Freed

Here is a qwaal from Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in praise of Sheikh Fareed Shakar Ganj - It has always been a favourite of mine - I love the use of Language and the way it builds up - wonderful ! It's from the Eid Concert held in Small Heath park , Birmingham UK in 1989 Mangabat-i-Fareed - in Praise of Fareed http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...49&hl=en-GB If you like this you will love the complete concert - it was shown on BBC 2 in 1989 - The video includes a brief intro about Sufi and qwaali - including a brief glimpse of Ajmer Shareef - and some great footage of devotees in 'Mastt'. The concert includes 'Allah hoo' , 'Mangabat-i- Fareed' , 'Mast Qalander' ,'Mast Nazron' and 'Nit Khair Mangan'. An interesting fact in the interview is that Nusrat Fateh ali Khan's family originally came from Afghanistan and then came to live in Jalandhar Punjab - so he is a fellow Doabi ! a great Concert ! http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...90&hl=en-GB Enjoy ! It's an amazing concert - I never get sick of watching it and I've had it for 18 years ! Here are some pictures ( I like to give 'value for money' in my posts !) Here is the 'Chilla' of Sheikh Fareed in Faridkot - which owes it's name to Baba Farid - there is a legend that says that when Mokal the Bhatti rajput Chief was building the Fort, he forced the masses to do 'begar' free labour - Baba Fareed was also forced to do hard manual labour - however when he carried a basket of mud it floated above his head - when the chief found out - to atone for the sin of putting a saint to work he named the city 'Faridkot' . The Chilla commemorates this. The Chilla a painting of the Legend The Dargah of Sheikh Baba Farid - Shakar Ganj - Pak Pattan Pakistan For More Info try here ; http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php?title=Farid Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Gurfateh ! Here is Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's rendition of Guru Arjan Dev Ji's Bani - Koi Bole Ram Ram - filmed at the Ramgarhia Gurdwara, Slough UK in 1989. This clip is amazing even the most dark hearted cynic will be reduced to tears. Always makes me blub ! Click to see clip http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...41&hl=en-GB STTM translation of the Shabad Raag Raamkalee on Ang 885 raamakalee mehalaa 5 || koee bolai raam raam koee khudhaae || koee saevai guseeaa koee alaahi ||1|| kaaran karan kareem || kirapaa dhhaar reheem ||1|| rehaao || koee naavai theerathh koee haj jaae || koee karai poojaa koee sir nivaae ||2|| koee parrai baedh koee kathaeb || koee oudtai neel koee supaedh ||3|| koee kehai thurak koee kehai hi(n)dhoo || koee baashhai bhisath koee suragi(n)dhoo ||4|| kahu naanak jin hukam pashhaathaa || prabh saahib kaa thin bhaedh jaathaa ||5||9|| Raamkalee, Fifth Mehla: Some call Him, 'Raam, Raam', and some call Him, 'Khudaa-i'. Some serve Him as 'Gusain', others as 'Allaah'. ||1|| He is the Cause of causes, the Generous Lord. He showers His Grace and Mercy upon us. ||1||Pause|| Some bathe at sacred shrines of pilgrimage, and some make the pilgrimage to Mecca.| Some perform devotional worship services, and some bow their heads in prayer. ||2|| Some read the Vedas, and some the Koran. Some wear blue robes, and some wear white. ||3|| Some call themselves Muslim, and some call themselves Hindu. Some yearn for paradise, and others long for heaven. ||4|| Says Nanak, one who realizes the Hukam of God's Will, knows the secrets of his Lord and Master. ||5||9||

Dear Bhen Ji You have asked some good questions - however the answers are somewhat tricky ! The panels show depictions that are 'Type' portraits, that is they are not meant to be exact likenesses of the subjects - they convey an essence of the person - that is why you have the jewelry etc - this is all established iconography - to identify the subject. The Guru Sahiban are portrayed like Kings - as that is what they were - they had durbars and were Patshahs - so the artist has used the iconography of royalty - the Nimbus or Halo the fine clothes ,canopy etc . we can see all this in every Gurdwara - the royal protocol of Chaur Sahib , Throne , Canopy etc The question about Amrit and jewelry is a little harder to answer - the question of Rehat is between Guru Sahib ( The Punj) and the seeker. You are right most amrit sanchaars require you to take off any jewelry - however the only thing that is 'forbidden' is piercings - earrings etc are not allowed - they being a symbol of bondage/ slavery. Jewelry per se is not forbidden ( though some may argue it is) what is to be avoided is attachment to jewelry or worldly material things. I believe this doesn't mean we should get rid of all jewelry cars etc we should not get attached to it - Maya is usually seen as material things - because in Punjabi that is what it means - however Maya is anything that takes you away from Guru Sahib - it could be friends , computer ,sports anything Bhai Gurdas gives the example of Raja Janak - who despite being surrounded by the trappings of wealth and royalty he was not attached to them - a holy man said you have all this wealth you are attached to maya - you are consumed by 'Moh' Attachment - all I have is this 'Kamandal' a waterpot - However raja Janak's Palace and