sher_panjabi

Waheguru.

If it keeps on snowing as it is I think it just might be local Sangat!

Guru Kirpaa kare hope the snow storm stops and the roads are clear on Saturday :pray:

:umm: If it was meant to be a surprise then was it a good idea to advertise it on the forum and across the Internet? LOL. hehe. :D

Childhood and meeting Guru Sahib

Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji was born on January 20, 1682, in the village of Pahuwind, district Amritsar. His father's name was Bhai Bhagtu Ji. At the age of 12, Baba Deep Singh Ji went with his parents to Anandpur Sahib to meet Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh guru. They stayed at Sri Anandpur Sahib for several days, doing sevaa (service) with the Sangat. When his parents were ready to return to their village, Guru Gobind Singh Ji asked Baba Deep Singh Ji to stay with him. He humbly accepted Guru Ji's command and began serving him.

Training & knowledge

From Bhai Mani Singh Ji Baba Ji began learning reading and writing Gurmukhi and santhiyaa (exegesis) of Gurbaani. As well as Gurmukhi he learnt several other languages. Guru Gobind Singh Ji also taught him horseback riding, hunting and Shastar-vidiyaa (weaponry). At the age of 18, on the Vaisakhi of 1700, he received the blessing of Khande-di-pahul (Amrit) from the Guru-roop Panj Piyaare. As an Amritdhari Sikh, Baba Deep Singh Ji took an oath to serve in Akaal Purakh's Fauj (the Almighty's army) and that following the way of the Khalsa one is to always help the weak and needy, and to fight for truth and justice. Baba Deep Singh Ji soon became one of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's most beloved Sikhs.

Return back home

Baba Deep Singh Ji stayed in Guru Gobind Singh Ji's service for about 8 years. At Guru Ji's request, he returned to his village to help his parents and he got married. Guru Gobind Singh Ji met Baba Deep Singh Ji at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo in 1705. Here, he learned that two of the Guru' sons, Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, had become Shaheed (martyred) in the battle of Chamkaur Sahib. Guru Ji also told him that his two younger sons, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, were cold-heartedly bricked alive and attained Shaheedi (martyrdom) at Sirhind under the orders of the governor Wazir Khan.

Sent Message to meet Guru Sahib at Damdama Sahib

In 1706, Guru Gobind Singh Ji placed Baba Deep Singh Ji in charge at Sri Damdama Sahib, while Bhai Mani Singh Ji was made Head Granthi of Sri Harmander Sahib in Amritsar. After Guru Sahib left for Delhi, he took up the duty of preparing copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and carried on the sewa blessed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji of managing this Sikh Centre. 'Taksaal' means a minting factory. Sri Damdama Sahib, had become a factory where Sikhs would come to mint and prepare their shastars (weapons), as well as mint their minds and enshrine Gurbaani within their hearts through learning the correct pronunciation and grammar of reading Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. As a result this centre of education and weaponry was known as 'Damdami Taksaal'. Baba Deep Singh Ji spent many years at Sri Damdama Sahib preaching Sikh values and teachings and doing sevaa of the Sangat. He was always ready to serve those in need and to fight for justice.

The Khalsa delivers justice to the Tyrants

In 1709, Baba Ji joined Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadar in punishing the tyrants of Sadhaura and Sirhind. In 1733 Nawab Kapoor Singh Ji, the commander of the Khalsa forces, appointed Baba Ji as the leader of one of the jathas (groups) of Dal Khalsa (a united and collective body of groups of Khalsa divided and dispersed across Panjab). On Vaisakhi day of 1748, when Dal Khalsa was reorganised into twelve misls, he was entrusted with the leadership of Shaheedaa(n) di Misl.

