Introduction

Gurmat Rehat Maryada

1. Introduction
1.1 History of Damdami Taksal
1.2 The Jathadars

In Sikh Dharm, the word "Rehit" connotes to the precepts for moral and spiritual life.
The Sikh Rehit includes spiritual and ethical instructions covering all spheres vital to pious living.

1
Rehat Maryada

Objectives

This chapter provides a background to Damdami Taksal.

Subsequent chapters will cover the various aspects of the
Rehit Maryada.

By the end of this session, you will have learnt:

„ What the Damdami Taksal is;

„ How and why the Taksal was established;

„ Who the pioneer Jathadars were as well as the

complete line of leadership till today;

„ Why the Damdami Taksal Rehat Maryada provides a

true indication of the teachings of the Tenth Master.

Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved.

The contents found herein are based on the teachings of Damdami Taksal.
Gurdwara Gurdarshan Parkash
Village Mehta, Mehta Chowk, Dist: Amritsar, Punjab, India.

2
 Introduction

History of
Damdami Taksal
A short overview

The Damdami Taksal is the travelling movement against the anti-Sikh

Sikh university, which was founded by
our Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji to
impart knowledge of Gurmat onto Sikhs.
It has had an unbroken lineage of
Jathedars who have led the Taksal
throughout Sikh history.
The first and foremost function of the
Taksal is to educate Sikhs, to teach
them the correct pronounciations of
Gurbani, to do Katha and Kirtan. This is
done by getting students to undergo
rigorous studies, meditations and seva,
thus a wholesome Sikh lifestyle is
developed and maintained.
The Taksal has always been a key
strategic player in the activities of the
Sikh Nation, with Jathedars Baba Deep
Singh & Baba Gurbaksh Singh both
being martyred defending the sanctity of
Sri Harimander Sahib, Amritsar. They
were both beheaded yet still fought on
until the Mughals had to run in fear.
The sixth Jatheder, Giani Bhai Sant
Singh was the Head Granthi of Sri
Harimander Sahib and a close aid of
Maharajah Ranjit Singh. The famous
Sikh Historian Bhai Santokh Singh
(author of Suraj Parkash) was also a
student of the Giani Bhai Sant Singh Ji.
During the British rule, Sant Sundar Singh
played a considerable role in the
Gurdwara Reform Movement by
participating in peaceful demonstrations.
Nirankari Movement and the whole Sikh
world knows of the sacrifices made by
Sant Jarnail Singh in the 80’s against
forces opposed to the Panth.
Baba Takhur Singh Ji, the acting
Jathedar of the Taksal, has blessed
many Sikhs with the knowledge of
Gurmat and under his leadership the
Taksal has produced many Gianis,
Kirtanis and Pathis. Even today you will
find that many Granthis and Jathedars
of Takhats and famous historical
Gurdwaras have been educated by the
Taksal. The Taksal aims to live up to its
motto which was uttered by Sri Guru
Nanak Dev Ji in Sri Japji Sahib,
GVIAY sbdu scI tkswl ]
The True Coin of the Shabad (the Word
of God) is created in the True Mint of
Sadh Sangat (congregation of Saints)
It can only continue its success with the
continued blessings of Sri Guru Granth
Sahib and the Sadh Sangat.

Sant Gurbachan Singh did the complete

katha of Sri Guru Granth Sahib many
times and today we find that alot of his
students are Granthis at Sri Harimander
Sahib and many of them held positions
of esteem and were Jathedars of the
Takhats. Sant Kartar Singh started the

3
Rehat Maryada

The Jathadars of
Damdami Taksal
An unbroken lineage of leaders
(see brief information about each Jathadar
in the following pages)

2. Shahid Baba Deep Singh Ji &

The Damdami Taksal
Bhai Mani Singh Ji
was founded by our
3. Shahid Baba Gurbakhsh Singh
Father Sahib Sri Guru
Gobind Singh Ji to 4. Giani Bhai Soorat Singh Ji
impart knowledge of
5. Bhai Gurdas Singh Ji
Gurmat onto Sikhs.

6. Giani Bhai Sant Singh Ji

7. Sant Daya Singh Ji

8. Sant Giani Bhagvaan Singh Ji

Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

(founded with his blessing) 9. Sant Harnam Singh Ji

10 Sant Baba Bishan Singh Ji

11.Sant Giani Sundar Singh Ji

Bhindranwale

12.Sant Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji

It has had an unbroken Khalsa Bhindranwale

lineage of Jathedars
13.Sant Giani Kartar Singh Ji
who have led the Taksal Khalsa Bhindranwale

throughout Sikh 14.Sant Giani Jarnail Singh Ji

history. Khalsa Bhindranwale, (In the
absence of whom) Acting
Jathedar Sant Baba Takhur
Singh Ji Khalsa.

