jivan

<_< happy birthday :wub: :nihungsmile: :e: :HP: :HP: :wee:

And Another Gurdwara Sahib in California! Sunday 13th March, 2005 Saffajang Singh - Panthic Weekly Staff The Five Beloved Ones lead the way toward the official groundbreaking for the new Gurudwara in Selma. Kirpal "Paul" Singh Sihota, president of the Selma Sikh temple, said the $2.5 million project will be four times larger than the present facility. It will include two main buildings totaling more than 21,000 square feet--the main temple building and a kitchen/social hall. Selma, California (KP) - You heard it right; the Sikh community of Central California (Selma) held a ground breaking ceremony for another Gurdwara Sahib building on March 5th, 2005, which was attended by people of many different faiths and communities and also included representatives of social and public organizations. Though this Gurdwara Sahib did have a smaller building before, a new one is being built on a different site to serve the Sikh Sangat of Selma better. Summer of last year brought forth the ground breaking ceremony of Gurdwara Gur Nanak Parkash, and soon after that, the Sikh Community of the Central California ‘enjoyed’ the news of another ‘Ramgarhia’ Sikh Gurdwara, and in a matter of another couple months, there was a building built for another Gurdwara Sahib by Bhagat Ravidaas Ji Sabha! All these new Gurdwara Sahib buildings might give one an idea that these towns must be major cities of the state, but they truly are not. In fact, what makes them separate from each other is merely a street. Not only are the towns of Fresno and Selma close to each other, but so are the Gurdwara Sahibs. The ‘old’ Gurdwara Nanaksar is about three miles from the new Gurdwara Sahib which was built by the Bhagat Ravidaas Ji Sabha, and about five miles away from Gurdwara Gur Nanak Parkash. Same is the story of the Gurdwaras in Selma. The above mentioned Gurdwara Sahib in Selma which is undergoing construction for its new building is no more than two miles away from Gurdwara Kalgidhar Sahib, and with its new building, it will only be about a mile away from the gurmat center which is in the planning stages of being built on the same street. A ceremonial shovel is used Saturday during the groundbreaking for a new Gurudwara in Selma which will be built within the next year in a former grape vineyard at 11685 Highland Ave. Though it is a good idea in a way that so many places are being devoted towards service of sangat, we have to remember the words of Bhai Desi Singh Ji which mention that Guroo Sahib looks at rehit first over anything else. All these buildings can only serve the sangat in the true sense after they practice and promote the principles outlined by Guroo Granth Sahib and enforced by the Khalsa Panth. Hopefully the new building will bring along new changes and the committee of the Gurdwara Sahib will realize the mistake that occurred about a decade ago by not following the edict issued by Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib of removing chairs from the langar hall. It is important to mention that the root factor of so many splits within the Sikh community of Central California arose from this very Gurdwara Sahib when the committee disregarded sangat’s wishes of having a Gurdwara Sahib which was run solely according to Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib’s maryada. Sikhs of Central California also await the completion of the new building of Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Fresno, Gurdwara Kalgidhar Sahib, Selma, and the Khalsa Phulvardi Gurmat School, Selma, which is expected to finish in the middle of this year. Hold steady, the gurdwara construction express is moving fast, creating divisions and splits on paths it cannot cross.