News of sacrilege at Amritsar

In April 1757, Ahmed Shah Abdali, after his fourth invasion, was returning to Kabul from Delhi with precious booty and young men and women as captives. Singhs made a plan to retrieve the valuables and set the prisoners free. The jatha (squad) of Baba Deep Singh Ji was deployed near Kurkhetar (also called Kurukshetra). His squad freed large number of prisoners and lightened the burden of valuables of Abdali considerably. While departing from Lahore, Abdali appointed his son Taimur Shah, the Governor of Lahore and told him, "Try to finish the Sikhs". In Accordance with his orders, Taimur Shah started demolishing Gurdwaré and filling the sarovars (pool tanks) with debris and alcohol. When Baba Deep Singh Ji came to know of this beadbi (violation of sanctity) and demolition of Sri Harmandar Sahib, he narrated it to the Sangat (congregation) of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, and said, "Diwali will be celebrated at Amritsar this year." Five hundred Singhs came forward to go with him. Baba Deep Singh Ji offered an Ardaas (pray) before starting for Amritsar, "May my head fall at Sri Harmandar Sahib."

Baba jee leaves for Amritsar

Although Baba Deep Singh Ji was 75 years old, he still had the strength of a young warrior. He gathered a large group of Sikhs and advanced towards Sri Harmandar Sahib. By the time they reached the Taran Taaran, about ten miles from Amritsar, the number of Singhs had risen to about 5,000. At this time, Baba Ji drew a line on the ground with his Khanda (double-edged sword), and asked only those who were willing to fight and die to cross the line. Those willing to die for the Guru and give up their attachment for their homes and families crossed the line eagerly. Baba Deep Singh Ji then recited the shabad:

Clash with the Mughals

At the news of the approach of Singhs, the Governor of Lahore sent one of his generals with an army of twenty thousand to face them. His army took up position six miles north of Amritsar and waited for the Singhs there. Both the armies clashed near Gohalwarh on the 11th November, 1757. Fighting bravely, the Singhs pushed the army back and reached village Chabba where Attal Khan came forward and fierce battle ensued during which Attal Khan inflicted a blow on Baba Deep Singh Ji severing his head from his body. Baba Deep Singh, more than 75 years of age at that time, started to lose his footing under the impact of the blow, when a Sikh reminded him, "Baba ji, you had resolved (Ardaasa soddhyaa see) to reach the Parkarma of Sri Darbar Sahib." On hearing this, a divine energy suddenly took over, and Baba ji placed his head on the palm of one hand and with the other hand moved his 14kg Khanda (double-edged sword) with such ferocity and strength that enemy soldiers started running away in panic. Thus, Baba Deep Singh made his way to the Parkarma of Sri Harmandar Sahib where, due to the severe injury, attained martyrdom.

Baba jee lays to rest at Harmandir Sahib

The Singhs celebrated the Diwali of 1757 in Sri Harmandar Sahib. The place where his head had fallen is marked by a stone and the Sikhs go past this place on their way to pay obeisance in Sri Darbar Sahib. It reminds them that the way to Sri Darbar Sahib is paved with the sacrifices of people like Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji.

Summary

Baba Deep Singh Ji's martyrdom incited the Sikhs to continue to fight against oppression for many years. Even today, his life serves as an example for all Sikhs on how to live and die with dignity, and never stand or tolerate the beadbi (violation of sanctity) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji or the Guru Ghar (Gurdwara). This is a message, which we can all learn from and aspire to follow, and ensure that Gurdwaré and individuals upkeep the respect and dignity of Gurmat and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, something which has been highlighted in recent years with the growing rise of Gurdwaré using Gurdwara property to allow parties, which cater for alcohol, and Granthi Singhs taking Guru Ji's Saroops to Hotels and Banqueting Halls.

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Piaare.

Dhan Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji.

Thanks.

Benti to Sangat to please support this cause. I have spoken to Gursikhs who have visited the orphanage and said their is amazing sevaa happening but they NEED SUPPORT!

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Piaare.

Waheguru.

Thanks for sharing pics of the orphanage.

Bhenji do you have the address for the orphanage? If so, can you please let the Sangat know.

Waheguru.

Waheguru. Another Great Gursikh that I've lost the opportunity to have Darshan have!

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare.

http://manvirsingh.blogspot.com/2008/12/re...-singh-jee.html

Childhood

Baba Thakur Singh jee was born in 1915 in village Eechogill, District Lahore (now in Pakistan). Both his parents, Baba Bahadur Singh jee and Mata Prem Kaur jee, were Amritdhari Gursikhs, who had great devotion and faith in Gurbani. After the 1947 partition they came to India and settled in the Sadaruala , near Makhu, District Ferozepur. From birth, Baba jee was religious hearted, had a peaceful and loving nature, and firm faith in Guru jee. Baba Jee used to share his earnings, food, and belongings with others and inspired others to pursue sewa and simran.

