Bhai Jodh Singh Jee's Amrit Sanchaar Experience

As described in his book 'Son ChiRee ChaRee Gain' - Translated to English 

On 1st January 1948, Daasraa was transferred to the office of the A.G.O. (E.P.R.) and arrived in Shimla. In June 1955, I returned to Delhi. Daas 'boarded the ship' (took Amrit and was initiated into the Khalsa) during the Samagam in Shimla in 1949. For Daas, it was my first time attending a Samagam of the Akhand Keertani Jatha. I had waited for this Shimla Samagam not just for days or weeks, but for months on end. Day and night my consciousness remained focused on it, and in my inner soul, I continuously contemplated the images of that perfect Gursikh and the Panj Pyare. It was a very good thing that Bhai Nauhariaa Singh Jee (the elder brother of my predestined, dearest friend, Bhai Mehar Singh Jee) came to my home and informed me that my wife would also have to be presented alongside me. This Jatha does not administer Amrit to a married Singh alone. When my wife found out that this Daas would not receive Amrit alone, she also agreed and readily prepared herself. 

The First Darshan of the Perfect Gursikh 

The Sangat had gathered at the Gurdwara Singh Sabha on Cart Road, Shimla. We both were only able to arrive on the day of the Gurpurab. The morning diwan had just concluded. On the lower floor, the most beloved Komal Jee, other beloved Gurmukh brothers, and some Gurmukh sisters were, with respect and faith, receiving the blessed sight and touch of that Guru-pyare, unique personality, the "Son ChiRee" (a term of endearment for Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh, Golden Sparrow). When Komal Jee saw us, he immediately gestured. Here, Bhai Sahib Jee was seated in grace upon a simple cot, reclining against a bairagan. The Sangat, with faith and respect, was overcome with joy upon receiving his darshan . For this Daas, it was the first good fortune to receive the darshan of Bhai Sahib Jee. I was gazing intently at the radiance of his face when, after a moment, that enchanting, heart-stealing form opened his eyes, and Komal Jee made a request. "Bapoo Jee! This is Bhai Jodh Singh and this is his wife, Bibi Jee. They are about to 'board the ship', Jee. They are a very loving couple! Please bestow your grace, Jee, and grant them your blessings, Jee!" These words were still in Komal Jee's mouth when a magnetic, alchemical-like event occurred. As our couple's heads looked towards the magnetic eyes of the “Son ChiRee', we were pulled by a spiritual force towards that unique personality. But before we could reach his feet, that great being caught our heads with both his hands and embraced us to his chest with such affection, as if he were meeting long-lost friends after ages. He loudly proclaimed, 'Vaahiguroo Jee Kaa Khaalsaa Vaahiguroo Jee Kee Fatej!' and also gave a supportive pat on the back. He recited a few lines of Gurbani, of which I only remember one: "ਪੂਰਬਕਰਮਅੰਕੁਰਜਬਪ੍ਰਗਟੇਭੇਟਿਓਪੁਰਖੁਰਸਿਕਬੈਰਾਗੀ॥ When the seed of the karma of past actions sprouted, I met the Lord; He is both the Enjoyer and the Renunciate.” Other members of the Sangat were coming and going for darshan. This Daas was transfixed, stunned by the radiance of his face.

The Amrit Sanchar Begins

After some time, the order came for the Amrit Abhilakheeaan to present themselves. It was about two o'clock in the afternoon. Inside, the Panj Pyare were getting prepared and purified. We Abhilakhees were all sitting outside. Bhai Darshan Singh 'Gargajj', the Pehredaar, instructed us to be attentive and either continue reciting or listening to Gurbaani. While sitting there, the time for So Dar arrived. Rehraas Sahib was recited. A doubt entered this Daas's mind that I had not done my own recitation of So Dar. Until then, this Daas considered reciting with one's own tongue to be the only true form of recitation; that is, I did not consider listening to be equivalent to reciting. I secretly recited So Dar myself and then felt at peace.

Adornments Forbidden

Afterwards, the Sangat was served Langar right there. The Pehredaar, with a great sense of warning, told us to remain vigilant in the discipline of the Panj Kakkars. He told everyone to remove every kind of decoration and adornment to become free from unnecessary burdens. After having all the jewelry and other items removed, he had all the ladies put on the fifth Kakkar, the Keski. The order was given to appear in the full discipline of the Panj Kakkars: Kachhera, Kara, Kirpan, Kangha, Keski.