London (KP) - In Thetford, for over one hundred years, stands a statue of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last Monarch of Panjab. It was recently “desecrated” by vandals who have been described by the town mayor as “despicable” and “evil”. The £50,000 bronze statue standing on Butten Island near the town centre was a memorial to Thetford's 19th century Sikh benefactor. Police are said to be treating the attack on the Sikh memorial as racially motivated. White oil based paint was poured all over, defacing the bronze statue. The attack is being linked to the NF (National Front) as Swastikas and NF, were also scrawled over the imposing figure of Maharaja Duleep Singh riding a horse. Swastikas and NF are often associated with the National Front an extreme right-wing political party--akin to the U.S. based Ku Klux Klan. Townspeople were today horrified to find the white paint poured all over the beloved statue near the centre of town. Costs of restoration of the statue are likely to go into the thousands; the statue is an important tourist attraction which forms part of the UK Sikh Heritage Trail. In return it has made the area into a tourist attraction, bringing more visitors into the town which has undoubtedly had an effect on the local economy. Police have begun to carry out forensic testing on cans left behind at the scene of the crime, as well as checking CCTV. They are asking to speak with anybody who may have evidence or been witness to the attack. Ray Key, town mayor, said, “I am absolutely livid about this. I can't put it into words. They should be put in prison. They are sick. I cannot find the words for people who act like this. “It means a lot to the Sikh nation and we're very privileged to have it in our town. It's been a lovely feature in a beautiful area. It has been desecrated.” Mr Key went on to describe the crime as a “slur on the town” and felt “ashamed.” Mr Key said town council workers had already cleaned the worst of the graffiti off, but that they could not remove the oil-based paint without permission from the owners, the Maharaja Duleep Singh Centenary Trust. Insp Tim Peacock, of Thetford Police, said the attack was “of a racial nature” and said the offenders would be prosecuted “to the full extent of the law” if caught. He agreed that the statue means a lot to the Sikh Community. “We're keen on speaking to anybody who has got any evidence. It is of a racial nature and offenders will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, if we can get the evidence to do so.” Insp Tim Peacock went on to say pictures had been taken of the graffiti before it had been removed and officers had removed the paint cans. The monument stands as a memorial to the prince 100 years after his death. Maharaja Duleep Singh had been the last Prince of the Panjab who had lived in nearby Elveden Hall, and had given much to the town and its people, for which its people are grateful. A spokesman for the centenary trust has called it a “recognition of the prince's historical links with East Anglia and on a wider scale that between the Sikhs and the British nation.” In 1863 Mahraja Duleep Singh bought the Elveden estate. He is buried in the village churchyard. Duleep Singh's son, Frederick, gave the Ancient House in Thetford to the town for use as a museum.

:HP: <_< happy birthday penji

i thought it was the 26th <_< @

wow baldeep singh these pics fronm akaal arms are great!!

Waheguroo ji ka khalsa, Waheguroo ji ki fateh! Can someone please post pictures of shastars, please? Thank you! Waheguroo ji ka khalsa, Waheguroo ji ki fateh!

waheguroooooooo <_< :wub:

heres some history....... Being a part of the 5 Kakaars and because the Sikhs are a martial People, the kirpaan which is also called the talvaar or shamsheer has a very important place amongst the Sikhs. However, in the making of kirpaans, Malva's Bhindar Kalaa(n) and Rutovaal (Ludhiana) villages have a special place. In Bhindar Kalaa(n) one family for the past three generations has continued even in today's machine-age to make hand made kirpaans. Bhindar Kalaa(n) which is known world wide because of Sant Jarnail Singh jee Bhindranvalay, is the birth place of the Taksaal's 11th head, Sant Sunder Singh Bhindranvalay, and today is an important Centre for the Bhindraanvaalee Taksaal and holds a special place in the Sikh world. For the past century now, small 7" and 9" kirpaans have been made here, which continues even today in hand-made fashion. This villages' Sd. Budh Singh's family, which started making kirpaans at the orders of Sant Sunder Singh at the village's Persian Wheel at the well, has today in its third generation spread its business all across the world. All this started from the Persian Wheel of this village. Baba Budh Singh's third generation, Sd. Gurnayk Singh BA, B.Ed, has taken up his forefathers business and is attempting to take it forward. Even today using the old methods he is maintaining the tradition of preparing hand-made kirpaans. He says that at first, due to lack of money, our elders had many hardships. After a lot of struggle, now it is Vahiguru's blessings that we are prosperous. Sd. Gurnayk Singh considers the source of his family's prosperity Sant Sunder Singh. Besides this family's three sons, S. Mahinder Singh, S. Daleep Singh and S. Hazaaraa Singh and another family of S. Gurdial Singh also makes kirpaans. S. Gurnayk Singh says that even though they could make a big factory and turn out a lot of kirpaans, according to Sant Sunder Singh's words, they only make hand-made kirpaans. He says they make kirpans from Sarbloh and sheaths from pure Taalee wood. According to requests, they can also make steel kirpaans. Gurnayk Singh says that after Sant Sunder Singh, Sant Gurbachan Singh became the head of the Taksal. Sant jee went with the sangat to Sree Hazoor Saahib (Nander), and from there he brought a kirpaan which was made without any joints (i.e. one piece) and told his elders to make kirpaans like this. From that time they have been making these joint-less sarbloh kirpaans. Guranayk Singh said that his grandfather at first gave kirpans for 25 paisay. Now they have even prepared a kirpaan for 80 000 rupees. Now, their most expensive kirpaan was prepared for a Singapore Gurdvara Committee to give to the King there. It was coated with gold. Sd. Gurnek Singh's three brothers, S. Pavitar Singh, s. Inderjeet Singh all work together. In the family's old home they work with hired help. They all respect S. Gurnayk Singh. They start the day at 4am and work till 10pm. All three brothers have never even tasted tea. All family members are amrithdaaree and strict in rehit. Once a Jatha came from outside and asked to see their "factory". They replied that what they saw before them, the workers working, was the factory. The Jatha was very shocked to hear that the owner of the business which has kirpaans sent all around the world was working like this in the gate of his house with a kiln, iron and hammer, beating metal and carving wood. All this is hard work to create a kirpaan. At this time a small kirpaan goes for Rs. 350. The family says it is very hard work making hand-made kirpans. They said the new generation is reluctant to do this type of work and finding workers is very hard for them. If the new generation keeps doing this, this hand made work will finish and machines will take over. This family still receives many orders and day and night they work to fill them. Bhindraanvalee kirpaans are known for their strength and recognised world-wide. They maintain a unique place in the kirpaan market.