trappings caught fire and were lost - he did not flinch - when the flames nearly burnt the wooden 'Kamandal' of the Holy man he jumped to save it. Raja Janak said see you say I am attached to my wealth - but it is you who is attached to yours - the wooden Kamandal. That wasn't a very good telling of the sakhi - but I hope you got the idea Here is the Pauri from Bhai Gurdas' vars that tells of Raja Janak. Bhai Gurdaas Ji - pauri 5 vaar 10 Bgq vfw rwjw jnk hY gurmuK mwXw ivc audwsI] dyv lok noN cilAw gx gMDrb sBw suKvwsI] jmpur gieAw pukwr sux ivllwvn jI nrk invwsI] Drmrwie no AwiKEnu sBnw dI kr bMd KlwsI] kry bynqI Drmrwie hau syvk Twkur AibnwsI] gihxy DirAnu iek nwauN pwpW nwl krY inrjwsI] pwsMg pwp n pujnI gurmuK nwauN Aqul n qulwsI] nrkhuM Cuty jIAw jMq ktI glhu islk jmPwsI] mukiq jugiq nwvYN kI dwsI ]õ] bhagath vaddaa raajaa janak hai guramukh maayaa vich oudhaasee|| dhaev lok no(n) chaliaa gan ga(n)dhharab sabhaa sukhavaasee|| jamapur gaeiaa pukaar sun vilalaavan jee narak nivaasee|| dhharamaraae no aakhioun sabhanaa dhee kar ba(n)dh khalaasee|| karae baenathee dhharamaraae ho saevak t(h)aakur abinaasee|| gehinae dhharian eik naaou(n) paapaa(n) naal karai nirajaasee|| paasa(n)g paap n pujanee guramukh naaou(n) athul n thulaasee|| narakahu(n) shhuttae jeeaa ja(n)th kattee galahu silak jamafaasee|| mukath jugath naavai(n) kee dhaasee ||a|| King Janak was a great saint who amidst maya remained indifferent to it. Along with gans and gandharvs (calestial musicians) he went to the abode of the gods. From there, he, hearing the cries of inhabitants of hell, went to them. He asked the god of death, Dharamrai, to relieve all their suffering. Hearing this, the god of death told him he was a mere servant of the eternal Lord (and without His orders he could not liberate them). Janak offered a part of his devotion and remembrance of the name of the Lord. All the sins of hell were found not equal even to the counterweight of balance. In fact no balance can weigh the fruits of recitation and remembrance of the Lords name by the gurmukh. All the creatures got liberated from hell and the noose of death was cut. Liberation and the technique of attaining it are the servants of the name of the Lord. Another point on jewelry here is a quote from Giani Gian Singh's Panth Prakash - describing Sikh women of the 18th century - They accompanied Baghel Singh when the Sikhs walked unchallenged into the Delhi Mughal Court at The Red Fort - The begums of the Mughal King wanted to speak to the Singhanis - this is the exchange - note some are wearing dastaars, some not ,some are wearing ornaments, some not. Adorning weapons, chakars [quoits] and knifes they wore many [in their dumallas – high conical turbans]. Forty kilos of weapons and armour they adorned. Dressed alike were young and old women. They were strong, powerful and of great charity. Some wore dress of women. Five dressed like men [i.e. in full warrior dress]. Getting Singh and Singhnias ready thus. Sending one Sirdar with them, the Singhnia set off towards the royal palace. The powerful Singhs stood outside. All the royal women came out to see them. They [singhs] had great moustache and beards. Their eyes were full of rage and eyebrows greater. Wearing many weapons. Seeing their great form and beauty, they were as if incarnations of the warrior spirit. The Begams were astonished. Begams sent them [singhs] gifts. Saluting the Singhs, they sent them away. Then they looked at the Singhnia. They took them into their palace. They [singhnia] said, “Sat Siri Akal”. They replied “Salaam” and sat them down. Seeing their form and strong bodies. Dressed in armour and weapons. Listening to their conversation of plundering and war. And how to kill a hunt. And how to aim with bows and muskets. Hearing them, they were astonished. Under their ‘Salwars’ [trouser like garments], were ‘Kashehras’ [breeches]. Seeing their great clothes. Listening to their manly words. The Begams were astounded. The four Singhnia had a special female dress. They wore silver ornaments twenty pounds in weight. Seeing this they were awe struck. Their Salwars were twenty yard long. They wore heavy lower garments. Their top knots stood span and half high. Their Shmeezes were of special design. Their physiques were large and heavy. Seeing them the Begams were astounded because they stood unarmed and weak of body. Fearing the Singhnia they cowered to half their size. Then began discussion on religion. Singhnia dismissed all other religions. The traditions of Muslims [Turks] they called false. The way of Mohammed they said was full of faults. The Singhnia described all the atrocities of the Turks. Hearing them the Begams shuddered. Shocked they covered their mouths with their hands. Hearing of the chastity, sincerity and morals of the Singhs. The Begams spoke nodding their heads. “Singhnia you are of great fate. You move about with you husbands. We are pathetic and suffer greatly. Our life is like life imprisonment. One king has sixty wives. By marrying we are as if trapped in a trap”.’ (‘Naveen Panth Prakash’, Giani Gian Singh Nirmala, 1877, Bhasha Vibhag Publication, Pa.1151-1153) I hope that goes someway to answer your questions Pyar Bhari Sat Sri Akaal ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Gurfateh ! some great images - Many Thanks for sharing !

Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib The Doorways of the Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib ********************* *Pictures from: * 'The Sikhs - Images of a Heritage' - T S Randhawa - Prakash Books - 2000 * http://prabhukhalsa.blogspot.com/ -- Taken by Sardar Prabhu Singh ( New Mexico ) **************************** Once again I have posted a huge amount - I do apologise for the long winded post - I hope it was of interest and you enjoyed the pictures and that the text went some way to explain their context and themes I hope you are all blessed with the Darshan Didar of Gurdwara Baba Atal and Siri Amritsar very soon - and as the old saying says "Baba Atal Pakian Pakaian Ghal" - (Baba Atal sends prepared meals) you will be showered with the Guru's Blessings. Gurfateh ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

details The Turtle - Kurma In this last panel you can see the depiction of Narsi Bhagat - Narsi is the 'Patron Saint- Poet' of Gujarat - a great influence on M K Gandhi . Narsi was a bhagat of Krishan always absorbed in devotion - he was a wealthy man but gave all his money to the needy - the panel depicts a famous Sakhi - Narsi's wife asks where they will find the money to marry their daughter - Narsi says that Krishna came to him in a dream and said send a 'Hundi' ( an Indian draft/ demand) to Dwarka in the name of Sawal Shah - and I will give you the money to marry your daughter - Some Yatrees ( pilgrims) took the 'Hundi' to Dwarka - but couldn't find a Sawal Shah - eventually they found a man claiming to be Sawal Shah and got the Money - Sawal Shah was Krishan Ji himself - he had come to the help of his devotee Narsi . In the panel you can see Narsi Bhagat - the Yaatrees and Krishan in the guise of Sawal Shah. here are the thoughts of Narsi - in his words 'He is to be called the Vaishnav who sympathizes with the affliction of others. He tends to the sorrows of others but gets not conceited in that act. He tolerates others with humility. He does not censure anyone. His words and mind are steadfast. Such a person’s mother is indeed wealthy. With equanimity he has given up his cravings. To him all women are his mothers. Words of untruth never issue from his mouth. He lays not his hand on the wealth of others. He is free from passion and delusion. His mind is dispassionate from conviction. He readily claps his hands to the names of Ram. In his body reside all holy places. He is free from greed and deceit as also from lust and anger. Says Narsi the sight of such a person enables the seer and his entire clan to cross sansar.' Narsi Bhagat details *********

In this panel the sons of Guru Nanak Sahib , Baba Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das are shown with Baba Ani Rai son of Guru Hargobind Sahib and Mata Nanaki. Baba Gurditta ji , eldest son of Guru Hargobind Sahib and Mata Damodari is shown here with Suraj Mal ji , son of Guru Hargobind Sahib and Mata Maha Devi Marvahi - Suraj Mal's descendents are the Sodhis of Anandpur. This panel has been described as a scene from Guru Nanak's Janamsakhi by T S Randhawa (2000) - however I believe it is a scene depicting The Jat , Dhanna Bhagat - Bhagat Dhanna's bani is included in the Guru Granth Sahib - and I believe the panel shows the famous Sakhi of Dhanna and the 'Thakaar' (idol) given to him by a brahmin . In The legend as recorded by R C Temple in 1880 - Dhanna asks the brahmin for an idol - who gives him a four 'ser' weight stone in exchange for a milch cow - Dhanna performs such devoted service that Krishna himself appears and says - " Sun Bhai Dhanna , tain kini meri sev. Pheran halt , kiare khaddan , kam karesan ev. Gawwan Charan, kam sawaran, Sabhe janan bhev. Tain tan main nun tan man arpia; Sufal hove teri sev.