which Janam Sakhi is considered most authentic?

[Bijla Singh]

It depends on what topic you want to search for. When it comes to Pargat Divas of Guru Sahib, I would say Bhai Bala Ji's Janamsakhi is correct. When it comes to Guru Sahib influencing bhagats, Meharbaan's Janamsakhi is more informational and authentic. All Janamsakhis have mistakes but important information as well. Vilayat and Hafizabad etc are the same in content. Puratan Janamsakhi edited by Bhai Veer Singh Ji is held as the most authentic of all.

Guru Rakha

[N30S1NGH]

Bijla Singh Ji,

I was searching online, couldn't find any info- what exactly was edited in puratan janamsakhi by bhai veer singh ji? You have any examples?

[chatanga]

When it comes to Guru Sahib influencing bhagats, Meharbaan's Janamsakhi is more informational and authentic.

ISnt Meharbans Janamsakhi the one where the author tried to show Bhagat Kabir Ji as Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Guru?

[ThunderousDominator]

shouldnt bhai mani singh jis jaman sakhi be considred most authentic since its written by bhai mani singh ji

[chatanga]

shouldnt bhai mani singh jis jaman sakhi be considred most authentic since its written by bhai mani singh ji

it is also signed by 10th Guru as approval of its content.

[N30S1NGH]

What's in bhai mani singh ji janam sakhi? like table of contents? anyone?

[ThunderousDominator]

im sure some members of this forum have more knowledge on bhai mani singh jis jamansakhi

[Arsh1469]

Puratan Janamsakhi is the most contemporary and probably authentic. It was written in the early 1600s making to a very reliable source. Bahi Vir Singh writes it is the oldest janamsakhi though he goes with a mid 1600s date of Guru Hargobinds time.

He says the Hindalias have made their own corrupt version of the janamsakhi. He also says that Bhai Bala Wala Janamsakhi is a copy of this while changing parts to fit the agenda of the author who Bhai Vir Singh believes to be the Hindalias.

Bhai Vir Singh believe that Sakhis of this Janamsakhi were each written at different times. The third sakhi is written a while after the Mughals while Sakhis about Guru Arjan Dev Jis shabads were, by the language, written during Guru Hargobind Jis time. Another Sakhis appears to be of Guru Gobind Singhs time.

The language is south western Punjabi and it does not seem the writer is a professional nor an expert. There are many errors that seem to be copying mistakes.

The first Sakhi says Guru Nanak was born in the month of Vaisakh in the third period of the moonlight night. I.e amrit vela. It interestingly says that by the time he was 5 Hindus and Muslims started to consider him and avatar or a saint.

There is a lot of Gurbani used in this Janamsakhi. The author makes the mistake of attributing Saloks of the fifth Guru to Guru Nanak.

[Arsh1469]

Forgive me for any mistakes above

[Arsh1469]

Below I will post some pictures from the Janamsakhi

First image is Guru Nanak with Bhai Bala (Proving he at least existed) and Bhai Mariana dating to 1785

Second image is Guru Nanak with Bhai Bala dated to 1790-1820 

Third image is Guru Nanak in Mecca from the Late 18th century 

Fourth is Guru Nanak as a shopkeeper from the late 19th century

Final image is Guru Nanak with a Brahmin from the early 18th century

Imtresting how in the earlier images Guru Nanak looks like a Peer or more of a Muslim Saint while in the later ones he look more like a Hindu Saint and even royalty.