:umm: :cool: wahegurooo

but the way i see people sayin sas sri akal i think they are saying "mother in law is god" sas-mother in law akal-god put the two together... "mother in-law is god" (sas sri akal) i see the sas sri akal more of a salute to your mother in law. hahaha

gandhi di dhoti wich hawaien(its banned though.)

fuaja singh :nihungsmile: just the best :umm: :cool:

never saw this pic of sant ji before.

:umm: :WW: boleeeeeeeeee so nihaaaaaaaaaal sat sri akaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal

it is very sad to know this. earlier on in the morning i was listening to punjab radio when they said hed gone to waheguroo i felt so sad.punjab radio talked to his son and he burst into tears. :'(

bump

i cant i live in england

wjkk wjkf heres one realy good book im reading and here are some of the best parts. 1.sant ji said: "i feel that i should make clear my position on the the issue of khalistan before the sangat. i did not want to say anything on this matter because it is not an issue that concerns our morcha. however,due to persistent questioning,i think i should mention it .well ,my position is quite simple:i am, neither for or against khalistan.that is to say,we are not asking for khalistan it is not our demand . however if the goverment gives it to us,then we will not refuse it as we did in 1947." 2.how could it be that the sikhs could it be that the sikhs could allow their most sacred shrine to be used as a terrorist camp?the question is absurd! if there was a shred of evidence that sant bhindranwale and his group were terrorists, they would of been immediately thrown out of the harmandir sahib by the sikhs. so far as the arms at the harmandir sahib were concerned,it is important to remember the semi martial nature of sikhi.sikhs were even asked to bear arms by their 10th guru.even before the guru granth sahib is always an altar of weapons.to sudedenly turn around and say that we cannot tolerate arms in a place of worship is just ludicrous! wjkkwjkf

now that is good :cool: :umm:

make sure you get this book ,this book made me a strong rehit amritdhari. :umm:

Bhai Mati Dass and Bhai Sati Dass both brothers were sons of Bhai Hira Nand. Their ancestor, Gautam Dass was a resident of village Kariala in Jehlum district. He was initiated into Sikh faith by Guru Arjan Dev. Pleased at his services, the Guru had bestowed on him the title of 'Bhai' (brother) which continues in their family to this day. Their grandfather, Bhai Praga, had been given command of a 'Jatha' (unit) by Guru Hargobind in the first battle with the Mughals in 1628 A.D. He died of deep wounds sustained in that battle. After that, Bhai Hira Nand presented himself in the service of Guru Har Rai. Before his death in 1657 A.D., he left Bhai Mati Dass and Bhai Sati Dass, elder of his four sons, to serve the Guru's institution. In accordance with the command of their father, they started serving the Guru's institution with heart and soul. Bhai Mati Dass and Bhai Sati Dass accompanied Guru Har Krishan when he went to Delhi on invitation from Aurangzeb. After the merger of the Guru into the Supreme Being on the 30th March, 1664 A.D., both the brothers went to village Bakala. On the manifestation of Guru Tegh Bahadur, both the brothers presented themselves in his service. When Vhir Mall could not become the Guru, he made a fruitless attempt to shoot the Guru in collaboration with Shihan Masand and his gang. After that he had taken away valuable items from the Guru's institution to his camp. At that time both the brothers gave all the help to Makhan Shah to present Dhir Mall and Shthan Masand in bondage before the Guru. One day, Durga Mall, the Diwan (chief minister) of Guru's institution requested the Guru, "Respected Guru ! My body, soul and worldly wealth are all at your service but it is becoming difficult for me to carry out the duty of Diwan due to old age. These two nephews are in your service who are trustworthy and faithful sons. If you deem fit, bestow the elder Mati Dass, the honour to serve as Diwan and the younger Sati Dass as Wazir (public affair minister)." Accepting the request of Diwan Durga Mall, the Guru entrusted the service of Diwan to Bhai Mati Dass and Wazir to Bhai Sati Dass. In order to bring the whole of India under one faith, Aurangzeb ordered in 1674 A.D., to convert Hindus to Islam by force from the Kashmir side. Before bowing their heads before the sword of Sher Afgan Khan, the Governor of Kashmir, the prominent Brahmins of Kashmir led by Pandit Kirpa Ram appeared before the Guru at Anandpur on the 25th May, 1675 A.D., and explained about their helplessness. The Guru knew that weak and terrified people do not become brave by listening to episodes of bravery. Fearless and great leadership is needed to make them fearless. So the Guru said to them, "Go and tell the Governor that Guru Tegh Bahadur is our leader. If you convert him to Islam, we shall become Muslims of our own accord." On getting this message, Aurangzeb ordered the arrest of the Guru. For courting arrest, the Guru started towards Agra from Anandpur on the 11th July, 1675 A.D. At Agra, when the soldiers came to arrest the Guru, both the brothers came forward to offer themselves for arrest flrst. On receipt of the second order from Aurangzeb, the Guru was asked to embrace Islam. The Guru refused. In order to intimidate the Guru, the qazis (Islamic magistrates) made a plan to torture to death, the Sikhs arrested with the Guru before his eyes. They thought that the Guru would embrace Islam out of fear on seeing the Sikhs murdered. The qazis decreed to cut Bhai Mati Dass with a saw first of all. Hearing the order of the qazis, Bhai Mati Dass prayed to the Guru, "O True King ! bless me so that I may do my duty by sacfiflcing myself for the glory of the faith." After the Guru had blessed him, the qazis asked Bhai Mati Dass, "Brother, embrace Islam and enjoy the pleasures provided by the goveInment. Moreover when you die as a Muslim, you will go to heaven where there will be streams of milk, many kinds of wine to drink and beautiful women to enjoy. If you do not embrace Islam, your body will be sawn into two." Bhai Mati Dass replied, "I can sacrifice hundreds of such heavens for my faith. I don't need women nor wine. I see all the happiness in the path of my faith." After his refusal, the qazis asked him his last wish, to which he replied, 'When I am being cut with the saw, let my face be towards my mentor so that I may behold my Guru till my last breath and he may keep on seeing me so that he may be convinced how happily I reach my last destination." By the order of the qazis, the executioners sawed Bhai Mati Dass in two on the 8th November, 1675 A.D., in Chandani Chowk, Delhi. On the 10th November, 1675 A.D., the qazis ordered Bhai Sati Dass to be wrapped in cotton and burnt. Before being wrapped in cotton, the qazis asked Bhai Sati Dass, "Save your life by embracing Islam and live in pleasure." Bhai Sati Dass replied, 'You cannot understand that my pleasure and happiness lie only in obeying the command of my Guru. It does not lie in saving this life which must end one day." At this reply, the executioners wrapped Bhai Sati Dass in cotton, poured oil over it and set fire to it. Bhai Sati Dass remained calm while burning till his last breath and remained true to his resolve. Bhai Dayal Dass was son of Bhai Mai Dass and younger brother of martyr Bhai Mani Singh ji. His grandfather, Balu Ram had attained martyrdom while fighting in Guru Hargobind's first battle of faith against the Mughals. His ancestors belonged to Alipur near Multan. Bhai Mai Dass came to Kiratpur for an audience with Guru Har Rai in 1657 A.D. While returning, he left his three elder sons for service of the Guru's institution. Bhai Dayal Dass was fifteen when he entered the Guru's institution. On recommendation from Diwan Durga Mall, Guru Tegh Bahadur made him minister for domestic affairs. In 1665 A.D., when Guru Tegh Bahadur went to Assam from Patna, he left him at Patna to look after his family. The birth of (Guru) Gobind Singh took place under his care and service and he looked after the prince till he reached Anandpur. After sending the Kashmiri Brahmins back on the 25th May, 1675 A.D., Guru Tegh Bahadur decided to go to Agra for courting arrest. Before leaving Anandpur, he asked his principal devotees to ask for any blessing they had at heart. All were unanimous in their reply, 'That we be granted permission to accompany you to Agra." Bhai Dayal Dass was also one of those Sikhs who had been arrested ahead of the Guru. On the 9th November, 1675 A.D., the qazis ordered that Bhai Dayal Dass be seated in a cauldron of boiling water. On hearing the ruling, Bhai Dayal Dass asked leave of the Guru. The Guru said, "Brother, your service has borne fruit due to which your turn has come before mine. Great are you and blessed is your devotion. What pleasure can be greater for me than to see my lifelong devotees sacrificing their lives for the protection of human rights even ahead of me. May God bless you with success." Before putting Bhai Dayal Dass in the cauldron of boiling water, the qazis said, "There is still time. Embrace Islam and save yourself from pains otherwise you will face greater agony than your companion. You have seen how cruelly he was sawn." Bhai Dayal Dass replied, "You could not harass my companion. Did you notice, how calmly he was meditating on the word of his Guru when he was being sawn. Having made mockery of bodily pains, he had diffused into the Supreme Being. Hurry up and let my soul attain unity with the Lord." On his reply in the negative, the executioners sat him in the cauldron of boiling water. He stayed on sitting in the water with an unwavering mind. His flesh separated from his bones and his soul merged into the Supreme Being.

