Nirbaan Keertan - Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Jee

The Seen, Heard and Personally Experienced of Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Jee

Written by Baba Surjan Singh Jee Gujarvaal

I had the Darshan of Bhai Sahib Jee in 1902 for the first time but the Darshan colored in divine ecstasy and the true experiences began in 1911. The spiritual colors that colored those experiences are beyond description.

The Immediate Effect of an Akhand Paath and Amrit Sanchaar Smaagam

I received Amrit in 1911 at village Phulayvaal in Ludhiana, at the home of a Singh. This individual’s whole body was stiff due to some disease and he couldn’t move at all. He had grown weary of trying to get some medical cure and still he could find not relief. Due to the encouragement of a Singh in the Jatha, he expressed the desire that if his sickness would be cured, he would organize an Akhand Paath Sahib and secondly, he along with his family would become Amritdhari. Because of this, Bhai Sahib and the entire Jatha arrived and the Akhand Paath Sahib commenced. The whole story can be found in the book Rangley Sajjan (Baba Ram Singh).

The result of the Akhand Paath Sahib was that at the middle of the Paath, this individual was lifted up by two Singhs and stood for the entire Ardaas. By the end of the Akhand Paath Sahib, the entire family was ready to accept Amrit. Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Jee himself was in the Panj Pyare.

The Amrit Sanchaar took place and the entire family received Amrit and I too received Amrit at this time. Immediately after receiving Amrit, the disease was gone and the Singh could walk about easily. My spiritual state was seen by the Panj Pyare and cannot be described in words. For the next fifteen days, I stayed in a state of ecstasy.

Punishments from Home

My father, upon seeing my state, became very angry. My family and all relatives were Naamdharis and were all upset with me. Right away they began to deal with me firmly. My Naamdhari relatives also arrived and they all tied me to a pillar. After seven days, while I was still tied up, they beat me. The stick they were using hit the Gutka Sahib I was holding in my hand. As a result (punishment) my father came down with a fever. In the end they had to release me.

The Reason Behind Getting Ras

Right after my release, I went to Narangvaal to Bhai Sahib and told him all that had happened.

Bhai Sahib was very happy and said, “It’s good you came.”

I asked Bhai Sahib “for fifteen days, the intoxication of Naam was over me, but now why has it lifted?”

Bhai Sahib replied: “That ras which you have enjoyed up to now was the Panj Pyare’s own Naam earnings. Now you too must go to a peaceful area and earn the profit of Naam Abhiyaas.”

After this, I began to accompany Bhai Sahib to the Dhaab (pond) for Naam Abhiyaas. The Dhaab was right between Gujarvaal and Narangvaal. At one point in history there were fights to determine whether the Dhaab was Gurjarvaal’s or Narangvaal’s. In Jail Chithiyaan, Bhai Sahib writes that he heard the sounds of the fights but as he meditated on Naam, the sounds stopped. People used to think that ghosts scream at this place and would not come this way at night.

The Incident with a Secret Naam Abhiyaasee Singh

One night at around midnight some Singhs and Bhai Sahib were doing Naam Abhiyaas at Bhai Sahib’s home when they heard the sound of Naam Abhiyaas coming from the Dhaab. Bhai Sahib and the Singhs began walking towards the Dhaab and the sound of Naam Abhiyaas. When they arrived near the Dhaab, it seemed as if some Singh was sitting at the Dhaab doing Naam Abhiyaas. Bhai Sahib told the other Singhs that it was not appropriate to call the Singh now, and when it was light they could all see him. An hour had passed with all the Singhs sitting there and some Singh’s kaRas clanged and the Naam Abhiyaasee Singh got up and ran to a new area. Bhai Sahib and the other Singhs followed and the same sound of Naam Abhiyaas started again.

Everyone was sitting at some distance away, but this Naam Abhiyaasee Singh’s whole body began to echo Naam Abhiyaas. Then again, another Singh’s kaRas clanged and the Naam Abhiyaasee Singh got up and ran away. They never saw that Singh again. This story was told to me by Bhai Sahib Jee and I was not there personally.

The Love of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh

Bhai Sahib was sitting at the Dhaab and some Bhujangis from the Bhujangi Jatha Khalsa Malva High School Ludhiana came to visit him in Narangvaal. Bhai Sahib had the thought that these Bhujangis would grab his feet so when the group came near, Bhai Sahib stepped into the deep water so no one could bow to him. One Bhujangi however, with his clothes and boots still on, jumped into the water and grabbed Bhai Sahib’s feet. The Bhujangi’s clothes were soaked. Bhai Sahib embraced the youth and brought him out of the water. This Singh was Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Kamalpur whose story appears in Rangley Sajjan.

Bhai Sahib’s Steadfastness

Bhai Sahib told me: “When I first began to meditate at the Dhaab, frightening jungle cats would come to scare me, then cobras would appear and strike before me and then for many days other animals would come and smell me and try to scare me, but I would never turn my consciousness towards them. I had memorised a line of Gurbani which I would recite:

ਗੁਰਕਾਬਚਨੁਬਸੈਜੀਅਨਾਲੇ॥

The Guru's Word abides with my soul.

ਜਲਿਨਹੀਡੂਬੈਤਸਕਰੁਨਹੀਲੇਵੈਭਾਹਿਨਸਾਕੈਜਾਲੇ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ॥

It does not sink in water; thieves cannot steal it, and fire cannot burn it.

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee - Ang 679)

In the Jungle

At the Dhaab, Keertan would also take place. Once, a Singh completed Sodar Rehraas Paath and about half an hour after Ardaas, the Singh began to weep in spiritual bliss. Bhain Kartaar Kaur (Bhai Sahib’s wife) arrived with parshaaday for all the Singhs at the Dhaab. After eating the parshaaday, Keertan began and the entire night passed in this way.

The Pull of Love

Once, Bhai Sahib was sitting at the Dhaab and was enraptured by Naam. The Bhujangis of the Ludhiana Khalsa School decided to send Bhai Sahib a wireless message through their consciousness. The Bhujangis were at the Railway Bridge and fell into meditation there. After a little while, Bhai Sahib at the Dhaab also felt the pull of love and began to run towards the Raipur Station and took a train to Ludhiana. When the Bhujangis saw they exclaimed: “Amazing! Our wireless reached him!” Bhai Sahib himself told me this story.

Akhand Paath & Amrit Sanchaar Smaagam

Bhai Sahib himself used to do Akhand Paaths and before commencing he used to tell the Paathis that they should not only do Paath but also sit in the Akhand Paath and listen as well. They would only leave to go to the bathroom or bathe. No one wrote the Rauls for the Paathis. One Paathi would be reading and another would automatically go and take over. Many times that the reading Paathi who was crying could only be relieved with great difficulty.

Whichever Gurmukhs wanted the gift of Amrit, had to listen to the entire Akhand Paath. After the Akhand Paath, there was Asaa Dee Vaar Keertan and then the Amrit Sanchaar would begin. Only the five Singhs have the right to administer Amrit. All five must give the handful of Amrit, all five must put the Amrit in the kesh and all five must splash the Amrit in the eyes. Bhai Sahib was very insistent that no one person could become a mahant and do everything himself.

Panj Pyare - For How Long?

One day I asked, “How long are the Panj Pyare the Panj Pyare?” Bhai Sahib replied “When the Panj Pyare are completely ready to prepare Amrit and the Ardaas to prepare Amrit has occurred, from that point till when the Amrit Baata is ready and the Ardaas after administering the Amrit has taken place, they are Panj Pyare. After that point, they are a part of the regular sangat.

Discouraging the Use of Kerosene During Akhand Paath

Once I went to visit Bhai Sahib Jee in Hazaaree Baag Jail.

