Freed

( ਭਗਤ ਕਬੀਰ ਜੀ Bhagat Kabeer Jee - Ang 338) ਗਉੜੀ ੧੨ ॥ Gauree 12: ਮਨ ਰੇ ਛਾਡਹੁ ਭਰਮੁ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਹੋਇ ਨਾਚਹੁ ਇਆ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੇ ਡਾਂਡੇ ॥ O people, O victims of this Maya, abandon your doubts and dance out in the open. ਸੂਰੁ ਕਿ ਸਨਮੁਖ ਰਨ ਤੇ ਡਰਪੈ ਸਤੀ ਕਿ ਸਾਂਚੈ ਭਾਂਡੇ ॥੧॥ What sort of a hero is one who is afraid to face the battle? What sort of satee is she who, when her time comes, starts collecting her pots and pans? ||1|| ਡਗਮਗ ਛਾਡਿ ਰੇ ਮਨ ਬਉਰਾ ॥ Stop your wavering, O crazy people! ਅਬ ਤਉ ਜਰੇ ਮਰੇ ਸਿਧਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਲੀਨੋ ਹਾਥਿ ਸੰਧਉਰਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ Now that you have taken up the challenge of death, let yourself burn and die, and attain perfection. ||1||Pause|| ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੇ ਲੀਨੇ ਇਆ ਬਿਧਿ ਜਗਤੁ ਬਿਗੂਤਾ ॥ The world is engrossed in sexual desire, anger and Maya; in this way it is plundered and ruined. ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਰਾਜਾ ਰਾਮ ਨ ਛੋਡਉ ਸਗਲ ਊਚ ਤੇ ਊਚਾ ॥੨॥੨॥੧੭॥੬੮॥ Says Kabeer, do not forsake the Lord, your Sovereign King, the Highest of the High. ||2||2||17||68|| (http://www.sikhitothemax.com/page.asp?ShabadID=1352) Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh !

Gurfateh ! As 'ssinghuk' Bhai Sahib has mentioned , the horses, due to be presented to Guru Hargobind Sahib by 'Karori', a horse dealer, but seized by the governor of Lahore, then later recaptured by Bhai Bidhi Chand and presented to Guru Sahib, were named Gulbagh and Dilbagh. a fresco from the original Akal Takht showing Bhai Bidhi Chand presenting Gulbagh and Dilbagh. I have heard that Guru Gobind Singh ji's Baaz (falcon) was called 'Rustam' - after the Persian Hero of Firdaus' epic 'Shahnama' Hope that was of some use

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh !! Lest We Forget. Sri Harimandir Sahib In this week we remember the Ghallughaara of June 1984 - as a mark of respect I have posted this video. 'Sri Harimandir Sahib - a pilgrimage' a documentary by Asha Seth. This film is lovingly made and beautifully captures a day at Sri Darbar Sahib - the "ਅੱਠ ਪਹਿਰੀ ਮਰਯਾਦਾ" (Ath Pehehri Maryada) is shown in all it's glory - the film includes Guru Sahib's Santokh Sewa , Sawari and Sukhasan. Sukki Sewa and Gilli Sewa (ishnaan of the marble floors) is also shown as is the arrival , Prakash and Hukumnama of Guru Sahib. The Deepmala of Divali Night is also shown as is the 'Jalau' - the display of the treasures of the Toshekhana. The film ends with Ardaas and Atishbaazi (fireworks). This film is a real jewel - I have posted it in homage to Sri Darbar Sahib and all those who have given their all for the Sewa Sambhaal of Sri Amritsar - all those who have given their lives to build, decorate, beautify and protect Sri Darbar Sahib. A short clip of the Sukki and Gilli Sewa ( 10 mins ) Click Link to View ; http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=21...36709&hl=en The Complete Film ( 1hour 25mins) Click Link to View ; http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=68...57303&hl=en Enjoy this beautiful film and take sometime to remember those who gave their all for the protection of Sri Harimandir Sahib. 'Parnaam Shaheedan Nu' Gurfateh Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

It has been fixed - Many Thanks Bhai Sahib / Bhen ji. Another correction - in the transliteration - point 37 It should read "Bacheaan nu Sikhi rehat val prer-rat karna." not 'Prerna Karna' - That has also been fixed.

Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa Vaheguru ji ki Fateh "Gursikhan di Puratan Maryada" from the Buddha Dal 'Khalsa Sunder Gutka' * taken from 'Khalsa Sunder Gutka' - Published by Singh Sahib Jathedar Baba Santa Singh ji, Shromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal, Panjvan Takht Chalda Vaheer - Punjab (Hindustan) - (CSJS) Transliteration - Gursikhan di Puratan Maryada - Buddha Dal gutka Satguran di Gurbani da furmaan - "Gur Satgur ka jo Sikh akaaey, su bhalkey utth Har Naam dheeaavey. Udham karey bhalkey parbhaati, ishnaan karey, Amrit Sar naavey" (Mahalla 4 Vaar Gauri panna 305-6) 1. Guru ka Sikh Amrit vele utthdey samey, Ardas karey sukhan naal raat gujri, Kriya sodhan da bal bakhsho 2. Utthke jangal (medaaney) jaan samey jal da garva le ke jana. Madaan khed ke garva changi tarha sodhna (maanjna) Shehran vich bhi Latrine vich pani hove, hath saban naal saaf karne. 3. Mukh Maanjana (Datan karni) jal kol rakhna. "Kangha dono vakht kar - Paagh chunh kar bandhai. Datan neet kareye, n dukh paaveh Laal ji." (rehtnama Bhai Nand Laal Singh ji.) 4. Ishnaan thandhey jal naal karna. Sareerak avastha vichaar lenni. 5. Kacchera badlann samey ik pahauncha laahaunna ik paaaunna. Nangey modhhe ja nangey sir kacchera nahi badlana. 6. Aasan te baitth ke dumalley (dastaar) sajaaunee, godhean te hazooreean pa laina, Dastar kaccherey nu na lagey. Dastaar pech pech kar ke uthaarni, topi vang nahi laahauni - chun ke fir sees te sajauni. 7. Amrit veley pehlaa 'Vaheguru' mantar da jaap saavdhaani naal shabad-surat jorh karna, swaasan naal. 8. Dargaahi hukam mutaabak; "fir charey divas Gurbaani gavey - bahdeeaa uthdeeaa Har Naam dheeaavey" (M 4 Vaar Gauri - Panna 304-6) 9. Saverey Amrit vele Gurmantar ante Moolmantar da jaap karke, Panj banian da saverey path karey ja suney. Behdeaan uthdean, Vaheguru jaap ja Mool mantar da jaap karde rehna. (Panj Baanian : Jap Sahib Jaap Sahib, Swaiye (sravag sudh), Chaupai, Anand Sahib (Sampooran). Hor baanian khushi aavey parho. Shami - Sodar Rehraas --Aarti Aarta parhe ja suney. Saaun samey kirtan sohila da path kar ardas kar bisraam karey.) Vaheguru mantar bina hor mantar da jaap na karey. "vaheguru ke mantar bin, Jaapey aaur koi jaap. So sakat, Sikh mool nah, baacat sri mukh aap.17. (rehatnama Bhai Prahlaad Singh ji) 10. Kesi Ishnaan - Bibeki Singh reetheaan ja sucham dahi jamaie naal kesi ishnaan karey. Khulla Singh - jis naal ji chaahe karey. 11. Kes harrey karan samey nangey na rakhey, chhota patka pala upar rakhkey harrey karey (sukhaave). Kacchera badlan samey bhi kesh nangey kachhera na badley. 12. Kes pichhey sutt ke harrey na karey, Baiey ja daaey(saja ja kkabbey) kes khuley rakhke upar kesgi neeli rakhke sukaavey. 13. Kanga karan samey jo kes jharan ouhna nu pairan vich na suttey, (eh Guru ki mohar han) Sambhaal ke agan bhet devo. 14. Gilla ja sukka kacchera modheaan te na rakhey, Kesan Dahrey nu lagda he (Kacchrea kamar kassey banney) 15. Dahrha khulla rakhey Rom na chhedey, Kalaf na lavey, na kaley karan lai koi aooshudi vartey, so tankhahiaa. 16. Baana (Akaal Fauj da) Neelaa pehney(Neelaa Dastaar Neelaa Chola) Kamarkasa (Dastaar hethan Neela patka kesan naal Kesgi jaroori pehne ate Shastar) Safed kacchera terh, (pajama nahi pehrna) Sardeean vich 'Half Stop' di varto lorh anusaar keeti ja sakdi 17. Dasan Guru Sahiban da saroop sri Guru Granth Sahib Guru Saroop maney - Dasm sri Guru Granth Sahib te Sri Sarb Loh Granth Shib - Guru Vaak ucharan man ke Guru Saroop hi isht upasana karni. 18. Tek Akaal Purakh di ate parcha Shabad (Gurbaani da) rakhna. 19. Panj Piaareyan ton Khande di pahul - amrit chhak ke, (Mard) naam naal 'Singh' ate bibian 'Kaur' shabad vartan. 20. Adha nam nahi sadna poora nam sadna. 21. Panj kakaar (Kes, Kangha,Kara, Kirpan, Kachhera) eh sareer de ang samjhaney, kis vakht (ishnan karan samey ja raat saun samey) koi kakaar sareer ton vakh nahi karney. 22. Kanga danda tutta nahi vartana - do kanghe rakho, ik hovey tan danda tutan te ardas karva saabat kanga vartna. 23. Dastaar Gurmukhi sajauni , Farrhey vala Singh , Dastaar saja ke 'Farrhey da shabad (jo is gutkey vich he) yaad kar parey. 24 Farrha (Guru Ka Nishaan jaan) adab satkaar da khaas dheean rakhey. 25. Guru darbar bina ishnaan hazoori na javey, Baharon namaskar kar lavey. Jad Guru Hazoor javey panj ishnaan karke javey adab sahit namaskaar karey. Juraab pa ke na javey. 26. Amritdhari Singh - Panj kakaar di rehat dharan karey, ate kurahit ton sada bachey. a. Singh Singhani kesan naal kesgi neeli jaroor rakhey. b. Kirpan isht jaan ke har samey pehn rakhni. c. Singh Dastar dhari hove (Topi manmat te kurahit he) "Hoi Sikh topi dharey, Saat janam kushtti hoe marey." d. Rozana ishnaan karna. e.Rozana hee, Vaheguru Mantar da jaap te savere te shaam deean banian samey zaroori parhneean. f. Dharam di kirt karke vand chhakna g. Guru namit dasvand denna h. Satsang karna - Seva karna. i. Har karaj Gurmat anusaar karna. Hor matan dee rees nahi karni j. har samey sri Guru Granth Sahib ji dee ageea hukama vich chalna. k. Sach bolna. Sat, Santokh, Dheeraj Shubh gun dhaaran karney. l. Ninda karn to parhej karna. 