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{{dup|Sant Baba Karam Singh Ji}}
{{dup|Sant Baba Karam Singh Ji}}


'''Sant Karam Singh''' (1826-1903)  was born in 1826 at village of Qa/iari in Gu|jarkhan lahsil of Rawalpindi district, now in Pakistan. His father, Kirpa Singh, and mother, Subi, were devoted Sikhs, and Karam Singh inherited their religious disposition. He learned to read and write Punjabi from the village granthii  (scripture reader) and enlisted in the Sikh army of Lahore in 1844. He received the rites of the Khalsa at the hands of Ram Singh, a follower of Bhai Maharaj Singh, and spent most of his time in meditation. Upon the dissolution of the Sikh army after the annexation of the Punjab to British India in 1849, Karam Singh joined the Corps of Guides which had been raised by the British in the cis-Sutlej territory in 1846  which was later reorganized as 5th (Guides) Battalion of the 12th Frontier Force Regiment. The town of Mardan, near Peshawar, was its normal duty station. For him the change made little difference as he continued spending his off duty hours in prayer at the regimental gurudwara or in solitary meditation on the bank of the nearby stream Kalapani. He also did sewa (voluntary service) in the common kitchen.  
'''Sant Karam Singh Ji''' '''Maharaj''' (1826-1903)  was a spiritual leader of Sikhs, and a Pooran Sat-Pursh and a Brahmgiani Saint hailing from the [[Daya Singh Samparda|Bhai Daya Singh Ji Samparda]]. Sant Maharaj Ji is respected as the central figure in reviving the Gurmat practices through Parchaar and Spiritual guidance after the British annexed the Sikh Empire. Thousands upon thousands came to Sant ji for guidance and countless were initated into the Khalsa Panth; many became devout students of Baba ji and achieved high spiritual Avastha, 101 of whom attained the stage of Brahmgiaan.  


In 1857, the Guides formed part of the force that went from the Punjab to the aid of the embattled  British who were locked in a critical life or death struggle with rebelling Indian soldiers and others at Delhi. Delhi fell to the British on 20 September 1857 after a siege lasting five months. The victorious soldiers fell upon the city and freely indulged in looting and a general massacre of the city's citizens. According to an eyewitness account quoted in Martin R. Montgomery's book, ''The Indian Empire,''  "Enormous treasures were looted, and each individual soldier amassed a rich booty. Almost every house and shop had been ransacked and plundered after its inmates were killed, irrespective of the fact whether they were actual rebels or even friends of the British. The General had issued an order to spare women and children, but it was honoured more in breach than in observance."
=== Early Life ===
Sant Maharaj Ji was born in 1826 at village of Qa/iari in Gu|jarkhan lahsil of Rawalpindi district, now in Pakistan. His father, Kirpa Singh, and mother, Subi, were devoted Sikhs, and Sant Ji inherited their religious disposition. He learned to read and write Punjabi from the village granthii  (scripture reader) and enlisted in the Sikh army of Lahore in 1844. He received the rites of the Khalsa at the hands of Ram Singh Ji Virakt, the successor of the great Baba Maharaj Singh ji (Naurangabad), and spent most of his time in meditation. Upon the dissolution of the Sikh army after the annexation of the Punjab to British India in 1849, Sant Karam Singh Ji joined the Corps of Guides which had been raised by the British in the cis-Sutlej territory in 1846  which was later reorganized as 5th (Guides) Battalion of the 12th Frontier Force Regiment. The town of Mardan, near Peshawar, was its normal duty station. For him, the change made little difference as he continued spending his off-duty hours in prayer at the regimental gurudwara or in solitary meditation on the bank of the nearby stream Kalapani. He also did great sewa (voluntary service), which included serving the Sangat with love in the Langar.