4

Baba ji was born in the village of Pahuvind
district Amritsar, in the year 1682. From
a young age Baba ji had practiced reciting
Gurbani, singing Kirtan and doing sangat
of fellow Gursikhs. He regularly went
horse riding and training in Shastar Vidya
(weapons training). He was a lovable
and popular person who conducted
himself very well. The people in his
locality treated him with great respect
because of his religious nature.
After the battle of Muktsar Sahib in 1704,
Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji reached
Damdama Sahib-Sabo Ki Talwandi.
Here, Guru ji compiled Sri Guru Granth
Sahib ji, with Shahid Bhai Mani Singh ji
scribing all that Guru Ji uttered. Baba
Deep Singh ji carried out the seva of
providing the paper, pens and ink for this
great task with the utmost love and
respect. When Guru ji went to Sri Hazoor
Sahib, Baba ji went along and was
present in the Panj Pyare when Guru ji
gave the Gurgadi (the Throne of the
Sikh Guruship) to Sri Guru Granth Sahib
ji at Sri Hazoor Sahib ji, Nanded. Along
with Baba ji, Pyare Dharam Singh ji,
Bhai Har Singh ji, Bhai Santokh Singh ji,
and Bhai Gurbaksh Singh took part in
this great seva, and completed the Ardas
that passed the Gurgadi to our
everlasting Master, Sri Guru Granth
Sahib ji. Just before leaving the world,
Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji instructed Baba
Deep Singh ji to return to Damdama
Sahib and continue the Taksal (school)
that taught Gursikhs the correct
meanings and pronunciations of
Gurbani. All the Gurdwaras at Damdama
Sahib were also put under the
management of Baba ji by Guru ji. Here
Baba ji prepared Gurbani Pothis/
Anthologies and sent them to numerous
Sikh shrines and thus made a massive
effect on promoting/spreading the
message of the Guru. Baba ji also
assisted Baba Banda Singh ji Bahadar
2) Shahid Baba Deep Singh Ji &
Bhai Mani Singh Ji (Joint Jathedars)
Baba Deep Singh - drawing
the line of no return in prior to
the battle to save the Golden
temple from Moghul sacrilege
in all of his battles between 1708 & 1715.
In 1716 Baba ji prepared four more
Saroops (editions) of Sri Guru Granth
Sahib ji. They were taken to the other
four Takhats; Sri Akal Takhat Sahib
Amritsar, Takhat Sri Harmandir ji Patna
Sahib (Bihar), Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib
Anandpur Sahib and Takhat Abichal
Nagar Sach Khand Sri Hazoor Sahib
Nanded (Maharashtar).
Baba Deep Singh ji was not only a great
scholar in Gurmukhi (the language
created by the Sikh Gurus), but also a
great scholar of Arabic and Persian, he
was the first writers of the Sikh Panth.
Baba ji wrote a Saroop of Sri Guru
Granth Sahib ji in Arabic and sent it to
the Middle East. This was a great service
that was done by Baba ji for the Sikhs of
these countries.
The Gursikhs of the Panth had and have
great respect for the great scholar,
philosopher and saint soldier Baba Deep
Singh ji. The title of Nawab given to Bhai
Sahib Kapoor Singh ji by Zakariaa Khan,
out of respect was placed at the feet of
Panj Pyare before it was taken up; Baba
ji was present in these Panj Pyare. After
Deewan Darbara Singh ji left the world
for Sach Khand, two Jathe (battalions)
in the form of Budha Dal and Tarna Dal
were formed. Tarna Dal was made up of
five sections each having a jathedar.
Shaheed Baba Deep Singh ji was
appointed one of these five jathedars by
the Sikhs. There were 2000 horse
mounted Gursikhs in Baba ji's jatha.
When Masr Rangar was desecrating Sri
Harmandir Sahib it, was a Gursikh,
Jathedar Budha Singh ji from Baba ji's
jatha, that sent Bhai Sukha Singh and
Bhai Mehtab Singh to avenge the
sacrilege that was occurring (Masr
Rangar had turned Sri Harimandir Sahib
into a party hall, with dancing prostitutes).
5
Introduction
Bhai Sukha Singh and Bhai Mehtab
Singh decapitated Masr Rangar and his
head was placed at the feet of Jathedar
Budha Singh ji when they returned. At
another time, Baba ji heard news of
Jahan Khan's continued atrocities
against the Sikhs and the sacred Sarover
(nectar pool) of Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Baba ji reached Taran Taaran Sahib
and bathed in the holy Sarover along
with a jatha of 500 Gursikhs, all wearing
clothes in the sacred colour of saffron
and ready for battle. After making Karah
Parshad (an offering made to Guru ji,
made using butter, sugar, flour, water
and Gurbani) and making the following
ardas: "Until Sri Harimandir Sahib is free
from the tyrants, I will not become
shaheed." Baba ji along with their jatha
set off for Sri Amritsar Sahib.
Both armies confronted each other and
a fiece battle ensued . Yakoob Khan and
Baba ji met each other on the battlefield,
Baba ji hit Yakoob Khan's head so hard
that he collapsed right there and was
killed instantly. Upon seeing this Pathan
Jahan Khan confronted Baba ji, both
their heads were cut off as they struck
each simultaneously. A Gursikh called
out, "Baba ji, you promised to place your
head at the feet of Sri Guru Ram Das
Sahib ji at Sri Harimandir Sahib!" When
Baba ji heard this he picked up his head
in his left hand, took up his sword in his
right and continued fighting. The tyrants
were so astounded by this miraculous
event that some started to run away. As
they left the battlefield they told their
fellow soldiers that the General of the
Sikhs is fighting without his head.
While fighting Baba ji progressed to the
parkarma (the outer circle) of Sri
Harmandir Sahib, with the Sikhs shouting
war cries. Baba ji placed his head at the
feet of Guru Sahib ji and after completing
an ardas left the world for Sach Khand.
Rehat Maryada
Bhai Dasaunda Singh and Mata Lachmi ji
from the village Leel (near Khemkaran),
District Amritsar, came to live in the
company of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib
ji and the Sikh Sangat (Congregation).
Guru ji commanded them both to take part
in the Seva (selfless service) of the house
of the Lord with love. Impressed with their
selfless service, Guru ji granted their wish
and blessed them with a son who would
be a saint-soldier; Baba Gurbaksh Singh
ji was born in 1688 AD.
At the age of 11, in the year 1699, Baba ji
entered the path of Sikhi by taking Khande
di Pahul (initiation ceremony of Sikhi).
Baba ji was15 years old when both his
parents passed away at Anandpur Sahib.
Bhai Mani Singh ji and Baba Deep Singh
ji taught Baba ji Gurmat Vidiya
(Knowledge), he was also trained in
Shastar Vidiya and became member of
Baba Deep Singh ji’s battalion.
When Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib ji left
Anandpur Sahib, he ordered Baba ji to
stay there and continue Gurmat Parchar
(preaching Sikhi) and manage the
4) Giani Bhai
Soorat Singh Ji
3) Shahid Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji
Gurdwaras. Upon the Shaheedi
(Martyrdom) of Baba Deep Singh ji, Baba
Gurbaksh Singh ji was appointed as the
next Jathedar (Leader) of Damdami
Taksal. Just like Baba Deep Singh ji,
Baba ji produced Pothis and Gutke
(anthologies) of Gurbani and sent them to
places in need.
In 1765 when Ahmed Shah Abdali attacked
India for the 10th time, Baba ji was the
Jathedar of both Damdami Taksal and Sri
Akal Takhat Sahib(Sikh Temporal Throne).
After bathing in the holy Sarover (pool of
nectar), along with 30 other Sikhs from his
battalion, Baba ji offered Karah Parsad at
Sri Harmandir Sahib (Holiest Sikh Shrine)
and at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib and then
made the following ardas to Guru Sahib ji:
“Satguru ji may my Sikhi last with my kes
(hair) intact.” After taking Hukam (the
command from Guru ji) from Sri Guru
Granth Sahib ji and reciting “Ghoriaa(n)”
(a prayer about marriage), the Sikhs stated
that they were going to wed death. The
Afghan forces of Ahmed Shah Abdali
attacked the Sikhs and a vicious war
began. Das Hazari Khan and Baba ji faced
Bhai Soorat Singh ji was born in the
village of Chanyot, District Jhang (now
in Pakistan). Giani ji's father's name was
Ram Chand, who was renamed Bhai
Ram Singh ji when initiated into the Sikh
nation upon taking Amrit. Bhai Ram
Singh ji studied Gurbani from Shahid
Bhai Mani Singh ji and propagated the
teachings of Sikhi throughout Jhang.
The Ruler's minister in the area disliked
what Bhai Soorat Singh ji was doing, so
along with his family he relocated to
Amritsar.
Bhai Soorat Singh ji had spent some
time in the sangat of Sri Guru Gobind
Singh ji and in fact accepted the boon of
Amrit from Guru ji. Giani ji was taught
Gurmat by Shahid Bhai Mani Singh ji
6
each other in battle; they simultaneously
landed blows upon each other and they
were both decapitated.
Baba ji continued fighting without his
head. Seeing this the enemy were horrified
and were quick to retreat. Baba ji
continued killing off the tyrants and was
relentless in his attacks. A Muslim Saint
advised the Afghan army that the only
way to stop Baba ji, who wouldn’t retreat,
was to beg for forgiveness at the feet of
the Sikhs' Guru for all the atrocities they
caused and promise not to come back
again. “Forgive us our misdeeds and evil
actions,” their General begged. It was
only then that Baba ji stopped and laid his
body to rest.
Baba ji’s cremation took place behind Sri
Akal Takhat Sahib according to the rites
of the death ceremony of Sikhi. Gurdwara
Shaheed Ganj (behind Sri Akhal Takhat
Sahib) commemorates Baba ji’s
Shaheedi. Baba ji is remembered as one
of the great Shaheeds of the Panth and
will forever be remembered as a true
Saint-Soldier.
and Shahid Baba Gurbaksh Singh ji.
They were highly regarded and
respected for being a great scholars in
Sikhi. Giani ji had great knowledge of the
Farsi, Urdu and Hindi languages. Giani
ji spent a lot of time at Amritsar teaching
Gurbani Santhia (the correct
pronunciations of Gurbani) and doing
Katha (Gurbani discourses) daily for the
sangat.
Giani ji wrote pothis of the katha he had
heard from Bhai Mani Singh ji. He also
wrote a sateek (translations into Punjabi)
of the Vars of Bhai Gurdas ji.
Giani ji was an ocean of knowledge,
being a great scholar and a great Gursikh
of our history.

