Sikh Mobile Apps (iPhone)

The recent explosion of mobile apps has also overflowed into Gurbani app development. Out of all the software I came across, GurbaniAnywhere for iPhone is FANTASTIC, and in many ways better than Desktop Gurbani software – the time and care which has gone into this software is obvious. Unfortunately, we don’t see it (or any other app like it) available on the Android yet, although it has been planned for quite sometime:
This interesting app makes clever use of the iPhone rotate feature to offer a Hukamnama (orders from the Guru) and if you shake it between 4am and 9am, it will play the morning Sikh prayers, and if you shake it between 4pm and 9pm, it will play the evening Sikh prayers – very innovative!
iSikhi, I found to be quite dated compared to recent modern UI expectations. However, if you understand this history of iSikhi you’ll find it was a revolutionary effort, especially since it was one of the first to apps to support Gurmukhi fonts on the iPhone (even before iPhone itself supported them!) and as a result of this app, countless others app developers have been inspired to produce Gurbani apps. Great work Mandeep!
Recently we launched this, and in light of doing an objective review, this is not really an app, but rather a website designed to work with all mobiles phones – so not very useful for all those key moments where there is no internet connection:
Maninder is working on an iSearchGurbani app for the Android, iPad and iPhone. I’m excited to see what else he has up his sleeve in this soon-to-be-released Gurbani app!

Posted by Navleen Singh

SGPC won’t pay court fee, gives up Bluestar case


New Delhi: Putting an end to a nearly three-decade-old legal battle for Rs 1,000 crore compensation from the Union government for the 1984 Operation Bluestar, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Monday informed the Delhi high court it is withdrawing its suit.

    In a three-page affidavit filed before Justice M L Mehta, the SGPC informed that by a resolution passed on March 8, 2013, the SGPC executive committee decided to withdraw the suit that claimed compensation of Rs 1,000 crore for the damages caused to the Golden Temple in the operation carried out by the Army in 1984.

    The SGPC in its affidavit says it took stock of the case and of the objections raised by the Central government and observed that the maintainability of the suit is yet to be decided. The SGPC said if the court fee of about Rs 10 crore is paid on the amount claimed, it will be “sheer wastage of money spent on court fee, which is the hard-earned money donated by devotees” if the case is decided against it.

    The money will “go in vain” the SGPC argued in its affidavit seeking liberty to withdraw its suit. On Monday, Justice Mehta was informed by the counsel for SGPC that its office-holder Mangat Singh was unable to be present in court and if granted time he will appear to give an undertaking to withdraw the suit. Justice Mehta then adjourned the case and posted it for hearing for April 22. The affidavit marks an end to a suit that was instituted in an Amritsar court in 1985 and was later transferred to the Delhi HC.

    In January, 2013, the HC began hearing the case but following the revised court fee system, directed the SGPC to first deposit Rs 10 crore as fee if it wanted to pursue the case.

    When the committee expressed its helplessness in paying such a huge amount claiming it is “indigent” organization, the HC brushed aside these arguments and gave it eight weeks to deposit the fee.
Posted by Navleen Singh

CHAPTER 6: BHAI SOHAN SINGH JI JANGPUR WALE


CHAPTER 3
THE GOLDEN BHAI SARWAN SINGH
Though Bhai Sarwan Singh was of dark complexion, yet his Namimbued glowing face would radiate golden hue always. That is how I came to name him “The Golden Bhai Sarwan Singh”. He is other than Bhai Sarwan Singh of village Phalewal, whose original whereabouts are unknown. It is as if he appeared suddenly from nowhere to join Jatha just before my imprisonment. Soon after he got Baptised and attained the sublime spirituality instantly. He knew nothing of the Gurmukhi script nor could recite a single Gurbani Shabad from memory. He was totally illiterate and yet, like it is said in Gurbani:

The mortal who contemplates of the Lord,
attains spirituality sublime whether literate of illiterate.
Gauri M:5 [197]
He had access to great depths of Gurmat awareness. He was verily the personification of service. He was in his early youth without any signs of beard. He remained engrossed in service day and night. He was gifted in Nam-Simran, reciting Nam with every breath endlessly.
During Akhand Pathh and Akhand Kirtan Samagams he offered for all kinds of service, selfless service. He would prepare langar for the entire congregation, no matter how large the numbers. He served all with his own hands in every way, including cleaning of utensils (that he would not share with anyone). He would keep the iron utensils of SarbLoh in shining state of cleanliness. He would carry the sack of utensils on his head to every Samagam. He would sling over the shoulders the musical instruments of harmonium and tabla and yet carry more on his shoulders. In short, he tried to carry almost everything as far as possible. In accordance with his humble request langar was kept adjacent to the Akhand Pahth recitation. He was very keen on both listening to Akhand Pathhs and serving in the langar.
This kept on for years and his high spiritual state and access to the sublime, remained secret except for the few close associates. His selfless continuous service with extreme humility bore the fruit on its own of deeply steeped love of Divine-Nam, surpassing even the accomplished ascetic spiritualists. He started envisioning the invisible and futuristic events. At all times whether sitting, standing or walking, he was engrossed in the practice of Nam-Simran. He never would showoff nor would anyone praise him and nor did he seek it. He would make provisions for bathing of all Singhs at 2.00A.M and then take bath himself. Sitting aloof in a cover and unknown to others, he would listen to Nitnem recitation along with Nam-Simran practice. This was his routine. I never saw him sleeping, nor in any undesirable company. He was always in the midst of holy Sangat. His only occupation was Nam and Seva. During Akhand Pathh Samagams he remained in langar through out the Sewa. His body thus remained engaged in service in Langar and consciously he would listen to Akhand Pathh.
After the service, he would sit among the listeners of Akhand Pathh in a most inconspicuous way. He generally appeared to be a carefree and impulsive Sikh. Jewellers alone know the worth of jewels and precious stones. Everybody is not given to such awareness. His selfless service enabled him to soar in spirit and finally brought him the occult powers.
However he never prided in his occult powers nor anyone knew about this. Even I remained unaware of these secrets.
Accidently this secret was revealed one day. The Jatha made preparations to proceed to a village via Nabha to join Akhand Pathh Samagam at the house of a Gurmukh. It was the summer period of May-June. The Golden Vir, Bhai Sarwan Singh was also among the Jatha. While I was my tying turban, he sat on a cot and started dozing.
He used to sleep briefly even while walking. In a brief period of 5 to 10 minutes, he got up with a start uttering ‘WAHEGURU, WAHEGURU’. Noticing anxiety and worry on his face, I asked him whether he had seen any queer events in his dream. He innocently replied, “What to say Sir! I saw that Akhand Pathh is being recited at a place and I am serving in the langar. Meantime a Pathhi is heading for the langar. I reckoned it to be you. On the way a dog bit his leg. Such was the wound the blood streamed with great flow. I hit the dog with a piece of wood to stop his bite. Seeing this horror I woke up. I felt as if this was a real happening.” Soon after we started on our way. The entire Jatha went walking. The village was at about 10 miles from Nabha. Soon after reaching the village, we started preparing for the Akhand Pathh. There was Akhand Kirtan during the early ambrosial hours and the Pathh commenced after that. I started reciting Pathh.
When I was relieved by another Pathhi, I was asked to partake something from the langar. I was still under the intoxicating influence of Gurbani. With half-closed eyes enjoying contemplation of Nam, I was walking wearing wooden sandals. Just close to the langar was a pillar and behind that was a dog sitting. I was unaware of the dog and accidently stepped on his forepaw. The dog caught my ankle in his jaws. So severe was the bite that blood came out in streams. Bhai Sarwan Singh was preparing the langar and sitting near hearth. He got up and hit the dog with a piece of wood to free me from (the dog) him.
Strangely I never felt any pain and despite the blood flowing, I was shouting happily, “Singh’s dream has come true. How Wonderful! What a fulfillment of the forecast event!!” I was remembering Bhai Sarwan Singh’s narration of the queer event and so I burst out with his secret. However Bhai Sarwan Singh had forgotten all about it. I was asked by Singhs of the Jatha about the dream and what was the astonishing fulfillment. I replied that there was nothing to describe here. It warranted privacy. The Singhs took me for bandage of the wound and now that we were away from the scene, they insisted on the information. In the absence of Bhai Sarwan Singh I explained about his envisioning the event in detail just as it occurred in reality. I also stressed not to discuss this with the Golden Vir, so that he enjoys his innocence in obscurity and away from public glare. It caught wind and everybody in the Jatha came to know of it. Suddenly there was a new respect for him in all hearts, yet none mentioned about his occult power and envisioning the event in advance. This is the uniqueness of the House of Guru that people enjoying sublime state of spirituality, envisioning the invisible, are able to control the uncontrollable power.
This comes naturally to the Gursikhs, who make no show of it nor bloat with ego. Seeing the carefree and enthusiastic Vir Sarwan Singh, dedicated to Nam and service, none could imagine his high spirituality.
The ease of equipoise is seen only among the free and humble Gurmukh Sikhs of the Guru. It is enough to demonstrate this event pertaining to this Vir, who can fathom the hidden secrets of the inconspicuous spiritual beings.
After sometime I was whisked away to the jail, leaving behind such beloveds of the Guru. I never knew where they scattered to and where the Golden Bhai Sarwan Singh went! I have a feeling that he must have left for Abode-Divine or else he would certainly have come to see me. I know nothing from where he had come. I am left with his narrated memory. So here I end it!