During this unrestrained pillage, officially permitted, Karam Singh, who had come to Delhi with his regiment, protected several families by standing guard outside their doors, refusing to accept any reward for his help. He was one soldier who stood above the wholesale plunder. Karam Singh returned to Mardan with his regiment. To be able to devote himself fully to his spiritual pursuits, he resigned from the army. Another account of his leaving the army is still told, even today— …that once as he remained absorbed in meditation for long hours, he was reported absent from duty, but the officer who went to check up on the report - found him present. When Karam Singh, it is said, heard of this strange occurrence, he quit the army.
=== Military Career and Miracle of Waheguru ===
In 1857, the Guides formed part of the force that went from the Punjab to the aid of the embattled  British who were locked in a critical life or death struggle with rebelling Indian soldiers and others at Delhi. Delhi fell to the British on 20 September 1857 after a siege lasting five months. The victorious soldiers fell upon the city and freely indulged in looting and a general massacre of the city's citizens. According to an eyewitness account quoted in Martin R. Montgomery's book, ''The Indian Empire,''  "Enormous treasures were looted, and each individual soldier amassed a rich booty. Almost every house and shop had been ransacked and plundered after its inmates were killed, irrespective of the fact whether they were actual rebels or even friends of the British. The General had issued an order to spare women and children, but it was honoured more in breach than in observance." During this unrestrained pillage, officially permitted, Sant Karam Singh Ji, who had come to Delhi with his regiment, protected several families by standing guard outside their doors, refusing to accept any reward for his help. He was one soldier who stood above the wholesale plunder. Sant Karam Singh Ji returned to Mardan with his regiment.


His fame as a sant spread and visitors began to pour in to see him. To accomodate the growing crowd of visitors, a few thatched huts were constructed near Hoti, a town close to Mardan, a well was sunk, and a Guru ka Langar (free communal kitchen) was started, as usual by voluntary service.  Even soldiers from his former Guides unit participated, as well. Sant Karam Singh who still loved the solitude he had always courted, did not relish all the hubbub and often retired to a giiphd (an underground cell or dugout), 3 km away. He did not deliver lengthy discourses or sermons, but people felt inspired by his pious manner. Many of his visitors became his disciples. Hindus, Muslims (some from the turbulent Pathan tribals) were among those who became his devotees. Until he 'retired' he only left his Dera at Mardan (many people from the area find cooler climes in the hottest months) once during the remainder of his life--a pilgromage to  to Parija Sahib, Amritsar and Hardvar.  
While serving in the British Army, Sant Ji devoted long hours to meditation and actively engaged in ''Parchaar'', spreading the teachings of ''Sikhi'' among fellow soldiers. His spiritual influence was profound—not only did he immerse himself in ''Naam Simran'', but he also inspired many others in the army to do the same. Even British officers recognized and admired Sant Ji’s pious character, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to faith and selfless service. Among Sant Karam Singh Ji’s followers in the army, one soldier, who would later be revered as Sant Lal Singh Ji Maharaj of Hoti Mardan, became a devoted disciple of Sant Ji and a Brahmgiani Mahapurkh. One day, as part of his ''Nitnem'', Sant Karam Singh Ji sat in deep meditation by the banks of Kalpani. Completely immersed in divine love, he became so absorbed in ''Samadhi'' that he lost all awareness of time—including the fact that his guard duty had come and gone. When officers received a report that Karam Singh had failed to attend his post, they sent an officer to investigate. However, in His boundless grace, ''Waheguru'' Himself took the form of Sant Karam Singh Ji and fulfilled his duty—just as He had once taken the form of Bhagat Sain Ji to complete his service. Upon emerging from ''Samadhi'' and learning of what had transpired, Sant Karam Singh Ji realized that he could no longer serve any worldly master, for ''Waheguru'' Himself had performed his duty. With this realization, he resolved to resign from the army and dedicate his life entirely to ''Seva'' and ''Simran''. However, the officers were hesitant to remove Sant Karam Singh Ji’s name from the records, as he was known to be an honest and pious soldier. But ''Waheguru’s'' miracle prevailed—Sant Karam Singh Ji’s name miraculously vanished from the register. No matter how hard they searched, it was nowhere to be found, leaving all in awe of the divine will at play.  