- Dhanne da Har se laga neh." (translation - Listen, Friend Dhanna; You have done me service (so) I will drive your Persian wheel, i will dig your field, - Thus I will work: I will graze your cows, I will work carefully, I know all the art. - As you have given yourself , body and soul, to me, Your service shall be fruitful. -- Dhanna's devotion was to Hari... ) In the panel you can see Dhanna and the Brahmin , Dhanna and his wife - you also see Krishna working the 'Halt' - persian wheel irrigation - working the fields and the tools of a Jat farmer details 'Pheran Halt' 'Kiare khaddan' Tools of a Jat This panel is a depiction of the Samudran Manthan - the churning of the ocean - from the Puranas - as celebrated at the Kumbh Mela every 12 years It relates the episode where having been cursed by Indra, the Adityas fearing they will lose their powers ask Brahma for a way to achieve Immortality - they are told to churn the Ocean to gain 'Amrit' - with the help of all the avatars they churn the ocean with the mountain 'Mandara' and using 'Vasuki' the snake - intially the mountain sank but 'Vishnu' came in his 'Turtle' avatar 'Kurma' - to support the churning.As they churned a great poison came forth - Which Shiva drank - Parvati his consort stopped the poison at his throat -( this explains why Shiva is called 'Neel Kanth' blue throated) - Then all manner of treasures came forth * Sura, goddess and creator of wine * Apsarases, various divine nymphs * Kaustubha, the most valuable jewel in the world * Uchhaishravas, the divine horse * Kalpavriksha, the wish-granting tree * Kamadhenu, the first cow and mother of all other cows * Airavata, the elephant which is the steed of Indra * Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune and Wealth * Kali (Demon), personification of Kali yuga Then finally came Dhanvantari - knower of all cures and medicines - with a 'Kumbh' of ' Amrit' - the heavenly nectar of immortality - which was drunk by all Guru Gobind Singh Ji writes about the Samundran Manthan and the fourteen jewels gained in the churning in the Dasm Granth Sahib - Chaubis Autar ਭਾਗ SECTION ਅਥ ਕੱਛ ਅਉਤਾਰ ਕਥਨੰ ॥ Now begins the description of Kachh (Tortoise) Incarnation: ਭੁਜੰਗ ਪ੍ਰਯਾਤ ਛੰਦ ॥ BHUJANG PRAYAAT STANZA ਕਿਤੋ ਕਾਲ ਬੀਤਯੋ ਕਰਯੋ ਦੇਵ ਰਾਜੰ ॥ ਭਰੇ ਰਾਜ ਧਾਮੰ ਸੁਭੰ ਸਰਬ ਸਾਜੰ ॥ Indra, the king of gods, ruled for a long time and his palaces were full of all materials of comfort; ਗਜੰ ਬਾਜ ਬੀਣੰ ਬਿਨਾ ਰਤਨ ਭੂਪੰ ॥ ਕਰਿਯੋ ਬਿਸਨ ਬੀਚਾਰ ਚਿੱਤੰ ਅਨੂਪੰ ॥੧॥ But once Vishnu reflected upon a unique idea in his mind that this king is without elephants, horses and jewels (therefore something should be done in this direction).1. ਭੁਜੰਗ ਛੰਦ ॥ BHUJANG PRAYAAT STANZA ਸਭੈ ਦੇਵ ਏਕਤ੍ਰ ਕੀਨੇ ਪੁਰਿੰਦ੍ਰੰ ॥ ਸਸੰ ਸੂਰਜੰ ਆਦਿ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਉਪਿੰਦ੍ਰੰ ॥ Indra gathered together all the gods including Chandra. Surya and Upendra. ਹੁਤੇ ਦਈਤ ਜੇ ਲੋਕ ਮਧਯੋ ਹੰਕਾਰੀ ॥ ਭਏ ਏਕਠੇ ਭ੍ਰਾਤਿ ਭਾਵੰ ਬਿਚਾਰੀ ॥੨॥ Considering this gathering as some stratagem against them, the proud demons also gathered together.2. ਭੁਜੰਗ ਛੰਦ ॥ BHUJANG PRAYAAT STANZA ਬਦਯੋ ਅਰਧ ਅਰਧੰ ਦੁਹੂ ਬਾਟਿ ਲੀਬੋ ॥ ਸਭੋ ਬਾਤ ਮਾਨੀ ਯਹੈ ਕਾਮ ਕੀਬੋ ॥ Now both the groups decided that whatever shall be attained, the same shall be distributed equally. All of them agreed on this proposal and the work was begun; ਕਰੋ ਮਥਨੀ ਕੂਟ ਮੰਦ੍ਰਾਚਲੇਯੰ ॥ ਤਕਯੋ ਛੀਰ ਸਾਮੁੰਦ੍ਰ ਦੇਅੰ ਅਦੇਯੰ ॥੩॥ Both the gods and demons settled the programme of churning the milk-ocean, making churning-stick of the Mandrachal mountain.3. ਭੁਜੰਗ ਛੰਦ ॥ BHUJANG PRAYAAT STANZA ਕਰੀ ਮਥਕਾ ਬਾਸਕੰ ਸਿੰਧ ਮੱਧੰ ॥ ਲਾਗ ਦੋਊ ਭਏ ਅੱਧ ਅੱਧੰ ॥ The serpent Vasuki was made the rope of the churning-stick and dividing the participants equally, both the ends of the rope were held tighty. ਸਿਰੰ ਦੈਤ ਲਾਗੇ ਗਹੀ ਪੂਛ ਦੇਵੰ ॥ ਮਥਯੋ ਛੀਰ ਸਿਧੰ ਮਨੋ ਮਾਟਕੇਵੰ ॥੪॥ The demons caught hold of the side of the head and the gods the tail, they began to churn like the curd in a vessel.4. ਭੁਜੰਗ ਛੰਦ ॥ BHUJANG PRAYAAT STANZA ਇਸੋ ਕਉਣ ਬੀਯੋ ਧਰੇ ਭਾਰੁ ਪਬੰ ॥ ਉਠੇ ਕਾਂਪ ਬੀਰੰ ਦਿੱਤਯਾਦਿੱਤਯ ਸੱਬੰ ॥ Now they reflected on this idea as to who can be the mighty hero, who can endure the load of the mountain (because a base was required for the purpose)? Hearing this Ditya, Aditya etc., the heroes shuddered, faltering in absurd prattle. ਤਬੈ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਬਿਸਨ ਮੰਤ੍ਰੰ ਬਿਚਾਰਯੋ ॥ ਤਰੇ ਪਰਬਤੰ ਕੱਛਪੰ ਰੂਪ ਧਾਰਯੋ ॥੫॥ Then observing this difficulty of both the gods and demons, Vishnu himself thought about it and transforming himself in the form of Kachh (tortoise), seated himself at the base of the mountain.5. ਇਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਬਚਿਤ੍ਰ ਨਾਟਕ ਗ੍ਰੰਥੇ ਦੁਤੀਆ ਕਛ ਅਉਤਾਰ ਬਰਨਨੰ ਸੰਪੂਰਨਮ ਸਤੁ ਸੁਭਮ ਸਤੁ ॥੨॥ End of the description of the second Kachh (tortoise), incarnation in BACHITTAR NATAK.2. ਭਾਗ SECTION ਅਥ ਛੀਰ ਸਮੁੰਦ੍ਰ ਮਥਨ ਚਉਦਹ ਰਤਨ ਕਥਨੰ ॥ Now begins the description of the Churing of the Milkocean and the Fourteen Jewels: ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗਉਤੀ ਜੀ ਸਹਾਇ ॥ Let Shri Bhagauti Ji (The Primal Power) be helpful. ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥ TOTAK STANZA ਮਿਲਿ ਦੇਵ ਅਦੇਵਨ ਸਿੰਧੁ ਮਥਿਯੋ ॥ ਕਬਿ ਸਯਾਮ ਕਵਿਤਨ ਮਧਿ ਕਥਿਯੋ ॥ Both the gods and demons unitedly churned the ocean, which hath been narrated in verse by the poet Shyam. ਤਬ ਰਤਨ ਚਤੁਰਦਸ ਯੋਂ ਨਿਕਸੇ ॥ ਅਸਿਤਾ ਨਿਸਿ ਮੋ ਸਸਿ ਸੇ ਬਿਗਸੇ ॥੧॥ Then the fourteen jewels, in their splendour emanated from the sea, just as the moon looks elegant during the night.1. ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥ TOTAK STANZA ਅਮਰਾਂਤਕ ਸੀਸ ਕੀ ਓਰ ਹੂਅੰ ॥ ਮਿਲਿ ਪੂਛ ਗਹੀ ਦਿਸਿ ਦੇਵ ਦੂਅੰ ॥ The demons caught Vasuki from the side of the head and the gods from the side of the tail. ਰਤਨੰ ਨਿਕਸੇ ਬਿਗਸੇ ਸਸਿ ਸੇ ॥ ਜਨੁ ਘੂਟਨ ਲੇਤ ਅਮੀ ਰਸ ਕੇ ॥੨॥ On seeing the jewels emanating from the sea, they became pleased as though they had drunk the ambrosia.2. ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥ TOTAK STNAZA ਨਿਕਸਯੋ ਧਨੁ ਸਾਇਕ ਸਧ ਸਿਤੰ ॥ ਮਦੁ ਪਾਨ ਕਢਯੋ ਘਟ ਮਦਯ ਮਤੰ ॥ The bow and of purely white colour came out, and those intoxicated ones brought out from the ocean a pitcher of honey. ਗਜ ਬਾਜ ਸੁਧਾ ਲਛਮੀ ਨਿਕਸੀ ॥ ਘਨ ਮੋ ਮਨੋ ਬਿੰਦੁਲਤਾ ਬਿਗਸੀ ॥੩॥ The elephant, horse, nectar and Lakshmi came out and looked splendid like the flash of lightning from the clouds.3. ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥ TOTAK STANZA ਕਲਪਾ ਦ੍ਰੁਮ ਮਾਹੁਰ ਅਉ ਰੰਭਾ ॥ ਜਿਹ ਮੋਹਿ ਰਹੈ ਲਖਿ ਇੰਦ੍ਰ ਸਭਾ ॥ After Kalapdrum (Elysian, wish-fulfilling tree) and poison, the heavenly damsel Rambha came out, seeing whom, the people of Indrs`s court allured. ਮਣਿ ਕੌਸਤੁਭ ਸਸਿ ਸੁ ਰੂਪ ਸੁਭੰ ॥ ਜਿਹ ਭਜਤ ਦੈਤ ਬਿਲੋਕ ਜੁਧੰ ॥੪॥ The Kaustubh jewel and the moon also came out, which are remembered by the demons in the battlefield.4. ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥ TOTAK STANZA ਨਿਕਸੀ ਗਵਰਾਜ ਸੁ ਧੇਨ ਭਲੀ ॥ ਜਿਹ ਛੀਨਿ ਲਯੋ ਸਹਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਬਲੀ ॥ Kamadhenu (the wish-fulfilling cow) also came out which was seized by the mighty Sahasrajun. ਗਨ ਰਤਨ ਗਨਉ ਉਪਰਤਨ ਅਬੈ ॥ ਤੁਮ ਸੰਤ ਸੁਨੋ ਚਿਤ ਲਾਇ ਸਭੈ ॥੫॥ After reckoning the jewels, now I mention the minor jewels, O saints; listen to me attentively.5. ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥ TOTAK STNAZA ਗਨਿ ਜੋਕ ਹਰੀਤਕੀ ਓਰ ਮਧੰ ॥ ਜਨ ਪੰਚ ਸੁ ਨਾਮਯ ਸੰਖ ਸੁਭੰ ॥ These minor jewels are leech, myrobalan, honey, conch ( panchjanay), ruta, hemp, discus and mace; ਸਸਿ ਬੇਲ ਬਿਜਿਯਾ ਅਰ ਚੱਕ੍ਰ ਗਦਾ ॥ ਜੁਵਰਾਜ ਬਿਰਾਜਤ ਪਾਨ ਸਦਾ ॥੬॥ The later two look impressive in the hands of princes always.6. ਤੋਟਕ ॥ TOTAK STANZA ਧਨੁ ਸਾਰੰਗ ਨੰਦਗ ਖੱਗ ਭਣੰ ॥ ਜਿਨ ਖੰਡਿ ਕਰੈ ਗਨ ਦਈਤ ਰਣੰ ॥ The bow and arrow, the bull Nandi and the dagger (which had destroyed the demons) came out of the ocean. ਸਿਵ ਸੂਲ ਬੜਵਾਨਲ ਕਪਿਲ ਮੁਨੰ ॥ ਤਿ ਧਨੰਤਰ ਚਉਦਸਵੋ ਰਤਨੰ ॥੭॥ The trident of Shiva, Barvanal (the fire), Kapil Muni and Dhanwantri came out as the fourteenth jewel.7. ਗਨਿ ਰਤਨ ਉਪਰਤਨ ਔ ਧਾਤ ਗਨੋ ॥ ਕਹਿ ਧਾਤ ਸਭੈ ਉਪਧਾਤ ਭਨੋ ॥ After counting the greater and minor jewels, now I count the metals and afterwards I shall count the lesser metals. ਸਭ ਨਾਮ ਜਥਾ ਮਤਿ ਸਯਾਮ ਧਰੋ ॥ ਘਟ ਜਾਨ ਕਵੀ ਜਿਨਿ ਨਿੰਦ ਕਰੋ ॥੮॥ All these names have been reckoned by the poet Shyam according to his own understanding; considering them in small number, poets requested not to slander me.8. ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥ TOTAK STNAZA ਪ੍ਰਿਥਮੋ ਗਨਿ ਲੋਹ ਸਿਕਾ ਸ੍ਵਰਨੰ ॥ ਚਤੁਰਥ ਭਨ ਧਾਤ ਸਿਤੰ ਰੁਕਮੰ ॥ First of tall I reckon iron, lead and gold alongwith the fourth white metal silver; ਬਹੁਰੋ ਕਥਿ ਤਾਂਬਰ ਕਲੀ ਪਿਤਰੰ ॥ ਕਥਿ ਅਸਟਮ ਜਿਸਤੁ ਹੈ ਧਾਤ ਧਰੰ ॥੯॥ Then mentioning copper, tin and brass, I consider the eighth metal as zinc, which is found within the earth.9. ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥ TOTAK STNAZA ਉਪਧਾਤ ਕਥਨੰ ॥ Updhat Description: ਸੁਰਮੰ ਸਿੰਗਰਫ ਹਰਤਾਲ ਗਣੰ ॥ ਚਤੁਰਥ ਤਿਹ ਸਿੰਬਲ ਖਾਰ ਭਣੰ ॥ Now I describe the minor metals; they are : antimony, cinnabar, yellow orpiment, bombax, ਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸੰਖ ਮਨਾਸਿਲ ਅਭ੍ਰਕਯੰ ॥ ਭਨਿ ਅਸਟਮ ਲੋਣ ਰਸੰ ਲਵਣੰ ॥੧੦॥ Potash, conchshell, mica, artemesia and calomel.10. ਦੋਹਰਾ ॥ DOHRA ਧਾਤ ਉਪਧਾਤ ਜਥਾ ਸਕਤਿ ਸੋ ਹੌ ਕਹੀ ਬਨਾਇ ॥ These metals, minor metals have been described by me according to my own understanding. ਖਾਨਨ ਮਹਿ ਭੀ ਹੋਤ ਹੈ ਕੋਈ ਕਹੂੰ ਕਮਾਇ ॥੧੧॥ He, who desires to have them, can get them.11. ਚੌਪਈ ॥ CHAUPAI ਰਤਨ ਉਪਰਤਨ ਨਿਕਾਸੇ ਤਬ ਹੀ ॥ ਧਾਤ ਉਪਧਾਤ ਦਿਰਬ ਮੋ ਸਭ ਹੀ ॥ As the major and minor jewels, the major and minor metals came out; ਤਿਹ ਤਬ ਹੀ ਬਿਸਨਹਿ ਹਿਰ ਲਯੋ ॥ ਅਵਰਨਿ ਬਾਟ ਅਵਰਨਹਿ ਦਯੋ ॥੧੨॥ They were taken away by Vishnu and distributed the remaining things amongst all.12. ਚੌਪਈ ॥ CHAUPAI ਸਾਰੰਗ ਸਰ ਅਸ ਚਕ੍ਰ ਗਦਾ ਲੀਅ ॥ ਪਾਂਚਾਮਰ ਲੈ ਨਾਦ ਅਧਿਕ ਕੀਅ ॥ He took away himself the bow and arrows, the sword, the discus, the mace and the (Panchjanay) conch etc. ਸੂਲ ਪਿਨਾਕ ਬਿਸਹ ਕਰ ਲੀਨਾ ॥ ਸੋ ਲੈ ਮਹਾਂਦੇਵ ਕਉ ਦੀਨਾ ॥੧੩॥ And taking the trident, the cow named Pinak and Poison in his hands, gave them to Shva.13. ਭੁਜੰਗ ਪ੍ਰਯਾਤ ਛੰਦ ॥ BHUJANG PRAYAAT STANZA ਦੀਯੋ ਇੰਦ੍ਰ ਐਰਾਵਤੰ ਬਾਜ ਸੂਰੰ ॥ ਉਠੇ ਦੀਹ ਦਾਨੋ ਜੁਧੰ ਲੋਹ ਪੂਰੰ ॥ The elephants named Airavat was given to Indra and the horse to the sun seeing which the demons, in great fury,Marched to wage war. ਅਨੀ ਦਾਨਵੀ ਦੇਖਿ ਉੱਠੀ ਅਪਾਰੰ ॥ ਤਬੈ ਬਿਸਨ ਜੂ ਚਿਤਿ ਕੀਨੀ ਬਿਚਾਰੰ ॥੧੪॥ Seeing the advancing army of the demons, Vishnu thought in his mind.14. ******************** In the panel you can see the jewels that were brought forth - the elephant, the wine - Lakhsmi - the cow etc - you can also see the celestial weapons - bow arrow chakar - you can see the Avaatars churning with the snake and the turtle at the bottom. I have been told this is an allegory for the spiritual search - that the human being is perfect and contains all the treasures within - all s/he needs do is make some effort - like milk which contains lassi and butter - churn the milk/mind (with simran) and butter is produced - all 'treasures' are received with Guru's Grace.