Posted by Navleen Singh
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CHAPTER 5: ANOTHER YOUTH FROM VILLAGE LALTON BUDDING VIR JASWANT SINGH


CHAPTER 5
ANOTHER YOUTH FROM VILLAGE LALTON
BUDDING VIR JASWANT SINGH JI
This episode relates to the period of few years earlier to my life imprisonment. The Akhand Kirnani Jatha used to join the Sikh Youth Association in Ludhiana at their Gurdwara for the weekly and Gurpurb Samagams. The Gurpurb of Guru Nanak Sahib and Guru ‘Dasmesh Sahib’ The tenth Nanak; used to be particularly well attended. Under the able organization of the association secretary Bhai Lal Singh Ji (now Sardar Bahadur Lal Singh Ji) and Giani Nahar Singh Ji, the Sikh students of other schools of the city were also invited. On the occasion of ‘Katak Pooranmashi Gurpurab’, a group of Sikh students from Mission High School Ludhiana also came to join the Gurpurab celebration. Listening to the stimulating Kirtan by the Jatha many of the young, uninitiated souls got inspired.
One of the students from the mission school was the young Vir Jaswant Singh Ji. Though he was very young and belonged to a poor family, yet he was gifted with excellent qualities of head and heart. As a student of a Christian school, he had his hair cut and was totally ignorant of the Sikh Faith and the tenets. As a participant at the Gurpurb celebrations,
he experienced spiritual joy with a new awakening of his spirit. He was so moved that he left the Mission School to join the Khalsa High School. His high academic standing had earned him a very good scholarship in the Mission school. He decided to forego the scholarship to be able to enjoy the new spiritual environment. He joined the Khalsa High School Boarding House. I am not sure of the extent of financial help extended to him by the Khalsa School management. However his scholarship was restored and he was given some benefits like exemption from school fee etc. The Sikh students contributed towards the cost of his books expenditure. This Vir Jaswant Singh was not greedy nor had he changed to the new school with such a motive. This was his spiritual yearning that had wrought the change. He resolved to grow hair to establish his Sikh identity.
Soon he had tress-knot on his head. So, on the next Gurpurb of ‘Dasmesh Guru Ji’ he got Baptised and became a full-fledged ‘SINGH’. His spiritual progress astounded many well-experienced Sikh missionaries. He had profound insight of ‘Gurmat’, the divine wisdom of the Guru. He had innocent looks, very high ‘Gurmat’ thoughts and a spiritual glow on his face. Soon after Baptism his inner being blossomed forth with Divine Light and his face reflected theglory. His ‘Kirtan’ singing was extremely emotional and heart piercing at such young age. What distinguished him most was that inspite of his being engrossed in spiritual development, he retained his high academic performance. He was soon a young graduate with the B.A qualification.
By this time many of the Jatha, got imprisoned. During the Rakab Ganj Gurdwara agitation all the students, particularly this newly Baptised, cute, young, little Singh, were advised against participating in the agitation. He was highly insistent to join the brothers from Jatha in Jail. It took quite a bit of trickery on our part to deny him this. Though he was refrained from joining agitation, yet he could not reconcile with parting from the jailed Singhs and became very sick. Every effort was made to make him accept Divine-Will, yet nothing worked and his love yearnings and his love-lorn state proved fatal. He passed away before my return from jail. Having found peace in Abode-Divine, he never returned to soothe those of us left behind. What more to write? At such a young age, it was amazing to see such deep study of Gurmat tenets and devotion. He would be in trance for hours during contemplation of Nam. His concentration was phenomenal. This was without a parallel, considering his age. This was the brief life story of young little Vir Jaswant singh Ji that was short-lived but bright!
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RANGLE SAJJAN : Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh ji Translated by: Bhai Jaspinder Singh ji