Joining Jatha Bhindran

Baba jee always sought the Sangat of Mahapursh (an elevated soul). One day Baba jee heard from someone that Baba Gurbachan Singh Jee along with the other Jatha Bhindran Singhs were doing Sikhi Parchaar. Baba jee left his home and went to village Bhindra in Dist Moga to meet the Jatha Bhindran Singhs, where he was blessed with the gift of Amrit from the Guru-roop Panj Pyaare. Baba Gurbachan Singh jee was pleased with Baba Thakur Singh jee and made him in charge of Langar. After two and half years of tireless sevaa, Baba Thakur Singh was accepted as a member of Jatha Bhindran. Everyday without fail, Baba jee would wake up early at Amrit-Velaa (around 2am), do Naam Abhiyaas (repetition of the Divine-Name, recite Nitnem of Panj Granthi, and then they would begin to start preparing Langar for all the Singhs.

Sevaa with Baba Kartar Singh Jee

Up until Baba Gurbachan Singh jee passing away, Baba Thakur Singh jee did seva of Garveye (close associate) for 22 years. There after, Baba jee carried on seva of the Sangat and Langar with Baba Kartar Singh jee whilst imbued with Naam and Baani. During the political hard times when Baba Kartar Singh jee was doing sevaa of awakening the Sikh Sangat through Sikhi Parchaar, he had said, "If the government arrest me, then after me Baba Thakur Singh jee will be responsible for Damdami Taksaal. They can give the sevaa of leadership to whom they please." After Baba Kartar Singh jee passed away, Baba Thakur Singh jee appointed Baba Jarnail Singh jee the Jathedaar (leader) of Jatha Bhindran.

Sevaa of Gurdwara Gurdarshan Parkaash, Mehtaa

In July 1982 Baba Jarnail Singh jee began the Dharam Yudh Morcha and made Amritsar their permanent residence. During this time, Baba Thakur Singh jee was given the sevaa of managing Gurdawara Gurdarshan Parkaash Mehtaa. In June 1984, Sri Akaal Takht Sahib and Sri Harmandir Sahib were attacked by the forces and countless Guru Ke Singh and Singhnian became Shaheed (martyrs). After Operation Bluestar, the Damdami Taksaal seva was given to Baba Thakur Singh jee by the Sangat. Under the guidance of Baba Thakur Singh jee, Jatha Bhindran continued with their Sikhi Parchaar through Santheaa (teaching Gurbani) and Amrit Sanchaars, as well as helping Gursikhs in jails and Shaheed families.

Arranging the Sarbat Khalsa

The Gurmat institution of Sarbat Khalsa, whereby all the Khalsa gathers to discuss Panthic affairs and deliver decisions with the consent of the Panth based on the guidance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee, was stopped by Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. However, the old tradition of Sarbat Khalsa was revived for the first time in the 20th century in 1986, under the sevaa of Baba Thakur Singh jee. Thereafter, the reconstruction of Sri Akaal Takht Sahib was begun by the Khalsa Panth.

Importance of Amrit-Velaa

Some of the students at Taksaal sometimes got lazy and would miss waking up Amrit-velaa. Baba Thakur Singh jee found out about this. He would lovingly tell the Singhs about the importance of Amrit-velaa and he would beg them never to miss it. If those Singhs still missed Amrit-Velaa, Baba jee would go to their rooms and start to massage their feet and legs. When the Singhs who were asleep felt Baba jee massaging their feet they would immediately jump out of bed. They would sees Baba jee standing with his hands folded together begging them to get up and do their Nitnem. Baba jee would say to the Singhs, "What else could an 'old man' do to get you Singhs up for Amrit-velaa?"