From 2 PM in the afternoon, it had become 10 PM at night. The peshis (presentations) began. My father was alone in the bunga, and the bunga itself was in a solitary place, meaning there were no other residences nearby. We were so absorbed in the blissful atmosphere that we even forgot to send a message that we would not be able to return home during the day. We had assumed or estimated that the Amrit Sanchar would be completed in about three hours. We had no dream or thought that this would be a Rainsabaaee Keertan continuing into Amritvela. We had no knowledge that it would take 15-16 hours, but despite this duration, no restlessness was spreading. In fact, from the very first darshan of Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh Jee, this Daas was wounded by the pull, or mesmerizing power, in his eyes and was being dyed in wondrous colors. My wife also appeared to be in a very blissful state.

The First Darshan of the Guru-Form Panj Pyare

When I entered the doorway for my peshi before the Panj, I became completely numb and silent. In front of me, in place of the Guru Granth Sahib Jee, I saw a strange, dim, yellowish light, and I had a fleeting vision, as if I was seeing a silhouette behind a glass pane, like those seen in common devotional pictures: the manifest, perfect being, the revered Guru Gobind Singh Jee, seated with his right knee raised. A strange miracle occurred, the same that had happened outside during the first darshan of Bhai Sahib Jee. Overwhelmed, my body collapsed before the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee, and upon hearing the command from the Guru-form Panj Pyare to become saavdhaan (aware), I stood up, trembling. At that time, from among the Panj, I only recognized two Singhs: Bhai Makhan Singh Jee from Shimla and Bhai Harnam Singh Jee (Komal Jee). I came to know the blessed names of the others after I had "boarded the ship" (taken Amrit). The complete list of names is as follows:

Bhai Mal Singh Jee (Jathedaar)

Bhai Javaala Singh Jee (Sant Jee)

Bhai Atma Singh Jee (from Panjokhra)

Bhai Daleep Singh Jee (Giani Jee) from Phulanwal

Bhai Harnam Singh Jee (Komal Jee)

Bhai Makhan Singh Jee (from Shimla)

Bhai Darshan Singh Jee ('Gargajj') was Pehredaar. Bhai Meva Singh and a few other Singhs were ready for the seva of preparing Degh and doing Naam Abhiyaas. There were also some elder Singhs and Bibian. Everyone appeared as if they were enjoying the joy and enthusiasm of a wedding celebration.

The Gupt Maryada of the Amrit Sanchar

This ceremony was taking place in a room beneath the main hall of the Shree Guru Singh Sabha. This room was covered on all sides with curtains. Only one door was open, and even that had a curtain in front of it so that when the door opened, nothing from inside could be seen. The room's ventilators, windows, and doors were covered with curtains in such a way, like one seals a bottle of perfume so that its fragrance does not escape. This was a most supreme ceremony of Amrit Sanchar; according to Gurmat, it is necessary to keep it confidential. But now, none of those Panj are in this world. Therefore, let's speak of what happened inside. The glorious radiance of the Panj Pyare was unbearable. Their divine faces, glowing and filled with awe; their Khalsa Surmeiey Bana; matching Dastaars with Khandey; saffron Keskis and saffron kamarkasey; white hazooriey; illumined Gurmukh beards, all connected through the ecstatic waves of Naam meditation. They had similar Gatra Kirpans and large, shining Sree Sahibs in their hands. All of them appeared as if they were celestial beings descended from the heavens. Jathedaar Baboo Mal Singh Jee was seated on tabiyaa Guru Granth Sahib Jee. My turn for peshi came, and the conversation went something like this:

Jathedaar Jee: "Why, brother! For what purpose have you come to the darbaar of the Sache Patshaah? Have you committed some fault?"

Daasra: (I was already half-dead from the magic-filled eyes of Bhai Sahib Jee, and the vision of that first darshan kept appearing before my eyes again and again, it would not go away even if I tried. My body felt a gentle intoxication, like in a dream, but it felt light and airy. The darshan of Sache Patshaah’s Darbaar felt like the darshan at Takht Kesgarh Sahib.) No answer came to me.

Then the Jathedaar Jee spoke again: "Have you come to partake in Amritpaan?"

Daasra: "Yes, Sache Patshaah!"

Jathedaar Jee: "From where did you take Amrit before? What was the mistake? Did you commit a Bajjar Kurehat?"

Daasra: (In a choked voice) "Sache Patshaah Jee! I have not yet partaken. I am a great sinner. Until now, I have remained lost in worldly plays. Now, please have mercy and bless me with it."