5) Bhai Gurdas
Singh Ji
6) Giani Bhai
Sant Singh Ji
After Bhai Gurdas Singh ji left the world
for Sach Khand, his younger brother
Giani Bhai Sant Singh ji was honored
with the leadership of Damdami Taksal.
Giani ji was the youngest son of Giani
Soorat Singh ji.
Giani ji was taught Gurmat Vidiya by his
father and elder brother, previous
Jathedars of Damdami Taksal. From
1790 Giani ji performed Katha of the
daily Hukamnama at Sri Harmandir
Sahib. Other Gursikhs would partake in
Gurmat Vidiya while Giani ji would be
doing katha, as there would be five
Maharaj Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji's
Saroops parkash (installed).
Giani ji had the honour of teaching the
famous Sikh poets Kavi Bhai Santokh
Bhai Gurdas Singh ji was the eldest son
of Giani Soorat Singh ji and was born in
1773.
Like his father, Bhai Sahib ji was a great
scholar. Bhai Sahib ji became the
Jathedar of Damdami Taksal after his
father and continued the teaching of
Gurbani Santhia and performing Katha
at Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Bhai Sahib ji's son, Bhai Sher Singh
became Shaheed fighting for the Khalsa
Panth. Somebody asked him, "What is
your emotional state after the Shaheedi
of your son?"
Singh ji and Kavi Bhai Megh Singh ji.
Giani ji was a great scholar, a true
worshiper of Akal Purkh, and an
enlightened Gursikh. He had great
knowledge of the Sanskrit and Brij
languages. Giani ji used to perform katha
with great splendour and spirit.
One day, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, after
hearing the daily Katha of Giani ji, thought
of testing him. The Maharaja knew that
Giani performed Katha daily and never
missed this Seva. He sent two
mesangers requesting the company of
Giani ji to meet the Maharaja. Giani ji
respectfully sat the two down and served
them food. After a while Maharaja Ranjit
Singh sent another two messengers, as
Giani ji still hadn't arrived. Giani ji treated
the second two just as they did the first
two. It had come the time to perform
Katha at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Giani ji
took these four messengers with him to
Sri Harimandir Sahib. With Giani ji still
not arriving at Maharaja Ranjit Singh's
palace, the Maharaja decided to go to
Darbar Sahib himself. He was impressed
with the discipline of Giani ji that, unlike
others who would have rushed to see
him, he didn't miss performing the daily
Katha just to see him.
Giani ji, as well as being the Jathedar of
Damdami Taksal, was the Head Granthi
of Sri Harmandir Sahib. He would always
make himself available to discuss issues
with any Gursikh who would come and
see him. He would also take part in the
seva of cleansing the Parkarma (outer
path), picking up the droppings of birds
with his own hands. He would also pick
7
Introduction
Bhai Sahib ji replied by quoting from Sri
Guru Granth Sahib ji:
jb lgu moh mgn sMig mwie ]
As long as he is intoxicated with
attachment to Maya,
qb lgu Drmrwie dyie sjwie ]
the Righteous Judge - Dharam
Raj shall punish him.
(SGGS Ang 278)
up any hair and burn them as per the
Rehat Maryada (Code of Conduct). Giani
ji would do Seva of Sri Guru Ram Das
Sahib ji's Darbar (Court) with much
passion. He had such great discipline
that even when one of his grandsons
passed away he still didn't miss any of
his daily Seva.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh once fell in battle
and was injured. It was Giani ji who
picked him up on his back and brought
him back to the fort. For the rest of his
life, Maharaja Ranjit Singh didn't forget
this great deed. Giani ji was the teacher
of Shazade Kanwar Naunihal Singh. He
also oversaw the Seva of Maharaja Ranjit
Singh, when Sri Harmandir Sahib was
covered in gold. He ensured that this
was completed with the greatest respect
for Guru Sahib ji.
Giani ji persuaded Bhai Desa Singh to
complete the seva of covering the two
Nishan Sahibs at Gurdwara Baba Atal
Rai in gold. Giani ji had great discipline
and was completely absorbed in Seva
and Simran (meditation). In the words of
Kavi Megh Singh, Giani ji was a great
scholar and a strong athletic person. He
left the world for Sach Khand in the year
1832 AD. He left three sons: Bhai Deva
Singh, Bhai Gurmukh Singh and Bhai
Jodh Singh.
Bhai Gurmukh Singh became the head
granthi at Darbar Sahib after him.
Rehat Maryada
Sant Daya Singh ji became the Jathedar
of Damdami Taksal after Giani Bhai
Sant Singh ji. Sant ji would daily perform
Katha at Darbar Sahib and teach his
students the knowledge of Gurbani in
the Parkarma. Gursikhs were made into
great Kathakars (preachers) and paathis
(readers of Gurbani) by Sant ji. One of
their best students was Giani Bhagvan
Singh ji who wrote Gurbani sateeks and
was later honored with the Seva of being
Jathedar of Damdami Taksal.
One day, the son of Bhai Daya Singh ji
was involved in a murder. The courts
7) Sant Daya
decided that he would be hung. The
Gursikh sangat asked Sant ji what should
Singh Ji be done to save him. Sant ji declared
that what will be, will be, they stayed
within the Hukam of Akal Purkh and his
son was hung. He didn't show any
attachment or ego throughout this period.
He stated the following to their widowed
Sant Giani Bhagvan Singh ji learnt
Gurbani and studied religion from Sant
Daya Singh ji. Sant ji gave Sant Giani
Bhagvan Singh ji the Dastar (literally:
turban; meaning leadership) of Damdami
Taksal. He used to reside in the
Majeethiaa Bunga (one of the two towers
at Sri Harmandir Sahib). Throughout his
life he did an immense amount of
Gursikhi parchar.
Sant Giani Bhagvan Singh ji spent most
of his time reciting Gurbani. He was not
affected by maya (worldly illusion) and
had a disciplined rehat. While staying at
8) Sant Giani
Amritsar he taught and groomed many
kathakars and paathis. Three famous
Bhagvan Singh Ji Gursikhs, Sant Harnam Singh ji, Sant
Fateh Singh ji and Sant Ameer Singh ji,
were students of Giani ji. Sant Ameer
Singh ji later became jathedar of the
Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh's branch of
Damdami Taksal. Sant Ameer Singh ji is
well-known for producing a full sateek of
Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.
Sant Giani Bhagvan Singh ji was a great
poet and scholar, and spoke with much
devotion. He believed that all our Guru's,
including eternal Sri Guru Granth Sahib
ji, are the incarnations of Akal Purkh.
Giani ji showed immense respect to the
Bani of the Bhagats, and produced a
sateek of their Bani. It was published in
Lahore in 1897, with Bhai Gurmukh Singh
Sidhana doing the seva for the printing.
8
daughter-in-law: "Your husband has
passed away. If you want worldly
pleasures, then you can leave but if you
want the happiness of Guru Sahib ji,
then stay and take part in the langar
seva of the Gursikh sangat." She decided
to stay and defeated her attachment of
worldly pleasures. Whoever did the
sangat of Sant ji would defeat this
attachment also.
Sant ji were strict in their rehat (discipline)
and along with doing a lot of meditation,
he would preach Gursikhi. Many people
took Amrit just by listening to him. There
was a saying within the Gursikhs of the
time: Aurangzeb wouldn't have made
the same number of Muslims with his
sword as Sant ji made Gursikhs with his
preaching and by his exemplary lifestyle.
With great love and respect, Sant ji was
known as Dilbar (the knower of your
heart) by the Gursikh sangat.
Sant ji was asked by the sangat to
produce this sateek, as they said that
the Bani has such a deep meaning and
the sateek would assist the
understanding of many.
Giani ji said that this Bani is beyond
human description, just as is true for all
Gurbani. At the start of the sateek he
state the following: "I have little sense,
with Guru ji's blessings, the
understanding I have learnt, that is what
I have written. Guru ji is with us and will
ferry us across the ocean that is the
world."
Thus giving us evidence of their nimrata
(humbleness), by producing this sateek
Giani ji has done a great Seva for the
Panth.