Pyaar for other Gursikhs

In the Summer of 1998, Baba Thakur Singh jee and the Jatha Bhindran Singhs travelled to Malaysia. Baba jee talked very little and talked only if necessary. The Jatha Singhs told Baba jee that (the now late) Bhai Sahib Rajinder Singh jee (Dudley), the former Jathedaar of Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK, who was also visiting Malaysia for Sikhi Parchaar, had come to meet him. As soon as Baba jee heard this he rushed to the door to greet Bhai Sahib. Baba jee had a long conversation with Bhai Sahib, which was quite unusual for him as he talked littled. Baba jee showed respect and love for other Gurumukh Pyaare and their Jeevans (spirituality) regardless of small differences in vichaar.

Last Moments

On 24th December 2004, at the age of 89, Baba jee passed away at a private hospital in Amritsar. There was an audio recording online of Bhai Baljeet Singh, who was by the side of Baba jee when he passed away. I remember listening to the recording (I can't find the link now) and Bhai Sahib said that Baba jee was slowly Japping Naam and repeating "Waheguru" as he breathed his last. Waheguru.

Mist of Darkness

According to Gurmat there are two types of bodies - the physical body (asthool sareer) and invisible internal body (sooksham sareer). As the internal body is a spiritual being and not physical matter, scientists have not acknowledged it. When there is mist, one cannot see where one is going. In thick fog people are more likely to have car accidents because they cannot see ahead of them.

Humanity Crying

Leading up to the birth of Guru Nanak Dev jee, the world was covered in heavy mist. When the five vices - lust, anger, greed, emotional attachment, and ego - go out of control, then the inner body gets covered with mist and darkness of corruption. At first a human being commits individual acts (karams) fuelled by vices, then it becomes habit which leads to it becoming the individual's character (sanskaar). When vice and corruption become part of one's character then one feels no shame and they see no wrongness in their wickedness and sinful actions. The repeated actions leaves an imprint on the soul. Humanity was crying out as its spirituality was lost and people became blind in the mist of Maya (materialism) and the five vices.

Clearing the Mist

Mist can only be cleared with light, however a small light like a lamp or torch would not be able to do this. In order to clear the heavy mist, the Sun must shine. When the Sun shines the morning mist clears. A small diva (oil-lamp) can only light one house and provide light to a few people, but it would not be able to clear the mist. There could be hundreds of divas (oil-lamps) and still the mist would not clear. In the world, there were many changing religious leaders, holy-men and prophets, however their light was not enough to illuminate the world's spiritual darkness.

The Divine Light Shines

The changing religious leaders and world prophets provided some light to the people but were like divas (oil-lamps) and were limited in their light. The Sun itself had to shine to clear the mist of spiritual darkness, Waheguru Himself had to shine His Light in the world and give spiritual enlightenment to everyone. The Sun, unlike a lamp or torch, shines everywhere indiscriminately. "With the emergence of the True Guru, Satguru Guru Nanak, the mist cleared and the light scattered all around. As if at the sun rise the stars disappeared and the darkness dispelled" (Bhai Gurdaas jee). Although the Sun shines everywhere, if someone is sitting inside with the curtains drawn, they prevent themselves from experiencing the Sun. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469, and Waheguru manifested His Light within him and revealed Himself to the world through the Satguru. "Waheguru placed Himself within the Satguru (True Guru); revealing Himself (to the world), He declares this openly" (Ang 466, SGGS). The fortunate ones, opened their hearts and allowed the Divine Light of the Waheguru to change their lives.

Happy Birthday to Veer Ravjeet Singh (rsingh username) :HP:

May Guru jee bless you with more Sevaa of the Panth, Gursikhi Jeevan and eternal love for Waheguru.

Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj!

Listen live via: http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/

10am

If you're Sikh are you celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib? And if not, why? All week on the Asian Network we're hearing from people who are marking the anniversary. But just how important is it?

Call: 08459 440 445 Rant Line: 08459 777 006 Text: 81869

Email: nihal@bbc.co.uk

Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Jee Kee Fateh.

Saariaa nu lakh lakh vadhaayee on the 300 Saal Gurtaa Gurgaddi Diwas of Jugo Jugo Attal Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.

A foldable A4 Leaflet (double-side) has been designed to mark the Gurpurb. Daas has adapted an article written by Bhai Jagdeesh Singh (Slough, UK) and added a fex extra things. Please give feedback. It is intended for Sangat to print and give to any non-Sikhs in particular who wish to find out more about Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Click on link to Download:

http://www1.freepdfconvert.com/export/8064...GGS_Leaflet.zip

If anything needs to be improved or changed in the text then please let me know.