During the visit, Bhai Sahib said, “During the Akhand Paaths you hold, I smell the stench of kerosene”.

When I returned, I asked the Singhs not to use kerosene at night. Some have stopped and some still burn it, but it is not per Maryada.

Respect of Amrit

I was involved in the seva for administering Amrit many times. Once a Singh requested that some Amrit be given to an individual sitting outside the Amrit Sanchaar area. It was discussed and decided that if the individual had committed some mistake, he should appear before the Panj Pyare and if the Panj Pyare thought he was a candidate for Amrit it could be administered to him. However, taking Amrit outside is against Gurmat.

An Akhand Paath Seen in an Earlier Time

Once Bau Mal Singh Jee took a leave from the army and arrived at Narangvaal to request Bhai Sahib to organize and book an Akhand Paath at his home village of Sarlee. Bhai Sahib agreed. Bhai Sahib Jee returned to his village and later the entire Jatha gathered at Narangvaal and a day before the start of the Akhand Paath got on a train from Raipur. They arrived by train at the station. The scene had to been witnessed when Keertan started at the station. After four hours, we got off the train and Bau Jee had arrived at the station bare foot. Bau Jee fell to the ground in ecstasy. The Jatha kept doing Keertan and we all were seeing Bau Jee’s spiritual state. Bhai Sahib Jee then embraced Bau Jee and the entire Jatha, doing Keertan, began to walk towards Sarlee village. Bau Jee was in a very deep Bairaagmai state and was reciting the Shabad,

ਧੂੜੀਵਿਚਿਲੁਡੰਦੜੀਸੋਹਾਂਨਾਨਕਤੈਸਹਨਾਲੇ॥੨॥

Even rolling in the dust, I look beautiful, O Nanak, if my Husband Lord is with me.

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee - Ang 1425)

For four or five miles, the Keertan continued. When the Jatha arrived at Sarlee village, the entire village came out to hear the Keertan. The Jatha, colored by the intoxication of Keertan arrived at Bau Jee’s home. Bau Jee was completely enraptured.

He was saying to Sister Nihaal Kaur, “Today Akaal Purakh (in the form of the sangat) has come to your house. Serve them to the extreme. This opportunity will not come again”.

Where the Akhand Paath was to be held, the Jatha began Keertan there. Some had parshaadaa and others remained lost in spiritual colors. Everyone must have rested only about two hours and then after bathing, Asaa Dee Vaar Keertan began. The Keertan ended at about 10AM and the Akhand Paath Sahib commenced. All the Paathis and listeners were in the presence of Guru Sahib. Bau Jee was sitting completely intoxicated. Whatever we asked from Sister Nihaal Kaur, we received. Sri Maan Bhai Sahib listened to the entire Paath in one sitting. I was still new to all this and was amazed at seeing it all.

I was thinking, “What are these people made of? They don’t get tired of doing Keertan and they keep doing Akhand Paaths. They don’t even sleep and they rest so little.”

On the third day, the Akhand Paath concluded. Keertan started. The Keertan concluded at about 12pm. Langar was ready but no one was ready to eat. They were all colored in divine colors and their eyes were mesmerized. No one spoke. Unknowing people like me were stunned.

Everyone was lost in spirituality. I didn’t have that much love in me but seeing all the Rangley Sajjan satisfied me.

Pilgrimage from Sarlee to Darbaar Sahib

After completing Keertan at village Sarlee, we did the Ardaas and began to walk towards Tangra Station, doing Keertan on the way. We got on a train at Tangra Station and in the train we continued doing Keertan. We arrived at Sri Amritsar at around midnight.

Doing Keertan while walking through the bazaars, we came near the police station and the police officers said, “Don’t make such a racket. Go away quietly.”

But who was going to listen to them? The entire Jatha, doing Keertan, arrived at Sri Darbaar Sahib. The Jatha bathed at the well outside and then went inside to bathe in the Sarovar. After doing Nitnem we went to Sri Harmandir Sahib to listen to Keertan. As soon as I sat, I began to feel sleepy. I sat for some time but sleep began to bother me.

Seeing my sleepy state, Bhai Sahib said “ Get up and bathe again”.

I went and bathed and when I returned, sat with Bhai Sahib again. When day broke, some Singhs went and prepared a Sarbloh Langar. We all ate and then went to the garden to rest. Then we got back on the train and while doing Keertan, arrived at Narangvaal.

An Anand Karaj According to Gurmat

It was the marriage of Master Dharam Singh Jee Fulayvaal and the entire Jatha, carrying a Nishaan Sahib in front, marched to village Bhasaur. This was the first Anand Karaj I had seen which was conducted according to Gurmat. The Bibi had a Dastaar on her head and a big Kirpaan. Bhai Sahib Jee was with us. On the Bibi’s side, Baboo Teja Singh was organizing everything.

Baboo Teja Singh was a famous individual and opened the Gurmat Rehat Maryada School for girls at Bhasaur. Sri Maan Bhai Sahib Jee was the school’s manager. After the Anand Karaj, the Jatha returned to village Fulayvaal with Master Jee.

Refusing to do an Anand Karaj Outside of Gurmat

Once an individual from village Jagravaan came and said that there is the Anand Karaj of a Singh’s daughter in village Jagraavan. No one was willing to come and perform the Anand Karaj, and the marriage was the following morning and he asked us to go right away.

Bhai Sahib Jee said to me, “Look, this Singh has come 15 miles. We should definitely do this Anand Karaj”.

I said, “You have just come home now, all tired. How will we travel 15 miles?” I was already feeling very sleepy.

Bhai Sahib replied, “No. Be strong. Guru Sahib will help us.”

I then exclaimed, “As you wish.”

We were five Singhs. Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Kamalpur, Bhai Pooran Singh Jee Janaitpur, and another Singh. Bhai Sahib Jee swung the Vaajaa around his shoulder and put the Dholkee around mine. We walked all night and arrived at four in the morning. When we arrived, we learned that the boy wasn’t Amritdhari. We left everything right there and immediately returned to Narangvaal.

Incident at An Akhand Paath Smaagam

Once, the Jatha went to village Nathovaal for an Akhand Paath. Bhai Sahib had a Raul at night. He did Paath for a very long time. It was a deep night and Bhai Sahib’s voice could be heard far away. There were no loud speakers then, but still, Bhai Sahib’s voice could be heard in the entire village. This Akhand Paath was done in great spiritual colors and whoever heard Paath from Bhai Sahib’s mouth would become entranced. After the middle of the Paath, I went outside into the jungle. When Bhai Sahib noticed my absence, he also went outside. I was lying down in an open area with my face covered but I was not fully asleep.

When Bhai Sahib had gone outside, it seemed to me as if he was circling me in a Parkarma, but I thought it was just a dream. When I removed the cloth from my face, I realised it was really Bhai Sahib.

I grabbed his feet and said “Why are you trying to kill one who is already dead?”

We then embraced and for a long time we just lay there. Our Naam Khandas were going the entire time. After the Bhog, the entire Jatha went from Nathovaal to Rai Kot.

Testing the Ganga Saagar

At Rai Kot, there are some relics of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee. This is the place where Guru Jee asked for news about the younger Sahibzadas. At Rai Kot, we went to the house of a Muslim and saw the Ganga Saagar. The Ganga Saagar is filled with holes. Bhai Sahib Jee asked me to bring water and poured it in the Ganga Saagar, but not one drop came out. Then, I took a small stick and put it in the holes, but the stick came out.

When Bhai Sahib saw me, he became very upset and said “You shouldn’t test that much!”

I asked for forgiveness from Bhai Sahib as I had erred. We then all returned to Narangvaal.