Bhai Subeg Singh was resident of village Jumber district Lahore. He was well educated and scholar of Persian. He was working as a government contractor at Lahore. He mediated between the government and the Sikhs in 1733 A.D., when the Dal Khalsa was given an estate. During 1745 A.D., when the Governor Zakria Khan could not pass urine, Bhai Subeg Singh was sent by him to the Dal Khalsa. As advised by the leader, the Governor had kept on passing urine when hit on the head with the shoe of Bhai Taru Singh. After the death of Zakria Khan on the 1st July, 1745 A.D., his son, Yahiya Khan became the Governor of Lahore. To avenge the death of his brother Jaspat Rai, who had died in an encounter with the Singhs near Eminabad in January, 1746 A.D., Diwan Lakhpat Rai said to the new Governor, "Subeg Singh is in league with the Singhs. Your father had to hit himself on the head with a Singh's shoe at his bidding which caused his death. He should be punished for that crime." The Governor ordered Bhai Subeg Singh to become a Muslim and spy on the Singhs. Eighteen year old son of Bhai Subeg Singh, Shahbaz Singh, studied Persian from a maulvi. When the maulvi came to know of the arrest of Bhai Subeg Singh, he asked Bhai Shahbaz Singh to embrace Islam so that he may marry his daughter to him as he was handsome and genius. Bhai Shahbaz Singh refused his offer. The maulvi asked the Governor and had him arrested also. The qazi said to them, "If both of you embrace Islam, you will be pardoned . " At their refusal both of them were mounted on rotating wheels in sight of each other so that they might embrace Islam seeing each other suffering. But they did not forsake their faith although both became unconscious due to excessive loss of blood. Next day, the qazi said to Bhai Shahbaz Singh, "Son ! your father has been executed. I can ward off your death if you become a Muslim even now." Bhai Shahbaz Singh replied, "Death cannot be put off. It must come one day." The qazi sent the son away, called for the father and said to him, 'Your son has agreed to embrace Islam and you should also consent to do so." Bhai Subeg Singh said, "I cannot give up my faith at any cost." The qazi again brought the father and son face to face. He again asked both of them to come to the fold of Islam. On their refusal, the qazi ordered both of them to be killed. On the 10th March, 1746 A.D., the executioners beheaded both of them. It was on that day that Diwan Lakhpat Rai had got together the Sikhs of Lahore and handed them over to the scavengers of the city for slaughter in order to exterminate Sikhs. The prominent Hindus of the city pleaded with the Diwan, not to murder innocent Sikhs. He replied, "If God Himself comes and forbids me, I shall not stop."

whats with ranjit singh worshiping devi ?

how about gatka