9) Sant Harnam
Singh Ji
Punjab and its surrounding areas are full
of great history. It is an honour that Sri
Guru Nanak Dev Sahib ji planted the
roots of Sikhi in this area. As Sikhi has
grown there has been many saints and
warriors that have resided in this area.
There has been sacrifices for Sikhi in
history and Damdami Taksal has always
been at the forefront of these. One type
of sacrifice is the sacrifice of a Giani,
10) Sant Baba
Bishan Singh Ji
Muralewale
Brahm Giani Sant Baba Bishan Singh ji
Muralewale was born in the village
Bohith, state Gujrat (now in Pakistan).
He was a great scholar and had a highly
disciplined rehat. Baba ji was in a family
of sehajdhari Sikhs (i.e. they hadn't yet
taken Amrit). He was born in the year
1852 to Lal Dev ji (father) and Ratna
who studies Gurbani and then spends
all of his time teaching and preaching to
others. Sant Baba Harnam Singh ji Bedi
made this sacrifice.
Baba ji was a great kathakar, forever
attached to the charan (feet) of Akal
Purkh. He was taught the knowledge of
Gurbani from Bhai Jaswant Singh ji. He
also studied the Vars of Bhai Gurdas ji,
Sri Gur Partap Suraj Granth, and other
religious granths.
After Sant Giani Bhagvan Singh ji left the
world for Sach Khand. Sant Baba
Harnam Singh ji Bedi became the
jathedar of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib
ji's Damdami Taksal. Baba ji taught many
Gursikhs the understanding of Sri Guru
Granth Sahib ji, Sri Dasam Granth Sahib
ji, and other religious granths within
Amritsar. Sant ji would also partake in
the seva of Panj Pyare at Sri Akal Takhat
Sahib ji where people would take Amrit
and get initiated into the Khalsa Panth/
Nation.
Gursikhs taught by Baba ji also taught
others the knowledge of Gurbani and
Devi (mother). Baba ji were placed at the
charan/feet of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji
at the Gurdwara, as soon as he was
born and then bathed. The Granthi Singh
at the Gurdwara performed the birth
ceremony as per the rehat maryada of a
Gursikh, thus giving Baba ji the gurti
(blessings) of Amrit. After the Ardas a
Hukamnama was taken and Baba ji was
named Bishan Singh.
By doing the sangat of other Gursikh
Saints, Baba ji learnt Gurmukhi and
memorized Sri Jap(u) ji Sahib ji. By the
age of 13 he had already visited the
following historical religious places: Sri
Harmandir Sahib Amritsar, Taran Taaran
Sahib, Ganga, Paraagraj, Badree Nath,
Dehradoon, Rameshvar, Mathra,
Ayudhia, Nankana Sahib, Dera Sahib
Lahore, Kartarpur Sahib, and Kiratpur
Sahib. At the age of 21, while at Amritsar,
Baba ji was impressed by the Gursikhs
there. It was here that he decided the
time was right to join the Khalsa Panth
and take Amrit. He did this at Sri Akal
Takhat Sahib.
Baba ji would recite Gurbani with great
concentration, and spent much time
9
Introduction
thus spread the word of Sikhi. Sant ji
would everyday go to Sri Akal Takhat
Sahib and listen to the nitnem (daily
prayers) and Shabad Keertan (singing
of hymns). He started the method of
doing translations by 'anve arth' - a
unique method of translating Gurbani.
Baba ji taught many famous Gursikhs
such as: Sant Baba Bishan Singh ji
Muralewale, Sant Giani Sundar Singh ji
Bhindranwale, Mahant Haakam Singh
ji Amritsar, Mahant Harnam Singh ji
Muralewale and Sant Bishan Singh ji
Kareet.
Baba ji stayed at Dera Baba Joga Singh
ji Amritsar and was the Head Granthi at
Sri Harmandir Sahib ji. All the Gianis of
that time, in Amritsar, were students of
Baba ji. He never stopped teaching the
understanding of Gurbani, even when
he was very old. He also had the chance
to teach many Nirmale, Udasis,
Adanshahee and Majbee Sikhs. Sant
Baba Harnam Singh ji Bedi would always
wear black and left the world where he
stayed at Dera Baba Joga Singh ji.
meditating on both Gurmantar and
Moolmantar. He learnt Sanskrit, jog mat,
puran simritian and grammar from Pandit
Tara Singh and Pandit Sadhoo Singh.
He spent 9 years studying these.
After this, Baba ji came to the sangat of
Sant Giani Harnam Singh ji Bedi and
became one of his main sevadars. Baba
ji learnt the knowledge of Sri Guru Granth
Sahib ji, Sri Dasam Granth Sahib ji and
all the history of our Guru Sahibs from
Giani ji. Baba ji was then given the seva
of teaching other Gursikhs and
performing the daily Katha.
Baba ji would forever keep his
concentration at the charan of Akal
Purkh. He was very strict in his rehat,
especially with his kakkars. He stayed
clear of the four cardinal sins and never
let a bad thought cross his mind.
After Sant Ameer Singh ji left the world,
the sangat of Murale requested Baba ji
to come to Murale and reside there. At
Murale there were about 200 students of
Gurbani becoming kathakars, keertanis
continued...
Rehat Maryada
and paathis. Sant Giani Sundar Singh ji
Bhindranwale, Sant Baba Prem Singh ji
Muralewale and Sant Baba Bhagat Singh
ji Ghebewale were among Baba ji's
students. The langar (free kitchen) Seva
Baba ji performed at Murale was great,
langar was made available for the sangat
at all times. Baba ji would perform Katha
for two hours at Amrit vela. After this he
would go somewhere quiet and for the
rest of the day attach himself to the
charan of Akal Purkh in deep meditation.
Baba ji loved to partake in Seva. After
doing his ishnaan (bath) and nitnem,
before performing the daily Katha, Baba
ji would fill 150 buckets of water for the
ishnaan of his students. He would then
clean the floor of the Gurdwara and then
complete the Seva of Guru ji's parkash.
Everyday Baba ji would ground new
flour for degh. Baba ji would say; "the
11) Sant Giani
Sundar Singh Ji
Bhandranwale
Sant Giani Sundar Singh ji was born at
amrit vela (ambrosial hours, 2am - 5am),
in village Bhindran Kalan, state Firozpur,
in the year 1883.
At the age of 6-7 years, his parents, who
practiced the path of Gursikhi, gave him
the duty to milk the buffalos and cows.
This was so he could learn and
understand the teaching from Guru Ji:
Gwil Kwie ikCu hQhu dyie ]
One who works for what he eats,
and gives some of what he has.
(SGGS Ang 1245)
degh is to be offered to our 10 Guru
Sahibs, we should therefore never use
old flour when making degh." After a
while Sant Giani Sundar Singh ji started
to perform all the seva that Baba ji was
doing.
Nobody was allowed to talk about
anything other than reciting Gurbani or
doing simran of Gurmantar or
Moolmantar at the Gurdwara in Murale.
In those days Baba ji would only eat a
couple of handfuls of beans and pulses,
and a few cupfuls of water. He would
spend 23 hours a day doing simran,
remembering Akal Purkh. Baba ji had
such a good lifestyle and had reached a
great spiritual state that once, on the
night of Diwali, a few Gursikhs asked
him to come outside and see the candles
and lights the sangat had lighten. Baba
His father at the same time taught him
the banis of: Panj Granthi, Baaee
Vaaraa(n), Bhagat Bani, and Das
Granthi. Around the age of 9-10 years
he was taught how to read Sri Guru
Granth Sahib Ji correctly, and became
an Akhand Paathi by the efforts of his
father. It was at this time that he joined
the Khalsa Panth by taking Amrit from
Panj Pyare. Until the age of 17 years he
stayed at home learning and
understanding Gurbani and developing
his practice of Sikhi.
At the age of 18 Sant Giani Sundar
Singh ji left home after doing an Ardas
(supplication prayer) to Guru Ji for an
improvement in his Sikhi and for
increased understanding of Gurbani.
After having the sangat (company) of
many Gursikhs and spiritualists he came
to the sangat of Baba Bishan Singh Ji at
Murale. It was here that he gained the
complete understanding of Gurbani
(Brahm Gian) - this being done within
two years.
Before Sant Bishan Singh Ji ascended
to Sach Khand (Higher spiritual plane of
nether world) he gave Sant Giani Sundar
Singh Ji the chance to ask for anything
he wanted, as he had spent his time at
Murale doing selfless service. He replied
without any ego, "it is up to you to
decide" what you grace me with. Sant
Bishan Singh Ji declared that he should
for the rest of his life preach the word of
Guru Ji, teach the sangat the meanings
10
ji gave them the following reply:
"For many years now I haven't
looked up to see the ceiling of this
room. I haven't seen the moon,
the sun or the stars. Why do we
need to see these lights of the
universe? Let me stay here and
see the light of Waheguru in my
heart, the lighter of all of these
lights."
Before Baba ji ascended to Sach Khand,
he appointed Sant Giani Sundar Singh ji
the next Jathedar of Damdami Taksal,
who was forever disciplined in Gursikh
rehat and completely understood the
knowledge of Gurbani. In the year 1905
at the age of 53, after the bhog of an
Akhand Paath, Baba ji left the world for
Sach Khand.
of Gurbani so that they may join the path
of the Khalsa. "By doing this, Sri Guru
Nanak Dev Sahib Ji and Sri Guru Gobind
Singh Sahib Ji would forever look over
you", he added. On the 13th day in the
month of Maagh, 1962 Bikramee, 1905
eesvee, Sant Bishan Singh Ji tied the
dastar of Damdami Taksal around the
head of Sant Giani Sundar Singh Ji
Bhindranwale.
To make true the final words of Sant
Bishan Singh Ji, he preached the word
of Guru Ji, continuously touring around
India. They guided people onto the path
of the Khalsa, helping them avoid the
falsehoods in the world. Sant Giani
Sundar Singh Ji would forever keep
himself in the remembrance of Guru Ji,
and whenever he did Katha he would
bring peace to the listeners.
One day while he was doing Gurbani
Katha, by the grace of Guru Ji a miracle
occurred, Amrit (nectar) started dripping
from a corner of the 'chandoaa' (canopy).
The sangat at the Gurdwara noticed this
and one or two even tasted the Amrit
and experienced a great sweetness.
To his students he made it known that as
well as being efficient in understanding
Gurbani and forever remembering Guru
Ji, everybody should be efficient in
Shastar vidiaa. He would say that each
continued...

