Mahant Tirath Singh Ji
Mahant Tirath Singh Ji 'Seva Panthi' was the 12th spiritual descendant of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji.
Mahant Sahib was born on Feb 12, 1925 in the village Jandan Wala, in district Mianwali, in the North Western part of the Punjab province, now in Pakistan. He was born to Bhai Tara Singh, a well known devout Sikh of exemplary moral character, who had unwavering faith in the Gurbani, and who besides his Nitnem, would recite upwards of 5 Sukhmani Sahib paaths everyday.
Early Life
Mahant Sahib, early in his childhood was enrolled in the local school where he was taught to read and write Urdu. He was an excellent student and an avid sportsman, especially excelling in Volley Ball. He then passed his Matriculation examination and the 'Gyani' studies, which is equivalent to a B.A.(Hons) in Punjabi, with honors.
His life took an uncommon turn at the age of 15. An honored saint Sant Bhai Asa Singh Ji visited his father, Bhai Tara Singh's home at while there, his kind eyes came to rest upon young Bhai Tirath Singh, who was at the time not keeping good health. Sant Bhai Asa Singh Ji who was always kindhearted and nurturing, asked Bhai Tara Singh if he could take Bhai Tirath Singh with him to his Dharamsala at Noorpur. He promised to take care of him. So with his father's consent, Bhai Tirath Singh came to Noorpur and was presented to then Mahant of the dharamsala, Mahant Bhai Gulab Singh Ji. Sant Bhai Asa Singh Ji requested Mahant Gulab Singh Ji to take this exceptional young man under his wing and to bring him up. At the Noorpur Seva Panthi asthan, young Bhai Tirath Singh ji learnt Gurbani, memorized several Banis, continued advancing his education and learnt the protocols, mannerisms and traditions of the dharamsala. There he met and was inspired by many prominent Sadhus, who gave his life a spiritual meaning and helped him to imbibe the Divine Word, equity, and the spirit of rendering humanitarian service. They taught him how to practice celibacy, modesty and purity. In addition, there was an unending flow of religious scholars, theologists, poets and raagis, who would come to the Dharamsala to meet with with Mahant Gulab Singh Ji. These new associations and contacts molded his thoughts giving him new insight into the spiritual, religious, social and practical aspects of life. His perception of things, distinguishing right from wrong, truth from untruth, reality from falsehood, changed dramatically. He was able to discern the beauty of righteousness from the ugliness of false ego and illusory Maya. Divine truths were being revealed to him and he now began to understand the path before him. Imbued with Divine love, he soon decided to follow the Gurmat Maryada and the ways of pure and holy souls around him.
Induction into the 'Seva Panthis'
Seeing young Bhai Tirath Singh evolve into a pious soul, Mahant Gulab Singh Ji, prophesized that he would acquire more knowledge and spiritual wisdom and that one day he will shine like a bright star and will be known for his great spirituality and divine knowledge. He will also enlighten the sangat with discourses from the Gurbani and provide them with practical insights on how to live a life of purity as taught by the scriptures. On one occasion, while Mahant Bhai Jawahar Singh Ji of the Mitha Tiwana Seva Panthi dera was visiting, he foretold that young Bhai Tirath Singh will be initiated into the Seva Panthi fold by Sant Bhai Asa Singh Ji and under his discipleship he will be establish several educational, charitable and religious institutions. All of these prophecies came true and dozens of institutions, large and small, were founded and subsequently flourished under the leadership and benevolent guidance of Mahant Tirath Singh Ji. Mahant Gulab Singh Ji and Mahant Jawahar Singh Ji arranged for young Bhai Tirath Singh to attend Gurmat Taksal at Dera Sant Bhai Amir Singh, Satto Wali Gali, Amritsar, to learn etymological annotation, philology and Gurbani grammmar from Sant Amir Singh Ji Seva Panthi, who was the most well renowned scholar and annotator of Sikh Scriptures of his time. He also was introduced to and later lived with Sant Bhai Nischal Singh Ji, the first President of the All India Seva Panthi Addan Shahi Sabha, Amritsar, and acquired a good deal of theological knowledge and experience from him. After the partition of India, Mahant Bhai Gulab Singh Ji, brought everyone to East Punjab and established the Nurpur Dera, known as Tikana Bhai Jagta Ji at Goniana Mandi, Bathinda, in 1950. Soon after Mahant Gulab Singh passed away giving the reins of the Tikana Bhai Jagta Ji to Mahant Bhai Asa Singh Ji. Mahant Bhai Asa Singh Ji continued preaching the Gurbani to the sangats in India and following in the footsteps of Mahant Gulab Singh Ji, he became a very influential personality within the Sikh Panth, brilliantly continuing his work. After rendering a distinquished service of 23 years, Mahant Asa Singh Ji decided to hand over the reigns to a successor. In 1973, he had three disciples, Sant Bhai Tirath Singh, Sant Bhai Kahan Singh and Sant Bhai Harpal Singh. Sant Bhai Kahan Singh passed most of his time in the attendance of his master, Mahant Asa Singh Ji, while Sant Bhai Tirath Singh Ji mostly attended to missionary duties outside the Tikana, preaching Gurbani all over India. Both were very close to Mahant Ji's heart and he showered blessings upon them equally. When the situation for succession arose, both disciples suggested that the other be chosen for this great honor. Mahant Asa Singh Ji finally chose Sant Bhai Tirath Singh to succeed him on on Jan 14, 1974, at a huge gathering at the Tikana Bhai Jagta Ji, in the presence of several eminent Seva Panthi Sadhus and Sadhus of other Sampradas, Mahant Asa Singh Ji performed the Tilak ceremony, and anointed Sant Bhai Tirath Singh as the Mahant of the Tikana, at the age of 47.