In the beginning of 1903, he appointed [[Aya Singh]], an orphan who had lived at his dera since childhood, as his successor. He then retired to the village of Saidu, 25 km away where he stayed in the house of a poor old lady. Mat DcvakT. But he did not have long to live and passed away peacefully on 21 January 1903. According to his own wish, his body was not cremated but carried in a procession of hymn singing mourners to the River Indus onto which it was consigned. A memorial was raised in his honour at Saidu.  
=== Religious Career ===
After the British invasion, the Sikh population had drastically declined due to widespread oppression. During this critical time, Sant Karam Singh Ji emerged as a central figure, rekindling the spirit of ''Gurmat'' and spreading the fragrance of ''Naam'' far and wide. Sant Ji had countless disciples, with tens of thousands seeking his divine guidance, and innumerable individuals were initiated into the Khalsa under his leadership. His spiritual radiance was so profound that not only Sikhs but also Hindus, British officers, and even Pathaans bowed at his feet in reverence. Even the then Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir, Maharaja Partap Singh, humbly bowed at the feet of Sant Karam Singh Ji, recognizing his divine presence. However, ''Pooran'' Gursikhs like Sant Karam Singh Ji saw no distinction between a king and a beggar. To him, diamonds and rocks held the same value, as he viewed all people with the same impartial and compassionate gaze, embodying the true essence of ''Gurmat'' and humility. Such is the greatness of a ''Pooran Sant'' of ''Waheguru''—one who embodies divine grace and uplifts all who come into his presence. Among Sant Karam Singh Ji’s many disciples, 101 attained the exalted state of ''Brahmgiaan'' (divine enlightenment). Under his guidance, these enlightened souls were sent across Punjab and beyond to spread the teachings of the ''Guru Sahibaans''. As a result, ''Parchaar'' of Sikhi, which had been severely impacted by British rule, began to flourish once again. Because of Sant Karam Singh ji Maharaj, the Samparda of Bhai Daya SIngh Ji also became prevalent with another name: '''"Hoti Mardan Samparda".''' Sant Maharaj Ji blessed countless individuals, and the numerous miraculous events witnessed by the ''Sangat'' stood as undeniable proof of his divine presence. '''''Sant Attar Singh Ji of Reru Sahib''''' and '''''Sant Aaya Singh Ji of Hoti Mardan''''' were two prominent disciples of Sant Karam Singh Ji. Other students included: Sant Ram Singh Ji, Sant Harnam Singh Ji (Jiaan Wale), Sant Sucha Singh Ji, and many more.  


A Sikh Sant of much renown and influence Sant Karam singh had 101 of his disciples to achieve the stage of [[brahmgyani]].  
His fame as a sant spread and visitors began to pour in to see him. To accommodate the growing crowd of visitors, a few thatched huts were constructed near Hoti, a town close to Mardan, a well was sunk, and a Guru ka Langar (free communal kitchen) was started, as usual by voluntary service.  Even soldiers from his former Guides unit participated, as well. Sant Karam Singh who still loved the solitude he had always courted, did not relish all the hubbub and often retired to a giiphd (an underground cell or dugout), 3 km away. He did not deliver lengthy discourses or sermons, but people felt inspired by his pious manner. Many of his visitors became his disciples. Hindus, Muslims (some from the turbulent Pathan tribals) were among those who became his devotees.
 
In the beginning of 1903, he retired to the village of Saidu, 25 km away where he stayed in the house of a poor old lady. But he did not have long to live and passed away peacefully on 21 January 1903. According to his own wish, his body was not cremated but carried in a procession of hymn singing mourners to the River Indus onto which it was consigned. A memorial was raised in his honour at Saidu.
 
=== Legacy ===
A Sikh Sant of much renown and influence Sant Karam Singh Ji had 101 of his disciples to achieve the stage of Brahmgiaan. His many disciples include the famous Sant Aaya Singh Ji Maharaj (Hoti Mardaan) and Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj (Reru Sahib), who would later inherit the Seva of the Samparda. This Samparda would later be passed onto the great Mahapurkh [[Sant Isher Singh Ji|Sant Isher Singh Ji Maharaj]] of Rara Sahib, who, just like Sant Karam Singh Ji, would spread the fragrance of Naam throughout the world.  