Sikh should be able to defend and protect
the needy. He felt it was necessary that
every Sikh should follow the command
of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji of
being true Saint-Soldiers.
Sant Ji did much to promote the 5 K's
(Kes, Kacchera, Kirpan, Kanga, Kara)
and stated that theses are not merely
uniform, but on the contrary they are
there to develop our outer physical
practice of Sikhi and our inner thought
processes. The wearing of the 5 K's is
the command of the Guru, obeying this
Sant Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa
Bhindra(n) Vale was born on Wednesday
12 February 1902 at Amrit Vela
(Ambrosial Hours). After his birth he
was bathed and taken to the Gurdwara
into the presence of Sri Guru Granth
Sahib Ji, the Birth Ceremony was
performed and Amrit was given to Sant
Ji. Karah Parshad was prepared, Ardas
performed and a Hukamnama taken.
Sant Ji was named from the first letter of
the Hukamnama, as per Sikh tradition.
His parents were devout Sikhs and due
to the religious outlook of the household,
from a young age Sant Ji started placing
a Rumala over a stool and doing Chaur
over it with peacock feathers as a child.
In childhood he learnt the correct
pronunciations of the following – Panj
Granthi, 21 Vars, Bhagat Bani & Das
Granthi, and memorised the 5 morning
Nitnem Prayers. Upon listening to Kirtan,
Sant ji’s spirit would get uplifted to some
inexplicable inner spiritual state of
enjoining at the feet of Satguru ji. Due to
the guidance of his paternal uncle at the
age of 7 years, Sant Ji became an
Akhand Pathi.
command many Sikhs have flourished
in their Sikhi and will do so in the future.
Even though he became quite ill in 1929,
Sant Giani Sundar Singh Ji remained in
high spirits. He continually remained in
full concentration of Guru Ji at all times.
He subsequently passed on the selfless
service of continuing Sri Guru Gobind
Singh Ji's Damdami Taksal to one of his
outstanding students, Giani Gurbachan
Singh Ji Khalsa.
On 15th February 1930, in the village of
12) Sant Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa
Bhindranwale
At the age of 13 years he also mastered
the Sanskrit language; he read
Ramayan, Mahabharat, Yoga Vishest
and other Vedic Granths, after
understanding and pondering on the
teachings of these, Sant Ji read the
Faridkoth Teeka of Sri Guru Granth
Sahib Ji, authored by 52 Nirmala
intellectuals, he gained much knowledge
from this. But the spiritual taste/elixir he
was searching for was not discovered.
In 1920 Sant Sundar Singh Ji arrived at
Village Akhare on his preaching tour. It
was here upon meeting Sant Sundar
Singh Ji that the young Sant Gurbachan
Singh gained the inner peace that he
was searching for. The Jaap/mediation
of Waheguru Gurmantar began
intrinsically. By listening to the Katha,
Sant Gurbachan Singh’s heart was finally
filled with peace and bliss. It was at this
point that he felt he should become a
part of the Khalsa Panth and he took
Amrit. He became such a true Khalsa
that he made his life a continuous
penance, such a blissful repetition of
Simran began which he enjoyed to his
last moments, a non-stop invigorating
11
Introduction
Boparai at Gurdwara Sachkhand, while
listening to the kirtan of Asa Di Var at
around 8:15am he left the world for the
charan of Guru Sahib.
In his lifetime he completed the Katha of
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji 21 times. While
completing his seva he had about 1300
students, of whom 1000 became Akhand
Paathis, 200 became preachers, and
100 katha vaachiks. Sant ji paid for all
the costs incurred by his students. Sant
Giani Sundar Singh Ji spent all his life in
the selfless service of the Khalsa Panth.
meditation. Mind, body and wealth were
all sacrificed at the feet of the Guru. After
seeing the Nanakana Sahib Shaheedi
Episode..
qnu mnu kwit kwit sBu ArpI ivic
AgnI Awpu jlweI ]4]
I would cut my mind and body into
pieces, and offer them to You;I
would burn myself in fire. ||4||
(SGGS Ang 757)
...he imbued the spirit of this verse into
his lifestyle. On the top floor of Sri
Harimander Sahib (Amritsar) he
meditated on Gurmantar and
Moolmantar for 3 months.
jqu pwhwrw DIrju suinAwru ]
Let self-control be the furnace,
and patience the goldsmith.
(SGGS Ang 8)
He attained the great living of the above
verse and gained much spirituality
through his meditations and prayers.
In 1921 he went to Bindra Kala(n)
Rehat Maryada
Gurdwara and met the respected Sant
Sundar Singh Ji and humbly asked for
the blessing of Brahm Vidiya –
Knowledge of God. As a jeweller can
recognise the value of a gem, in the
same manner Sant Sundar Singh Ji
recognised the greatness of Sant
Gurbachan Singh Ji at this young age
(19), he embraced him with affection
and kept a watchful eye upon him. He
started to live in the Jatha on a permanent
basis. Sant Gurbachan Singh ji started
doing seva of the Sangat and Sant
Sundar Singh Ji and was always praying
to be accepted in the house of Guru
Nanak.
Daily he would rise at 1am, after doing
ishnaan – he would do simran for 45
minutes. His daily duty was to do the
ishnaan of the Gurdwara Sahib, to
perform Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s
Parkash and to recite Sri Japji Sahib and
Sri Sukhmani Sahib and to start the
Kirtan. He performed his duty with much
affection, purity, dedication, commitment
and discipline. He listened to Sant Sundar
Singh Ji narrate the Katha of Sri Guru
Granth Sahib Ji a total of 4 times and
was educated in the following by Sant
Jee – Bhai Gurdas Jee’s Vaars & Kabit
Svayas, Bhai Nand Lal Jee’s writings,
Sri Dasam Granth Sahib, Sri Guru Panth
Parkash, Sri Gur Bilaas – 6th & 10th
Guru and many other accepted writings.
By reading, meditating, listening,
accepting and practising Gurbani, the
true mystical meanings of Gurbani were
realised by him. He got educated in
other faiths to further his knowledge, he
studied Yoga Vedant, Panj Dasee,
Moksh Panth & other Granths along with
which he studied Sikh History. He read
125,000 Japji Sahib’s and performed
360,000 meditations of Mool Mantar and
countless meditations of Waheguru
simran were performed during this
period.
In this manner, his mind was always
attuned to Gurbani. At night whilst asleep
he would even start uttering Gurbani!
His voice was very sweet, his
pronunciation of Gurbani was always
perfect (Shudh). Due to his immense
love for Gurbani, Sant Sundar Singh Ji
appointed him his Paathi (reciter of
Gurbani) for Katha.
Sant Sundar Singh Ji narrated the
complete Katha of Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Jee at Boporai, Khalsa Ji was the
Paathee throughout the Katha and on
the day of the Bhog (close) of the Katha,
he honoured Khalsa Ji (Sant Gurbachan
Singh Ji) with a Siropa (robe of honour)
and he said to the sangat:
"With us (in the Jatha) we have
countless Gurmukhs who have
got educated, some have gone
on to full-time employment, many
have gone on to get entangled in
the demands of a householder's
life (Grahist). But only Khalsa Ji
has been able to truly grasp the
the teachings that were first taught
to me by Sant Bishan Singh Ji
Murale Vale. Sant Bishan Singh
Ji honoured me with many gifts
and today I place all these gifts in
the keep of Khalsa Ji. The
Jathedari of Damdami Taksal
started by Sri Guru Gobind Singh
Ji is being handed over to Khalsa
Ji with this Siropa".
On 15 February 1930 Sant Baba Sundar
Singh Ji ascended to Sach Kand and
Khalsa Ji stayed at Boporai and
completed the Katha of Sri Guru Granth
Sahib Ji 3 times and after about 3 and
half years along with 16 blessed
Gurmukhs they started doing Parchaar
on a touring basis. Gurbani Kirtan, Katha,
preaching, educating Singhs – making
them astute in all aspects of Gurmat and
initiating others into the Khalsa Panth
were the foremost aims of Khalsa Ji. On
many occasions he would walk many
miles along with the Jatha Singhs.
Punjab, Kashmir, Peshawar, Benares,
Patna Sahib, Jagannath Puri,
Rameshwaran, Sri Hazur Sahib,
Calcutta, Bombay were all visited and
Parchar done. In India there are only a
few areas/cities where Khalsa Ji did not
visit in his lifetime, to grow the tree of the
Sikh Nation and bless people with Amrit/
and initiation into the Khalsa Panth.
Khalsa Ji’s dedication to the Khalsa
discipline and promotion of Gurmat was
truly a heart-felt passion.
Just as a lotus flower stays detached/
floating along water, in the same manner
Khalsa Ji was forever detached from
Maya (worldly illusion). Thousands were
initiated into the Sikh-fold, thousands
were taught the correct pronunciations
of Gurbani and countless Gianis were
trained. In literature Khalsa Ji has
12
immensely contributed by writing various
tracts/pothis about Gurbani and Sikh
history and Sikh discipline. He did the
construction seva of many Gurdwaras.
His katha was so inspirational that those
who heard it once never forgot it and
they would listen to it repeatedly to further
their lifestyle to higher morality and
spirituality.
Whilst doing Katha/Kirtan Parchar, the
Sangat invited him to Village Mehta, and
he accepted the inviattion. On 28 June
1961 at Mehta on Thursday at 2.10am
their breathing started slowing down and
whilst doing Waheguru Simran, Khalsa
Ji merged back into the Light that he had
come from. Taking Khalsa Ji to Amritsar
Sahib water was taken from the Amrit
Sarovar and Khalsa Ji’s ishnaan was
performed outside the Gurdwara
complex. According to Khalsa Ji’s wishes
he’s body was cremated at Patalpuri –
Sri Kiratpur Sahib.
On three occasions prior to ascending to
Sachkand, Khalsa Ji had commented
on Sant Kartar Singh Ji becoming the
next Jathedar of Damdami Taksal, Sant
Kartar Singh Ji was a great scholar, a
Gursikh, complete in Khalsa discipline,
forever reciting Gurbani and of high
morals and spirituality. All the Sikh world
will forever be indebted to Sant Giani
Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa, who for the
benefit of humanity, for approximately
40 years dedicated his life to Gurmat
Parchar and gave thousands direction
in improving their characters/lifestyle.
However much we talk about his
sacrifice, it is still little and we cannot
express true gratitude or complete praise
for his seva.