27. Kurehatan : a. Kesan di beadbee nahi karni, Koi rom bhi sareer ton nahi chhedna (katna) b. Tamaaku (dhumar paan) sevan nahi karna. c. Kutha khana (mussalmani kalaam naal koh ke maarna), sakht varjat he. d. Musli yudh (Bhaav Par Naari da sanbhog nahi karna) , Sakht varjat he. e. Meeney-Masand-Dhirmaliye, RaamRaiey, Nari Maar Kuri maar - Sir Gumey te patit naal varton nahi karni. f. Chori-Yaari-Jooaa nakhid karam nahi karney. g. nashean ton jithon tak ho sakey bachan da yatan karna. Inna de Sundar sareer nu vasi karan nahi karna. h. Devi - Devtey - Moorti pooja (Photo pooja) Marhi - Masaani - Math - pooja, Shagan - apshagan, Tirath-Bart rakhney , Sootak - Patak, CChho - CChaat, Sraadh karney , Chhaiaa, puchheaa, Jantar-Mantar-Tantar aadh bharam karan to sada nirlep rehna, eh nahi mananney. 28. Akaal Fauj, sada shastar-dhari tyaar bar tyaar ravey. 29. Har karaj Ardas karey Satguru agay. Uthdean behanddean ishnaan karan - Naam japan - Parshad chhakan pehlan te chhakan uprant shukrana Vaheguru Akaal Purakh ji da karey. 30. Cheetah bhajae (peshaab karan te) Panj Ishnan karey. 31. Gurbani, kisey saroop vich hovey (Gutka ja pothi) swacch rumaal vich rakhey, ate kisey uchi jagha rakey, satkaar te adab rakhey. 32. Sikh Sikh te vaar na karey - gareeb di rakheea karey. 33. Dhi - Bhenan da paisa na vatte na khaey. 34. Shastar na visaarey jeha hukum he : a. 'Tanddey pani jo nahi naavey. Bin Japu parhey ju paavey.Bin Rehraas-Sandean jo khoveh. Keertan parhe bin rain ju soveh..15. Karey bachan jo paalaeh nahi. Gobind Singh tis ttaur kat nahi. b. Sikh hoe bin loh (shastar) jo firreh. Aavat jaavat janamey marey..12. (rehatnama) c. Nagan hoe baahar firhe, nagan sees jo khaae. Nagan parsad jo baitaiee, tankhahee baddo kahaee..24. d. Paag utaar parsad jo khaavey, so Sikh kumbhee narak sidhaavey. e. Bin Jap Jaap japey, jo jevah prasad. So bistta ka kiram huei, janam gavaavey baad..13.. (rehatnama Bh. Prehlaad Singh ji.) 35. Be Amriteeay naal ral ke nahi cchhakna. 36. Jithon tak ho sake sucham rakhnee (such hove t sach paaeeay) GuruVaak ja kee rehat na jaaneeay, Gur mantar nahi cheet. Ta Ka bhojan khaeeay Tootey Har Sion preet. 37. Gurmukhi akhar sikhney parhney - Gurbaani kanth karni, Gur Itihaas parna sunanna, Bacheaan nu Sikhi rehat val prer-rat karna. 38. Sri Guru Granth |Sahib ji dee hazoori suchet ho baithna, Maleen Hava nahi teeaagnee, je bevasi hovey bahar uth jana. Paath karan vala Singh hazooreeaan zaroor rakhe, Paath karde samey sareerak ang nu hath la ke koi kriya nahi karni - Hazooreeay naal karni, ajehe hath Guru Bani nu lagan te beadbi he. Naaska di mal bhi hazooreeay ja jal naal saaf karni. 39. Mool Gursikhi da sva -Bhaou, Bhagti-Simran, Jap-tap Sabar Santokh, Dharam Karam he. 40. Bihangham Singh kisse agay hath fella ke kujh mangey nahi. Sabar Santokh Guru Bharosey jo devey so khai te dirrh vishvaash rakhe. 41. Koi ajehe karam na kare jis naal Akaal Fauj de Baney te Bani di beadbi niraadar hunda hovey. 42. Singh Singh nu milan samey Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa Vaheguru ji ki Fateh bulaavey. Eh hukum Singh Singhni doha lai he. 43. Janam to maran tak saarey Sanskaar Gurmat naal karney. 44. Shromani Panth Akaali Buddha Dal valon manaey jaan vale purb (mahallean) te zaroor pahaunch ke hazareean bharneean, ate daswandh haazar karke Guru keean khushian praapat karneean. Shromani Panth Akaali Buddha Dal de mahalley ; a. Vaisakhi - sri Damdama Sahib , Guru ki Kanshi, Talvandi Sabo ki (Bhatinda) b. Hola Mahalla - sri Anandpur Sahib c. Vaddey Sahibzaadeyan ji di shahaadat - 8 Poh, sri Chamkaur sahib. d. cchhotey Sahibzaadeyan ji di te Mata Gujri ji di shahaadat 13 Poh , sri Fatehgarh sahib (Sirhind) e. Katak Sudi Pooranmashi (Avtaar Dihaara Patshaahi 1) Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala) f. Maghi - Sri Mukhtsar g. Basant Panchmi - Patiala - Chhauni Nihang Singhan, Buddha Dal, Lower Mall Rd. 45. Kann-Nak cchedney (Singh Singhni lai vajat he - ( Saabat Soorat rehna) Ang bhang nahi karney. Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa Vaheguru ji ki Fateh ! Khalsa Rehitnama (Buddha Dal gutka page 359) Ek Onkaar sri Vaheguru ji Ki Fateh. Sri Mukh Vaak Patshaahi 10 Tab im bhaniyo gareeb nivaaj. Shastran ke adheen he raaj. Dhunn sang saarey Prabhu ji sunaai. Bina Tegh Teerang rahe nahe bhai. Bina shatran Kesang, nar bhed jano. Gahe kaan taako, kitey le sidhano. Ehey mor agia sun leh piaarey. Bina Tegh Kesang n divo deedaarey. (Gurbilaas Bhai Sumer Singh Ji) Yaatey Sarab Khalsa Suniaeh. Aayudh dhabey utham guniaeh. Jab hamre darsan ko aavoh. Ban suchet tan Shastar sajavoh. (Gurpratap Suraj rut 3 adhiaaie 23) (rehatnamean vich vee shastardhari hon bare baar baar taageed keeti he ) Kachh Kirpan Kabhu n teeaagey. Sanmukh larey n ran te bhaagey. Shastr Heen n kabhu hoee. Rehat vant Khalsa he soee. (rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh ji) Khalsa so jo chaeh turang. Khalsa so jo kareh nitt jang. Khalsa so jo shastr ko dharey. Khalsa so jo dusht kao maarey. agay safah Bhai Nand Lal Ji da. Safa ke faryand ko eion he laazma. Aapan ko beeh bisve kar rakhna. agar tuyang pari chu baashad tisey uthha kar palak n dikhna. Langot, Kachha, Kass kar baras nagey karna. Aapan ko bakhtrr turang ko paakhar surang ke mukh par bana kar kasna. annee banney to kami n karna. Hoe haror aagay hoe larna. Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa Vaheguru ji ki Fateh Note : Transliteration was done by me - all mistakes are mine Freed

