Mata Sahib Devan

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Mata Sahib Kaur
Birth place of Ajeet Kaur
Full Name : Sahib Kaur, Sahib Devan
Birth : 1681, Rohtas, Pakistan
Parents : Bhai Rama, Mata Jasdevi
Spouse : Guru Gobind Singh
Children : Khalsa
Death : 1708, Delhi

Mata Sahib Devan (1 November 1681 - 1747), generally ascribed as Mata Sahib Kaur, is known as the "Mother of the Khalsa". She earned the distinction by instilling the first Amrit with the sweetness that balances its fierceness. Mata Sahib Kaur, who was called 'Sahib Devan', was the Mother of the Khalsa. Mata Sahib Kaur Ji accompanied Guru Sahib throughout his life.

Mata Sahib Devan's father wished her daughter to marry Guru Gobind Singh, however as the Guru was already married, her father asked the Guru's permission for Mata Sahib Devan to live in the Guru's house as Sikh and serve the Guru and his family. Guru Gobind Singh married to Mata Sahib Devan[1][2] at Guru ka Lahore but never had a physical relationship with the Guru. As a consequence, Guru Gobind Singh made her the "Mother of the Khalsa". Up to this day in history, all Sikhs who take Amrit consider Mata Sahib Kaur as their (spiritual) Mother, and Guru Gobind Singh ji as their (spiritual) Father.

Early Life

Mata ji's Birth House

Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, who is also called Mata Sahib Devan Ji, was born on the 1st November 1681 in a village called Rohtas, District Jehlum, in West Panjab, (now in Pakistan). She was born to Mata Jasdevi Ji and Bhai Rama Ji, in house of Kumrav Kshatriyas. Her father, who was an ardent sewak (devotee) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, influenced her to the extent that she wanted to devote her whole life in the service of the Guru Sahib.

According to Folks, From her childhood, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji was a sweet and quiet natured girl. Because of the religious atmosphere at home, she was deeply influenced by Gurbani during her formative years. It is possible that in her childhood she might have seen Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib during the visit of her family. She had inherited humility, love and sacrifice to humanity and devotion to Waheguru.

Proposal of Marriage

When she came of age, her father and other devotees of village Rohtas, took her to Sri Anandpur Sahib and requested Guru Gobind Singh Ji to take her as his bride. Guru Ji told the Sangat that he was already married and could not marry again. However, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji's father had pledged his daughter to Guru Sahib and no-one else would marry her now.

Therefore, Guru Sahib agreed that Mata Sahib Kaur Ji could stay with the Guru's family, however, they could not marry or ever have children. Guru Sahib instead promised Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, that you will become a great Mother to thousands. Mata Sahib Kaur Ji lived in the Guru's household and served Guru Ji and the Sangat with full shardaa (devotion).

Later Life

Gurudwara Bala Sahib - Last rites of Mata Sahib Devan was performed at this place

Mata Sahib Kaur Ji accompanied Guru Sahib throughout his life, even during battles, serving him in every possible way. Mata Ji guided the Khalsa Panth through period of crisis many times and issued eight decrees in the name of Khalsa.

When Guru Gobind Singh reached Abchal Nagar (Sri Hazoor Sahib), he sent Mata Sahib Kaur Ji to Delhi and gave her five weapons of the Sixth Nanak, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, for safekeeping. These weapons are today displayed at Gurdwara Rakabganj in Delhi. Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, passed away before Mata Sundri Ji. She left for heavenly abode in 1708 and her last rites were performed in Bala Sahib, Delhi.

Presence during Amrit Sanchaar

Image depicting creation of Khalsa Panth

As per Mahankosh, Mata Sahib Devan was present during creation of Khalsa Panth but Twarikh Guru Khalsa refute this claim. According to Mahankosh, On Vaisakhi 1699, in the first Amrit-Sanchaar, it is said Mata Sahib Kaur Ji participated in the sewa of the Amrit-Sanchaar by adding Pataasey (sugar wafers) to the Amrit, and was bestowed the honour of eternal motherhood of Khalsa Panth. According to Twarikh Guru Khalsa, Mata Jito (First wife) put pataasey to the Amrit and Sahib Devan was not married to Guru Gobind Singh at that time.

References

  • Bibi Gurdev Kaur M.A., B.Ed., Founder Sikh Nari Manch UK
  • Shromani Baal Sahitkaar (best children's writer) Punjab Govt 1997
  • www.manvirsingh.blogspot.com
  1. ^ Twarikh Guru Khalsa, Page 177, Topic: Teesri Shadi
  2. ^ ੧੮. ਵੈਸਾਖ ਸੰਮਤ ੧੭੫੭, as per Mahankosh