(With a stern tone and piercing, radiant eyes, the Panj Pyare began to proclaim in a thundering voice):

ਜਉਤਉਪ੍ਰੇਮਖੇਲਣਕਾਚਾਉ॥ 

If you desire to play this game of love with Me, 

ਸਿਰੁਧਰਿਤਲੀਗਲੀਮੇਰੀਆਉ॥

then step onto My Path with your head in hand. 

ਇਤੁਮਾਰਗਿਪੈਰੁਧਰੀਜੈ॥

When you place your feet on this Path, 

ਸਿਰੁਦੀਜੈਕਾਣਿਨਕੀਜੈ॥੨੦॥

give Me your head, and do not pay any attention to public opinion. ||20||

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee - Ang 1412

ਪਹਿਲਾਮਰਣੁਕਬੂਲਿਜੀਵਣਕੀਛਡਿਆਸ॥

First, accept death, and give up any hope of life.

ਹੋਹੁਸਭਨਾਕੀਰੇਣੁਕਾਤਉਆਉਹਮਾਰੈਪਾਸਿ॥੧॥

Become the dust of the feet of all, and then, you may come to me. ||1||

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee - Ang 1102

Just the Jathedaar Jee: "If you are to take Amrit, you will have to offer your head to Sache Patshaah. Will you, for the sake of the Panth, if the need arises, consider your head to be the Guru's and offer it to the Khalsa Panth? Will you remain pakka in your Rehat? Will you consider your head to belong to the Guru? Shall we cut off your head and offer it to Guru Sahib?"

Daasra: (It felt to this Daas as if they were truly going to cut off my head.) "Sache Patshaah, Jee! May you be my support. This Daas is under your command, Jee."

Jathedaar Jee: "Are you married?"

Daasra: "Yes, Jee!"

Jathedaar Jee: "Where is your wife?"

Daasra: "She is present outside, Jee!"

Jathedaar Jee: "Call her."

(The Pehredaar called her and presented her. She was asked the same questions as this Daas, and after confirming her commitment to Keski, a pledge was taken from both of us: 'Sache Patshaah, Jee! My head is an offering to you. Please bless me with the gift of Amrit.' After having us bow before the Satguru, the Rehat Maryada was explained to us both with words like these):

Jathedaar Jee: "Listen with attention:

From the crown of your head (dastar) to the tips of your toes, whatever hair is on your body, these are Kes. Not a single one of these hairs is to be intentionally removed from the body by any means. Of the four Bajjar Kurehats, this is the first. One who commits this cardinal sin is excommunicated from Sikhi. They become a patit (apostate). They are no longer a Sikh.

For you (talking to Daas), apart from your own initiated Singhni, all other women are like your mother if older, like your sister if of the same age, and like your daughter if younger. (Talking to my Singhni) And Bibi, for you, apart from your husband, every man in the world is like your father if older, like your brother if of the same age, and like your son if younger. A person who engages in adultery with another's spouse is a Maha Patit (great apostate). This is the second Bajjar Kurehat.

You are not to consume any kind of meat, eggs, or alcohol. All other intoxicants are also forbidden. But consuming these three things in any form is the third Bajjar Kurehat. For this cardinal sin too, a Sikh is considered a patit.

You are not to use items like tobacco, cigarettes, bidis, paan, etc., nor are you even to touch them with your hands. You are not to go near a person who is consuming these things. As much as possible, you are to avoid the smoke of tobacco and related products. This is the fourth Bajjar Kurehat. One who uses these is also excommunicated from Sikhi.

These four are great Bajjar Kurehats. By committing even one of them, you will be considered an patit. Listen once more. (He then repeated the above-written Bajjar Kurehats one more time.)

Jathedaar Jee: Now listen to the discipline of the Panj Kakkars. One who is not sufficiently strict regarding the Kakkars may not be excommunicated from Sikhi, but they are certainly considered tankhaiya (penance). They have to present themselves before the Panj Pyare and ask for forgiveness. After being assigned a tankhah and completing it, the tankhaiya is pardoned. The tankhah is assigned by the Panj Pyare in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee as a form of atonement. The tankah is assigned according to the nature of the mistake. For example, reciting Gurbaani in addition to Nitnem; rising at Amritvela earlier; the seva of sweeping at the Gurdwara Sahib; the seva of cleaning the Sangat's bhaandey; the seva of Joreeaa (dusting the shoes); doing Ishnaan at the Sarovar of Shree Amritsar Sahib at 2 AM, etc. Whatever tankhah is assigned, it is necessary to fulfill it for the designated period with a resolute mind. If for some reason a day is missed, then one must start again from the beginning and complete the tankhah without a break, after which an ardaas is to be performed. After the ardaas, the tankhaiya is exonerated. Before this, they are not.