Gurfateh! I had some trouble including all the pictures into one post - There are a 'tad' too many ! - so I made 16 separate posts. Hope that you managed to look at them all In case you haven't Here are the links to all 16 : Celebration 1 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37202 Celebration 2 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37203 Celebration 3 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37204 Celebration 4 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37205 Celebration 5 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37206 Celebration 6 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37207 Celebration 7 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37208 Celebration 8 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37209 Celebration 9 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37210 Celebration 10 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37211 Celebration 11 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37212 Celebration 12 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37213 Celebration 13 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37214 Celebration 14 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37215 Celebration 15 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37216 Celebration 16 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37217 Enjoy Freed.

Continued from Celebration 15 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37216 My 'O' Level Punjabi examination paper - taken when I was at school. I got a 'B' - my teacher was not happy - I fluffed the oral exam ! Engraved Karas A kara with the Chachri Chhant from Jaap Sahib in gold koftgaari My 'budget' version in stainless steel chachri cchant opening slok from Sukhmani Sahib Some more examples of Gurmukhi from 'our house' To finish - or more correctly where it all begins - Gurmukhi Akhar, the 'penti' magnets on our fridge.(available from https://www.sikhlink.net/) In order to tap into the treasure house of Gurbani - we all need to make an effort to learn to read Gurmukhi . The photo essay ends here - get right clicking & saving and share the wealth - with everyone !! - I hope you enjoyed this mammoth post. It is my little homage to Gurmukhi - and Jugo Jug Atal Sahib SatGuru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee Maharaaj. * Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji * Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji * Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Pyaar Naal, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh !! Ranjit Singh Chohan (Freed) ************************************************************ * Picture Sources and References Aadi Sri Guru Granth Sahib Steek. Faredkot Wala Teeka. Bhasha Vibhag Punjab. Patiala. 1989. Arshi, P S. Sikh Architecture. I P H . New Delhi. 1986 Bharadia, Seema. The Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms. The Canadian Collections. ROM. Toronto 2000. Daljeet, Dr. The Sikh Heritage. A Search for Totality. Prakash Books. New Delhi. 2004 Daljeet, Dr and Prof P. C Jain. Sri Harimandir Sahib. The Body Visible of the Invisible Supreme.Prakash Books. New Delhi. 2006 Deol, Jeevan Singh. Illustration and Illumination in Sikh Scriptual Manuscripts. Marg. Vol 54 No. 4 June 2003. Mumbai 2003 Goswamy, B. N. and Caron Smith. I See No Stranger. Early Sikh Art and Devotion. New Jersey. Mapin 2006 Goswami, Sandeep and Malkiat Singh. The Great Glory. Sikhism. Rupa. New Delhi 2006. Hans, Surjit. B-40 Janamsakhi. GNDU Amritsar Kalra, Surjit Singh. Punjabi Book II. Punjabi Language Development Board. Birmingham. 1984 Khalsa, SS Shanti Kaur.The History of the Sikh Dharma of the Western Hemisphere. Sikh Dharma. Espanola. 1995. LaFont, Jean-Marie. Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Lord of the Five Rivers. Oxford . New Delhi. 2002 Madra, Amandeep Singh And Parmjit Singh. Warrior Saints. Three Centuries of the Sikh Military Tradition. I B Tauris London. 1999 Mann, Gurinder Singh.The Goindval Pothis. Harvard. Cambridge.Mass. 1996 Mann, Gurinder Singh. The Making of Sikh Scripture. Oxford. New York . 2001 McLeod, W.H. The Chaupa Singh Rahit Nama Univ. Otago Press. Dunedin NZ. 1987 Mitra, Swati. Walking with the Gurus. Historical Gurdwaras of Punjab. INTACH. Good Earth. New Delhi. 2004. Paul, S. And Dheeraj Paul, Vijay N. Shankar and Ranvir Bhatnagar. The Golden Temple. A Gift to Humanity. R Bhatnagar. India. 2004. Randhawa, T. S. The Sikhs. Images of a Heritage. Prakash.New Delhi. 2000. Singh, Amrik and Sandeep Shankar. Sikh Shrines in Delhi. NIPS New Delhi. 2003 Singh, Ganda. Hukumname. Punjabi Univ. Patiala. 1999. Singh, Gurbachan and Sondeep Shankar. The Sikhs. Faith, Philosophy & Folk. Tiger. Twickenham. 1998. Singh, Giani Gurdit. Mundavani. Sahit. Chandigarh. 2003. Singh, Prof. Jagdeesh. Nikkian Jindan Vadda Saka. SGPC Amritsar 1977 Singh, Prof. Jagdeesh. Saka Chamkaur. SGPC. Amritsar. 1979. Singh, Khushwant and Raghu Rai. The Sikhs. Roli Books.New Delhi. 2001. Singh, Sahib Giani Kirpal Singh. Sri Harimandir Sahib Da Sunehri Itihaas. Dharam Prachar Committee, SGPC. Amritsar. 1991 Singh, Mohinder and Sondeep Shankar. Maharaja Ranjit Singh. NIPS New Delhi. 2002 Singh, Mohinder and Sondeep Shankar. The Sikh Wedding. NIPS New Delhi.2004 Singh, Mohinder and Sondeep Shankar.Gurdwaras in India and Pakistan. NIPS New Delhi 2004 Singh, Pashaura. The Guru Granth Sahib. Canon, Meaning and Authority. Oxford. 2000 Singh, Patwant and Gurmeet Thukral. Gurdwaras in Indian and around the World. Himalayan Books. New Delhi. 1992 Singh, Patwant. The Golden Temple. ET. Hong Kong. 1989 Singh, Principal Satbir. Album Central Sikh Museum. SGPC Amritsar. 1991. Virdee, Pippa. Coming to Coventry. Cov. PCT & The Herbert. Coventry. 2006. Websites Guru Nanak Sikh Museum. Leicester. UK. http://www.thesikhmuseum.com/home.htm Western Sikh Students' Association http://www.westernssa.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=19 Sikh Heritage UK http://www.<banned site filter activated> Flickr http://www.flickr.com/ If I have used your picture and not given you credit please post your details and I will give you a credit or remove the picture if you wish.