CHAPTER 7: BHAI LAL SINGH SARBLOHI (DHANDRA)
Sri Bhai Lal Singh Ji was a prominent Kirtaniya (singer) in Akhand Kirtani Jatha. He would sing in a shrill tune that moved the hearts of listeners. Though shrill, yet his voice was distinctly audible. His mood of singing had depth of devotional feelings that generated a similar response from the audience. He would go on and on, as if neither he nor the spellbound listeners were ever satiated with music divine. He was one of the rare ones, who could sing all through the night. He appeared a personification of devotion, staying fresh and alert all along.
He was very proficient in playing a peacock-like musical instrument, Taus. He was popularly known as 'Bhai Lal Singh with The Peacock'. With the harmonium he would play new tunes of his own, as though the instrument was an integral part of him. Losing himself totally in Kirtan, he would bend and swing over the harmonium in frill ecstasy.
The pitch of his naturally shrill voice would keep rising. He had frill grasp of the Gurbani being sung and thus his feelings of devotional love kept mounting. He always selected devotional shabads of yearning Godly-love. His accentuated feelings of deep devotion would create an environment of pinning for love-divine that made his own teary eyes flow freely.
He came from village Dhandra in the district of Ludhiana. His ancestors were followers of strict Sikh-discipline of the faithful. He too abided by the discipline of 'all steel' (sarbloh) along with his wife as soon as he was initiated with Baptism. The Jatha had gone to his village for the baptising ceremony and thus he became an inseparable part of the Jatha. He broke away from his earlier associations and remained aloof from customary rituals. He was initiated with a band of highly devout, self-sacrificing individuals, who frilly accepted the Sikh code undermining the ensuing hardships. The whole village turned up on the occasion, yet none dared to join him in getting co-baptised nor did anybody match him in his seeking in spiritual hunger. Kirtan singing groups from adjoining villages also came to attend. The Jatha had already earned a name for a generous feasting and there was a special sense of abundance this time. There was unlimited supply of food, particularly Karah Prasad (sweet pudding of wheat flour, sugar and ghee in equal measure). All were equally served to their entire satisfaction in spite of the heavy gathering from surrounding villages.
One elderly person from the village Phalewal, Bhai Nand Singh was seated separately. This was done because this brave Singh had great appetite and would have to leave un-satiated if seated with others in a common row. While taking his special seat, he said, “You have guessed me rightly. However, today I am in a mood of taking only Karah Prasad. I wish to see whether you can meet my requirements.” He was being served liberally. While he kept swallowing, the serving Singh too kept supplying into the steel bowl in front of Bhai Nand Singh. This went on to the delight of Bhai Nand Singh, swallowing happily with dreamy eyes. God knows how much he ate. The serving Singh estimated that it could be around five kilograms. The serving was stopped when he gave the indication with folded hands. I remember that this marvellous person showered a lot of blessings to reflect his happiness. Facing me he said smilingly, "Bhai Randhir Singh, I am fully satiated with Karah Prasad today. None could meet my hill requirement till date. It is only this blessed Jatha that could do it. May Satguru ever bring victory to ‘Deg’ and ‘Teg’; unlimited food in common kitchen and the sword of universal welfare." Then he stood up, moving his left hand over his full belly and pointing his arrow with the right towards the assembled gathering he shouted repeatedly, “All and sundry shall join in (faith and Baptism) after facing disgrace without.” This was a time when the Baptism was not so common yet.
The Jatha left soon after, taking leave of the newly baptised Bhai Lal Singh Ji and his wife. The couple remained steadfast in their strong Sikh faith all through their lives. Bhai Lal Singh Ji was of thin build and light body, yet he was full of bravery. Whenever occasion arose to champion a good cause, he was always in the forefront like a lion to meet any challenge. The following illustration should suffice.
In accordance with Divine-Will, I was in jail custody at Ludhiana along with members of the Jatha. Bhai Lal Singh was engaged in some mission of his own and was unaware of this event of our arrest. As soon as he got the news, he became restless and either wanted to join us in the jail or carry out a raid on the jail like Sikhs of olden times to free his brethren. The police of the British Raj kept strong guard around us even in jail. They were gathering some basis and proofs to initiate the court case against us. They had to keep requesting extension of our custody in jail from the court to prolong it. Thus, the period was extended to many months in jail for the Sikhs. It was obligatory for the court to inform the accused about remand of their custody. In our case the British courts illegally ignored this and justice was thrown to the winds. The court orders for remand were read out to us in jail and date of next hearing informed. Once it so happened that either due to clerical error or ignorance of new judicial officer we were called to the Courts for our hearing. Our group of twenty Singhs with handcuffs came out of the jail under police guard and started marching toward the courts.
There were two policemen armed and swords for every accused, marching along in close formation. Just as lion coming out of his den into the open air gets excited, similarly our brave Singhs put into the jail dungeons for months, on feeling fresh open air thought of their escape. They resolved by making signs that after subduing the guarding policemen they would make good their escape. However the farsighted Giani Nahar Singh among us controlled the situation and advised against this. It is a long distance from the jail to the courts. Escorting the Singhs lions-in-spirit, the well armed and more than double sized policemen were shivering in fear. In fact they were merely carrying weapons, unsure of their ability to use them. They would have surrendered these to the Singhs with a single lion-like roar from them or the Singhs would have snatched from their hands. Fear was clearly evident from their pale faces. They would panic at the slightest sound or gesture. About 100 yards from the courts, there was thick growth of trees that was lying uninhabited. We had to cross through this on our way to the courts. We had barely gone halfway through the trees when we noticed Bhai Lal Singh carrying an axe on his shoulder heading toward our party with the intent to challenge the escorting guards. He had been trying to find clues about us due to his pangs of brotherly love. On this day he suddenly found us as prisoners and was overcome by his martial spirit. Unmindful of the policemen he came close to us
and started to walk with us. He started making signs for permission to attack the policemen and lead us to freedom. One weak-hearted among us commented that what could he do alone? The brave Singh roared back that, “A Singh is never alone, but equivalent to one and quarter lakh (sava lakh). Hearing this, the policemen were greatly frightened. They requested Bhai Lal Singh, “Kindly allow us to complete our duty.
Once we finish, there will be a new escort party of policemen to escort the prisoners back to the jail. Meanwhile you may gather more help for you.” Bhai Lal Singh would not listen to their pleas and was ready to attack. Some of our farsighted companions pleaded with him for restraint with folded hands. Meanwhile, we approached the court compound. The court was also in panic. Seeing our arrival, they were anxious to send us back to the jail, saying that remand orders were to be read out in jail. This time we were escorted back through a safer route though longer in distance.
Poor Lal Singh Ji could not fulfil his heart's desire. Neither did we return via the forest trees nor could Bhai Lal Singh rescue us, much against his wish. There was absolutely no doubt that if we had returned via same route or had we accepted his offer in the first place he would have jumped into action and got us our freedom. This was a time when people feared to show signs of acquaintance with the accused. We were avoided generally and none dared to exchange greetings of Fateh with us. It was during my jail period that Bhai Lal Singh Ji left this world and his mortal frame for abiding in ‘Gur-Puri’.
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RANGLE SAJJAN : Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh ji Translated by: Bhai Jaspinder Singh ji


