GurdwarasNet the official blog of Sikh Gurdwaras by an Individual Sevadar
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh
Arambta of 31st Annual Jap Ji Sahib Smagam at
Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara, 10-16 Neville Road, London E7 9QX.
From 7th to 13th Oct 2024. 9 Jap Ji Sahib Paths recited 24 x7.
Grace this devine occasion with your presence for Guru Ji's blessings.
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Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh.
This was introduced back by the SGPC of Basanti (xanthic) or surmai (greyish-blue as the colour during Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nishan_Sahib
Arguably, some feel the original shape colour was as shown at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nishan_Sahib#/media/File:Sikh_flag.jpg
Gurdwara Sahib Leicester is a Sikh temple in Leicester, England. It is one of the largest Sikh temples in the UK, with space for up to 900 worshippers. The temple was originally located on Meynell Road, but due to a growing congregation, a new, larger building was built on Ramdas Way in Hamilton in 2018.
The Gurdwara Sahib Leicester is run by the Ramgarhia Board Leicester (RBL). In addition to serving as a place of worship, the Gurdwara Sahib Leicester also offers educational programs for children and adults, including weekly classes on the Sikh religion and Kirtan (hymn singing) classes.
Source: https://www.rbluk.com/
View some photos during visit on 27 May 2024.
Guru Ki Maseet, or the Guru`s mosque, is in the eastern part of the town. Sikhs values rise far above other world religions and in establishing Sikhism as an inclusive universal religion Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji built a mosque for muslims.
Residents of all faiths flocked to the Guru Hargobind and perceived themselves as heirs to the sixth Guru's desire to found a secure and secular home on the banks of the Beas. The Sikhs built a Gurdwara but the local muslims did not have the capacity to build themselves a place of worship due to their smaller numbers. They came to the Guru and asked him for help. The wise Guru was as respectful of muslim faqirs as he was with hindu sadhus and his Sikh followers; he viewed people of the differing religions of India with one benevolent gaze. The Guru ordered his Sikhs to start construction of a 'Maseet'. The maseet was duly completed and duly handed over to the muslims. Guru Ki Maseet is recognized as a historic site by UNESCO.
The maseet has existed in this location since the period of the sixth Guru. With the turmoil of the partitioning of India in 1947 and the mass movement of people, the maseet fell into a state of neglect and disrepair. In time, the care of the maseet fell into the hands of a group a Nihang Singhs who temporarily kept the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the one time maseet. For many years, the maseet was maintained by these Nihangs. In February 8th, 2003 a 'Memorandum of Understanding' (MoU) was signed by Baba Kirtan Singh the chief of the Nihangs, the Sikh caretakers of the maseet, and the Punjab Waqf Board. It was Baba Kirtan Singh's desire that muslims again perform their prayers at the maseet which had been gifted to them by Guru Hargobind.
As per the wishes of Baba Kirtan Singh, five saplings were planted in the names of five Sikh Gurus. Dr Mohammad Rizwanul Haque, Punjab Waqf Board Administrator, described the MoU as an international event which would pave the way for strengthening communal harmony in the country. The maseet was in a state of disrepair and work was begun on its restoration by a group of Sikhs and muslims in a unique manifestation of India's multi-religious society, at least as the Sikhs have often practised it and as the muslim masons joined in as well.
Source: https://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_gurdwaras/guru_ki_maseet.html
https://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_gurdwaras/guru_ki_maseet_more.html
https://www.tiktok.com/@prabhghuman2089/video/7338512286342057249?_r=1&_t=8lKNA8yTQG0
Gurdwara Sri Reetha Sahib is located in an area of outstanding beauty at the foothills of the himalayas.
Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji had an encounter here with Nath yogis whom he tried to bring to the path of active humanitarian service along with remembrance of God's name.
The hindu yogis uncharitably refused to provide food for Bhai Mardana who was hungry.
Guru Nanak miraculously made the normally bitter fruit of a Reetha (soapnut) tree sweet for Bhai Mardana so he could eat.