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* [http://www.santgarh.com Full History]
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* [http://www.santgarh.com Website : www.SantGarh.com]
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* [https://www.santisharsinghji.com/product/thirteen-diamonds-the-treasures-of-bhai-daya-singh-ji/ Thirteen Diamonds | The treasures of Bhai Daya Singh Ji]
* [http://www.santgarh.com Sant Garh (Harkhowal)]  




Latest revision as of 19:16, 21 March 2025

Sant Karam Singh

Sant Karam Singh Ji Maharaj (1826-1903) was a spiritual leader of Sikhs, and a Pooran Sat-Pursh and a Brahmgiani Saint hailing from the Bhai Daya Singh Ji Samparda. Sant Maharaj Ji is respected as the central figure in reviving the Gurmat practices through Parchaar and Spiritual guidance after the British annexed the Sikh Empire. Thousands upon thousands came to Sant ji for guidance and countless were initated into the Khalsa Panth; many became devout students of Baba ji and achieved high spiritual Avastha, 101 of whom attained the stage of Brahmgiaan.

Early Life

Sant Maharaj Ji was born in 1826 at village of Qa/iari in Gu|jarkhan lahsil of Rawalpindi district, now in Pakistan. His father, Kirpa Singh, and mother, Subi, were devoted Sikhs, and Sant Ji inherited their religious disposition. He learned to read and write Punjabi from the village granthii (scripture reader) and enlisted in the Sikh army of Lahore in 1844. He received the rites of the Khalsa at the hands of Ram Singh Ji Virakt, the successor of the great Baba Maharaj Singh ji (Naurangabad), and spent most of his time in meditation. Upon the dissolution of the Sikh army after the annexation of the Punjab to British India in 1849, Sant Karam Singh Ji joined the Corps of Guides which had been raised by the British in the cis-Sutlej territory in 1846 which was later reorganized as 5th (Guides) Battalion of the 12th Frontier Force Regiment. The town of Mardan, near Peshawar, was its normal duty station. For him, the change made little difference as he continued spending his off-duty hours in prayer at the regimental gurudwara or in solitary meditation on the bank of the nearby stream Kalapani. He also did great sewa (voluntary service), which included serving the Sangat with love in the Langar.

Military Career and Miracle of Waheguru

In 1857, the Guides formed part of the force that went from the Punjab to the aid of the embattled British who were locked in a critical life or death struggle with rebelling Indian soldiers and others at Delhi. Delhi fell to the British on 20 September 1857 after a siege lasting five months. The victorious soldiers fell upon the city and freely indulged in looting and a general massacre of the city's citizens. According to an eyewitness account quoted in Martin R. Montgomery's book, The Indian Empire, "Enormous treasures were looted, and each individual soldier amassed a rich booty. Almost every house and shop had been ransacked and plundered after its inmates were killed, irrespective of the fact whether they were actual rebels or even friends of the British. The General had issued an order to spare women and children, but it was honoured more in breach than in observance." During this unrestrained pillage, officially permitted, Sant Karam Singh Ji, who had come to Delhi with his regiment, protected several families by standing guard outside their doors, refusing to accept any reward for his help. He was one soldier who stood above the wholesale plunder. Sant Karam Singh Ji returned to Mardan with his regiment.

