Amar Anokhe Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji

[sewak sikh]

sadh sangat jio aaj AMAR ANOKHE BABA DEEP SINGH JI DA SHAHEEDI PURAB HAI JI

DHAN DHAN BABA DEEP SINGH JI MAHARAJ

BAABAA DEEP SINGH JEE

Baba Deep Singh, known as Deepaa in his childhood, was born on 14 Maagh Sunmat 1737 to Maataa Jeeonee and Bhai Bhagtoo at Paahoowind, Amritsar. He is remembered as one of the most revered martyrs of sikh history.

On Vaisakhee of 1699, Guru Gobind Singh gave a new shape to the Khalsa Panth. Consequently in the following year, many people went to Ann~dpur Saahib to join. Deepaa, along with his parents, were among the crowd at Ann~dpur Sahib. There, he took An~mrit and became known as (Baba) Deep Singh.

After spending a few days with other Sikhs, observing their Nitnem, listening to Keertan, and looking at their warrior -like attire, he was so impressed that he decided to stay at Ann~dpur Sahib. There (Baba) Deep Singh learned Gurmukhee and Gurbanee from Bhai Manee Singh along with horseback riding, archery and other arms training. At the age of 20-22 years, he became known as Baba Deep Singh.

His parents called him back at home. But soon he heard news of Guru Gobind Singh's family separation and Sahidi of Sahibzadas, after Guru Saahib left Ann~dpur Saahib. Baba Deep Singh immediately began a search for the Guru Sahib. He finally met up with Guru Gobind Singh at Saboo kee Talwandee (Damdamaa Saahib). Happily, Guru Saahib hugged him and told him and Bhai Manee Singh to finish copying the Guru Granth Sahib, to preach to the people and most of all fight for the right. He proudly stayed at Saboo kee Talwandee. Between the years 1715 and 1728, they copied and distributed several copies of Guru Granth Sahib. Soon after, Bhai Manee Singh became the head priest of Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, thereby making Baba Deep Singh fully responsible at Damdama Sahib.

Inspired by Guru, Baabaa ji fought in several battles. In 1709, he joined Baabaa Bn~daa Singh Bhaadur to fight in the battle of Sirhind and Sadhora. In 1746, Deewan Lakhpat Rai attacked Sikhs at Kahnoowal jungles and ordered to set the whole jungle on fire. Baabaa Deep Singh, also there,somehow escaped and fought back at the Beaas River bank, and finally reaching Malwa. This incidence is known as Chotta Ghalughara (Minor Genocide).

In 1755, Ahmad Shah Abdali attacked India for the fourth time. After looting Mathura, Bindraban, Agra, and Delhi, he brought back with him jewelry, gold and thousands of young Hindu women. In order to liberate the women, Baba Deep Singh and his fellows attacked Durani near Peepli and Markanda (now in Haryana). The infuriated Abdali, made his son, Tamur Shah,as the subedar of Punjab and Jahan Khan as his General. He ordered them to kill all Sikhs and demolish Darbar Sahib, Amritsar.

Following orders, Jahan Khan went to AMritsar with heavy artillery. Baba Gurbaksh Singh along with 30 other Sikhs fought back, but unfortunately, Jahan Khan demolished Darbar Sahib and its surronding buildings and filled the Sarovar with garbage. When Baba Deep Singh got hold of the disheartening news, he challenged the whole Sikh community to get revenge. Sikhs from all over started gathering at Damdama Sahib. Baba ji drew a line with his Khanda (double edged sword) and wanted only those, who were willing to sacrifice their lives, to cross the line and join him.

About 500 Sikhs crossed the line and Baba Deep Singh lead them towards Amritsar. On the way many more Sikhs joined in making about 5000 Sikhs near Tarntaran.

When Jahan Khan heard this, he reached Amritsar with an army of 20,000. About 5 miles from Amritsar, there was a clash between both sides. Baba Deep Singh was fighting with his 16 Ser (about 32lbs.) Khanda. Sikhs were fighting with great enthusiasm. Bhai Dayal Singh killed Jahan Khan and Sikhs started moving towards Amritsar. In the mean time, another general of Mugals, Atai Khan reached with more force. Again both sides were fighting. A commander of Mugals attacked Baba ji with full force. Baba Deep Singh killed him immediately, but got badly injured too. His head came off to one side. A Sikh challenged Baba Deep Singh, "Baba ji, you promised to die at Har(i)mn~dar Sahib." Baba Deep Singh with remaining energy held his head with one of his hands and started using his Khanda with other hand. Finally, he reached Darbar Sahib, Amritsar and fulfilled his promise at the bank of Sarovar. Sikhs under the leadership of Baba Deep Singh took the revenge and liberated Harimandar Sahib.

