Bhai Bahadur Singh

Bhai Bahadur Singh ji was the son of S. Mota Singh ji, who was the younger brother of Sant Bhai Rocha Singh ji.

In his early youth, Bhai Bahadur Singh ji was attracted to religious gatherings and loved being in the company of Sants hearing the stories of the Gurus and the Sikh religion. With the passage of time, he developed a charismatic personality which would mesmerize the people around him. Keeping company with Sant Bhai Rocha Singh ji had led Bhai Bahadur Singh ji to develope many good qualities.

Whenever Sant Bhai Rocha Singh ji would travel from place to place to preach Sikhism, Bhai Bahadur Singh ji would accompany him looking after the needs of the Sikhs traveling with the Sant. When Bhai Bahadur Singh ji first came to the village, now known as Khari Dharamsal, it was densely forested. Over time and with much work he cleared a large area of land for cultivation. It is said, that the Sikh message of peace and the promise of safety and fair treatment soon spread from this place to the adjoining areas drawing people to the growing village.

The atrocities that were being committed by the Nawabs of the surrounding areas (who were even said...to take any newly married bride for the first night giving in payment which they called a gift: Rs 5/- and a sheep on the departure of the Doli) led to the departure of many people from those areas.

Soon people from Rawalwandi, Tehsil Bagh, Jheera, Kothian, Tehsil Sadnuti, Chakar(Muzzafarabad), etc. were settling in the growing village of Khari Dharamsal. The new arrivals were welcomed and freely given land by Bhai Bahadur Singh ji. In return they were asked to donate only a small portion of their crops after harvest which was to be used in the Langar (community kitchen). This portion of land was commonly known as "BHOLI".

Today Gurdwara Dhehri Sahib, Khari Dharamsal, Poonch. reminds everyone of the loving generosity and work of Bhai Bahadur Singh ji.