In this panel Guru Gobind Singh is shown surrounded by his beloved Singhs - perhaps before a battle - as the scene is very dynamic with lots of movement. Note the Nagarchi - or mounted war drum player and the Singh carrying a Degh on his head. details Guru Gobind Singh is shown with Sahib Singh at the Vaisakhi of 1699 in this panel In this panel Guru Gobind Singh is shown giving Amrit to the Panj Piaras and Mata Ji is also shown detail Baba Atal ji , the son of Guru Hargobind Sahib and Mata Nanaki - is shown in this panel - also showing the Ten Guru Sahiban detail of Baba Atal ji The Four Sahibzadas details

Sikh and Hindu Themes of the Baba Atal panels Gurfateh ! At the weekend a Bhai Sahib showed me some of his pictures of the Gilded Panels that decorate the four doorways of Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib, Amritsar and asked for more information about the scenes they depict .The inscriptions on the panels give the names and addresses of the donors and only a little information, usually just names , of the figures they depict. I hope in this post to give a little information about the themes these panels depict - I have no pretensions of being a scholar - the information given is my personal opinion formed by a little research - please feel free to add your own views and any constructive criticism. The panels are in the form of embossed brass - made by the craftsmen of Kucha Fakirkhana, Amritsar in the mid 19th century - they are perhaps some of the finest examples of their kind. The panels are arranged in groups of 3 above each of the 4 doors - 12 in total. The themes of the panels can be divided into 4 distinct categories - depictions of the Guru Sahiban , The children of the Guru Sahiban, The Bhagats and Scenes from the Puranas. There are 3 panels that depict the Guru Sahiban - in this panel Guru Nanak Sahib is shown with Saints ,Sants and Sages details There is a similar mural in the Akhara of Bala Nand , Amritsar - which names the saints as - on the left Bharthi Nath ji , Gorakh Nath ji and on the right Macchandar Nath ji A side note , which I hope is not flippant - does anyone know why the saint - in the bottom right hand side corner - has what appears to be a 'Thaatee' - a cloth used by some Sikh men to press their beards - around his chin , does this have any significance ? Mural - Akhara of Bala Nand In context In this panel Guru Gobind Singh Ji is depicted with Five Singhs details

GurFateh and Many Thanks Bhen Ji ! I have also been told that Bhai Mohinder Singh (Nanna) Ji - is the Father of Bhai Apardeep Singh Ji , also a keertani - sadly Bhai Mohinder Singh (Nanna) Ji is no longer with us.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh ! Here is video clip from a Keertan Darbar held in South Birmingham UK on 28 Feb 1998 - Unfortunately I do not know the name of the Kirtani Bhai Sahib - Perhaps a Bhai Sahib/Bhen ji can add their name ? The Kirtan is of some of my favourite shabads - "Mul Khareedi Lala Gola Mera Nao Sabhaga" - Maru Mahalla 1 Ang 991 and "Hao Apradi Gunagar Hao Bemukhmanda" - Bhai Gurdas - Vaar 36 pauri 21 Enjoy the Kirtan - Please post the Bhai Sahib's name if you know it - Many Thanks click link to see clip ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...59&hl=en-GB ਸਿਮਰਿ ਮੁਰੀਦਾ ਢਾਢੀਆ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਬਖਸੰਦਾ ॥

Gurfateh ! Here is a rare video of the Late Bhai Rama Singh Ji UK performing Keertan after Amrit Sanchaar in 1999 Click link to see ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...93&hl=en-GB From the Vaisakhi Smagam April 1999 - Smethwick UK (face is slighty obscured by the microphone - apologies ) Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Gurfateh ! Here is a gilded panel from Goindwal Sahib - showing Guru Ram Das Sahib Ji , with Bhai Gurdas Ji performing Chaur sewa and Baba Buddha Ji conferring Guruship with tilak. It probably dates from the mid 19th century The picture doesn't really add anything to this particular debate ,but I thought it was interesting and you may like to see it . 'Freed'

SORRY for the mammoth post ! - hopefully those with children or nieces and nephews etc will find it useful . (**If the copyright police are watching SORRY !!**) Hope you enjoyed the movies and pictures Pyar Bhari Sat Siri Akaal ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Topsy and Tim meet new friends - Jean and Gareth Adamson - Blackie - 1992 edition

Stories from the Sikh World - Rani and Jugnu Singh - Macdonald - 1987

Gurfateh ! One of the roots of my obssession with Sikhi related pictures etc is that when I was growing up in the England of the dark distant 1970s 80s I was always the only Singh at school - I lived in a town with a few Sikh families and 'Sikh resources' were very hard to get hold of . Our local library had only 4 books on Sikhi,one by Khushwant Singh, two by Piara Singh Sambhi / Owen Cole and my favourite - as I was about 7 and liked the pictures - was 'Pavan is a Sikh'. I grabbed as much information as I could wherever I could find it. On TV there were very few 'Sikh' faces - the dodgy comedy 'mind your language' type or the ' let's have a programme about racism type' - anyone remember 'Randhir Singh' and 'gripper' in 'Grange Hill' ? another distant memory is the BBC kids drama 'The Changes' - from the book 'The Devil's Children' by Peter Dickinson - it deals with a time when people have turned against machines and all aspects of modern civilisation - it featured lots of Sikhs and a story line where they are initially feared then become accepted and become heroes and saviours of a village. - The TV situation is not really much better today ! - but the Sikh 'resources' situation is better. Nowadays most school children in England are taught about all faith communities and are encouraged to reflect on and consider religious and spiritual feelings, experiences and concepts such as worship, wonder, praise, thanks, concern, joy and sadness. This is a great step as in many parts of