Baba Deep Singh also founded Damdami Taksal.

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Courtesy: Bhaaee Inderpal Singh Jee

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Baba Deep Singh Jee is one of the most respected individuals in Sikh History. He grew up under the auspicious care of Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, wife of Dasam Paatshaah. After the Panj Piaaray, he recieved Amrit in Anandpur Saahib on Baisaakhi 1699, along with the approximately 100 000 who recieved baptism on that day. Called Deepaa in childhood, he took on the name Singh ( lion) as per Sikhi instructions and started to be called Baba (learned wise man) by his contemporaries. Deep means divine light. Baba Deep Singh stayed in the service of Guru Gobind Singh Jee while he remained in Anandpur, and met up with Him again at Damdama (the resting place) Sahib. Here, in keeping with an earlier promise, GuruSahib started to teach his devoties the true meaning of Gurbaani and true pronounciation.

* THE PROMISE*At Anandpur (city of Bliss) Sahib, a very shardaloo (devout) Sikh was reading the Sikh scriptures - Gurbaani. But, whenever he came to one line, he read it wrong. Guru Gobind Singh asked one of his Sevadaars ( devotees) to grab a lathi (big stick) and strike the Sikh reading the Scriptures. This happened about 3 times, everytime the Sikh read the line wrong. This Sikh continued to "burn" inside as to who would interupt his HOLY reading of Gurbaani so audaciously? After he finished, he visited GuruSaahib with the complaint. GuruSaahib showed him a badly bandaged arm. He explained that He too had been wronged as someone had also attacked him three times very vicously. The Sikh became alarmed at this and vowed to find and punish this evil doer. When the Guru further explained that this man to find had hurt Him in a special way; he had been reading Gurbaani wrongly, and as Baani is the "ang" (limb) of GuruSaahib himself (as in the lines Baani Guru, Guru hai Baani), everytime that man had "cut" the words up, He himself recieved the blows. The Sikh realizing that he was the one being talked of, fell at the feet of GuruSaahib asking/begging for His mercy. All onlookers agreed and petitioned the Guru to teach them the meaning of Gurbaani (because only if one knows what is written can one pronounce it right) and pronounciation. GuruSaahib answered that as they were under seige from the Hill Rajas and Mughal forces of about 1 500 000, this was not the time. But, he would accept the request at a future time.

*BACK TO THE STORY * Baba Deep Singh Shaheed was one of the 48 GurSikhs who would listen to the recitation (by Dasam Pita) in the morning, and its meaning in the evening. By the end of this first inaugaural Akhand Paath, all 48 Sikhs had attained to such an enlightenment that they began shedding their bodies as they travelled to God's Court to live in Sach Khand (abode of the formless). But, Guroo Gobind Singh Maharaaj caught hold of Baba Deep Singh and Bhai Mani Singh (another acclaimed Sikh) in his loving embrace. He turned to Bhai Mani Singh and declared that he should stay here on earth for there was much work for him yet to do here. Furthermore, even if he was cut to pieces joint-by-joint, his place in Sach Khand would be guaranteed (eventually, Bhai Mani Singh would be martyred by being cut joint-by-joint). Next, he turned to Baba Deep Singh Jee with the same declaration, promising him a place in Sach Khand even if his head would be severed from his body. Thus, GuruSaahib started the two Taksaals (schools) of Sikhi - one based in Amritsar (city of Necter) by Bhai Mani Singh, and one there in Damdama Saahib by Baba Deep Singh.

Baba Deep Singh Shaheed remained in Damdama Saahib preaching Sikhi for the next couple of years. Eventually, he would join up with Banda Singh Bahaadur's revolutionary army as they fought for the freedom of Punjab. He remained in this mode for most of the rest of his life. In 1745, he was one of the Sikh generals who survived the forces through the Chhotaa ghalughaaraa (small holocaust. there have been four holocausts in Sikh history - the second occurring in august 1761 where over 20 000 lives from a total of 50 000 Sikhs were lost, june 1984 where over 30 000 Sikhs were killed in one week, and november 1984 where over 40 000 Sikhs were killed in 4 days), in which over 10 000 Sikhs were massacred. In 1748, when the Sikh forces were re-alligned from Dal and Tat Khalsa to 10 misles (divisions) Baba Deep Singh headed the Shaheedi (martyrs) division. He also fought through and survived the Vadda Ghalughara in 1761.