Continued from Celebration 14 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37215 Learning Gurmukhi Santhia / Paath Bodh Adorable pictures from the Punjabi School, Nanakana Sahib, Pakistan. How blessed are these girls to walk on the same ground walked on by Guru Nanak Sahib , to go to school where Guru Sahib went to school. The pictures remind me of 'calendar' prints which depict Guru Nanak Sahib at School , also with 'fatti' in hand. The 'dawat' in the girl's hand also reminds me of my own time at Gurdwara Punjabi school - being kids growing up in England, we didn't know what a 'dawat' was - but the 'kaidey' books we used to learn the 'Penti' (Oora Aira,) always had 'Daddaa Dawat' - in the same way, despite being from pendu Jatt zamindaar families, none of us knew that 'thaththaa thann' referred to a cows udders !!! Guru Nanak at school Mural from the Baba Atal Tower 'Dawat and Thann' Talking of Calendar prints here is one of my favourites as a child - 'Waheguru Naam Jahaaz He - Charey so utharey paar' The lost art of writing letters Growing up I remember the utter joy on my parents' faces when they received those blue airmail letters from family in Punjab - nowadays no one sends letters, I still remember wonderfully penned letters sent by my mother's family - written in hard to decipher larivaar gurmukhi. I remember being about 7 and asking my Mum - how come no one sends me any Punjabi letters. She wrote one and posted it to me - I still have it - here it is ; Here is a letter sent by Awtar Singh Johal of Coventry in 1950 - it is written in verse (dohra) - describing his journey to England by ship, to his wife in Punjab Continued in Celebration 16 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37217

Continued from Celebration 13 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37214 Some 'Durlab' paintings a late 18th century pahari brush drawing from the workshop of Nainsukh - Guru Nanak Sahib with an opened Pothi Sahib - on a slok from Sukhmani Sahib - 'Gian Anjan Gur Diya Agian Andher Binaas' Sri Japji Sahib An embroidered Japji Sahib Continued in Celebration 15 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37216

Continued from Celebration 12 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37213 Modern Hath Likht Saroops Gurmeet Singh Beautiful pictures of Keertani Master Niranjan Singh performing the sewa of writing a saroop of Guru Sahib. Hath Likht Saroop Chaupa Singh Rahit Nama The first page of a handwritten copy of the 18th century manuscript of the Bhai Chaupa Singh Rahit Nama - that was, up until the 1984 attack, in the Sikh Reference Library Amritsar. The exceptionally clear handwriting is that of W H Mcleod. Laridaar Gutka - printed by the Satnam Trust, Canada Some unusual Gurmukhi typefaces Continued in Celebration 14 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37215

Continued from celebration 11 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37212 These next images are distressing pictures of Gurdwaras in Pakistan , abandoned since partition. This wonderful early 19th century Gurdwara was built by Baba Nath Singh - in Sialkot, to commemorate the Stay of Guru Nanak . Note how the Marble Slabs have been covered in Koranic verses . A particularly upsetting picture of a Gurdwara in Abottabad - the abandoned 'sukhasan asthan' full of debris particularly so. Gurdwara Shahid Ganj - Lahore in around 1949 Singh Sabha, ManSehra - now a library but still bears it's Gurmukhi name plate The arrival of the British in India saw the development of the Punjabi printing press - as early as 1808 Prof. William Carey had developed Gurmukhi printing characters and published a Punjabi Grammar in 1812. With the spread of Christian missionaries in Punjab,after the Fall of the Sikh Empire, the New Testament was translated and printed in Gurmukhi letters and dictionaries were produced. Gurmukhi Printing akhar produced by Carey The 'father' of Gurmukhi printing is seen as Dhani Ram Chatrik - a famous Punjabi poet - he was the first to print saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib at his Sudarshan Printing Press. Initially Saroops of Guru Sahib were lithographed - 'stone printed' or 'pathar chhaap' and gradually were printed using characters made from metal. Lithographed Saroops and other literature Lithographed saroop from the collection of the British Library - published by Matbai Aftaab Press in 1868 at Lahore from the collection of the Guru Nanak Museum, Leicester. UK A lithographed copy of Giani Gian Singh's 'Twareek Guru Khalsa' Vichar Sagar A printed Gur Partap Suraj Granth Printed saroops A Miniature saroop Sri Dasm Granth Sahib continued in celebration 13 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37214

Continued from celebration 10 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37211 Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib - Aj da Furman - Mukh Vaak memorials on the marble Inscription at Mukhtsar Sahib Inscription on the Palki /Canopy above Guru Sahib in Darbar Sahib, Dera Baba Nanak - shabad from raag Bilaval M1 ang 795 " ਭਗਤਿ ਹੀਣੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜੇ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਤਾ ਖਸਮੈ ਨਾਉ ਨ ਜਾਈ" Inlay work from Sri Hazoor Sahib Mukh Vaak Sri Hazoor Sahib - Guru Granth Sahib and Sri Dasm Granth Sahib The Darwaza - door to the room that houses the shastar of Guru Gobind Singh at Takht Kesgarh Sahib Door at Harian Velan Gurdwara (Hoshiaarpur) Main Darwaza Panja Sahib (Pakistan) Foundation stone Panja Sahib Panja Sahib Multi Lingual Road Sign showing way to Kartarpur Sahib Pakistan Door panel from Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib - Sacha Sauda - 'Nanak Ke Ghar Keval Naam' continued in celebration 12