CHAPTER 2
KHANJAR WALIYE: SAINT-LIKE MAHANT
SUNDER SINGH JI
It was in 1910 that I had an irresistible call from my beloved Gurmukhs Sri Babu Mal Singh Ji and Bhai Piara Singh Ji. Accompanied by Akhand Pathhis and Akhand Kirtani Jatha, I landed at Ambala Cantt. We had a prolonged session of Akhand Pathhs and Akhand Kirtans. In the Army Rasala No.18 Bhai Sunder Singh Ji was employed as Granthi. He was in his early youth with small, uniform growth of beard on his round, healthy face. Attracted spiritually by the Jatha programs, he was always seen along with another youthful Vir Arjan Singh (who became well known later as Bhuri wale Sant) following the Namimbued Jatha in a love-lorn state. He was highly strung with spiritual yearnings and his sleep had evaded him day and night. Such was the piercing of arrows of spiritual love. He had only one strong desire that he should get baptised by the Gurmukh Jatha at the earliest, so as to get similarly imbued with Nam. Well versed in Gurmat tradition, Sri Bhai Piara Singh Ji (who has presently left for heavenly Abode) approached me with the request to include Granthi Sunder Singh Ji among the Pathhis. He explained that Bhai Sunder Singh Ji’s recitation was fluent and faultless. In turn I lovingly explained that this Vir is as yet a candidate for Baptization, still in search of Nam-Nectar. How could he become a Pathi when he is still unBaptized? This would be against the tradition of the Jatha. I realized that Bhai Piara Singh Ji was very keen to listen Pathh from the Granthi and therefore assured that his desire would soon be fulfilled once Bhai Sunder Singh is a Baptised Singh. His love yearnings are still ascending so let these rise up fully. Hearing this Sri Bhai Piara Singh Ji had nothing more to say. Sitting near by, Bhai Sunder Singh was listening to the above conversation. With folded hands he humbly submitted, “Truly I am not yet competent to become a Pathhi of this Jatha. I am still a beggar at their door. I have listened to many Akhand Paths and participated in many. I could recite with great fluency.
However the bliss I am enjoying in listening to the Akhand Pathhs of this Jatha, I have not experienced before. Every Pathhi recites Gurbani as if shooting arrows that pierce hearts. This has changed the course of my dry life. It appears as if I am soon going to be reborn with the essence of Gurmat Nectarian life.”
Bhai Sunder Singh Granthi had the insight to evaluate the pure Gurmat principles of the Jatha and firmly decided to join it. After a few Akhand Pathhs, it was his turn to get Baptised. Baptizing ceremony was part of every Akhand Pathh and the Jatha was frequent visitor to Ambala Cantt. Once the decision was made known for Granthi Bhai Sunder Singh to get Baptised, he adopted the discipline of Sarbloh, use of pure iron utensils in advance. He was selected among the candidates for Baptism. His joy knew no bounds. He had prepared his inner self to be imbued with Nam-dye. The arrow of Divine-Love immediately hit the bull of the target. No sooner the five beloved ones sprinkled drops of Nectar into the mouth of thirsty rain bird and the initiation of Guru mantar  was heard, such was the piercing of this Divine Arrow that the highest spirituality was attained. Such was the shinning glory of the face of dear brother Sunder Singh Ji, that it was difficult to behold. The handsome face, imbued with the magical Nectarine Nam became highly splendrous. He had considerable proficiency in Kirtan earlier and when he got tuned to Nam-Bani after Baptism, it attained new miraculous heights. The arrow of Shabad Kirtan originating from his heart pierced through many other similar jewels. He lost all pride as distinguished Army Granthi and its rank. He was happy to be humblest of the humble seeking dust of the holy congregation. He became the dedicated servant of the house of Guru. His dedication to service was such that he lost ego of being Baba Ji as Army Granthi. He was ever intoxicated with Nam-Nectar, unaffected by his surroundings. He was engrossed in the enjoyment of celestial bliss. He forgot all about eating and drinking needs and neglected dressing up as a well-groomed Baba Ji. He wore only the dress of a Gurmukh, that of Kachhera, a grey shirt, Kirpan with Gatra (belt across the body) and the double turban (lower one of Saffron colour and the top one black woolen). He abandoned the formal dress of Granthi Baba of tight pajama, etc., yet he appeared resplendent and majestic. Today his recitation of Akhand Path, regaling and blissful to the listeners, is beyond all praise. The recitation is like raining of fragrant Nam-Nectar. He is the most fluent Pathhi today and yet most clear and flawless to the listeners. His recitation was uplifting and swaying the minds. He recited for hours together without any fatigue with ever-rising pitch. Alongside more and more glory shone on his face. His divine glow associated with Nam-Bani was unbearable for the beholders. The inner recitation of Nam went on with full force in unison with recitation of Akhand Pathh. That is how the moon-like face shone with freshness and also kept the listeners fresh and attentive. This was a great, priceless jewel, added to the Jatha. Wondrous was his glory. In the Army Rasala No.18 he was thus a high-spirited Akhand Kirtaniya, Akhand Pathhi and one of the Baptizing Jatha of Immaculate Nam. Such was the divine blessing! The prevalent spiritual environment at Ambala Cantt. was so enriched that even the celestial angels would have been yearning for this. The Sikh Platoons, Rasalas, Regiments and Artillery happened to come together in this cantonment.
This must have aroused the envy of even the stars of destiny, because this heavenly bliss was short lived. With change of historical circumstances, the army formations had to move away to new places of duty. With this, our visits to Ambala Cantt. also became rarer. The transfers of our Army friends ended the gatherings of love-lorn spiritual seekers. We accepted the coming events as the Divine-Will. After my release from life-imprisonment the news I could get was that Khanjar walia Vir Sunder Singh was no more a Granthi in Army. He was now a Mahant of a Nirmala sect at village Lohgarh near Raikot. This was a hereditary position that Mahant Sunder Singh filled with distinction, preaching the essence of Gurmat. From Lohgarh he moved his base to the village Lohat Vadi. It became a centre for holy congregations with people joining from far and near. The environment of spirituality and rich feast of Nectarian bliss started attracting true lovers of Divine. The annual special gatherings included the Baptizing ceremonies. Many were the beneficiary souls.
With my return to village Narangwal, there was continuous flow of countless holy ones, joining in holy congregations. That is the time that Vir Bhai Sunder Singh headed an impressive Kirtani Jatha from Lohat Vadi. He had the same personality of peaceful splendour, which I had known with a glowing face and black beard, like a cloud around the moon. However his body was not athletic but he had developed a paunch. We met as old friends after long separation, holding each other in tight embrace and separated yet again. I still remember parting words of Sri Beloved Vir Bhai Sunder Singh Ji. He said, “This is blissfulness of fleeting times. The next meeting shall await the destiny.” He returned to Loht Vadi. His continuous sitting in meditation had caused fatal piles disease. He died, leaving his mortal frame for his heavenly abode!