By this time, Babaji left to return to his preaching duties in Damdama Saahib. He kept himself busy handwriting copies of Guru Granth Sahib jee. But, when he came to know about the painful news that Ahmed Shaah Abdaali had attacked Harminder Saahib and Akaal Takhat Saahib, destroying and trashing the Gurdwaaras (in 1762), it was too much for even him to take. He immediately left for the long march to Amritsar (in keeping with Sikhi values and the times, Babaji used to keep no less then exactly 10 Shastars - weapons on his body. Sadly, although these were on display at Akaal Takhat Saahib, they were destroyed in the June 84 destruction of Sikhism holiest sight).

Along the way, about 30 miles from the sight of the battle, Babaji took his 36 KG double-edged sword (Khanda), and this man of over 80 years old, drew a line in the ground. He declared that only those who were prepared to follow the lines,

"JO TO PRAYM KHAYLAN KA CHAAO, SIR DHAR TALEE GALEE MAYREE AAO"

(those who want to play this "game of love" - follow Sikhi- keep your head in your palm and come to me in humility) and

"IT MAARAG PAIR DHAREEJAI, SIR DEEJAI KAAN NA KEEJAI"

(if you want your feet to travel this path, delay not in accepting to give your head),

should cross the line. Without hesitation, all the about 1000 Sikhs there crossed the line singing,

"KIAA JAANAA KIV MARAIHNGAY, KAISAA MARNAA HOAY || JAYKAR SAAHIB NA VEESARAIH, TA SAIHLAA MARNAA HOAY||"

(who knows how one will die, or when. But, if we forget not our Lord, dying will be but easy and painless), and

"PAIHLAA MARN KABOOL, JEEVAN KEE CHHAD AAS || HO SABHNAA KEE RAYNKAA, TO AAO HAMARAY PAAS ||

(the first death is approved by God, that brave "REAL" death that occurs when one leaves the need to live, and accepts God's will by giving himself to the Guru. Be the dust of everyones feet, and in this humility come to me).

Baba Deep Singh then did Ardaas (prayer) that "SIR JAAVAI TA JAAVAI, MAYRAA SIKHI SIDHIK NA JAAVAI ||" (If my head is severed, let it be, but don' t severe my Sikh way of life), and he promised to get to Harminder Saahib no matter what.

After a long march, the small Sikh force (dressed in the clothing of expectant young brides as they all expected to be wed to death that day) was attacked by the much larger force (10 000) of the Mughals. Yet, it is an historical record that the Sikhs faught with such valour and courage on that day, that they almost completely routed the opponents. But, just on the verge of victory, an even larger back-up force joined the fight from the Sikh's rear. This huge army turned the tables on the Sikhs, who had been fighting AND marching to their capital all along.

Finally, with the Sikh force almost completely destroyed Baba Deep Singh Shaheed fell martyred to the ground, his head severed from his body ( fulfilling Guru Gobind Singh's prophecy). HOWEVER, a young Sikh fighter who was still in the thick of the battle (it is also on historical record that none of those Sikhs surrendered, retreated or were captured - they all died fighting), this Sikh fighter, always in Chardi Kala (the Sikh state of total freedom from any worries - a loving, joyous state of "vaypervaah"), called out to the fallen hero with the following taunt:

"Oh great respected warrior, you who possesses such grace from the Guru that your uniform ways heavier than your age in kilograms, what ever happened to your VOW of reaching Harminder Sahib?"

Upon hearing this, Baba Deep Singh picked up his head in his left-hand, and with such majestic swordsmanship that had never been displayed before by man, cut through the enemy forces with the very Guru's own being powering his body! The enemy forces went into complete dissarray at the sight of this "ghostly image"! Baba Deep Singh finally stopped about 1 km away from the Harminder Sahib (i have actually confirmed the distance personally on my last travel to Punjab), and unable to continue, threw his own head the distance: which ended up bowing in the prikarma (rectangular walkway sorrounding Harminder Sahib). The rejuvenated Sikh forces reached the amazing sight and all fell fighting within the precincts of the Holy Gurdwara.

