S.S.F

Who are ‘Nihangs'?

Anyone who lives free from fear is called a ‘Nihang'. In Raag Aasa Guru Arjan dev Ji has described ‘Nihang' in this very manner:

“Being fearless, he becomes a ‘Nihang' (bold and daring person).” (Ang 392, SGGS)

Describing the Nihang the old Panth Prakaash states:

“A person who has forsaken the fear of death and is always ready to embrace martyrdom is called a Nihang.”

Nihang Singh’s are unattached to worldly materials. They wear blue clothes and tie a turban that is a foot high with a “dumala” on top of it. They always keep several weapons like chakar, khanda etc. on them.

The Nihangs are the vanguards of the Sikh nation, whose vocation in life is to be warriors, protect the Gurdwaras and be on the forefront of battles. Though there is no concrete account of how the Nihangs came into being, it is told by many Singhs that one day the three Sahibzaadey (princes of Guru Gobind Singh Ji) were practicing their battle skills and the youngest of them all Baba Fateh Singh Ji also wanted to participate with his brothers. The other brothers replied: “At the moment you are too small.”

Baba Fateh Singh ji felt so let down that he went inside the palace and tied a dastaar (turban) as tall as one hand. He put on a blue dress. Placing a Chakar (round disc carried on a belt or worn on the turban) on himself, he adorned himself with a small Khanda. Over his dastaar he wrapped a ‘dumalla' and held in his hand a spear, and to complete his warrior's wore his Kirpaan. He then went to where his brothers were playing and said, “Now I don't look small.”

Observing him looking so handsome and beautiful, Guru Ji said: “From this dress the Nihangs will be formed.” For this reason up to this day Nihang Singhs are called ‘Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Laddleeaa Faujaa(n) (Beloved Army)'.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji said that the Nihangs will be generous, and strictly adhere to Dharma. When the sword is wielded, it will give out sparks like fireworks. Fighting in the battlefield in this way it will seem like a crocodile is coming out of the sea:

The Nihang Singhs were the image of spotless character:

“Open the door, do not be afraid,

A Nihang has come your house.”

They used to lead such an intrepid and unpredictable lifestyle that even their family did not know of their whereabouts. While riding or fighting they always uttered “Akaal, Akaal”. That is why they also became known as “Akaalis”. Their language (the distinct language of the Khalsa) indicated their positive (Chardikala) attitude. For example:

To die (Marnaa) – Charhaaee karnaa

By merely wearing a blue chola (dress) and learning Shastar Vidhiya (the art of Sikh weaponry) does not make one a Nihang. Unfortunately, in recent years, many people who don't follow the Khalsa rehat (way of life) strictly and lack good moral characters have brought shame to the ‘Nihang's by falsely claiming to be Nihangs or by simply associating themselves to the Nihang Singhs. In particular, in the UK, a group of young Sikhs call themselves Nihangs on the basis that they look the part and know how to swing a Kirpaan, however upon closer inspection, they do not have the strict Rehat (disciplined way of life), Naam abhiyaas, knowledge, and Jeevan (spiritual life) of true Nihangs.

A number of modern Nihang Singhs observe some rituals and practices, which are contrary to Gurmat, for example the consumption of marijuana (‘bhang'). These customs and 'traditions' crept in to Nihangs during the period when the Mahants (Hindu caretakers) managed and maintained our Gurdwaras in 18 th – early 20 th century. During this period the Sikh religion was distorted and many non-Sikh practices infiltrated into the Sikh Panth. Those who follow these anti-gurmat practices claim that they are ‘old traditions' (Puraatan Maryada) from the Guru's time; however Gurbani sheds true light on whether these practices and observances are Gurmat (according to the guru's teachings) or Manmat (self-willed). Reading and understanding Gurbani it becomes apparent that some distortions have entered the traditions of the Nihangs and the wider Sikh community.

‘Bhang' or ‘Sukhnidhaan', which is marijuana (cannabis) used by large number of Nihangs nowadays is often justified through various means such as the quoting of tales and stories and the claiming these to be 'early traditions'. However, our Guru is eternal and with us forever. Why do we need to refer to stories and justifying traditions by claiming they are ‘old traditions' passed down when we have Guru Granth Sahib Ji with us to tell us what is in accordance to Gurmat. Gurbani clearly condemns the consumption of marijuana. Furthermore, medical studies bear out that consumption of marijuana and cannabis on regular basis leads to schizophrenia, and mental problems such as memory loss. The sad fact is that nowadays if you go to India you can observe some Sikhs claiming to be Nihangs, who drink ‘Bhang' have become mentally unstable.