13) Sant Giani Kartar
Singh Ji Khalsa
Bhindrawale
Sant Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa was born in
1932 to pious parents in Dist. Amritsar.
In his younger days, Sant Jee was
educated at the Government Middle
School Khemharan and at the National
High School, Bhikhivind. Further studies
were done at Khalsa College, Amritsar.
Along with academic education, Sant
Kartar Singh Jee was taught Gurmat by
Baba Baga Singh Jee who lived in his
village. With the grace of Guru Jee, he
quickly learnt his 5 morning prayers,
Reharas and Kirtan Sohela by heart. He
was still a student when, in 1948, he took
Amrit at Bhindra from Sant Gurbachan
Singh Jee’s Jatha and became very
close to him.
Whilst studying at Khalsa College he
also used to be engrossed in Simran
and prayers. he had so much love for
Gurbani that he used to recite over and
above the compulsory Nitnem for Sikhs.
His Anand Karaj was performed in 1950
when he was 18 years old. Two sons
were born: Shahid Bhai Amrik Singh Jee
and Bhai Manjeet Singh Jee. With the
permission of Sant Gurbachan Singh
Jee (also called Khalsa Jee) and, to fulfil
his father’s wishes, Sant Kartar Singh
Jee worked for a short while as a revenue
official in his village. he later gave this up
to live permanently with the jatha.
For some time he did the seva of being
a Garveye (similar to personal assistant)
to Khalsa Jee. Daily he would recite the
5 morning prayers, Jaitsri Di Var, Satte
Balvade di Vaar, 25 Ang of Sri Guru
Granth Sahib Jee and in the evening he
would recite the Panj Granthi, Bareh
Maha and many Japjee Sahib’s in Khalsa
Jee’s presence. He was very dedicated
in his seva.
He was very much involved in Gursikhi
Parchar, frequently thinking about the
Chardhi Kala of the Sikh Nation. He
realised that there was a dearth of
religious education and that some Sikhs
were straying from the path as a result.
He therefore used to discuss with learned
Gursikhs about steps to be taken to so
that the message of Sikhi could reach all
households.
He used to perform his duties till 12am/
1am, and would wake up at 4am – this
was his daily routine. He used to say,
“God has blessed us with beautiful
bodies, given us good food and, the
greatest of all, He has blessed us with
birth into a Sikh household. Then, if we
get lazy our lives are of no use. We
should dedicate each breath to Parchar.”
Sant ji actively and passionately went on
Parchar tours and worked tirelessly to
get Sikhs to take Amrit. He was also
very much in demand by the sangat in
various areas but made it a point not to
refuse anyone. On one ocassion, he fell
very ill but that did not stop him from
accepting an invitation from the sangat
in Chandigarh to talk at a Divan.
He believed that for Sikhi to flourish, a
Parcharak's lifestyle should be
exemplary and disciplined. He
emphasised that any one wishing to
speak publicly at a Gurdwara must be
Amritdhari. He advised the committee
of Sri Patna Sahib with regards to this
and they issued an edict/Hukamnama
to put this policy into effect. The result
was that 36 Dhadi Jathas and many
Parcharaks becaming Amritdahri.
Delighted with this, Sant Kartar Singh
Jee gave saropas to these Parcharaks
on 7th Oct 1976 at Bir Baba Budha
Sahib Jee. 250,000 people had
congregated and Sant Jee narrated the
history of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar Jee
and other Shahids. 5,000 men in the
Sangat were so inspired that they stood
up and promised never to drink alcohol
again or cut their hair.
Whenever anyone asked for his
13
Introduction
presence at their home, if the family was
Patit (not practising the Sikh rehat,
e.g.cutting hair, drinking alocohol/
intoxicants, etc) he would decline the
invitation until they promised to live the
life of good Sikhs. In this way, he helped
many wayward Sikhs onto the path.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee’s 300th
Shahidi day was celebrated by Sant Jee
by getting organisations, Jathebandhis,
Colleges participate in Sikhi parchar.
During the Emergency period, 37 large
processions were carried out in various
locations – the achievements of which
are beyond description. The whole Sikh
world was awakened by these great
events. Sant Jee used to stand for 15
hours at a time doing Parchar. A 100km
long procession would go past 60-70
villages and Sant Jee would do parchar
for 10-15 minutes at each village. Each
village’s Sangat was made to sing the
following well-known line:-
May my head be sacrificed,
But not my Sikhi.
Once, Sant Jee was asked to lay the
foundation of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur
charitable hospital in Ludhiana. When
Sant Jee arrived, about 15-20 men got
up in the Divan to welcome him. Sant
Jee immediately walked out and left.
The organisers were perplexed and went
and asked the reason for this and Sant
Jee replied, “In the presence of Sri Guru
Granth Sahib Jee no one should stand
to welcome or respect another, as this
degrades the respect of the Guru.”
All the organisers asked for forgiveness
and Sant Jee then returned to the Divan.
Sant Jee explained to them that it doesn’t
matter how famous the leader or great a
Gursikh is – no one is greater than the
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee.
Sant Kartar Singh Jee was the Jathedar
of Damdami Taksal for 8 years and did
much Gurmat Parchar in this time. On 3
August 1977 while he was travelling
from V. Maleeha (Jalandhar) to Solan,
his car crashed into a tree and he was
critically injured and was taken to C.M.C
Hospital. He remained steadfast in his
rehat and did not allow the removal of
