Fateh Khan set off from Kashmir at the head of 15,000 cavalry in April 1813 and invested Attock Fort. At the same time Ranjit Singh rushed Dewan Mokham Chand and Karam Chand Chahal from Burhan with a force of cavalry, artillery, and a battalion of infantry to meet the Afghans.

Dewan Mokham Chand encamped 8 miles (13 km) from the Afghan camp, unwilling to risk a decisive engagement, although both sides engaged in numerous skirmishes and took losses. On 12 July 1812, the Afghans' supplies were exhausted and Dewan Mokham Chand marched 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Attock to Haidaru, on the banks of the Indus River, to offer battle. On 13 July 1812, Dewan Mokham Chand split the cavalry into four divisions, giving command of one division to Hari Singh Nalwa and taking command of one division himself. The lone battalion of infantry formed an infantry square protecting the artillery, with Gouse Khan commanding the artillery. The Afghans took up positions opposite the Sikhs, with a portion of their cavalry under the command of Dost Mohammad Khan.

Fateh Khan opened the battle by sending his Ghazis on a cavalry charge which was repulsed by heavy fire from the Sikh artillery. The Afghans rallied under Dost Mohammad Khan, who led the Ghazis on another cavalry charge which threw one wing of the Sikh army into disarray and captured some artillery. When it appeared the Sikhs had lost the battle, Dewan Mokham Chand led a cavalry charge atop a war elephant that repulsed the Afghans "at all points", and routed the remaining Afghan troops. Fateh Khan, fearing his brother, Dost Mohammad Khan, had died, escaped to Kabul and the Sikhs captured the Afghan camp, including the lost artillery pieces.

Aftermath

Amritsar, Lahore and other large cities across the Sikh Empire were illuminated for two months afterwards in rejoicing over the victory. After his defeat at Attock, Fateh Khan fought off an attempt by Ali Shah, the ruler of Persia, and his son Ali Mirza to capture the Durrani province of Herat, which left their newly captured province of Kashmir open to attack.