“Tilang, First Mehl, Second House: One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru: The Fear of You, O Lord Waheguru, is my marijuana (cannabis); my consciousness is the pouch, which holds it. I have become an intoxicated hermit. My hands are my begging bowl; I am so hungry for the blessed vision of Your Darshan. I beg at Your Door, day after day. ||1|| I long for the blessed vision of Your Darshan. I am a beggar at Your Door. Please bless me with Your charity. ||1||Pause|| Saffron, flowers, musk oil and gold embellish the bodies of all. The Lord's devotees are like sandalwood, which imparts its fragrance to everyone. ||2|| No one says that ghee or silk are polluted. Such is the Lord's devotee, no matter what his social status is. Those who bow in reverence to the Naam, the Name of Waheguru, remain absorbed in Your Love. Nanak begs for charity at their door. ||3||1||2||” (Ang 721, SGGS)

“The Great Giver has given the intoxicating drug of falsehood. The people are intoxicated; they have forgotten death, and they have fun for a few days. Those who do not use intoxicants are true; they dwell in the Court of Waheguru. ||1||” (Ang 15, SGGS)

Bhai Kahn Singh Ji beautifully describes the true character of an Akali as someone who associates themselves to Akal (the Immortal). This passage in particular is used relating to Nihang Singhs in the Gur Shabd Ratnaakar Mahaan Kosh (1931) :

”The Khalsa belongs to Vaheguru.

He who loves all and whose ways are distinct from all,

He who eats only that which he earns and considers begging a sin,

He who in difficult times has faith in True Guru and remains happy,

He who guards the Sikh temples without a desire for material gain,

He who is always eager to fight a just and righteous war,

He who worships only the Timeless one and not gods or goddesses,

Know such a Sikh of the tenth Guru as an Akali.”

In summary it can be concluded that Nihangs are the official army of the Sikh Panth, who are trained in Shastar Vidiya and live a life dedicated to serving the Sikh Panth through their battle skills. They were blessed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji to remain distinct and be fearless warriors, like an official unpaid army without the desire of material gain.

The true Nihang Singhs who observe the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh way of life) and keep a high moral character and serve to protect the Gurdwaras and the Sikh community should be given respect and acknowledged as the ‘Guru's laddleeaa faujaan(n)' (the Guru's Beloved army). However, we should also be wary not to confuse Nihang Singhs for “Nangs”, impostors, who dress in blue attire, practice Shastar Vidiya (Sikh weaponry), follow ‘Sanatan mat' (ancient Hindu traditions and belief) and have little or no respect for living the Sikh Rehat and maintaining a high moral character. In particular, in the UK, the small group of people claiming to be ‘Nihang Singhs' are teaching young Sikhs their own version of Sikh history and philosophy which is far from Gurbani's teachings. “Nangs” have a lax approach to Sikh Rehat and justify using drugs, alcohol and other such things. Many of these “Nangs” are using the university scene and Sikh camps to spread their distorted version of Sikhi and confuse young Sikhs. Let us be aware of the distinction between a true Nihang and a “Nang” (fake Nihang Singh).

amazing are all those true Nihangs

Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Jee Bramha amar rahe

sangat jee wats wrong with ak47 hoodies and Sant Jarnail Singh hoodies its a way of parchar and awareness

khalistan zindabaad

akal takht to aiee avaaz khalistaan khalistaan

THIS IS JUST GREAT KIRPA FROM GURU JI

Waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

sangat jee, u no the things that have on the back something like this product is packed in the same factory where egg, products are packed should you eat them???

please this is a question to the vegetarians no meat debate

bhul chuk maaf

Waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

ther will be a nagar keertan wher he will be sitting on the float and las year the bibia was dancing this is not good he is a pakhandi thag

If you dont know what a term is used for do not assume its beadbi. Yes it is used my Maharaj to refer to God but understand the context the word is used in when refering to a Farladhari Nihang Singh. Nihang Singh traditions hold, going back to the time of Maharaj and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji, that those Singhs who adorn the farla take the physical roop of Mahakaal. Maharaj asked someone to come before him dessed as Akaal, baba Fateh Singh Ji came dressed in the roop of a Nihang Singh and had a farla in his dumalla, upon seeing him maharaj replied Mahakaal. Calling a Farladhari Nihang Singh a Mahakaal does not mean they are God, it means they are the roop of Akaal - as stated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Swaroop Singh Kaushish also mentions this in his book 'Guru Keeyan Sakhia' (1790) where he writes; Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, who was six years old also kept a 'Farla'. Guru Ji was greatly pleased and said, "Son! This 'Akali farla' and it will remain in the 'Panth' forever. This is the dress of Sri Maha-kaal...

Gurpreet Singh can I ask what is debateable?

Peace and love

Akaaal

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

i no its goin off tghe topic but bhajee does this mean non-farla sikhs are not the roop of Akal. cuz i thort

the khalsa was the roop

bhul chuk maaf

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

waheguru

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

/\ the above video is amazinn thanks 4 sharin

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

where will the Covetry coach be going from???

:TH:

:D :lol:

waheguru je ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

Changing Gurbani order in Guru Granth Sahib Ji. (e.g. the vivvad of mangalcharan first of raaj first)

what does that mean?