bodily hair during his treatment.
Sant ji ascended to Sachkhand on 16
August 1977 due to his injuries.
Rehat Maryada
14) Sant Giani Jarnail
Singh Ji Khalsa
Bhindranwale
Sant Jarnail Singh Jee Bhindran Wale
was born in 1947 at village Rode, Dist
.Faridkoth.
Sant Jee took Amrit when he was only 5
years old. Later, he would daily recite
110 JapJee Sahibs and the Panj Granthi
whilst doing his farming duties. He
remained at his village and was
engrossed in meditation for 11 years.
He had little academic education but his
memory was astonishing. Sant Jee
memorised the following Bani’s in record
time: Dakhani Oankar in 1 day, Sukhmani
Sahib in 13 days, and Sidh Gosht in 1
day and Asa Di Vaar in 8 hours.
When Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee Khalsa
arrived at village Rode as he did every
year, he took Sant Jarnail Singh Jee
under his wings and educated him in the
knowledge of Gurbani. In one year he
learnt the proper pronunciations of
Gurbani and the history of the Gurus.
His Anand Karaj was performed in 1966
and he had two sons.
After Sant Giani Kartar Singh Jee Khalsa
ascended to Sachkand, Sant Jarnail
Singh Jee was appointed the Jathedar
of Damdami Taksal.
Under his Jathedari, Sikhi Parchar with
much fervour and passion was started.
For 8 months he did parchar touring
Punjabi villages/cities, Madh Pradesh
U.P, Bombay and Calcutta and other
areas. He was about to embark on his
second tour of parchar when, in 1978
Vaisakhi, the Nirankaris announced a
large gathering as a challenge.
The Damdami Taksal was the first to
take note of the anti-Sikh practises of
the Nakali Nirankaris. In 1953, Damdami
Taksal’s Jathadar and Singhs had
discovered that the Nirankaris were
distorting the message of the Sikh Gurus,
Sikh history, Sikh religion and discipline,
but were not taken seriously.
Sant Jee found out that the Nakali
Nirankaris were going to do an anti-Sikh
procession in Amritsar and sent some
Singhs to protest peacefully; but the
Nirankaris responded with gun fire, killing
13 Singhs and injuring many more. Even
with this tragedy the Narankari event
continued for more than 3 hours. Many
of those in power at that time had openly
supported the Nakali Nirankaris and this
raised tensions. Subsequently, the
Nakali Nirankari's leader was
assassinated and a warrant of arrest
was issued for Sant Jee on suspicion.
He voluntarily courted arrest on 20th
September 1981 and was questioned at
length. As there was no evidence linking
him to the assasination, he was released
without charge.
On 26 April 1982 a Morcha (campaign)
was started to get Amritsar a Holy City
status. Some Singhs of the Jatha and
Bhai Amrik Singh Jee were arrested.
Sant Jee began the Dharam Yudh
Morcha on 19 July 1982 to get the
innocent Singhs freed. During this time,
Sant Jarnail Singh Jee made Amritsar
his permanent residence, and Baba
Thakur Singh Jee was given the seva to
look after Gurdawara Gurdashan
Parkash Mehta. The Dharam Yudh
Morcha was also adopted by the
Shiromani Akali Dal on 4 August 1982
and they declared that the Morcha would
continue until all demands of the
Anandpur Sahib resolution were met. In
the first three months of the Dharam
Yudh Morcha 40,000 Singhs courted
arrest. The government refused all their
demands and began to criminalise and
persecute the Sikh community through
the state machinery. Certain groups
propagated the false view that Sikhs
wanted the whole of India to be divided
into many nations and that Sikhs were
enemies of Hindus. They propagated
the view that the lives of Hindus in Punjab
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were under threat and that an exodus of
Hindus from Punjab had begun.
As the Asian Games of November 1982
were being held in New Delhi, Sikh
leaders made it known that they would
inform the world media that Sikhs had
been discriminated against since
independence in 1947. Prior to
independence, Gandhi, Nehru and
others had given promises to the Sikhs,
but later went back on their word.
Because the Sikhs wanted to highlight
their plight during the games, they were
subjected to very humiliating body
searches and interogations to such an
extent that they were made to feel like
3rd class citizens. Their treatment was
not criticised by the press or anyone in
authority - further leading them to feel
like an oppressed minority in the country.
What followed next was a series of
official manouvering that took on an
anti-Sikh tone and actively set out to
show that the Sikhs were a danger to the
country. Meanwhile, Sant Jee would
make all those who visited him content
with his responses. Dr Subarmanim
Swami who was a member of the Indian
Parliament had this to say after
discussions with Sant Jee, “If Sant Jarnail
Singh is a terrorist, then so am I!”
In June 1984, Indian forces were ordered
to attack Sri Harmander Sahib and Sri
Akhal Takhat Sahib and a fierce battle
ensued - resulting in the deaths of
thousands on both sides.
Incidentally, in March 1983, Sant Jee
had learnt of these plans and the
prevalent threats to Sikhs and devised
strategies to lead the Sikhs through this
critical and historically definitive period.
He attempted to counter these plans
and wanted the cause of the Sikhs to
receive global media attention.
Operation Blue Star was seen as an
attempt to silence the Sikhs. In the battle
that ensued Baba Thara Singh
(Damdami Taksal), Bhai Amrik Singh
(President AISSF), General Subegh
Singh and many others were martyred.
Damdami Taksal maintains that Sant
Jee went underground according to the
wishes of the sangat. In his absence, the
Taksal is being run by Baba Thakur
Singh Jee.