More Amazing Incidents from Akhand Paaths and Amrit Sanchaars

1) Once the date for an Akhand Paath was set for the house of Bhai Ram Singh Jathedaar in Gurjarvaal. Here, Giani Daleep Singh Jee Fulayvaal and Giani Harbhajan Singh Jee village Chiminday arrived for the Akhand Paath Sahib.

When Bhai Sahib found out that both Singhs wanted to receive Amrit, an Amrit Sanchaar was organised immediately after the Akhand Paath Sahib.

Keertan began at Amritvela. After the Keertan, the Akhand Paath started. Both Singhs sat in Guru Sahib’s presence and began to listen to the Akhand Paath. They would only leave to go to the bathroom or bathe. The rest of the time was spent listening.

After the Bhog of the Akhand Paath, Asaa Dee Vaar Keertan took place and after, the water in the Amrit-kunbh (clay jug) was used for the Amrit Sanchaar.

The spiritual colors that colored these two are beyond description. Right after receiving Amrit, their eyes were mesmerized. I was also serving in the Panj Pyare. The state of Bhai Sahib and the two Bhujangis cannot be described. Giani Daleep Singh remained like this for many days. Whoever saw these Singhs became entranced.

After that, Giani Daleep Singh Jee accompanied Bhai Sahib Jee to Narangvaal. Here too they spent all their time in Naam. Every day they would go to the Dhaab and spend the entire night there. I too would come from Gujarvaal to the Dhaab.

2) Once, Bau Mal Singh Jee asked for an Akhand Paath Sahib at village Sarlee 71 Chakk in Dist. Lyallpur. Bhai Sahib Jee accepted. The Akhand Paath Sahib was to be held in the home of Bhai Varyaam Singh, Bau Jee’s older brother and the entire family was to receive Amrit.

The entire Jatha left from Narangvaal doing Keertan to the train station. At Aavaaspur Station, Keertan started again. When we neared the village, some Singhs were waiting to lead us. Bau Jee was so excited and in total bliss.

The next day, after Asaa Dee Vaar Keertan, the Akhand Paath started. Bhai Sahib told Bhai Varyaam Singh and family to remain in the Akhand Paath and listen to the entirety.

There was also another Singh and his family. The Singh was Dr. Gurbaksh Singh and he was from the Ravalpindi area. He was serving in a hospital in Lyallpur. Yet another Singh was Heera Singh “Dard”. Bhai Sahib told these two to also listen to the Akhand Paath Sahib as much as possible.

All the candidates for Amrit sat and listened to all the Akhand Paath Sahib, and left only to bathe or go to the bathroom. The Akhand Paathis were Bhai Sahib, Bhai Avtar Singh, Bau Mal Singh Jee and myself along with one other Singh. All the Singhs would bathe and with clean clothes come before Guru Sahib and do Ardaas and only then begin to do Paath.

After the Bhog, Asaa Dee Vaar took place and then the candidates were given Amrit. Upon receiving Amrit, all the Abhilakhees became enraptured. But Dr. Gurbaksh Singh was in a particularly deep spiritual state.

The Panj Pyare and Bau Jee seeing the Abhilakhees were thrilled. Degh was distributed shortly after. The Singhs in the Langar then came and said the Langar was ready.

Still swooning from the events, the Singhs ate the parshaada and then after Ardaas, the Singhs left for the train station, doing Keertan. From Aavaaspur Station the Singhs left for Ludhiana. The entire journey, colored in the love of the Guru, we did Keertan.

Bhai Sahib used to always desire that whatever Singh had a smaagam at his house, should spend very little. Only one Langar took place at Akhand Paaths. No split Langars. All Singhs would sit in the Langar and eat. After doing Ardaas, the parshadaa was distributed and no one spoke unnecessarily.

Pilgrimage to Gurdwaras

Once, the entire Jatha went on a pilgrimage to various Gurdwaras. We all prepared and from Raipur station took the train to Sri Amritsar, doing Keertan all the way. We bathed in the Sarovar and then sat to listen to Keertan.

The next day we went to Gurdwara Tarn Taarn. We stayed one day and the next we left for Khadoor Sahib. The Jatha did Keertan here. The entire village came out to see the Jatha.

After finishing Keertan there, the Jatha went to Goindvaal Sahib and did Asaa Dee Vaar Keertan. From here we returned to Sri Amritsar and the next day, at around 1AM the entire Jatha bathed in the Sarovar and prepared to go to Harmandir Sahib. As the doors opened, we went inside to listen to Keertan.

After listening to Keertan some Singhs went outside and Bhai Sahib Jee and I went to sit by the Nishaan Sahib in front of Akaal Takhat Sahib. Bhai Sahib fell into deep meditation here. I continued to sit with him.

After some time a uniformed police officer arrived who grabbed me by the arm and said “move from here.”

I said to Bhai Sahib, “You are in deep meditation and this officer is telling us to get up from here”.

I had just said this when Bhai Sahib rose up with passion and said “how will he make us move from here?!”

The officer said “it is not my fault, the manager of Akaal Takhat has said that two low caste people are sitting here making them move.”

This day, when we would have our fight with the Pujaarees, was a Sunday and the students of the Khalsa College were coming for Darshan. Because Bhai Sahib was the Superintendent of the College for some time, the students knew him.

When the students heard the Pujaarees had considered Bhai Sahib a low caste and made him get up, they grabbed the Pujaarees and beat them with their sticks. More Pujaarees arrived and the fight grew.

All the Pujaarees left the Akaal Takhat and went to the Sarbrah RooR Singh and then RooR Singh also arrived. There were discussions with Bhai Sahib and other Singhs. Finally the Pujaarees had to ask for Bhai Sahib’s forgiveness.

The Jatha and Bhai Sahib then did Asaa Dee Vaar Keertan inside Sri Harimandir Sahib, which was a first for the Jatha.

Bhai Sahib told the Singhs to sit with their concentration on Sri Guru Ram Daas and not look towards the deeds of the Pujaarees.

“And secondly, when the Jatha does Keertan, money will rain down, but you are not to look towards anything”.

This is exactly what happened. So much money came in. When the Jatha finished the Keertan, all the Singhs got up and left the money where it was. The Pujaarees saw that the Singhs did not take even a penny and realized they were wrong for having wrongly accused them of being low castes.

From Sri Amritsar Sahib, the Jatha went to Chhratay Sahib by foot and stayed overnight. The next day we went to SatlaaNee and the day after to Attaree. We stayed hungry the entire time.

That morning (in Attaree) Bhai Sahib told me to take two Singhs and go to Lahore so that when the rest of the Singhs arrived, Langar would be ready. I took two Singhs and near Budhoo daa Aavaa began to prepare parshaadaas and daal.

After eating the Langar, the Singhs went to Gurdwara Dehraa Sahib in Lahore where we were to do Keertan the next morning. The sangat arrived to listen to the Keertan and Keertan went on for ten hours. So much money was given. The Jatha left the money there and the sangat, the next day, bought the Jatha tickets to Nankana Sahib. We had done the entire previous leg of our pilgrimage by foot.

After arriving at Nankana Sahib, we stayed at Gurdwara 6th Patshaaee. We rose at 2AM, bathed and then went to the Divaan to listen to Keertan. Bhai Heera Singh and Bhai Bhaag Singh were doing Keertan and a lot of sangat was sitting. We bowed before Guru Sahib and saw that there was nowhere to sit.

Bhai Heera Singh Raagi then said “look, the marjeearay (born again) are here! Please clear some space before me for them to sit.”

So at the request of the Raagis, we found a place to sit. That day Heeraa Singh Jee did pure Keertan with no viaakhyaa and did Keertan of Dakhniyaa:

ਜੇਤੂਮਿਤ੍ਰੁਅਸਾਡੜਾਹਿਕਭੋਰੀਨਾਵੇਛੋੜਿ॥

If You are my friend then don't separate Yourself from me even for an instant.

