Sant Ranjit Singh Ji Virakt
Sant Ranjit Singh Ji Virakt (Punjabi: ਸੰਤ ਰਣਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ, 1928-2002), also revered as Virakkat Ji Maharaj, was a prominent Brahmgiani Sant, renowned for his great Tyaag and Tapasya. Sant Ji was born in 1928 in the village of Fatehgarh Panjgaraian to Sardar Baba Hardit Singh Ji and Mata Dhan Kaur Ji, who were both practicing and humble Sikhs. Sant Ji's birth was blessed by Sant Attar Singh Ji of Mastuana Sahib, who not only hinted at the great Gurmukh personality Sant Ji will be, but also prophesied that the fragrance of this humble village (Fatehgarh Panjgaraian) will one day scatter through the globe.
Even as a child, Sant Ji would dedicate himself to Seva and Simran, spending time sitting in Samadhi and meditating upon Akaal Purakh. As well as being an intelligent student, he was also extremely athletic. Sant Ji would later grow up to enlist in the army and become an athlete, winning many races and tournaments, even defeating a then-undefeated runner from Calcutta. He was well respected that even the political leaders would treat him respectfully. However, Sant ji always had this feeling of emptiness within, and eventually came into contact with His Holiness Sant Isher Singh Ji Maharaj (Rara Sahib Wale). Becoming an extreme Bairaagi, Sant Ji started to spend long hours in meditation and Seva after taking Naam Updesh from H.H. Sant Isher Singh Ji.
Sant Ranjit Singh Ji Virakt became an ardent student of Sant Isher Singh ji (Rara Sahib), under whom Sant Ji did immense Bhagati (i.e. Seva and Simran) without a desire for anything. The title of 'Virakt' (alternatively spelt 'Virakkat') was bestowed upon Sant Ranjit Singh ji by H.H. Sant Isher Singh ji, which meant desireless/detached. Sant Ji, although becoming successful and respected within the society, would forsake everything and immerse himself in the service of Waheguru; he would also forsake his house, and even his clothes, and adopted an attire of 'Bore Da Chola' (a robe made of Sac Cloth), and would only keep his Kakaars and a small dastaar. Sant Ji would spend years doing Bandagi in the village of Bapla, before settling in Sant Ashram Dhablaan under the hukam of Sant Isher Singh Ji. Sant Ji would not only meditate there, but also spend his time doing Seva, Kirtan, and doing Katha of Dharmic Granths. After a few years, Sant Isher Singh Ji would give many blessings to Sant Ranjit Singh Ji and would send Sant Ji to Fatehgarh Panjgaraian to establish a spiritual centre and guide others to the Holy Charan of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. In Fatehgarh Panjgaraian, a Gurdwara called Gurdwara Ishersar Sahib (also known as Sant Ashram Ishersar Sahib) would be established, where Sant Ji did a lot of Bhagati. This Gurdwara is now visited by thousands to seek spiritual guidance and meditate upon Naam. Like a breeze from an ocean, the peace and essence of Naam can be felt in this Gurdwara. There are many miraculous events that are associated with Sant Ji which have been seen and experienced by many. These miracles and experiences increased the Sangat's love for Sikhi and Gurbani by many folds.
Sant Narain Singh Ji (Fatehgarh Panjgaraian) was the first Sri Maan (Sevadaar responsible for Langar Seva) of Rara Sahib, and was one of the earliest disciples of Sant Isher Singh Ji. Sant Narain Singh Ji was a humble Brahmgiani saint and a Gur-Bhai of Sant Ranjit Singh Ji, who would also be sent to Fatehgarh Panjgaraian by Sant Isher Singh Ji. After Sant Isher Singh Ji left for the heavenly abode, His Holiness Sant Kishen Singh Ji Maharaj (Rara Sahib) personally gave dates for Barsi Smagam in Panjgaraian, which would be held yearly on the same dates since the first Barsi of Sant Isher Singh Ji (in 1976). Sant Kishen Singh Ji would himself visit Fatehgarh Panjgaraian yearly on Barsi, and Sant Ranjit Singh Ji, along with the Sangat, would welcome Sant Maharaj Ji and serve Sant Maharaj Ji wholeheartedly.
Sant Ji dedicated their life not only meditating Naam, but also preaching the Gurmat to many across Punjab, India, and also abroad. He would selflessly dedicate his life to passing on the teachings that he received from H.H. Sant Isher Singh Ji to the whole Sadh Sangat. Many would seek spiritual guidance from Sant Ji, and countless were inspired to follow the path of Gurmat. Sant Ji would be succeeded by Sant Baba Balkar Singh Ji (Fatehgarh Panjgaraian), who has dedicated his life carrying out the mission of passing on the divine message and teachings that Sant Ranjit Singh Ji recieved from Sant Isher Singh Ji to the Sangat, as well as serve the Sangat through various Selfless Services and Gurmat Parchaars around the world.