Blessed is such a life.
Gauri Bavan Akhri M:5, P:13 [252]


ILLUSTRATION BY: HARLEEN SINGH
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Why is Diwali Important To Sikhs?



The Third Sikh Teacher, Guru Amar Das institutionalized this as one of the special days when all Sikhs would gather to receive the Gurus blessings at Goindwal. In 1577 the foundation stone of The Golden Temple was laid on Diwali. The Diwali festival took place during the life of the sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind Sahib. The Muslim Emperor Jahengir, imprisoned the Guru and 52 Kings.The Emperor ruled India at this time. The Asian Indians begged the Emperor to release the Guru and the Emperor agreed but the Gurus said also release the kings. Guru ji had a gown made with 52 string pieces for the Hindus to hold. The Guru and the Hindu kings were also freed at Diwali, Sikhs were very happy when their leader was released. Guru Hargobind Sahib went to the Golden Temple Amritsar in the Punjab. Sikh Diwali is recalled throughout India and in many countries; each year to remember Guru ji's release. At Diwali we worship the religious freedom for Sikhs and this is why Diwali is called the Light Festival. As Guru's Mother was full of happiness that her son was released she ordered food and sweets and gave them to everyone. The worshippers float multi-coloured light candles on the water at the Golden Temple. The gurdwara, hold a grand fireworks display.


SACRIFICE ON DIWALI BHAI MANI SINGH 
Bhai Mani Singh was a great Sikh scholar and martyr who was the scribe of the final version of the Guru Granth Sahib under the guidance of Guru Gobind Singh. In 1737 Bhai Mani Singh took permission from the muslim governor of Lahore for the Sikhs to celebrate Diwali at the Golden Temple on the payment of Rs. 5,000 as tax, a practice which had been banned. Not enough people attended Diwali that year because they were afraid of the muslim authorities and as a result not enough money was collected. The muslim authorities arrested Bhai Mani Singh and publicly executed him in Lahore. This great Martyr showed his courage as he recited Sukhmani Sahib while he was cut LIMB BY LIMB, JOINT BY JOINT and remained in high spirits through the torture.wahegurooo waheguroo wahegurooo waheguruooo..

How to Celebrate Bandi Chhorh Diwas / Diwali 
Guru Hargobind Ji was released in 1619 AD from the Gwalior fort and He also helped other 52 rajas to be freed from the life imprisonment. The celebrations were held when he arrived at Amritsar.

Question is that why do we celebrate the day many hundred years after ?
Do we understand ?

Probably NOT. An attempt has been made to answer the above questions as follows :

Purpose of the Celebrations is to remember Guru Ji and pray for one's own release from the imprisonment like 52 rajas. One might think that he/she is not in prison and is free to do whatever ...

One might be wrong here. Most people are constantly being forced into the PRISON of pride, rat race, show off, peer pressure and one may go to the extent of turning morals against what Gurus have laid down (smoking, using intoxicants, adultery, removing hair and so on .....). Most of us are prisoners of the culture & society.

Objective of the celebration is to pray for our liberation from the worldly bonds and act upon Guru's path of truthfulness to avail human life time (i.e. to be one with Waheguru / Lord). Rather than lighting a deeva of clay, oil & wick, one should light the mind with the divine knowledge contained in Gurbani.