the world this is unheard of - while sometimes the teaching can be a little 'saris, steelbands and samosas' as it focuses on the surface symbols of dress, food and music - anyone who has tried to give a talk to younger school children will know that sometimes it is hard not to fall into that type of explanation. In the main the teaching is very heartening with emphasis on looking at similarities and personal experiences and asking questions - which can only lead to better understanding. There are lots of resources available to teachers - many of these resources are also good for Sikh kids as they help discussion and understanding. I am posting some of the videos shown on 'schools' TV about Sikhi - while they are not perfect , they are presented in a child friendly way - I am also posting them as 2 of the 3 films focus on female Sikhs and their experiences - this is heartening as many resources on Sikhi focus exclusively on Male Sikhs. have a look at the videos and see what you think - if you don't like them - you know what you can do - make one of your own !! - in these days of 'youtube' it's not that hard to reach a wide audience ! Harsimran Kaur - 'The Golden Temple - Sikhism (Channel 4 1996) Click link to see ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...71&hl=en-GB Simranjit Kaur - 'God , Oneness and equality' - (BBC 2 1998) Click link to see ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...34&hl=en-GB Sahib Singh Lall - 'Living as a Sikh - Vaisakhi ' (BBC 2 1998) Click link to see ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...34&hl=en-GB These next pictures are of 3 'Sikh' books for kids published in the UK - they are out of print and hard to get hold of - 'Pavan is a Sikh' was published in 1977 - Pavan is probably about 40 now !. - While it is not a brillant book - with some strange comments which aren't exactly positive - it was one of the first books of its kind, and has some great 1970s pictures. Rani and Jugnu Singh's 'Stories from the Sikh World' is a classic - it has wonderful illustrations by Jeroo Roy - published in 1987 - Rani and Jugnu used to have a travelling show which performed plays in schools of these stories. The last book is 'Topsy and Tim meet new friends' - - a favourite because of 'Balraj' , perhaps one of the first books with a little boy with a 'jura and rumaal' --- aw so sweet ! Pavan is a Sikh - Sean Lyle - A & C Black - 1977

"From Rajgarh" - while he may not be a 'Sikh' figure I was struck by the 'Boar Tusks' in the turban - a tradition maintained by Nihangs "A Rajput from Rajgarh" - again he may not be a 'Sikh' figure but he is an impressive figure - with fanned out beard and royal turban, Shastar in one hand , a mala in the other hand , fine 'Choga' and a 'great-coat' - all great military traditions of India -- given to the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh . Veterans of the 'Indian Mutiny of 1857' - Old Sikh soldiers - fine examples of proud Punjabi 'Babey' Veterans on Parade - proudly wearing their medals These two pictures are neither 'Sikh' nor of the Durbar parade - They are of a simple Tailor and a Slipper maker -- I hope this is not offensive but something about them reminded me of the Bhagats whose shabads are included in the Guru Granth Sahib - namely Bhagat Ravi Das, the cobbler and Bhagat Naamdev - the son of a cloth printer father and tailor mother. The tailor with torn clothes and the shoe maker with no shoes just made me think of these Bhagats - and their beautiful Bani - apologies if this offends . The tailor The Slipper maker These next pictures are of the book's cover and inscription - in case you're interested (* All pictures taken from Durbar - Mortimer Menpes , text Dorothy Menpes - A C Black - 1903) Hope you enjoyed the pictures ! Bhul Chuk Maaf Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Gurfateh ! As you may of guessed from my posts , I have a passion for collecting pictures and books - one of my favourite books is 'Durbar' by Mortimer Menpes - I managed to get a first edition copy from ebay at a bargain price - in the days when you could get a bargain on ebay ! It is special as it comes from the library of the Maharaja of Alwar (Rajastan) - The book published in 1903 is a pictorial record of the Delhi Darbar, held on New year's day 1903, to celebrate the declaration of Edward the VII as Emperor of India. The book is illustrated with 100 engravings of paintings by Mortimer Menpes - I think these paintings are stunning --- with amazing bright colours and interesting choice of subjects.( though some may think they are a bit twee and chocolate box - yes, you know who you are ! - and yes,I still think they are 'Stunning' !!! - and no, you are not the new 'Brian Sewell' --- apologies for that minor outburst - just a private joke/ongoing discussion/disagreement I've been having ! ) Anyway back to the pictures I am posting some pictures of the 'Sikh' related engravings below for you all to enjoy. Enjoy ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed' " A Sikh spear-bearer" - note the Dastar is adorned with numerous 'Shastar' - My favourite of all the engravings "Akalis Fanatical Devotee" - an old soldier - veteran of the seige of Delhi - He has an impressive tall Dastar with Gaj Gah and numerous 'shastars' and 'Shingar' " An Akalis Fanatical Devotee" - An Akali with a wonderful Dastaar Boonga with large Gaj Gah , and impressive body armour - the text relates a story of the eccentricities of Nihangs - if you look at the pony you will see it is wearing a kacchera - the author says this is because the nihang had made his pony a 'Sikh' ( make of that what you will - !!! ?) "A retainer from Jind" - with impressive 'Farla' , an axe and pistol and an interesting mixture of 'aad chand' and what appears to be British army 'chakar' on his Dastar. Spear-Bearer from Jind - "A Sikh Warrior" The Maharajah of Nabha - Hira Singh The young Maharaja of Patiala - Bhupinder Singh "Retainers from Cutch" - wearing wonderful 'Chogas'