Changing rehras and adding anti-Gurmat stanzas such as kirpaa karee hum put jugmaata into it. Sunay gung jo jaahai, etc. etc. Raam katha jug jug atal, etc. etc.

could jugmata not men the mother of the jug = waheguru

3.6 million mool mantar paath (who will count?, brahmanvaad) [Pg. 48, 123, 128-129, 449, 601, 619, 620, 624 of Gurmukh Parkash]

what is worng with so much mool mantar? its about doing loaaads

Guru Gobind Singh Ji breaking pitchers of women taking water to their homes. (Tauheen of Guru Maharaj, Ghoar Nindya) Pg. 73 of Gurmukh Parkash

wat is the whole story?

Guru Ji grabbing kesh and taking Sikh out of hell.

Guru jee can do anything? i see u syin tht ther is no narak it is jus without Gurmat in life. this cud mean that

with Kirpa of Guru jee they pull you out of a manmat life

Reading Sukhmani Sahib while standing on 1 leg (Pg. 129, 449 of Gurmukh Parkash)

is there a story behind this or is it just written randomly in Gurmukh Parkash

101 Akhand paaths (Pg. 275, 436, 440, 463, 465, 621, 636 of Gurmukh Parkash)

for what?? specific reason? the more paath the beter

Doing aarti after ardass (Pg. 352 of Gurmukh Parkash)

Aarti the banee?

Parkash of 25 Saroops of Guru Granth Sahib Ji at one time (Pg. 413, 414, 416, 419 of Gurmukh Parkash)

where at?

Maryada of 7 Akhand Paaths and 15 Akhand paaths (Pg. 418, 444 of Gurmukh Parkash)

again where do they do this? who is this maryada for

Akhand paath every pooranmashi (Pg. 570 of Gurmukh Parkash)

frm the lil i no about pooranmashi it is like ther was light back in the days and peoiple will do Kirtan, PAath etc. people have just continued doing this since. again it is another Akhand Paath at the end of the day

Free to take sukha (bhung) (Pg. 631 of Gurmukh Parkash)

bruv i never come across this 1

One woman's husband died. She didn't let the sun rise until her husband was brought back to life. (Pg. 22 of Gurbani Paath Darshan)

who was this? when was it and whats the whole story

Mool Mantar is up to Nanak Hoasee Bhee Sach (Pg. 24 of Gurbani Paath Darshan)

yes it is

Asa Ki Vaar takes you of chaurasi (Pg. 34 of Gurbani Paath Darshan)

banee can do anything

Taksal doesn't even know who it is started by. Their books say, Bhai Mani Singh while their speeches say Baba Deep Singh.

two taksals were created with Sheheed Bhai Mani Singh jee jathedar of one i cant remeba wher it is and Baba Deep Singh jathedar of other

Bhul chuka maaf veer jee

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

sangat jee,

has anyone got Bhagat Kabeer JI salok and Bhagat Fareed Ji saloks recited by Baba Raam Singh (Damdami Taksal) on mp3

thanks in advance

bhulk chuk maaf

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

happy berday penjee

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

bro Khalsa fauj

you say Damdami Taksall did stuff. They were sarbat Khalsa, the singhs give shahhedi at operation blue star, lead the movement (with others) im sayin the whole struugle started with the Damdami Taksal, and if ther r ppl tht act like the Taksal did "everything" then its thier fault. y cant blame the whole of the Taksal for it jus like you sed ghugga made a big mistake.

the panj pyare issue you said, is that book wriiten by Snt Gurbachan Singh Khalsa Bhindrawale?

frm the lil i no i thougfht ithad said that they were bhagats before or somthin?

ill wait for that book abot Harnaam Singh Dhumma, but im askin ya who would you like as jathedar instead?

bhul chuk maaf

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru je kee fateh

"Who says Ramayan is jugo jug atal??

Ram Katha Jug Jug atal ......"

bro cant Ram katha mean akal purakh katha?

"Who gave siropa to K.P. Gill at Mehta Chaunk?"

:wub: @ who was that??

"Was a taksali ever picked up and killed in fake encounter after giving siropa to K.P. Gil?

The answer is no because they gave in and joined the govt. It was Babbar Khalsa guy who kept the fight going"

bro pleez dnt make it out as if Damdami Taksal has done nothing they were the base of it all since blue start , the movemet and so on

"Who links 5 pyaras to avtars of hindu devtas?"

pleez tell me

"Where did Dhumma come from?"

America :wub: who would you like as jathedar bro?

"Who says Guru Gobind Singh Ji lied and told Sikhs to steal turbans??"

again, i dnt no plz tell me

bhul chuk maaf

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

wow

thts wiked

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

cant wait should be very good

waheguroo jee ka khalsa waheguroo jee kee fateh

sangat jee from what the little i know chamkeela was killed by Kharkoo Singhs and becaus ehe sang very very dirty song and then said that the Sikh Student Federation pay me to sing these filthy songs

bhul chuk maaf

Waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

/\ good point

is there any more information about this person like what he was doing after leaving the Damdami Taksal?

bhul chuk maaf

I agree with the post above

waheguru jee ka khalsa waheguru jee kee fateh

everyone i reccommend the loose change video posted by Heera Singh, it bring sum good points

i seen it and the thin about the pentagon it makes sense

bhul chuk maaf

Khalistan Zindabaad