Therefore, lighting a deeva in true sense is acquiring Divine knowledge & virtues (being kind, humble, meek, tolerant, selfless, sweet spoken .....) that leads one to become one with Waheguru / God.

Gurbani advises us which deeva to light and where in the following shabad ;

Aasaa Mahalaa 1, Deevaa meraa ek naam dukh vich paayeyaa t'ail || un chaanan oh sokheyaa chookaa jum seon mail ||

which means that God's Name (divine devotion) is my lamp (to be lighted in the mind); I have put the oil of suffering (ego, jealousy, anger, lust, greed) into it. Its flame has dried up this oil, and I have escaped meeting with the Messenger of Death i.e. attained union with Waheguru. (Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 358)

May our prayers be listened and Waheguru grant us freedom, like the 52 rajas, from the worldly bonds (ego, lust, anger, greed, jealousy, hatred and peer pressure etc.).

Awip mukqu mukqu krY sMswru ] nwnk iqsu jn kau sdw nmskwru.

meaning that He (Guru) who Himself is liberated, liberates the universe (i.e. "Bandi Chhorh"). Guru Nanak says, I bow (to the Guru) in reverence forever (Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 295).

Dhan Dhan (Great) Sri Guru Hargobind Ji

Bandi Chhorh Diwas (Diwali) of 1737 
Bhai Mani Singh transcribed the final version of Guru Granth Sahib upon dictation from Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1704 at Damdamma Sahib. After heavenly abode of Guru Sahib in 1708, he took charge of Harmandir Sahib's management. In 1737, invitations were sent to the Sikhs all over India to join Bandi Chhorh Diwas celebrations at Harmandir Sahib. A tax of 5000 rupees (some authors have mentioned 10,000 rupees) had to be paid to the Mogul governor of Punjab, Zakariya Khan. Bhai Mani Singh Ji later discovered the secret plan of Zakariya Khan to kill the Sikhs during the gathering. Bhai Mani Singh Ji immediately sent message to all the Sikhs not to turn up for celebrations. Zakariya Khan was not happy about the situation and he ordered Bhai Mani Singh's assassination at Lahore by ruthlessly cutting him limb-by-limb to death. Ever since, the great sacrifice & devotion of Bhai Mani Singh Ji is remembered on the Bandi Chhorh Diwas (Diwali) celebration.

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Annual Akhand Keertan Smaagam october video manpreet singh kanpuri 2011

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Hukamnama Golden Temple asu month 17 Sept. 2011[HQ]


ਅਸੁਨਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਉਮਾਹੜਾ ਕਿਉ ਮਿਲੀਐ ਹਰਿ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਪਿਆਸ ਦਰਸਨ ਘਣੀ ਕੋਈ ਆਣਿ ਮਿਲਾਵੈ ਮਾਇ ॥ ਸੰਤ ਸਹਾਈ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਕੇ ਹਉ ਤਿਨ ਕੈ ਲਾਗਾ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਵਿਣੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਿਉ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਦੂਜੀ ਨਾਹੀ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਜਿੰਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਚਾਖਿਆ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਰਸੁ ਸੇ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਰਹੇ ਆਘਾਇ ॥ ਆਪੁ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਬਿਨਤੀ ਕਰਹਿ ਲੇਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਲੜਿ ਲਾਇ ॥ ਜੋ ਹਰਿ ਕੰਤਿ ਮਿਲਾਈਆ ਸਿ ਵਿਛੁੜਿ ਕਤਹਿ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਵਿਣੁ ਦੂਜਾ ਕੋ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਸਰਣਾਇ ॥ ਅਸੂ ਸੁਖੀ ਵਸੰਦੀਆ ਜਿਨਾ ਮਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇ ॥੮॥

In the mont...h of Assu, my love for the Lord overwhelms me. How can I go and meet the Lord?
My mind and body are so thirsty for the Blessed Vision of His Darshan. Won't someone please come and lead me to him, O my mother.
The Saints are the helpers of the Lord's lovers; I fall and touch their feet.
Without God, how can I find peace? There is nowhere else to go.
Those who have tasted the sublime essence of His Love, remain satisfied and fulfilled.
They renounce their selfishness and conceit, and they pray, ""God, please attach me to the hem of Your robe.""
Those whom the Husband Lord has united with Himself, shall not be separated from Him again.
Without God, there is no other at all. Nanak has entered the Sanctuary of the Lord.
In Assu, the Lord, the Sovereign King, has granted His Mercy, and they dwell in peace. ||8||