Bhul Chuk Maaf.

Doing Vichaar outside on the grass (too hight, sun in your face and can't see anyone! lol. hehe)

Bhai Sahib showing campers how to do Guru Ji's sevaa.

Amazing Gursikhs. Inspiration. - Bhai Joginder Singh Ji and Bhai Tarunjeet Singh Ji.

Abuse - Poor bhaji! lol.

Sea-side bath (udhaa, the water looks more dirty than clean!!).

Bhai Surjit Singh Ji - Amazing Inspiration.

Bhai Sahib playing Volleyball on Beach!

Rainsbaaee Keertan outside!

The good old "Youth & Social Issues" workshop/discussion group! hehe

This is what happens to you if you refuse to have a shower. LOL. (JOKE!!! It was a water fight! Thank Waheguru I was inside at the time!).

OMG! There's a Singh with a bucket on his head at the back!

Usually I think they send confirmations a week or two before the camp.

"Aagiyaa Bhe-ee Akaal Kee" up to "khoj sahabd mil lai" = Rehitnama Bhai Prahlad Singh (could also be in other rehitnamas).

"Raj Karega Khalsa" up to "bache sharan mile" = Bhai Nand Lal Thankhahnama (further recorded later years by Giani Gian Singh in 1800s in Tvaareek Guru Khalsa)

At Akal Takht Sahib the above Dohra is read.

"Vaheguru Naam Jahaaj hai" and anything else recited in addition to the above is not Guru Gobind Singh Ji's mukh-vaak (spoken words) but words of faith, devotion, and inspiration on behalf of Sangat.

1. Take some bhinnee'aa

2. Take some dried fruit.

3. Buy fruit there.

4. You can buy rice there and boil it. Buy some vegetable from market and add it to the rice. (You may need to take a small container of masala, mirch and salt)

5. Take some dry pasta and you can make it there.

Tell your teacher or guide that you are a strict vegetarian and they will help you the best they can.

Where there is a will, there is a way

errrm... try these ...

CentreSandhu Sweet Centre

450 Dudley Rd

Wolverhampton, WV2 3AQ

01902 454135‎

Not singh shop.

OMG! How embarrassing. I just read the post with HARGUN SWEET CENTRE mentioned. So I rang them (without reading the post below!)

I rang and ask in Panjabi

"Is this an Amritdhari shop".

Lady replies: "What do you mean?"

"I am looking for a shop who have Amritdhari people making food?"

Lady replies: (CONFUSED AND STARTLED PAUSE)

Eventually she said: "We have mixed people working here."

Waheguru. Lady must be bit startled - especially if they are a Hindu shop. Chalo! Guru Mehar Kare.

Bhenji if you can find out about Wolverhampton that would be great.

arghhh there is one in walsall... IVE FORGOT THE NAME.... :| dammnnn

but desi sweet centre>>they are all amritdhari gursikhs..... try there...its on soho rd...not far from walsall.

i'll try and think of the walsall shop name and let u knw : )

Bhenji if you can find out the name of the shop in Walsall that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

I have found out there is a shop in Titpon - BASSI SWEET CENTRE, and also one in Smethwick - KHAALSA SWEET CENTRE (Waterloo Road).

However, as the family live in Walsall, something slightly nearer by would be better. Can anyone help?

Daas doesn't live in Wolverhampton or Walsall.

There is a family function in a weeks time and they wanted to get food which is suitable for everybody to eat. So just finding about suitable shops for the family to buy food from (as they are not aware themselves).

Thanks

Are there no shops in wolverhampton or walsall? Seems hard to believe.

BBC 1 NOW

10pm to 10.30pm (I assume).

News report on illegal immigrants living in Southall - undercover reporter.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7505574.stm

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

Sangat Ji,

Daas needs help. If anyone knows of a Gursikh sweet/samosay shop in Wolverhamton or Walsall area then please let me know. There is a family function in Walsall and they want to get Barfi and samosay from an Amritdhari shop (or if none at all, at least Keshdhari Rehat wale).

Thanks