Acting Jathedar
Sant Baba Takhur
Singh Ji Khalsa
The Sikh nation's respected religious
personality, Baba Takhur Singh Jee was
born in 1915,village Eechogill, Dist
Lahore (Pakistan).
Both his parents were pious and
Amritdharis who had unshakeable faith
in the Guru. After the Partition, they
came to India and settled in near Makhu,
Dist Ferozepur. From a younf age Baba
jee displayed a spiritual demeanor - he
meditated and had a merciful, peaceful
hearted, imbued with spiritual energy.
As a young boy, he would not waste his
time playing or engaging in casual talking.
When a little older, he started helping his
mother and father in running the
household, doing which he would attune
his concentration to Naam Simran. From
childhood, Baba Jee used to share his
earnings/food/belongings with others as
he saw God's Light in all.
Baba Jee longed to be in the precence
and seva of a true Gursikh/Brahmgiani.
He learnt from others that Brahmgiani
Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee Khalsa, along
with his Jatha, were doing Sikhi Parcher.
They were respected as great
intellectuals who had much blessings of
Satguru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee.
Baba Jee left home and went to Bhindra
in Dist Moga where Khalsa Jee resided
and later took Amrit.
Khalsa Jee recognised Baba Jee’s
spiritual state and thus put him in charge
of Langar. This seva was performed
with much love and commitment. After 2
Introduction
& half years seva Khalsa Jee accepted He restarted the great tradition of Sarbat
Baba Jee into the Jatha and taught him Khalsa and performed the
the knowledge of God. reconstruction of Sri Akhal Takhat Sahib
with much physical fervour. Many other
Until Khalsa Jee went to sachkand, Baba Gurdwaras have been built and are
Jee did seva of Garveye (close being built/renovated.
associate) for 22 years. Khalsa Jee was
pleased with this seva and blessed Baba Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj B-block was
Jee with a great spiritual state. He said, built in Sri Amritsar in memory of the
’’A time will come , when you will perform Shahids of the encounter with Nakali
the greatest seva of all. After Khalsa Jee Nirankaris of 1978. At Sri Anandpur
went to sachkand, Baba Jee carried on Sahib on Kiratpur Sahib Road, a
seva of Langer and sangats, with Sant Gurdwara was built to benefit visiting
Giani Kartar Singh Jee Khalsa. sangats. In memory of Sant Giani
Gurbachan Singh Jee Khalsa a Khalsa
Sant Giani Kartar Singh Jee had much
respect for Baba Jee and used to discuss
academy & a hospital have been built at
Mehta.
important decisions with him. It was a
critical period for Sikhs as there were
many efforts being made to silence the
Sikh community as a political and faith
group. Sant Kartar Singh Jee Khalsa
held 37 major processions which woke
the sleeping Sikh masses to their identity.
The government were trying to silence
Sant Kartar Singh Jee Khalsa and were
making plan’s to arrest him, Santh Jee
said the follwing in response to this, ‘’If
the government arrest me, then after me
Baba Takhur Singh Jee will be
responsible for Damdami Taksal. He
can give the seva of leadership to whom
he sees fit.”
After Sant Kartar Singh Jee Khalsa
Bhindra Vale ascended to Sachkand,
Baba Jee appointed Sant Giani Jarnail
Singh Jee Khalsa the leader of Damdami
Taksal.
In July 1982, Sant Jarnail Singh Jee
Khalsa began the Dharam Yudh Morcha
and Baba Jee was given the seva to look
after Gurdawara Gurdashan Parkash
Mehta. Since 1984 he has guided
Damdami Taksal through testing and
difficult times, and his wisdom has shined
throughout.
Baba Jee has kept the Damdami Taksal
Parcher countinuous, he attends many
functions throughout the world.
Thousands have been inspired through
parchar organised by Baba Jee and
have taken Amrit. He has fought cases
for arrested Singhs and has assisted
those still in jail in whatever manner
possible. Shahid’s families have also
been provided for and are still being
supported.
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