ਹੇ ਮਾਂ! (ਭਾਦਰੋਂ ਦੇ ਘੁੰਮੇ ਤੇ ਤ੍ਰਾਟਕੇ ਲੰਘਣ ਪਿੱਛੋਂ) ਅੱਸੂ (ਦੀ ਮਿੱਠੀ ਮਿੱਠੀ ਰੁੱਤ) ਵਿਚ (ਮੇਰੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ-ਪਤੀ ਦੇ) ਪਿਆਰ ਦਾ ਉਛਾਲਾ ਆ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ (ਮਨ ਤੜਫਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ) ਕਿਸੇ ਨਾ ਕਿਸੇ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਚੱਲ ਕੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ-ਪਤੀ ਨੂੰ ਮਿਲਾਂ। ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਵਿਚ ਮੇਰੇ ਤਨ ਵਿਚ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੇ ਦਰਸਨ ਦੀ ਬੜੀ ਪਿਆਸ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ (ਚਿੱਤ ਲੋਚਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ) ਕੋਈ (ਉਸ ਪਤੀ ਨੂੰ) ਲਿਆ ਕੇ ਮੇਲ ਕਰਾ ਦੇਵੇ। (ਇਹ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ ਕਿ) ਸੰਤ ਜਨ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਵਧਾਣ ਵਿਚ ਸਹੈਤਾ ਕਰਿਆ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਮੈਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਚਰਨੀਂ ਲੱਗੀ ਹਾਂ। (ਹੇ ਮਾਂ!) ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਸੁਖ ਆਨੰਦ ਨਹੀਂ ਮਿਲ ਸਕਦਾ (ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਸੁਖ-ਆਨੰਦ ਦੀ) ਹੋਰ ਕੋਈ ਥਾਂ ਹੀ ਨਹੀਂ। ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ (ਵਡ-ਭਾਗੀਆਂ) ਨੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ-ਪਿਆਰ ਦਾ ਸੁਆਦ (ਇਕ ਵਾਰੀ) ਚੱਖ ਲਿਆ ਹੈ (ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮਾਇਆ ਦੇ ਸੁਆਦ ਭੁੱਲ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਮਾਇਆ ਵੱਲੋਂ) ਉਹ ਰੱਜ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਆਪਾ-ਭਾਵ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਉਹ ਸਦਾ ਅਰਦਾਸਾਂ ਕਰਦੇ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ-ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ! ਸਾਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੇ ਲੜ ਲਾਈ ਰੱਖ। ਜਿਸ ਜੀਵ-ਇਸਤ੍ਰੀ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਖਸਮ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਨਾਲ ਮਿਲਾ ਲਿਆ ਹੈ, ਉਹ (ਉਸ ਮਿਲਾਪ ਵਿਚੋਂ) ਵਿੱਛੁੜ ਕੇ ਹੋਰ ਕਿਸੇ ਥਾਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾਂਦੀ, (ਕਿਉਂਕਿ) ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ (ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਨਿਸਚਾ ਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਸਦੀਵੀ ਸੁਖ ਵਾਸਤੇ) ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਸਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਹੋਰ ਕੋਈ ਥਾਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ। ਉਹ ਸਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਸਰਨ ਪਈ ਰਹਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਅੱਸੂ (ਦੀ ਮਿੱਠੀ ਮਿੱਠੀ ਰੁੱਤ) ਵਿਚ ਉਹ ਜੀਵ-ਇਸਤ੍ਰੀਆਂ ਸੁਖ ਵਿਚ ਵੱਸਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ, ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਉੱਤੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ।੮।
Posted by Navleen Singh
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Android Keertan Radio: Live kirtan from Sri Harmandar Sahib


A  good news for gurbani keertan lovers. Now you can listen Gurbani live from Sri Harmandar Sahib (Amritsar)  on your Android device with Keertan Radio application. The good feature of this app is that it can be installed as a widget on Android device’s home screen. This will allow you play/pause keertan from your home screen itself.
This is the second application developed by ISharpeners Technologies. The first one was initnem which allows you read daily nitnem on Android. Both applications are free to download and use.
Click here to download Keertan Radio.
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Bibeki Recipes




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A sweet but healthy treat... Pumpkin Bread:


(note: i usually half the recipe and make one loaf. you can buy cast iron bread pans on amazon, but a large sarbloh bata will work just as well.

Ultimate Pumpkin Bread
Yields 2 Medium Loaves

Ingredients

3 cups flour (i use a mixture of unbleached maida and whole wheat pastry flour- all organic of course)
1 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
2.5 cups granulated sugar (i use half evaporated cane juice and half brown sugar)
1 cup butter, really soft, half melted really
4 Tablespoons of dahi
2.5 cups pureed pumpkin (pumpkin preparation below)
1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F and spray two medium loaf pans with nonstick
cooking spray.

2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, spices, salt, baking soda, and
baking powder and set aside.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the wire whisk attached, dump in
the sugar. Take the butter and put it in the microwave for about 30
seconds, so that it is half melted. Dump it into the sugar. Add the
dahi. Cream these three ingredients together on medium speed for about
2 minutes or until fluffy. Add the pumpkin and combine well.

4. In three batches, add the dry ingredients and mix gently until each
batch is just incorporated. Scrape the sides between each batch.

5. Pour half of the batter into a one of the prepared pans. Fold the
pecans into the remaining batter and then pour it into the other
prepared pan. Bake side-by-side for about one hour or until an
inserted knife comes out clean the top is golden.



to prepare pumpkin- cut in half. remove the seeds and stringy part. put the halves face down in a big pan, along with one cup of water. bake @ 350 until tender (about 90 minutes). scrape the flesh from the rind and grind it. if you eat canned foods, you can get pumpkin in a can.







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