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee - Ang 1094)

Bhai Heera Singh would keep doing Keertan and crying with Bairaag at the same time. Sri Maan Bhai Sahib too went into a Bairaagmai state as well. The Jatha stayed in Nankana Sahib for three days and then returned to Ludhiana.

Divine Colors

When we reached Ludhiana, the Bhujangi Jatha of Khalsa High School took us to their residences. The next day in the Khalsa High School Gurdwara, we did Asaa Dee Vaar Keertan. Those who listened and performed Keertan here all fell into divine colors.

Giani Nahar Singh’s state was one to be seen. This Keertan was so enrapturing that Giani Jee fell to the ground and was lost, just crying. Another Singh, Bhai Laal Singh Jee Dhaandraa did Keertan at the highest notes. This Singh was too enraptured. He was clutching his Dastaar otherwise it would have fallen off.

From here we returned to Narangvaal and I returned to my village of Gurjarvaal. Four or five days later I returned to Narangvaal and on the way, I felt very thirsty. I could find no water on the way and when I arrived at Narangvaal I went to Bhai Sahib's house.

Bhai Sahib and other Singhs were preparing a cool drink (Shardaaee) while reciting Baani. They were grinding the Shardaaee and another Singh was stirring the Shardaaee Baata with his Kirpaan. I was watching these Singhs and my thirst was also increasing. These Singhs were lost in their own world, reading Baani and would not stop.

I thought to myself “they have to stop some time”.

For about an hour the Singhs recited Baani and after doing Ardaas they said “that Singh who has come from Gujjarvaal should first get the Shardaaee.”

I felt thankful that they were giving me the drink first. I stayed the night at Narangvaal and at 1AM we rose and all the Singhs bathed. Then Abhiyaas started. At around 4AM we grabbed the Vaajaas and Keertan started. We locked the door from the inside, but the Keertan was so amazing, people sat outside and fell into divine colors. The Keertan went till about 12PM.

Outside, Bhai Sahib’s mother kept knocking on the door and saying “Just open the door for once and eat. Once you eat you can come back”.

But who would listen to this request? No one opened the lock and neither did the Keertan stop. The Keertan ended around midday and still no one opened the lock. Everyone was in a deep spiritual state. Around 1pm I opened the door.

Bhai Sahib’s mother came in and said, “Will you now finally eat?” Only I heard the mother’s words. The rest had no idea where they were.

I said to Sri Maan Bhai Sahib Jee, “your mother has come many times now. Get up and let’s eat.”

Bhai Sahib accepted my request and got up and made everyone sit in a line on the ground. All the Singhs were given Langar in Sarbloh plates but Bhai Sahib wouldn’t eat the parshaadaa.

After some time, Bhai Sahib placed his plate in front of the Singh beside him and that Singh took it and passed it forward to the next Singh. Like this, the plate kept moving up the line. I couldn’t understand what was going on. Finally I found out Bhai Sahib’s mother had put extra butter on Bhai Sahib’s plate. All the daal was collected together and mixed, and then redistributed. Only then did everyone eat.

Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Jee's Puratan Narangvaal Smaagams

Adapted from Bhai Jodh Singh Jee's description in Soan ChiRee ChaRee GaiN and Soora, July 1979.

Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org and edited by California Sevadaars

Introduction

At Poh Sudee Saptmee, during Guru Dashmesh Jee's birth Gurpurab, an amazing and wonderful Smaagam used to take place at Narangvaal. Remembering those Smaagams even today fills one with a sweet sensation. Trying to describe the divine colors of the those Smaagams is like:

ਕਹੁਕਬੀਰਗੂੰਗੈਗੁੜੁਖਾਇਆਪੂਛੇਤੇਕਿਆਕਹੀਐ ॥੪॥੭॥੫੧॥

Says Kabeer, the mute has tasted the molasses, but what can he say about it if he is asked?

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee - Ang 334)

Many days before Poh Sudee Saptmee, Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Jee used to, by hand, write loving invitations and send them off. Those letters were examples of the deep love Bhai Sahib felt for Gursikhs. His excitement to celebrate the Gurpurab with lovers of Naam and his close friends burst forth from the lines of the invitations.

Once, a description was included in the "Rain Suhaavaree Divas Sohila" program.

“Nirbaan Keertanee Jatha, the song-bird Bibi's Jatha, The Delhi Resident Bibiyaan' Jatha, The Delhi Singhs' Jatha, Shimla/Kalkaa Jatha, Gurusar Sudhaar Jatha, the Taksali Bibi Jatha [not Damdami Taksal, this was a nickname Bhai Sahib had for another group of Bibiyaan], Bhai Jeevan Singh Jee, Bibi Tala Baylee Jee, Bibi Latbauree Jee, Colonel Pyara Singh Jee's amazing Keertan, Sri Amritsar Singhs' Jatha, Sardar Avtar Singh Jee and wife's Khartaalee Jatha, etc. Due to shortage of space, the description of the entire program cannot be given"

Bhai Sahib would give the Jatha's Singhs and Bibiyaan loving nicknames and descriptions with their names.

Arrival

The love with which the invitation for the Poh Sudee Saptmee Smaagam was sent, resulted in a thirst within the Gursikh families to arrive at the Smaagam. Slowly the day would arrive and the Singhs and Singhnees would depart for Narangvaal with enthusiasm. From Ludhiana, the Sangat would arrive at Kila Raipur Station. Baba Narain Singh Jee would have arrived in the dark of night with a lamp. He would take the Sangat to his house which was near the station and the old couple would by hand serve the Sangat. Mata Jee would wash the dishes, Baba Jee would pump water for the Sangat's baths, and then he would lead the Sangat to Narangvaal.

The Gurmukh friends would proceed singing the praises of the Husband-Lord and sing to please him. On the other side (in Narangvaal) there was no less thirst to meet.

When the slightest sound of Keertan could be heard, Bhai Sahib and other Darshan-thirsty Gursikhs would go to meet the Jatha with a Vaajaa and dholkee. The two groups would stand before each other and Keertan filled with Bairaag would echo. Bhai Sahib would sing such Shabads as "ਧੂੜੀਵਿਚਿਲੁਡੰਦੜੀਸੋਹਾਂਨਾਨਕਤੈਸਹਨਾਲੇ॥੨॥” and others. An Ardaas would be performed. After doing a Dandaut, Fateh would be said.

The Sangat would meet each other with teary eyes in a way that is hard to describe. The way Gursikhs met was a very notable and unparalleled thing. In tight embraces, both sides would rattle the Khanda of Naam and by themselves, Naam Abhiyaas would automatically make their souls blossom.

Beginning of the Smaagam

The Sangat was given a place to stay in nearby houses or the school. In the middle of the night, Gursikhs would bathe in their respective homes and then while doing Nitnem arrive at Bhai Sahib's fortress-like house.

In the big upper room of the house, the rain of Amrit Keertan would begin from Amritvela and echo till 11AM in a great bliss in the joy of Guru Sahib's birth. Then the Sri Akhand Paath would begin. Bau Mal Singh Jee would perform the Ardaas which would last at least half an hour. He would use such piercing Shabads in the Ardaas that it was not possible for anyone to grow tired of it.

Then the Akhand Paath Sahib began with Bhai Daleep Singh Jee Phulaanvaal. The Paath began like a constant rain and it seemed as if all the Baani had been memorized.

All the Paathi Singhs seemed to do Paath in one breath. No one could see them take a breath at all. With glowing faces, half-closed eyes, clasped hands, the Paath continued in great colors.