A soapnut tree (not the original one) is still here and Sikhs are given the prashad of sweet soapnuts.
However, the common belief that the nuts of only the one branch, under which the Guru had sat, are sweet is not true. Nor are all the nuts given as prasad from this one tree.
About ten kilometers from the Grudwara, there is a tract of land where such trees are grown and their fruit is collected and brought to replenish the Gurdwara's stock of prasad.
It is called Nanak Bagichi (lit. Nanak's garden).
The Gurdwara, also known as Gurdwara Meetha Reetha Sahib, is located at the confluence of the Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers.
It was constructed in the year 1960 and is situated near the Deyuri village.
Due to its religious background this place is considered as a holy place for Sikhs. Some Reetha trees are still here in the premises of the Gurdwara.
On the day of Vaisakhi Purnima, the holy day of the Sikhs, a fair is held in the premises of Gurdwara.
Source: https://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_gurdwaras/gurdwara_sri_reetha_sahib.html
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,
You can learn read Gurmukhi and speak Punjabi through Muharni. Muharni is an integral part of the practice of Punjabi phonology. If you have not mastered the Gurmukhi script you are strongly advised to learn the names of the Gurmukhi letters before beginning Muharni.
Muharni is the traditional way of learning Punjabi sounds by actually reciting them. It consists of letters of the Gurmukhi script in their natural order, each letter is followed by a vowel phoneme (matra) starting with that letter. This will equip you with every sound of Punjabi language whether consonant or vowel.
As a result, you will create a strong foundation in beginning to read Gurmukhi and speak Punjabi. Ideally, a learner should go through Muharni 100 times to fully remember the correct pronunciations.
Source: https://www.discoversikhism.com/punjabi/muharni.html
From women, men are born;
within women, men are conceived; to a woman he is engaged and married.
A Woman becomes his friend; through women, the future generations come.
When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to women he is bound.
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.
From women, women are born; without women, there would be no one at all.
Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, the founder of Sikhism, said the above in about 1499. So for Sikhs (unlike many other religions) women are seen, treated and valued as equals.
The Sikh Women always have been, and always will be, the backbone of the Khalsa Panth. Their selflessness lies second to none in the world. Sikh women are able to earn Godly qualities (due to the extremely important responsibilities placed on them) that their male counterparts may not be able to earn.
Khalsa Kaur's are naturally beautiful both within and without (and do not require cosmetics). Fake physical beauty is only temporary.
Guru Nanak worked for the welfare of all to achieve which he strived for equality amongst all. Towards this aim, freeing the female of the overbearing influence of male was of utmost importance. Reading about the lives of some of the women of the Guru period, one realises the extent to which the Gurus were able to achieve their aim.
Bebe Nanaki - Bebe Nanaki was elder sister of Guru Nanak. Bibi Amro - the daughter of Guru Angad Sahib Ji, the Second Guru. Bibi Anup Kaur - the Sikh girl who took part in the battles of Guru Gobind Singh. Bibi Baghel Kaur - a extraordinary woman that converted to Sikhism and fought with Sikhs. Bibi Balbir Kaur - a courageous Sikh woman that took part in a non-violent march in 1924. Bibi Basant Lata - a Gursikh woman, with no living relatives that spent her time in the service of Mata Sundri. Bibi Bhagbhari - was a disciple of Guru Amar Das Ji. She was also one of the first Sikh woman preachers. Bibi Bhani - was daughter of Guru Amar Das, wife of Guru Ram Das and mother of Guru Arjan Sahib Ji. Bibi Dalair Kaur - a brave Sikh woman who made a stand at Anandpur. Bibi Deep Kaur - a true daughter of Guru Gobind Singh. Bibi Dharam Kaur - Bibi Dharam Kaur's bravery, courage, intelligence and political manoevures remain exemplary in Sikh history. Bibi Harnam Kaur - a pioneer in the field of women's education. Bibi Harsharn Kaur - and her sacrifice at Chamkaur. Bibi Kaulan - was a muslim woman that could not stop repeating the Guru's verses. Bibi Nirbhai Kaur - a fearless sant-sipahi Gursikh. Bibi Prem Kaur - this brave lioness, daughter of Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave up her life to save the Khalsa Army from a humiliating defeat. Bibi Rajinder Kaur - granddaughter of Baba Ala Singh, the ruler of the Patiala State. Bibi Rajni - always kept the faith in Guru and God, and was rewarded at the end. Bibi Sachan Sach - and an audience with Guru Amar Das Ji. Bibi Sahib Kaur - a warrior and leader of men who played a prominent part in the history of the Sutlej states from 1793 to 1801. Bibi Shamsher Kaur - was a hindu, coverted to Sikhi and became a Gursikh warrior. Bibi Sharan Kaur - was a hindu and transformed into a brave saint-soldier after converting to Sikhism and becoming a Gursikh. Bibi Shushil Kaur - became a Gursikh and the wife of Banda Singh Bahadur. Bibi Viro - was daughter of Guru Hargobind. Mai Bhago - a symbol of bravery and courage. Mai Kabul Wali - helped dig the baoli at Goindwal. Mata Daya Kaur - mother of Guru Angad Sahib Ji. Mata Gujri - wife of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji. Mata Khivi - wife of Guru Angad Sahib Ji, is the only lady whose name has been mentioned in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Mata Kishan Kaur - is known for her fearless role in the Jaito agitation. Mata Suhag Bai - a kind woman sent by Guru Amar Das for those in need. Mata Sulakhani - wife of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. Mata Sundari - wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Mata Tripta - mother of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. Matho Murari - disciple of Guru Amar Das Ji. Women of Anandpur - Daughters of the Khalsa.Unlike other religions Sikhi clearly states that Sikh women have always been regarded as equals with men and have all the rights and privileges enjoyed by men. Women are considered to have the same soul as men and have an equal right to grow spiritually. Sikh women are allowed to lead religious congregations, to take part in Akhand Path (the continuous recitation of the Holy Scriptures), to perform Kirtan, to work as Granthi (caretaker) or a preacher and to participate freely in all religious, cultural, social, political and secular activities.
Sikh women have played a glorious part in Sikh History and have proven themselves as equal in service, devotion, sacrifice and bravery. Examples of their moral dignity, service and self sacrifice are and will remain a source of inspiration. Women are the backbone of the history of the Sikhs, their culture and tradition yet there is little written about this huge contribution by the Sikh women to the great history of this religion. Men and women are two sides of the same coin - the human race. Men take birth from a women and women are born of me. This system is interrelating and inter-dependent. A man can never feel secure and complete in life without a woman. A man's success depends upon the love and support of the woman who shares her life with him and vice versa.
This section describes the biographies of Great Sikh Warriors who protected the humanity from the onslaught of tyrannical forces. They laid down their lives for religious freedom and to protect their faith.
Nadir Shah was a persian farmer who wanted to avenge the persecution of his countrymen by defeating Afghanis. Since Afghanis were ruling much of Punjab, Afghanistan and Iran, he first led a revolt against Afghanis to free his country(Iran). Then he overran the other areas of Afghanis like Punjab, and much of North West India and current day Pakistan. Sikhs in 1750's were not more then 100,000 in population but Sikhs resisted each and every battle they faced.
Even though Nadir Shah never fought Sikhs in direct engagement but his objective of subduing the Mughal government was fulfilled. After defeating Mughals he was returning to his native country of Iran with thousands of captives (slaves), and looted gold and other valuables. When he reached Punjab, Sikhs harassed his baggage train and snatched back much of looted valuables.
Nadir Shah's forces were no match for bands of 25-50 Sikhs who would gallop on their horses attack, save some slaves and then retreat. This form of Sikh attack was called Dhai Put. In one instance, Nadir Shah ordered to follow Sikhs for as long as it take, So Sikhs attacked, Nadir Shah forces pursued them then suddenly Sikhs turned back and fought head on while surrounding them to mercilessly kill all the pursuers. Thus Sikhs who were very small in numbers, won the small skirmishes and battles due to their superior tactics and noble cause. The dreaded Persian was astonished at the daring exhibited by the Sikhs.