Continued from Celebration 9 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37210 Frescoes, Inscriptions, & Darvaaze. Mural from the walls of the Ram Rai Darbar, Dehra Dun (Murals date from the 17th to the 19th century) - depicting Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana - note the Gurmukhi Script and the depiction of the instruments Mural from the 'Akhara' of Bala Nand, Amritsar The Murals from Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib - the 'later' style of Gurmukhi calligraphy was a factor in helping to date these murals Inscriptions on the Gold panels of Sri Darbar Sahib. Amritsar ; Above the main western door ; The northern door The southern door The original panel in storage The opening slok from Sri Sukhmani Sahib - Darshani Deori Darshani Deori - ਸਿਰ ਮਸ੍ਤਕ ਰਖ੍ਯ੍ਯਾ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੰ ਹਸ੍ਤ ਕਾਯਾ ਰਖ੍ਯ੍ਯਾ ਪਰਮੇਸ੍ਵਰਹ ॥ Guru Arjan Sahib ang 1358 The 'Dhup Ghari' - Sundial, next to the fifth lamp post of the northern side of the causeway that leads to Darbar Sahib - built by Sardar Lehna Singh Majithie in CE 1852 Window on the first floor of Sri Darbar Sahib Walls of the First floor naqqsh work - "ਬਹੁ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਬਹੁ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤੀ ਪੇਖੇ ਸਰਬ ਢਢੋਲਿ ॥ ਪੂਜਸਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਹਰੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਅਮੋਲ ॥" Mahalla 5 ang 265 Panel from the Gold Doors of Sri Darbar Sahib - Showing Guru Ram Das Sahib - excavating the Sarovaar - and the 'Dithey Sabhe Thaav' Shabad The Memorial erected by The 35th Sikhs battalion in 1894 "Eh chakar paltan number 35 Sikh ne tareek 16 (?) April 1894 mutaabak 5 Vasaakh san 1952 Nu Siri Darbar Sahib Amritsar da darshan karan di ar Ishnaan karan di yaadgar vich Ardass karaiya " Saragarhi Memorial Continued in celebration 11 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37212

Continued from Celebration 8 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37209 A document dated 1934 (CE 1877) bearing the Mohur of Sri Takht Sahib Akaal Bunga - giving the authorized method of preparing "Amrit" and giving rehat. The Large Birh - Sri Amritsar - scribed by Bhai Pratap Singh (completed in CE 1908) Tiny manuscripts A small Chaupai Sahib gutka A tiny Gurmukhi manuscript in the Field Museum Chicago USA Continued in celebration 10 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37211

Continued from celebration 7 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37208 The decorated 'Kavach' or Char Aina armour of Guru Gobind Singh Ji - in the possession of the Royal House of Patiala A decorated Chakar Sikh Raaj Gutka of Rani Jindan The exquisite Gutka of Rani Jindan - in the collection of the British Library - Sri Sukhmani Sahib in gorgeous calligraphy, white letters on a black background with gold decoration The Seal Ring of Maharaja Ranjit Singh - carved emerald set in gold - reads " Akaal Sahai Ranjit Singh 1869 "(CE 1812) - in reverse as it would be used as seal. reverse; I recently had the incredible good fortune to acquire some hand written Gutkas - the gutkas include a large amount of Gurbani all arranged by Raag and include Bhagat Bani - The calligraphy is so beautiful. Continued in Celebration 9 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37210

Continued from celebration 6 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37207 Janam sakhies from the National Museum New Delhi Janam sakhi from the Sikh Reference Library Amritsar. Hath Likht Granths 18th century Sri Sarbloh Granth Sahib Prem Sumarg Granth Hanuman Natak Yog Vashishat (Nirban Prakaran) Asv Medth Granth (Vedic Philosphies) Waphae Dil Jawahar Panjabi Translation of a Persian Granth on Medicine by Hakime Misari Maharaja Sansar Chand Hakim Balwinder Singh - a village doctor who uses ancient prescriptions of Unami and Ayurvedic medicines Continued in Celebration 8 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37209

Continued from Celebration 5 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37206 Japji Sahib Havan Raag Raagnis Janamsakhis The B-40 Janamsakhi - dated 1733 Baba Nanak speaks to Shah Rukn-ud-Din of God - in thirty verses of 'Koranic pattern' expounding Sikhi Baba Nanak , Guru Angad and Mardana episodes from the life of Guru Nanak Janam sakhi from 1777 Bhai Bala Janamsakhi early 19th century - Punjab State archives A lavishly illustrated Janamsakhi in the archives of Sikh Dharma Espanola USA The Janam Sakhies of Bhagat Kabeer Ji and other Bhagats - from the Guru Nanak Museum Leicester UK. Continued in Celebration 7 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37208

Continued from Celebration 4 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37205 Decorated Dasm Granth From the collection of the British Library The decorated Saroops are from the Collection of the National Museum , New Delhi. When examining puratan saroops it is difficult to ascertain dates and build up any information about the scribes, the lack of provenance means their study is a very difficult task. One Saroop which has received much attention is housed in the collection of the National Museum , New Delhi. Not only is the patron of the Saroop known the scribes and dates are also known as they are part of the manuscript. This Saroop is a profusely decorated copy of the Damdami Birh - lavishly illuminated in Kashmiri style. The saroop was commissioned by Sodhi Bhan Singh of Haranpur (district Jhelum) between 1839 and 1843, it was produced by Kashmiri artist Miha Singh and the scribe Misar Prakas. Bhan Singh was a Sodhi decendent of Prithi Chand (boycotted as 'Minas') some have argued the production of this birh was an attempt to show the real or imagined postion of Bhan Singh - he is shown at the centre of many illustrations, in one he is worshipping Mahakaal and in another performing a 'Havan' . The Sodhis regained some standing and prestige during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh - it is thought this birh was intended to be presented to Ranjit Singh - the birh is of a very large format - intended to be on 'display'. The birh also has a number of very interesting elements - Indic deities such as the incarnations of Vishnu are shown in 'dvadashakamalas' - twelve petalled lotuses, perhaps the most striking element is the 'Onkaars' that head the 'raag' sections and the 'tatkara' - they are composite illustrations showing Devi, Brahma, Vishnu and Lakhsmi - sometimes the 'Oankaars' are flanked by Ganesh and Hanuman. The 'Formless' made from Indic deities. One image stands out for me above all others, that is the illustration on the 'Tatkara' - the contents page. Here we see the tradition of Bhai Banno, it is said that when Guru Arjan Sahib finished dictating the Aad Granth to Bhai Gurdas the scribe , he sent Bhai Banno to Lahore to have the Pothi bound. Bhai Banno made a copy of the pothi which he also had bound. He presented both the volumes to Guru Sahib. In the illustration from this birh we can see Bhai Banno and Bhai Gurdas standing by their respective 'birhs' and Guru Arjan Dev Ji is pointing to the birh scribed by Bhai Gurdas as the accepted birh. There is another tradition which claims that Guru Sahib accepted both 'birhs' - terming Bhai Banno's birh the 'Khari Birh' - this tradition claims that Guru Sahib had wanted there to be only one birh - which Sangat would seek out and gain 'Mukti' - but as Bhai Banno had created a copy - this would start a tradition where copies would be available to all and all who sought their darshan would gain 'mukhti'. I will leave it to the reader to make their own minds with regard to the reasons the illustrations of deities and other subjects are present in this 'birh' - here are some illustrations; Contents page and Bhai Banno Illustration and the 'First Oankaar' The images of the Guru Sahiban and Indic Deities and Heroes - surrounding Bhan Singh worshipping Mahakaal Continued in celebration 6 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37207