All the Akhand Paathis and Japji Sahib Paathis were sitting near Guru Sahib. Near Bhai Daleep Singh Jee sat Bhai Atma Singh Jee Panjokhra Sahib, Bhai Joginder Singh BaRoondee, Bhai Darshan Singh GarGajj, etc. Bhai Sahib was also sitting in the Sangat.

Sometimes Bhai Sahib would hit his KaRas together to join the beat of the Paath, which was an unspeakable sight. The entire Paath was conducted in a high pitched and sweet voice.

The amazing and spiritual effects of Akhand Paaths were also seen here. On one side the listeners, wrapped in shawls and blankets would sit in deep meditation and on the other, the beloved, divinely imbued Paathis would recite Paath in such wonderful ways that the arrows of Baani kept piercing the listeners' hearts.

During the Akhand Paath, no other Keertan Smaagam took place. All were earning the true profit by listening to the Paath. The Amrit Baani had such an effect that no one grew tired or bored.

Those who wanted to receive Amrit were especially encouraged to try and listen to the entire Akhand Paath from start to finish with attention, so that at the time of receiving Amrit they get the most grace from Guru Sahib.

Nagar Keertan

One day before the Gurpurab, the Nagar Keertan would begin in the afternoon from the Akaali Bunga Gurdwara, just outside of the town. Before the Nagar Keertan, all the alleys and paths and Bazaars were cleaned and water was sprayed on the ground [to prevent dust from rising].

Bhai Sahib would himself begin this Nagar Keertan. Two Singhs on each side would support the Vaajaa and Bhai Sahib would sing Keertan in such high notes and with such force that right away the entire atmosphere would be transformed.

From one end to the other, the entire Sangat would begin to sway and in one voice begin to sing Keertan. Seeing this sight of the Nagar Keertan was also amazing and unparalleled.

At the head of the Nagar Keertan was the Nishaan Sahib, behind which followed the Panj Pyare and behind them, the Singhs were carrying the Palki Sahib of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee upon their shoulders. Behind that were the Keertanee Singhs and behind them the Bibiyaan. Those holding the Vaajaa would change, the Tabla players would change, but Bhai Sahib did not let go of the Vaajaa.

To see this Nagar Keertan, Sangat from the surrounding villages would arrive and the roofs of the entire town were filled with women and children. At this time, Komal Jee (Bhai Harnaam Singh Komal) would take a basket of flowers and go from roof to roof showering flowers upon Sri Guru Granth Sahib. And like this, the Nagar Keertan, with full vigor and colored in spiritual colors would end at sunset at the Akaali Bunga.

Arriving at Narangvaal from Kila Raipur, The amazing welcome and love filled meetings, the Keertan before the Akhand Paath which was filled with a desire to see the divine, the rain of Amrit Baani during the Sri Akhand Paath and the energetic Nagar Keertan's loud Keertan echoes would have such an effect on some souls that they would lose all sense and could not control their Bairaag.

Langar

No organization of Langar was better than at Narangvaal. Humble, and fully devoted Tyaar-bar-Tyaar Sevadaars did Seva here. They were simple and fearless Gursikhs with no other interest but service and they considered the Sangat to be the Guru's own form. They did everything to get the happiness of the Guru.

All things needed for the Langar were naturally available there: milk, gheo, dahi, buttermilk, flour, guR, sugar, daals, vegetables, firewood, etc. Nothing was bought, all was available naturally. They would make saag, or sabzi or kheer or make Degh or palao, but do not say anything but Naam or Baani in the Langar. Like Nitnem, Sukhmani Sahib, Sodar, and other Paaths that are done at a Gurdwara, all took place here in the Langar, with Ardaas. The main organizers of the Langar were Bhai Nahar Singh Jee (not the book editor, another Singh) and Bibi Anand Kaur Jee.

From Amritvela at 3AM to 10PM at night, the Langar continued without stopping. Sometimes Makee Parshaaday were distributed, other times Dahi, butter, buttermilk, daal, sabzi, and of course parshaaday. Sometimes there was hot guR and sugar, or kheer or KaRah Parshaad from GuR or sometimes even sweet rice.

One side was the Gur-Shabad or food for the soul and on the other was Guru Laa Langar to satisfy the mind and body. All hunger was gone. The big kaRaahee was always on the fire and was only empty a couple times when it was cleaned with water and a cloth. After cooking all Langar, it was put in a couple of tubs or smaller kaRaahees. One type of food was distributed and in that time another would arrive. It was "ਤੋਟਾਮੂਲਿਨਆਵਈ”.

Bhog of Akhand Paath Sahib

On the actual day of Dashmesh Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee's birth at Poh Sudee Saptmee, the Akhand Paath Sahib would begin to conclude at 4AM. At this time, all the Guru's beloveds would take their place, and the rooms in the house were so packed that one couldn't even find a place for a small seed.

After the Bhog of the Sri Akhand Paath Sahib, Bhai Sahib would begin the Keertan in the enthusiasm for Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee's Parkash Purab. At that time, Bhai Sahib would have a yearning to meet Dashmesh Jee that would come out from his glowing face.

Right away after the start of the Keertan, the entire atmosphere would change and the Darshan-thirsty souls would cry out from within in such a way that the entire Sangat would have a divine current race through them and would become drenched with tears of Bairaag and savor the feeling.

In this Bairaagee Sangat, Bhai Sahib was in such a glowing state that it seemed as if he was lost within the Darshan of Dashmesh Pita Jee, and was singing every line of Baani in the love of Kalgidhar Jee. He would cry out:

“ਮੋਹਿਗਇਆਬੈਰਾਗੀਜੋਗੀਘਟਿਘਟਿਕਿੰਗੁਰੀਵਾਈ॥”

The Guru, the detached Yogi, has enticed the hearts of all; He plays His harp in each and every heart. ||9||

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee - Ang 907)

From each line of this Shabad, he would get Darshan and see Patshah upon his true throne.

Others like Bhai Amolak Singh Jee, who had been on the second Vaajaa beside Bhai Sahib would then recite Keertan from the fifth Chhakka. Sometimes Bhai Jaan Sukhaalaa or Bhai Surjan Singh Jee would grab a third Vaajaa and sing Keertan. Then came the Bibiyaan.

There were seven Bibiyaan who Bhai Sahib had arranged to learn Keertan and all seven took a Vaajaa. All were the embodiment of simplicity and all were crowned with dastaars.

The first Shabad Bibi Updesh Kaur Jee Panjokhra Sahib sang was …

"ਰਸਿਰਸਿਗੁਣਗਾਵਉਠਾਕੁਰਕੇਮੋਰੈਹਿਰਦੈਬਸਹੁਗੋਪਾਲ॥੧॥”

With joy and happiness, I sing the Glorious Praises of my Lord and Master; the Lord of the World abides within my heart.

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee - Ang 680)

… and the arrows of Baani began to fly. They would sing Shabads which applied to each Chhakka and with the Baani, they would allow the Sangat to see Guru Dasam Pita Jee through their souls.

At 2pm Bhai Sahib Jee would again begin Keertan, this time Baba Surjan Singh Jee, swaying to the Keertan, sat on the second Vaajaa. Baba Jee sang a Bairaagi Shabad in such a piercing voice that the entire Sangat was lost. Baba Jee himself was swaying like a tree in the wind while sitting at the Vaajaa.