The places where Babaji drew the line, engaged in battle, lost his head, threw it, and where it landed are all marked by Gurdwaras in Punjab. This UNBELIEVABLE act of courage, valour and strength by a Gurkapiaaraa has never been matched on this world. The date of this historic events is celebrated world-wide by all Sikhs!

U CAN ALS READ ONE MORE ARTICLE ON THIS AT:

BABA DEEP SINGH JI

[Dhan Teri Sikhi]

ggn dmwmw bwijE pirE nIswnY Gwau ]

gagan dhamaamaa baajiou pariou neesaanai ghaao ||

The battle-drum beats in the sky of the mind; aim is taken, and the wound is inflicted.

Kyqu ju mWifE sUrmw Ab jUJn ko dwau ]1]

khaeth j maa(n)ddiou sooramaa ab joojhan ko dhaao ||1||

The spiritual warriors enter the field of battle; now is the time to fight! ||1||

sUrw so pihcwnIAY ju lrY dIn ky hyq ]

sooraa so pehichaaneeai j larai dheen kae haeth ||

He alone is known as a spiritual hero, who fights in defense of religion.

purjw purjw kit mrY kbhU n CwfY Kyqu ]2]2]

purajaa purajaa katt marai kabehoo n shhaaddai khaeth ||2||2||

He may be cut apart, piece by piece, but he never leaves the field of battle. ||2||2||

Dhan Baba Deep Singh Jee

[simmal tree]

DHAN DHAN BABA DEEP SINGH JEEEEEEE !!!!!!!!!

DnwsrI mhlw 5 ]

dhhanaasaree mehalaa 5 ||

Dhanaasaree, Fifth Mehl:

jw kau hir rMgu lwgo iesu jug mih so khIAq hY sUrw ]

jaa ko har ra(n)g laago eis jug mehi so keheeath hai sooraa ||

He alone is called a warrior, who is attached to the Lord's Love in this age.

Awqm ijxY sgl vis qw kY jw kw siqguru pUrw ]1]

aatham jinai sagal vas thaa kai jaa kaa sathigur pooraa ||1||

Through the Perfect True Guru, he conquers his own soul, and then everything comes under his control. ||1||

Twkuru gweIAY Awqm rMig ]

t(h)aakur gaaeeai aatham ra(n)g ||

Sing the Praises of the Lord and Master, with the love of your soul.

srxI pwvn nwm iDAwvn shij smwvn sMig ]1] rhwau ]

saranee paavan naam dhhiaavan sehaj samaavan sa(n)g ||1|| rehaao ||

Those who seek His Sanctuary, and meditate on the Naam, the Name of the Lord, are blended with the Lord in celestial peace. ||1||Pause||

jn ky crn vsih myrY hIArY sMig punIqw dyhI ]

jan kae charan vasehi maerai heearai sa(n)g puneethaa dhaehee ||

The feet of the Lord's humble servant abide in my heart; with them, my body is made pure.

jn kI DUir dyhu ikrpw iniD nwnk kY suKu eyhI ]2]4]35]

jan kee dhhoor dhaehu kirapaa nidhh naanak kai sukh eaehee ||2||4||35||

O treasure of mercy, please bless Nanak with the dust of the feet of Your humble servants; this alone brings peace. ||2||4||35||

[simmal tree]

VAAHEGUROO VAAHEGUROO VAAHEGUROO !!!!!!!!!!

Baba ji was born in the village of Pahuvind district Amritsar, in the year 1682. Baba ji's fathers name was Bhagto ji and mothers name was Jioonee. From a young age Baba ji had practiced reciting Gurbani, singing Kirtan and doing sangat of fellow Gursikhs, morning and night. He regularly went horse riding and training, in Shastar Vidya (weapons training). He was a lovable and popular character, who conducted himself very well. The people in his locality treated him with great respect because of his religious nature.