He called a halt at Lahore. He questioned Zakariya Khan, Governor of Lahore, about them. 'Whence,' demanded the imperious Nadir, 'come those long haired barbarians who dare to molest me ? Who are these mischief-makers ?' Zakariya Khan replied, 'They are a group of fakirs who visit their Guru's tank twice a year, and, after bathing in it, disappear.' 'Where do they live? Destroy them and their homes, or they will destroy you.' 'Their homes are the saddles on their horses,' was the reply. 'Take care,' said Nadir, 'the day is not distant when these rebels will take possession of your country.' Said Nadir Shah
Some heroic warriors:
Baba Ala Singh - a Misl Jathedar of Phulkian Misl, who became the first Maharaja of Patiala. Baba Gurbaksh Singh - thirty against thirty thousand. Bhai Bachittar Singh - belonged to a family which has no parallel in Sikh history. Bhai Baghel Singh - is celebrated in Sikh history as the vanquisher of Mughal Delhi. Bhai Binod Singh - was a descendant of Guru Angad Sahib Ji. Bhai Dalla Singh - maintained a private army of several hundred warriors. Bhai Dan Singh - saved the honour of the faith for Malva. Bhai Jivan Singh - was the name given to Bhai Jaita after he recieved amrit from Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Bhai Maharaj Singh - a saintly person turned revolutionary who led an anti-British movement in the Punjab after the first Anglo-Sikh war. Defence of Amritsar - the defence of Amritsar from continous musalmaan attacks. Gujjar Singh - one of the triumvirate who ruled over Lahore for thirty years before its occupation by Ranjit Singh. Hira Singh - first ruler of the Nakai Misl. Karam Singh - took charge of the Shaheedan Misl. Khushal Singh - succeeded Nawab Kapur Singh and was his nephew (brother's son). Lahina Singh - one of the triumvirate who ruled over Lahore for thirty years before its occupation by Ranjit Singh. Maharaja Sher Singh - was the son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Naudh Singh - was an ancestor of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Sangat Singh - was a Nishanwala flag-bearers of the Dal Khalsa (Khalsa army). Sardar Charat Singh - was the grandfather of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa - Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa was commander-in-chief of the Khalsa, the army of the Sikh Empire. Sardar Hukma Singh - was a commander-civil administrator under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Sardar Jai Singh - the Kanhaiya Misl was first led by Sardar Jai Singh. Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia - was democratically elected as the supreme military commander of the Sikh Confederacy on 29 March 1748. Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia - was the commander of the Ramgarhia Misl. Sardar Jodh Singh - was the son of Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and succeeded him. Sardar Ranjodh Singh - was a military commander and jagirdar of the Sikh Darbar. Sardar Sham Singh - a Sikh general in the Sikh army of Lahore Darbar and one of those most trusted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Sardarni Sada Kaur - was the mother-in-law of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.Maj. General M. Khan of Pakistan wrote in his book 'Crisis of Leadership' about the bravery of the Sikh soldiers during the Indo-Pak war.
Here are some quotes from his book:
"The main reason of our defeat was Sikhs fighting facing us. We were helpless to do anything in front of them. Sikhs are very brave and they have a great craving for martyrdom. They fight so fiercely that they are capable of defeating an army many times bigger than theirs."
"Alas, a handful of Sikhs converted our great victory into a big defeat and shattered our confidence and courage."
"The same thing happened with us in Dhaka (Bangladesh). In the battle of Jaissur, the Singhs opposed the Pakistani army so fiercely that our backbone and our foothold was lost. This became the main and important reason of our defeat and the Sikhs' fancy for martyrdom and mockery with death for the sake of safety and honour of the country, became the sole cause of their victory."
"May God rest the souls of all the fallen soldiers, in peace."
Source: https://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhs/sikh_warriors.html