After that Shabad, Bhai Sahib sang …

"ਵਹਪ੍ਰਗਟਿਓਮਰਦਅਗੰਮੜਾਵਰੀਆਮਇਕੇਲਾ॥"

(Bhai Gurdas Jee - Vaar 41)

… and other appropriate Shabads. The Sangat was bathing in the pool of the Sant Sangat and was in absolute bliss. "ਮੇਰੀਪਟੀਆਲਿਖਿਦੇਹੁ" and other Shabads were sung and around 5pm, the final Chhakka of Aasaa Dee Vaar was recited. In the end, Bhai Sahib concluded the Keertan with …

"ਤਿਨਘੋਲਿਘੁਮਾਈਜਿਨਪ੍ਰਭੁਸ੍ਰਵਣੀਸੁਣਿਆਰਾਮ॥"

I am a sacrifice to those who listen with their ears to the Lord God.

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee - Ang 577)

In the color of this Keertan, all souls would become dyed. The Gurmukh's souls would become perfumed and would give the scent in all directions (this is not just a saying or metaphor, this is a personally experienced and tested truth). In this divine scent, the Keertan would go into even more Chardi Kalaa.

The entire Sangat would be immersed in their own divine colors and their consciousness was so focused on the Shabad that there was no motivation to look around or move or shift from side to side.

On the contrary, the desire to enjoy divine flavor would continue to increase and continually immerse them even deeper. No hunger, no thirst, no boredom, no fatigue. All were lost within themselves. Consciousness was elevated and enjoying some unspeakable Nectar. Sometime after noon, the Keertan would conclude.

Rainsabaee Keertan

At around 7PM / 8PM, the Rainsabaee Keertan would begin, which would last until day and then continue with the Divas Sohila which would conclude the following evening at Rehraas. This means that it would be a 24 hour Keertan. Sometimes it would occur that the Keertan started on the morning of the Gurpurab and would go until Sodar Rehraas and then become attached to the Rainsabaee and Divas Sohila. So this means that the Sangat would sit uninterrupted for over 36 hours.

The Rainsabaee would take place in the open yard. From the Langar veranda to the outer gates, the Sangat would sit according the words of Baani:

"ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿਮਿਲਿਰਹੀਐਮਾਧਉਜੈਸੇਮਧੁਪਮਖੀਰਾ॥੨॥"

O Lord, I seek to live in the Company of the Saints, like the bee with its honey.

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee - Ang 486)

Bhai Sahib would begin with the Shabad:

"ਸੇਵੀਸਤਿਗੁਰੁਆਪਣਾਹਰਿਸਿਮਰੀਦਿਨਸਭਿਰੈਣ॥"

I serve my True Guru, and meditate on Him all day and night.

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee - Ang 136)

He would then sing other Shabads on this theme like "ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿਜਾਗਿਰਹੇਦਿਨਰਾਤੀ॥", "ਹਰਿਉਤਮੁਹਰਿਪ੍ਰਭੁਗਾਵਿਆਕਰਿਨਾਦੁਬਿਲਾਵਲੁਰਾਗੁ॥", "ਜਾਗਨਾਜਾਗਨੁਨੀਕਾਹਰਿਕੀਰਤਨਮਹਿਜਾਗਨਾ॥", "ਭਿੰਨੀਰੈਨੜੀਐਚਾਮਕਨਿਤਾਰੇ॥", "ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿਜਾਗੈਨੀਦਨਸੋਵੈ॥".

At around 11pm / 12am Bhai Sahib would conclude and the Seven Bibi Jatha began.

The Rainsabaee would be even more amazing than the Amritvela Keertan. The effects of Keertan and Baani would become even deeper as they continued from the first Smaagams (i.e. first Keertan, Akhand Paath, Nagar Keertan, and Amritvela Keertan). Some souls were so intoxicated that like a wind up clock, their Naam Khanda kept going and wouldn't slow down or stop. They were so senseless in this state that they would even have an effect on those around them.

The Keertan in its own amazing way would continue. All Keertanee Gurmukh brothers and sisters would enjoy bliss in the Keertan from start to finish. No one had even the thought of asking for a turn to do Keertan. No one had any need to stand or sleep. All were so immersed that no one had any awareness of their bodies.

Only by breaking from the Nectar can boredom, fatigue and sleep attack. Keertan was not recited for others but to please the Guru. No announcement took place during the Keertan, and when the Keertanee was to be changed, it happened through hand motions alone.

A lot of Naam loving brothers and sisters arrived at the Narangvaal Smaagam. No flashy clothes or individuals with unfocussed consciousness were seen. No Nigureys or atheists were around … what work did they have here?

But despite this, the meditation on Gurmantar was not done openly. In fact, if some soul was totally struck by the Nectar and the Naam Khanda began to go, it would continue to enjoy that condition for the entire night and the Keertan would continue in its own place.

Some serious individuals would lovingly try to stop them and would say "keep it secret. Meditate within your heart".

The absence of fatigue, sleep and the ever-increasing immersion in divine colors has one important reason and that was that during the Rainsabaee and Divas Sohila, for 24 hours, no Langar besides water was consumed. The enjoyment one can take from Naam and Baani without food cannot be enjoyed after eating and being totally full.

After listening to Keertan for 24 hours, after Bhog, the hunger for more Keertan increased. Singhs would go to their homes and continue with more Keertan or Naam Abhiyaas. There was no question of sleep or hunger. All bodies were light and it felt as if they were floating on air. The echo of Keertan would last for many days in each person's ears.

Departure

At departure time, many in the Sangat would comment on how Bhai Sahib had listened for so many hours. Even up to the age of 63 and during this time, he had only on two or three occasions had some honey and lemon-water. But despite this, Bhai Sahib would still be embracing the Gurmukhs around him outside the room. He didn't go and hide somewhere to sleep.

The departure from Narangvaal was also an amazing sight. To see the Sangat off, Bhai Sahib would follow the Sangat for a long time even out of the village. With teary eyes and Bairaag, he would barely be able to release the Sangat from his loving hugs and then he would repeatedly bow and allow the Sangat to leave.

Bhai Sahib would continue to watch the Sangat for a long time as it was leaving and would watch it move into the distance. He would remain standing in his place until the Sangat could no longer be seen.

With respected Bau Mal Singh Jee, Bhai Sahib had extreme love. Seeing Bau Jee off, Bhai Sahib's love and Prem cannot be described.

But today, all these sights have become only sweet memories.

Notes from Admin

1) Today, the form of Keertan Smaagams have totally changed. Keertanees come only to do Keertan and then a little while after doing Keertan, they quietly depart like they no longer feel any bliss from singing along with the Keertan.

2) Without feeling any Ras, reciting Gurmantar is becoming just an empty show.

3) Announcing Keertanee positions/times in an Akhand Keertan Smaagam is to break from the Shabad and is only a Manmat show of Haumai.

Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Jee's Tapoban (Kumarhatti)

Written by Principal Gurmukh Singh Jee

Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org and edited by California Sevadaars

Kumarhatti is a small road in the Shimla Hills in District Solan and falls on the Kalka-Shimla road and is the next stop after Dharampur. By road, it's 31km from Kalka and 68km from Chandigarh. There is also a small railway station here.

In 1939-40, Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Jee decided to spend some of the summer months in the Shimla Hills. At that time, the mountain above Kumarhatti, Dagshai, used to be the Brigade Headquarters. Bhai Sahib used to spend his summers in Dagshai. Many Sikh Officers and other Sangat used to come to meet Bhai Sahib here and do Sat Sangat.

Later, Bhai Sahib took a home on the peak below, in Kumarhatti. Across the street from this home, there was a Gurdwara with Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee's Parkash and Bhai Sahib used to go there for Darshan.

The founder of this Gurdwara was Maaee Eeshar Kaur encouraged Bhai Sahib to rent this house from her for only 100 rupees a year. After 1940, Bhai Sahib began to spend the summers here, from April to the middle of October until the Dussehra Smaagam.