Continued fro celebration 3 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37204 Dasm Granth Birh A Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib dated CE 1795 from the Collection of the Guru Nanak Museum Leicester The Patiala 'Sunehri Birh' , the closing angs of this birh . A 'birh' scribed in Kartarpur in 1799 (CE 1742) Patna Sahib Birh - the calligraphy is exceptional - the picture shows a note by the scribe saying the birh has been copied and checked against the Aad Granth birh scribed by Bhai Gurdas ji. The Wonderful calligraphy of a Patna Sahib birh - the flowing vowel signs and perfectly formed gurmukhi 'akhar' are hypnotic. The 'tatkare' - 'contents page' of a birh in the possesion of the family of the Late Dr Chanan Singh Chan of Coventry UK. The birh is dated 1749 (CE 1692) - If you look at the top line you will see, after the mangalcharan, the line 'Sri Guru Granth Sahib' - this is extremely rare as such a description is not found in most 'hath likht' saroops Puratan Saroops from the collection of Baba Sarabjot Singh Bedi in Una. Spectacular calligraphy of a Puratan Saroop housed at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Hounslow. UK Illuminated saroops decorated in Kashmiri Style From the collection of the Punjabi University Patiala - dated circa 1820 From the collection of Sikh Dharma Espanola USA From the collection of the British Library dated circa 1859 From the Sikh Reference Library Amritsar Continued in celebration 5 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37206

Continued from Celebration 2 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37203 Puratan saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib The British Library Saroop of Aad Granth Sahib - a very early manuscript illuminated in a characteristic Persian style. This manuscript dates in part from the middle of the 17th century (c.1660-75), and is therefore one of the twenty oldest known copies in existence. It was purchased by the British Museum in 1884 from the Reverend A Fischer, who had been the principal of a missionary school in Amritsar, Panjab. This saroop of Sri Aad Granth Sahib is in a private North American collection - it is dated 1673 CE , though this has not been corroborated. The Birh contains the Nishan of Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib - the calligraphy is beautifully crisp, clear and easy to read. The Baba Ala Singh Burj 'Khas Birh' - it includes the nishan of Dasmesh Pita - the pictures shows the closing 'ang'. This Birh of Sri Dasm Granth is said to have been scribed by Bhai Daya Singh Ji ( the first Panj Piara) - it is housed at the Aurangabad Gurdwara in Maharashtra This Saroop of the Damdami Birh was scribed by Baba Deep Singh Ji - it is housed at Gurdwara Chhevin Padshahi, Dist. Jalandhar. Hazoor Sahib birhs - This birh has illustrations of the Guru Sahiban 'Barhe Baba ji' It is said this bir was scribed by Bhai Mani Singh Continued in celebration 4 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37205

Continued from Celebration 1 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37202 Hukumnama from Guru Gobind Singh ji to Bhai Triloka and Bhai Rama from the fanily of Phul - also known as the Patiala Hukumnama - includes the line 'Tera ghar mera assey' - later used as the 'Motto' on the crest of the Patiala Maharajas text; Nishan of Guru Gobind Singh Ji - from an illuminated folio of Sri Aad Granth Sahib, Patna Nishan of Guru Gobind Singh - from a gutka in the possession of the Bagrian Family Hukumnamey of Mata Sahib Devan text; text; Hukumnama from Banda Bahadar to Bhai Dharam Singh & Param Singh of Village Bhai Rupa - includes the line "Panj Hathiyaar badh aavana" and his 'Stamp' or 'mohur' - 'Degho Tegho Futteh u Nusrat be dirang Yaafat az Nanak Guru Gobind Singh' in Persian - Also noteworthy , though it is not very clear, is that the Hukum begins with 'Ek Onkar Fateh Darshan' - The Bandai Greeting. In this hukumnama from Banda Bahada the 'mohur' is clearer, as is the 'Fateh Darshan' greeting - Also note the interesting injunctions in the 'Rehat' text; Hukumnama from Mata Sundari to Bhai Rame village Bhai Rupa Continued in Celebration 3 http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37204

Continued in 'Celebration of Gurmukhi 2' http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=37203