After the battle of Muktsar Sahib in 1704, Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj reached Damdama Sahib-Sabo Ki Talwandi, here Guru ji compiled Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh ji scribing all that Guru Ji uttered. Baba Deep Singh ji carried out the seva of providing the paper, pens and ink, for this great task of preparing Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Baba ji did this seva with the utmost love and respect. When Guru ji went to Sri Hazoor Sahib, Baba ji went along with Maharaj. Baba ji was present in the Panj Pyare when Guru Sahib ji gave the Gurgadi (the Throne of the Sikh Guruship) to Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji at Sri Hazoor Sahib ji, Nanded. Along with Baba ji, Pyare Dharam Singh ji, Bhai Har Singh ji, Bhai Santokh Singh ji, and Bhai Gurbaksh Singh took part in this great seva, and completed the Ardas that passed the Gurgadi to our everlasting Master, Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Just before leaving the world Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji ordered Baba Deep Singh ji to go back to Damdama Sahib and continue the Taksal (school) that taught Gursikhs the correct meanings and pronunciations of Gurbani. All the Gurdware at Damdama Sahib were also put under the management of Baba ji by Guru ji. Here Baba ji prepared Gurbani Pothis/Anthologies and sent them to numerous Sikh shrines and thus made a massive effect on promoting/spreading the message of the Guru. Baba ji also assisted Baba Banda Singh ji Bahadar in all of his battles between 1708 and 1715.

In 1716 Baba ji prepared four more Saroops (editions) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. They were taken to the other four Takhats; Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Amritsar, Takhat Sri Harmandir ji Patna Sahib (Bihar), Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Anandpur Sahib and Takhat Abichal Nagar Sach Khand Sri Hazoor Sahib Nanded (Maharashtar).

Baba Deep Singh ji was not only a great scholar in Gurmukhi (the language created by the Sikh Gurus), but also a great scholar of Arabic and Persian, he was the first writers of the Sikh Panth. Baba ji wrote a Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji in Arabic and sent it to the Middle East. This was a great service that was done by Baba ji for the Sikhs of these countries.

The Gursikhs of the Panth had and have great respect for the great scholar, philosopher and saint soldier Baba Deep Singh ji. The title of Nawab given to Bhai Sahib Kapoor Singh ji by Zakariaa Khan, out of respect was placed at the feet of Panj Pyare before it was taken up, Baba ji was present in these Panj Pyare. After Deewan Darbara Singh ji left the world for Sach Khand, two Jathe (battalions) in the form of Budha Dal and Tarna Dal were formed. Tarna Dal was made up of five sections each having a jathedar. Shaheed Baba Deep Singh ji, was appointed one of these five jathedars by the Sikhs. There were 2000 horse mounted Gursikhs in Baba ji's jatha. When Masr Rangar was disrespecting Sri Harmandir Sahib it was a Gursikh, Jathedar Budha Singh ji, from Baba ji's jatha that sent Bhai Sukha Singh and Bhai Mehtab Singh to avenge the sacrilege that was occurring (Masr Rangr had turned Sri Harimandir Sahib into a party hall, with prostitutes). Bhai Sukha Singh and Bhai Mehtab Singh decapitated Masr Rangar and his head at the feet of Jathedar Budha Singh ji when they came back. Baba ji heard news of Jahan Khan continuing atrocities against the Sikhs and the sacred Sarover (nectar pool) of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Baba ji reached Taran Taaran Sahib and bathed in the holy Sarover along with a jatha of 500 Gursikhs, all wearing clothes in the sacred colour of saffron and ready for battle. After making Karah Parshad (an offering made to Guru ji, made using butter, sugar, flour, water and Gurbani) and making the following ardas: "Until Sri Harimandir Sahib is free from the tyrants, I will not become shaheed." Baba ji along with their jatha set off for Sri Amritsar Sahib.

Both armies met each other in battle, with the battleground becoming full of blood. Yakoob Khan and Baba ji met each other on the battlefield, Baba ji hit Yakoob Khan's head so hard that he collapsed right there and was killed instantly. Upon seeing this Pathan Jahan Khan confronted Baba ji, both their heads were cut off as they struck each simultaneously. A Gursikh called out, "Baba ji, you promised to place your head at the feet of Sri Guru Ram Das Sahib ji at Sri Harimandir Sahib." When Baba ji heard this he picked up his head in his left hand, took up his sword in his right and continued fighting. The tyrants were so astounded by this event that some started to run away, as they left the battlefield they told their fellow soldiers that the General of the Sikhs is fighting without his head.

While fighting Baba ji progressed to the parkarma (the outer circle) of Sri Harmandir Sahib, with the Sikhs shouting war cries. Baba ji placed his head at the feet of Guru Sahib ji and after completing an ardas left the world for Sach Khand.

from www.damdamitaksal.com