The Dussehra Smaagam started with the encouragement of Bhai Darshan Singh Jee Daar Jee in 1944-45 and has been going since then. Bhai Sahib's attachment to Delhi first started in 1914 during the Sri Rakaab Ganj Sahib agitation when he was prepared to sacrifice everything to counter the British Government's destruction of the Gurdwara's boundary walls.

Kumarhatti's beautiful nature, greenery, the peaceful mountains, and healthy mountain air inspired Bhai Sahib to write his books. The seva of having this Gurmat Literature written went to the late Giani Nahar Singh Jee Gujjarvaal.

Giani Jee was an old companion of Bhai Sahib and spent four years in jail with him. The letters in "Jail Chitthiyaan" used to come to Giani Jee secretly and after Bhai Sahib returned from jail, due to Giani Jee's forceful insistence, the book "Jail Chitthiyaan" was published.

Bhai Sahib tried to stop Giani Jee from publishing this book for quite some time but this book has attached many many people to the Guru's feet. Now it's available in English too and the present Sikh youth are reading it and being inspired.

Kumarhatti became a type of "Kartar-hatti" and Master Joginder Singh Burundee used to come in the summer and work on editing Bhai Sahib's books.

In those days, some of the Punjab Government offices would shift to Shimla during the summer. After 1947's Partition, many Satsangis from West Punjab used to come visit Bhai Sahib here, and many of them took jobs in Shimla.

Many people from Kalka, Ambala and Panjokhra Sahib used to give Bhai Sahib a lot of love (and visited at Kumarhatti), including Bhai Harcharan Singh, Bhai Atma Singh, Bhai Harsaroop Singh, Bhai Thakur Singh, Bhai Durlabh Singh, Bhai Tara Singh, Bhai Nauhaureeaa Singh, and also Baboo Mul Singh Jee, Sant Javaala Singh Jee, Col. Daljeet Singh Jee and Bhai Indar Singh of Shimla (who used to take Bhai Sahib to Shimla Smaagam).

Kumarhatti is considered Bhai Sahib's second Tap-Asthaan or place of meditation. The first was of course the Dhaab (pond) which was 1km from Gujjarvaal. Bhai Sahib used to sit on the side of the pond and do hours of Simran.

The Maaee who gave Bhai Sahib the house for rent passed away, but she sold the place to Bhai Sahib's son, Bhai Balbir Singh before passing. Later, some more property was bought from the Maaee's relative Saudagar Singh by Bhai Balbir Singh.

After Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Jee left us on April 16, 1961, the Sangat of Dagshai, Solan and Shimla encouraged Bhai Balbir Singh to take care of Bapoo Jee's Tap-Asthaan as a memorial to him. After 1961, Bhai Bava Singh, Bhai Atma Singh and Bhai Harsaroop Singh began to take care of the Tap-Asthan. According to need, the building was extended a bit.

Today at that place is Gurdwara Tapoban which still is a place for meditation for the Sangat and the sangat still gathers to do Naam and Keertan.

Bhai Sahib's Celebration of Gurpurab in Prison

Written by Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Jee in Jyot Vigaas

Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org and edited by California Sevadaars

It was the year 1918. The Avtaar-DihaaRaa, or Gurpurab of Poh Sudee Saptmee was fast approaching. Only a couple days remained. The 40 Sikh political prisoners in Hazaaree Baagh jail, all in separate cells, were very anxious to celebrate this occasion.

But what celebration of the Gurpurab could there be for confined prisoners? There was no permission to sit together and all the prisoners, like lions, were kept in separate cages. The most allowance that could be expected was a break from jail work for the day and being allowed to meditate or read Gurmat books and tracts by themselves in their solitary cells.

But we all had made arrangements to celebrate this Gurpurab in a special way. We had arranged so that we could recite stories very loudly in our individual cells so that everyone could hear them and in this way we could celebrate together. It was a celebration "together" in the sense that each person would recite some Baani or story in a very loud voice and the rest of us would concentrate very hard and attempt to hear them.

The year of 1918’s Gurpurab of Poh Sudee Saptmee had arrived and I had the enthusiasm that this time, those brothers amongst us who write poetry would compose poetry on Sri Dashmesh Jee for the Gurpurab and then write it on slates and then pass it around the jail block so we all could enjoy it.

Of all the poetry writing brothers amongst us, the most skilled and well known was Bhai Mounshaa Singh "Dukhi." At first, Dukhi Jee would just write patriotic poems, but in Hazaree Baagh prison, at my encouragement and requests, he began to write beautifully on religious topics as well. This new-found love of the Guru Ghar became so strong, he would at many times become inspired and write something in praise of the Guru and then secretly have it passed on to me.

Dukhi Jee was in the jail block beside the one I was in and so his voice could not be heard. Because of this, two days before the Gurpurab, I asked the Chief-Head-Warden of the jail to give him a message on my behalf, that Dukhi Jee please compose Bairaag-drenched poetry on Sri Dashmesh Jee.

Dukhi Jee sent the reply that first I should send him some inspirational words or theme to get him started. I sent the reply that I did not know how to make a theme or inspiration, nor do I know how to write poetry and I have never read poetry either. What would I know about a "theme" or "inspiration?"

But Veer Mounshaa Singh Jee replied a third time, and said "For Guru's sake" I should do as he asked.

He wrote "No, Baba Jee. If you give me the theme, only then will I be able to compose the poetry." Dukhi Jee used to call me "Baba Jee" out of love and respect.

What a cry he had made. And I was silent. The Chief Warden gave this order to me and left, saying that by tomorrow I should certainly have a theme ready and he would take it from me. What a difficult situation it was. Considering Dukhi Jee's loving request, I didn't know what to do. How could I cause pain to Dukhi Jee's sensitive heart and then expect to enjoy the Gurpurab as well?

Night fell and Amritvela arrived. At 2AM in the last part of the night, I rose and bathed and then fell into meditation. In the block behind mine, my beloved brother, Sri Bhai Attar Singh Jee recited such an echoing Sri Sukhman Sahib Paath that could pierce the heart.

Seeing a Glimpse of Dasam Patshah in Hazaaree Baagh and the Inspiration of a "Theme"

The day of Sri Dashmesh Jee's Parkash Purab was fast arriving. Those in love with Dashmesh Jee began to feel their desire to meet him double within their hearts. While in Divinely-coloured meditation, he gave his glimpse. Yes! Sri Dashmesh Jee, beloved lord, gave his instantaneous glimpse and left leaving only enchanting joy in his wake.

In the next instant he was gone.

After this moment, a lightning-like scream arose from within the heart, begging for his Darshan,

"ਆਵੀਂ ਧੋਲਾ, ਦਰਸ ਦਿਖਾਵੀਂ, ਪਾਵੀਂ ਠੰਡ ਕਲੇਜੇ ਨੂੰ।”

Come, Beloved One! Give your Darshan! Make my heart serene and cool.

This call came over and over again. My every hair was calling out. Oh, what a wonderful theme it inspired! Sri Dashmesh Jee himself inspired it. But nothing else came to me beyond this. In this mood, keeping the form of Sri Dashmesh Jee before myself, such an amazing Naam Abhiyaas started, such a wonderful blooming colour, that my consciousness was immersed until day-break.

When the consciousness returned, and I became aware again, I began to wait anxiously for the Chief Warden so I could send this theme to beloved Kaviraj Jee (I used to call Dukhi Jee Kaviraj out of love as well).

I waited all day for the Chief Warden but he did not come. After asking, I found out that he had unexpectedly left on leave and perhaps he would not return the next day as well. Now I had the worry of how to get this theme to Veer Mounshaa Singh. The messenger I needed had left.

The next day was the Gurpurab and Veer Jee was to send his composition to me before 9AM. I saw no way out.