The Panj Kakkars are these:

Kirpan - A Kirpan of sarbloh is to be worn in a myaan with a Gathraa. It is not to be separated from the body.

Keski - To cover the hair, it is mandatory for all, both Bibiyaan and Singhs. This is never to be separated from the body.

Kangha - For the cleanliness of the hair, it is mandatory to comb the hair in the morning and evening. After cleaning the hair, it is to be kept tucked in the hair. This too should not be separated from the body.

Kara - This must also be of sarbloh. A Kara of gold, silver, or any other metal is not acceptable. This too is not to be removed from the right wrist.

Kachhera - This is the fifth Kakkar. This Kakkar is also never to be removed from the body. After bathing, one should not immediately take off the wet Kachhera. When changing the Kachhera, one leg is to be put into the new one before the other side is removed from the old one. In this way, one can remain in proper Rehat. To be without any Kakkar is a transgression, and one who commits it is deemed a tankhaiya. The Kachhera should not be of colored cloth.

You are to earn a righteous living, with the honest work of your ten fingers. You are to give Dasvandh, or a tenth part of your earnings, for the Guru's cause. Similarly, out of 24 hours, you must definitely set aside at least a tenth part during Amritvela, like Dasvandh, for earning the wealth of Naam and for Nitnem. This is the minimum. For the rest of the day, you should keep the goal of earning the wealth of Naam and Baani in your soul.

(Now, from those who were to receive Amrit for the first time, this pledge was taken from each one individually: "Sache Patshaah, Jee, I offer my head to you. Please bless me with the gift of Amrit.") If you accept these conditions and disciplines, then bow your head, and you will receive Amrit. Sit outside. Read Baani. We will call you inside when the Amrit Baata is being prepared. Obeying the hukam, we bowed our heads, came outside, and continued to read and listen to Baani.

Around twelve o'clock at night, the Peshiyaan were complete. The order came for everyone to come inside. The Pehredaar said again, "Check your Kakkars. If anyone has not done Kesi Ishnaan after going Jangalpaani they should do so. No one should enter without having done Kesi Ishnaan. There should be no jewelry, stamps, or marks on anyone's body."

The Baata of Amrit

In order to prepare the Baata of Amrit, the Panj Pyare performed an ardas. The sarbloh Baata (iron vesse)l, Khanda, water, and patasey (sugar pellets) were already present there. A blanket was laid before Sache Patshaah. A large sarbloh Baata was placed steadily upon a clean, golden mat. One of the Panj Pyare sat on tabiyaa, and the Jathedaar Jee joined the Panj, replacing Singh who had just joined tabiyaa. All sat in Bir Aasan (warrior posture) in a semi-circle facing Sache Patshaah. Together, the Panj poured water into the Baata and then added the Pataasey. Then, one by one, they recited Jap, Jaap, Sudha Savaiye, Chaupai, and the full Anand Sahib. While reciting the Paath, each Singh stirred the water with the Khanda in his right hand from one edge of the Baata to the other, while holding the Baata with his left hand. The other Singhs held the Baata with both hands. Everyone kept their gaze fixed upon the Amrit Baata. The recitation of the five Baanis was completed. All five stood up together, lifting the Baata, and while still stirring with the Khanda, the Jathedaar Jee performed the ardas. He asked for the Guru's permission from the Singh sitting on tabiyaa to distribute the Amrit. Then the Panj Pyare sat in Bir Aasan and began to distribute the Amrit. There were about eight to ten individuals receiving Amrit. My turn came second or third.

Astonishing Miracle

This was an unforgettable miracle that first occurred during the peshi for purification. This Daas's condition, from the first darshan of that golden personality during the day, was already one of astonishment. A mesmerizing or magnetic power was at work. It was an experience beyond words. This Daas was conscious, but also not. Even before bowing my head before the Guru Granth Sahib Jee, I had a darshan on the throne of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee, in a miraculous, shining light, of the form of Guru Gobind Singh Jee, and it felt as if the Dasam Patshaah was sitting in Bir Aasan behind a pane of glass. This event happened several times, but for a mere instant or even less. Bowing my head, I partook of the mouthfuls of Amrit (jhoola), and a unique phenomenon unfolded. Then, drops were poured into my hair, and after that, Amrit was sprinkled into my eyes. The Jathedaar Jee methodically gave the Gurmantar. At that moment, my hands suddenly joined in reverence, and upon seeing the light of the Maharaj and the form of the Dasam Patshaah before me, my eyes closed, and my forehead touched the Guru's feet. The Jathedaar Jee gave me a pat to be aware, and then a Singh had to grab me and help me up. The continuous abhiyaas had begun. In a short time, everyone had received Amrit.