Nishans and Hukumnamey Here we have examples of the handwriting of the Guru Sahiban (many of these were lost in the army attack on Amritsar in 1984) The nishan of Guru Arjan Dev ji from the Kartapuri Birh Penti Akhari - Gurmukhi alphabet in the hand of Guru Arjan Dev ji The Nishan of Guru Hargobind Sahib in a pothi in the Central Sikh Museum The Nishan of Guru Har Rai Sahib - from a saroop of Guru Sahib at the Ram Rai Darbar , Dehra Dun A hukumnama sent by Guru Har Krishan ji to the Sangat of Pattann (Fareed ke) text of hukumnama The Nishan of Guru Tegh Bahader Sahib from a Saroop in the Patiala Archives The Nishan of Guru Tegh Bahader Sahib from a Saroop of Guru Sahib in the Reference Library Amritsar a 'Hukum Khaas Furman' from Guru Tegh Bahader Sahib to the Sangat of Patna - thanking them for their assistance at the birth of Guru Gobind Singh ji. text; Hukumnama from Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib to the Sangat of Mirzapur text; Here is a very interesting Hukumnama sent by Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib - to the Sangat of Pattann - it is interesting for two reasons first is the line "Sarbat Sangat Divali no darshan aavana" - confirming the tradition of seeking Darshan at Divali and the second extremely interesting reason is Guru Sahib's use of the term "Khalsa" in the line "Pattann di Sangat Sri Guru Ji da Khalsa he" text; Hukumnama from Guru Gobind Singh ji to the Sangat of Banaras text;

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ॥ (From Fareedkot Teeka) Blessed is the paper, blessed is the pen, blessed is the ink. Blessed is the writer, O Nanak, who writes the True Name. ||1|| (Guru Nanak Sahib. Raag Malaar Ang 1291) ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ ਵਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫਤਿਹ॥ This year sees the celebration of the 300 year Gurgaddi Divas of Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaaj, to mark the occasion I have put together an extended photo-essay. This photo-essay is a celebration of Gurmukhi calligraphy and typography, it is my hope to show just a little of the rich and beautiful varieties of Gurmukhi calligraphy and typography. The collection of images is fairly wide ranging and personal, I have tried to post the pictures in some semblance of a chronological order , but as I have said it is a very personal collection of images and examples that have moved me in someway. The pictures are culled from a number of sources, some of these sources are highly contentious. The aim of the post is to celebrate Gurmukhi - I have avoided any critique, commentary or evaluation of the material. The traditions surrounding the particular 'Pothis' or 'Saroops' has not been challenged and a non judgemental approach is taken with regard to any issues about 'Authenticity'. This post is a celebration - it is my hope that readers will take this on board and make any responses in that vein. The post includes images from controversial groups and literature - as well as 'saroops' which include 'raagmala' and 'saroops' which do not, as well as 'saroops' which have 'non traditional' material. It is not my aim to upset or cause controversy - I am in no way endorsing any particular viewpoint - infact all viewpoints will find much to bolster their own particular views - I have chosen not to comment and keep this post a 'Celebration' of the wealth, diversity and beauty of Gurmukhi in all it's forms, from the 'Nisans' and 'hukumnamey' of the Guru Sahiban to 'Saroops' of Guru Sahib, to everyday examples of 'Gurmukhi'. I hope you all enjoy this extended photo-essay - I am very aware it is a huge collection, I have tried to prune it and edit it , even so it is still huge. I hope you will persevere to the end, your patience will be rewarded with a veritable feast of wonderful images. ******************************************** Traditionally two manuscripts lay claim to being the earliest Sikh manuscripts, these are in the possession of the family of Prithi Chand (eldest brother of Guru Arjan Dev ji) and the family of Baba Mohan, the son of Guru Amar Dass ji. The Guru Harsahai Pothi The Guru Harsahai Pothi was in the custody of the Sodhi Family, descendents of Prithi Chand, the eldest brother of Guru Arjan Dev ji, until it was lost in 1970. The Sodhis claim it is the Pothi of Guru Nanak Sahib - scribed during their lifetime and given to Guru Angad Sahib as a signifier of the 'Gurgaddi'. From a purely textual viewpoint Mann (2001) has argued that the script is of a very early type, the 'kanna' vowel sign is not present, and many 'Gurmukhi akhar' have not attained their standard form. The 'Mangalcharan' of the Guru Harsahai Pothi - ' (Ek) Oankar Sachnam Kartaar' 'Baba Nanak' - the lack of the 'kanna' and the form of the letters suggest it is a very early manuscript. The Guru Harsahai pothi The Goindval Pothis The Goindval Pothis are in the custody of the Bhalla Family , descendents of Baba Mohan, son of Guru Amar Dass ji, hence they are also called the Mohan Pothis. Tradition says that these pothis were scribed during the Guruship of Guru Amar Dass by Sahansram, son of Baba Mohan. One pothi is in the custody of the Bhallas at Jalandhar and the other is with the Bhallas of Pinjore. The Gurmukhi characters in these pothis, like those of the Guru Harsahai pothi are of an early type as are the vowel sound signs. If we look at the opening pages we see 'minakari' , decoration and illumination , also note how the pothis are bound 'portrait' book style, not in the classically Indian Pothi 'landscape' style. In this image we can see the Gurmukhi characters as recorded in the Goindval pothis. The following images are from the Pothi at Jalandhar ; The '//' (blessing) and date Raag Suhi Sample of the handwriting of the second scribe of the Jalandhar pothi Images from the Pothi at Pinjore Raag Raamkali Raag Sorath Raag Sarang The Kartarpuri Birh The Kartarpur Birh Manuscript is traditionally agreed to be the 'Pothi Sahib' scribed by Bhai Gurdas as Guru Arjan Dev ji dictated. The birh is in the custody of the Sodhis of Kartarpur , descendants of Dhirmal, the great grandson of Guru Arjan Dev ji.The descendents of Dhirmal and those of Prithi Chand are part of the 'Panj Mel' known as 'Minas' ('scoundrels') groups ostracized by Sikh Sangat, as enshrined in 18th century Rehatnamey, because of their contention that they constituted a separate 'Guru' lineage. It is for all these reasons (and many other reasons) that much intense debate, arguement and disagreement has surrounded this birh. As I have said we are celebrating Gurmukhi - so will look at this aspect. The Kartarpuri Birh shows how Gurmukhi was standardized by Guru Sahib - the elements, early character forms and vowel sounds such as the lack of the use of a 'kanna' or the use of a 'bindi' in it's place, that can be found in the Goindval and Har Sahai pothis, have become more familiar and standardised in this birh.

It's near the Bebe Nanaki Gurdwara - Albert Rd is off Rookery Road, Handsworth