I was disappointed but then my heart found one support, and the Ardaas rose from within me that "Oh Sri Dashmesh Guru Patshaah, miraculous one! In the same graceful manner in which you put this theme in my heart, your glance of mercy and your grace can put this theme in the mind of Veer Kaviraj Jee as well.”

ਕਾਠਕੀਪੁਤਰੀਕਹਾਕਰੈਬਪੁਰੀਖਿਲਾਵਨਹਾਰੋਜਾਨੈ॥

What can the poor wooden puppet do? The Master Puppeteer knows everything.

ਜੈਸਾਭੇਖੁਕਰਾਵੈਬਾਜੀਗਰੁਓਹੁਤੈਸੋਹੀਸਾਜੁਆਨੈ॥੩॥

As the Puppeteer dresses the puppet, so is the role the puppet plays.

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee - 206)

With this, I became free of worry. The next night was the period in which Sri Dashmesh Jee was born in Patna. So, for that night, the desire to stay awake in love arose. How this night passed is not possible to describe here. In silence, the most beloved Darshan was given of our most beloved friend and I was immersed. The dark night melted and the sun spread its light everywhere.

We in Block Two were sharing stories of Dashmesh Jee when the Chief Head Warden came with a slate filled with poetry by Veer Mounshaa Singh and Veer Kartar Singh Canadian (Navaan Chand). There were numerous poems in different measures, but the top poem of only four lines was written by Veer Mounshaa Singh.

When I saw the opening line, my wonder knew no bounds, because it was the same "ਆਵੀਂ ਧੋਲਾ, ਦਰਸ ਦਿਖਾਵੀਂ…", written in clear letters. There were three more lines in this poem, but my heart desired that Dukhi Jee would have kept writing and allowed us to hear more.

Some days after the Gurpurab, I had the opportunity to come close to Veer Mounsha Singh and I repeatedly asked him to recite that poem and he obliged every time.

I asked him many times, very lovingly, "Veer Jee, why did you write such a small poem of just four lines? Why did you not expand?"

He would reply, also very lovingly, "Baba Jee! I couldn't make any more than this. What could I do? You didn't let me. If the current of poetry could have continued as strongly as the first lines, it would have been joyful to continue, (but alas…)"

When I asked how he came up with the first line, he replied "Baba Jee! You inspired it and as you inspired it, it came to me."

Then I said, "Veer Jee! Don't praise me, just a lowly human. This is all Satguru Jee's work and he blessed you."

This was in fact the truth. We were both just wooden dolls, the puppeteer, Satguru Jee, could make us move as he wanted and make one of us get the idea first or the other. We can't say who was first and at what time.

So then what? The story leaves off here. In 1920, Veer Mounsha Singh along with 18 other brothers was released and came out and the rest of us under the Divine order remained for some time longer, detained in Hazaaree Baagh jail. After some golden days in Raj Mandree Jail, we were again sent to Nagpur Jail.

Many more years passed and many Gurpurabs of Saptmee passed. From 1918, the cycle of time brought me eventually to 1930. This was the last Saptmee Gurpurab I would pass in captivity, but what did I know that this would be the last? But yes, the feeling of spiritual joy within my soul did seem to hint that this type of Gurpurab celebration would come to an end here.

In a small confined cell of Nagpur Jail, the feeling of "ਨਾਗਨਿਵਾਸਾਂਦੇਰਹਿਣਾ॥" came and these lines also began to echo. That Saptmee Gurpurab, that ਨਾਗ ਨਿਵਾਸਾਂ Vala final Gurpurab would be celebrated all alone.

No, no! It was celebrated within me in the service of the lord of Lakhi jungle with Sava-Lakh present (A Singh is always Sava-Lakh i.e. equal to 125,000. This is a reference to a Shabad in which the Guru calls his Khalsa together in the Lakhi Jungle and all the Khalsa assembled there right away).

All my companions were in separate jails and my only brother and companion, my spiritual friend, Bhai Kartar Singh Canadian, who was in the same jail, was separated from me and imprisoned in some distant corner of the jail.

Where my cell was, no human or anything else ever came close. Well, it was fortunate. It was a solitary place of meditation. I could meditate with the Khanda of Naam as much as I wanted and there was no one to stop me or restrict me. There was an order that no jail employee could come alone nearby. It was peaceful both day and night. It was a beautiful atmosphere.

The Echoing of the Jail Jungle

The blessed time of the Saptmee Gurpurab was passing. Beloved! Beloved Sri Guru Dashmesh Jee! This Sava-Lakh servant of yours, separated from your Lakhi Jungle, has once again heard the call of his master! This feeling had arisen and

"ਮਿਤ੍ਰਪਿਆਰੇਨੂੰਹਾਲਮੁਰੀਦਾਂਦਾਕਹਿਣਾ॥"

Convey to the dear friend the condition of the disciples…

(Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Jee - Ang 709)

began to be felt within me. The entire jail-jungle echoed. Such Keertan happened! It was as if countless gifted Keertanees and Gurmukhs were singing together in one voice. Ah! The desire to remain awake all night rose and the longing to see the lord also intensified. My eyes rolled up.

In the jail cell, standing imprisoned by the cell, grasping the jail-bars, I was swinging in love. And then, someone gently put a copying-pencil in my fingers that were grasping the bars. This one, longing for Darshan and with closed eyes, again remembered those lines from twelve years past,

"ਆਵੀਂ ਧੋਲਾ, ਦਰਸ ਦਿਖਾਵੀਂ, ਪਾਵੀਂ ਠੰਡ ਕਲੇਜੇ ਨੂੰ।”

This line rose within me like a wave and automatically more lines of poetry began to follow. It was as if the curtain on poetry had lifted and it would not stop. I gained some awareness as my consciousness returned and I felt the encouragement to record the poetry that was rising within. I looked and saw that there was a pencil stuck in my fingers.

I understood Guru Jee himself was doing this and giving encouragement. But then I could not find any paper to write on. How could there be any paper? Nothing was here. And on the other side, the stream of poetry kept coming while I kept hurrying to find paper. Then, I got an idea that the book on Bhai Gurdas Jee's Vaaraan was with me. On the pages, all around the print, there was a large margin and I began to write in it.

Then what? I grabbed the pencil and began to write. I kept writing the poetry as it kept coming. Till late in the night, the lantern was kept alight in front of me. In Divine ecstasy and in the desire for Darshan, I continuously kept writing for seven days and seven nights.

The current of poetry would not stop and I would not stop writing. For these seven days and nights, no one came on rounds and no jail officer or visitor came. Until the stream itself did not stop coming, I did not stop writing.

Whatever my inner state was while writing this, can be seen from the writing itself.

So, writing the above lines as the introduction to the book Jyot Vigaas was very important, and thus I wrote them. However it came to me, I wrote it here. I am grateful to Guru Kartar countless times that even though I had written this book, it stayed with me for the rest of my time in jail in a secure manner and also came with me when I was released.

Some months after my release, I got the feeling that this writing should be re-copied by someone with beautiful printing. To those brothers who helped copy this book, to them, I am very thankful. I had left this book, "Jyot Vigaas" with my close friends, from whom some spiritual Gurmukhs could take and read it.

Some amongst these Gurmukhs and my very close and beloved friends felt the desire to publish this book so that it would be maintained as a gift to the worthy coming generations of the Panth. I had to bow my head before their wishes. May Satguru Jee give fruit to their worthy ambitions.

ਲੇਖਕ ਪ੍ਰੇਮੀਜਨ, ਲੱਧੋਵਰਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਮੂਲ ਖਰੀਦੀ ਲਾਲਾ ਗੋਲਾ,

“Laykhak premee-jan, ladhovariaa daa mul khareedee laalaa golaa,”

Daas, Randhir Singh

5 July, 1936.

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