The Secret Arrival of the Panj in the Rainsabaaee Keertan

The time was between one and two o'clock at night. In the hall upstairs, a Rainsabaaee Keertan was in progress. This Daas remembers so clearly that the Panj Pyare did not come with us in their formal attire. And I don't clearly remember if they came with us after taking off their uniforms or if they came later. After the Degh of the Amrit Sanchar ceremony was distributed, they were taking off their uniforms in that same room. This much I remember as if it were etched in stone. Like the general Sangat, they must have bowed their heads and sat down somewhere. A wondrous intoxication was upon this Daas at that time. When I became fully aware, I had found a spot right behind Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh Jee. Only the Guru knows how this was obtained. Whenever my forehead touched the Chakar on his dastar, an indescribable and unique thrill would run through me. When he, in his rapturous moods, would turn his head back, this Daas would feel an indescribable, wonderful, nectar-filled magnetic pull. Bhai Sahib Jee himself was playing the vaajaa and singing the shabad "ਪੂਤਾਮਾਤਾਕੀਆਸੀਸ॥ O son, this is your mother's hope and prayer,” in a divine Keertan. The Keertan was happening in a unique melody that this Daas can never forget in my entire life.

Naam Abhyaas

His eyes were closed, but they were turned directly towards the heavens. His voice was like a child crying out. Sometime at Amritvela near 2 AM, in this same hall, a continuous, focused meditation went on for an hour and a half to two hours. I don't know who turned off the lights and put on a dim light. The chant of 'Vaahiguroo Vaahiguroo’ was recited and meditated upon beautifully. It seemed to this Daas that nobody was present there, and that my own body was not there either. Only the sound of the Vaahiguroo Gurmantar was being heard clearly. My state became such that I had no awareness of my own body, nor of any other body. Through the faculty of listening, only the sound of the word 'Vaahiguroo', an incredibly enchanting sound, was being heard continuously, and with such a sweet rhythm, like a clock ticking—perfectly uniform—no high or low pitch could be heard; it was some otherworldly tune. Sometimes, with my eyes shut, I would experience flashes of light, gentle white and yellow glows in an oval shape. Sometimes I would have the darshan of 'ੴ' (Ik Oankaar), as if electricians had decorated it with lights. Sometimes I would perceive 'Vaahiguroo' written out. Then, after an hour and a half or two, when the Keertan began again, after a few minutes, the sound of the word Vaahiguroo faded, but I continued to hear the Keertan. When I returned from this state, I realized that this was the same hall, and the Sangat was gathered. The listeners were relishing the nectar of love like the partridge for the moon.

Bhai Sahib Jee and Bau Mal Singh Jee were seated in front of this Daas. Some Keertani Bibiaan were performing Keertan. Some of the Sangat was seated in front and some behind me, absorbed in blissful moods. The mesmerizing and magnetic power of Bhai Sahib Jee’s Chakar was working its magic. "Vaho Vaho Gursikh Dhan Hai". The truth is that at that time, this Daas had no understanding of what this miracle was, or what this nectar was. Otherwise, at that moment, I would have grabbed the feet of that saintly personality and never let them go. But when some basic understanding came, the Sache Patshaah, through his immense grace, forged deep bonds with that great Gursikh, and that great personality, with his own lotus hands, wrote three love-filled letters, cooing sweet lullabies to this worm among worms. 

At dawn, Bhog took place, which Bhai Sahib Jee performed by singing a few shabads.

After this, we went home, had langar, and then returned to the Gurdwara Sahib. (At that time, the langar was prepared only for the Sangat that had come from outside). Some of the Sangat had already departed, and some were preparing to leave. Bapoo Jee and a few Singhs were waiting for their transport. This Daas just kept gazing into his magic-filled eyes and savouring the nectar, and he too kept glancing towards this Daas. The Singhs, dyed in the colours of Naam-meditation, were bidding farewell by embracing each other. Finally, Bapoo Jee also departed. It seemed that the eyes of all the Singhs who remained there were filled with tears. It appeared that everyone, like this Daas, was longing for the same thing: If only these Keertan gatherings would last for a long time, and the shower of Naam and Baani would continue to fall. But everything happens within the will of that Waheguru.

ਸੰਜੋਗੁਵਿਜੋਗੁਦੁਇਕਾਰਚਲਾਵਹਿਲੇਖੇਆਵਹਿਭਾਗ॥

Union with Him, and separation from Him, come by His Will. We come to receive what is written in our destiny.