Bhai Joga Singh

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Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh, Pakistan

Bhai Joga Singh a Sikh youth from Peshawar, who had lived in the presence of Guru Gobind Singh (1666 - 1708) at Anandpur for many years and served him with devotion. When Bhai Joga Singh first went into the service of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Guru Ji first asked him who are you. Bhai Joga Singh replied: "I am Joga". Guru Gobind Singh Ji said " Thu Kedha Joga?"( Who are you worthy of?). Bhai Joga Singh Ji replied " Mai Tera Joga"(I am worthy of you). Guru Gobind Singh Ji then said" Tu Mera Joga" (You are worthy of me) and asked Joga Singh to stay in his service.

His fathers name was Bhai Gurmukh Singh. One day as his parents, eager to see him married, arrived to escort him back home, the Guru permitted him to depart, saying that he must return at once when recalled. To test his devotion, Guru Gobind Singh ordered another disciple to follow him. Guru Ji gave him a proclamation which was to be delivered to Joga. The note said: "Once you see this note, proceed to Anand Pur at once." The currier did accordingly and delivered the note while he was performing Lawan. Joga Singh abruptly left without even completing his Lawan. Joga Singh at that time was in the midst of his nuptials and had completed only two of the customary four circumambulations. He left the ceremony midway and, despite the protestations and importunities of his relations, immediately set out for Anandpur. The marriage rites were completed by giving the remaining Lawan to his belt. The elation aroused in him by his prompt compliance with Guru's summons gradually turned into a sense of selfesteem and conceit.

Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh

As he halted for a night at Hoshiarpur, not far from his destination, Anandpur, he fell for the charms of a beautiful courtesan. But a mace-bearer appeared and started guarding the house of the prostitute . Joga Singh tried to enter the house four times during the night but had to turn back as he ran into the mace-bearer every time. Joga Singh realized his error and was filled with remorse.

Purged of his pride, he resumed his journey and presented himself before Guru Gobind Singh. On entering the divaan he payed his respects to Guru Sahib and Guru Jee looked at Bhai Joga Singh. Guru jee asked Bhai Joga to explain where he was last night. In shame Bhai Joga Singh did not answer. However, the all-knowing Guru knew of Bhai Joga Singh's temptations. Guru Sahib again asked, "Bhai Joga Singh! I have asked you a question, you are struggling to answer. Why cannot you answer me? Tell me WHERE WERE YOU LAST NIGHT?" As the incident unfolded Guru jee revealed that HE HIMSELF was the GUARD, and that He were there to stop Bhai Joga Singh from entering and sinning. Bhai Joga Singh fell at Guru jee’s charan (feet) and begged for forgiveness. Guru Sahib reminded him of what he had said before, “Guru Jee MAI TERE JOGA - ਗ੝ਰੂ ਜੀ ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੇ ਜੋਗਾ” (I am worthy only of You Guru ji). Guru Sahib said “because you belong to me - I belong to you Bhai Joga, I BELONG TO YOU! Mai tere joga! - ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੇ ਜੋਗਾ” (Last Paragraph taken from http://manvirsingh.blogspot.com/2006/03/story-of-bhai-joga-singh.html)

A gurudwara named after Bhai Joga Singh existed in Peshawar until 1947.

Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh

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