While serving in the British Army, Sant Ji devoted long hours to meditation and actively engaged in Parchaar, spreading the teachings of Sikhi among fellow soldiers. His spiritual influence was profound—not only did he immerse himself in Naam Simran, but he also inspired many others in the army to do the same. Even British officers recognized and admired Sant Ji’s pious character, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to faith and selfless service. Among Sant Karam Singh Ji’s followers in the army, one soldier, who would later be revered as Sant Lal Singh Ji Maharaj of Hoti Mardan, became a devoted disciple of Sant Ji and a Brahmgiani Mahapurkh. One day, as part of his Nitnem, Sant Karam Singh Ji sat in deep meditation by the banks of Kalpani. Completely immersed in divine love, he became so absorbed in Samadhi that he lost all awareness of time—including the fact that his guard duty had come and gone. When officers received a report that Karam Singh had failed to attend his post, they sent an officer to investigate. However, in His boundless grace, Waheguru Himself took the form of Sant Karam Singh Ji and fulfilled his duty—just as He had once taken the form of Bhagat Sain Ji to complete his service. Upon emerging from Samadhi and learning of what had transpired, Sant Karam Singh Ji realized that he could no longer serve any worldly master, for Waheguru Himself had performed his duty. With this realization, he resolved to resign from the army and dedicate his life entirely to Seva and Simran. However, the officers were hesitant to remove Sant Karam Singh Ji’s name from the records, as he was known to be an honest and pious soldier. But Waheguru’s miracle prevailed—Sant Karam Singh Ji’s name miraculously vanished from the register. No matter how hard they searched, it was nowhere to be found, leaving all in awe of the divine will at play.

Religious Career

After the British invasion, the Sikh population had drastically declined due to widespread oppression. During this critical time, Sant Karam Singh Ji emerged as a central figure, rekindling the spirit of Gurmat and spreading the fragrance of Naam far and wide. Sant Ji had countless disciples, with tens of thousands seeking his divine guidance, and innumerable individuals were initiated into the Khalsa under his leadership. His spiritual radiance was so profound that not only Sikhs but also Hindus, British officers, and even Pathaans bowed at his feet in reverence. Even the then Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir, Maharaja Partap Singh, humbly bowed at the feet of Sant Karam Singh Ji, recognizing his divine presence. However, Pooran Gursikhs like Sant Karam Singh Ji saw no distinction between a king and a beggar. To him, diamonds and rocks held the same value, as he viewed all people with the same impartial and compassionate gaze, embodying the true essence of Gurmat and humility. Such is the greatness of a Pooran Sant of Waheguru—one who embodies divine grace and uplifts all who come into his presence. Among Sant Karam Singh Ji’s many disciples, 101 attained the exalted state of Brahmgiaan (divine enlightenment). Under his guidance, these enlightened souls were sent across Punjab and beyond to spread the teachings of the Guru Sahibaans. As a result, Parchaar of Sikhi, which had been severely impacted by British rule, began to flourish once again. Because of Sant Karam Singh ji Maharaj, the Samparda of Bhai Daya SIngh Ji also became prevalent with another name: "Hoti Mardan Samparda". Sant Maharaj Ji blessed countless individuals, and the numerous miraculous events witnessed by the Sangat stood as undeniable proof of his divine presence. Sant Attar Singh Ji of Reru Sahib and Sant Aaya Singh Ji of Hoti Mardan were two prominent disciples of Sant Karam Singh Ji. Other students included: Sant Ram Singh Ji, Sant Harnam Singh Ji (Jiaan Wale), Sant Sucha Singh Ji, and many more.

His fame as a sant spread and visitors began to pour in to see him. To accommodate the growing crowd of visitors, a few thatched huts were constructed near Hoti, a town close to Mardan, a well was sunk, and a Guru ka Langar (free communal kitchen) was started, as usual by voluntary service. Even soldiers from his former Guides unit participated, as well. Sant Karam Singh who still loved the solitude he had always courted, did not relish all the hubbub and often retired to a giiphd (an underground cell or dugout), 3 km away. He did not deliver lengthy discourses or sermons, but people felt inspired by his pious manner. Many of his visitors became his disciples. Hindus, Muslims (some from the turbulent Pathan tribals) were among those who became his devotees.

In the beginning of 1903, he retired to the village of Saidu, 25 km away where he stayed in the house of a poor old lady. But he did not have long to live and passed away peacefully on 21 January 1903. According to his own wish, his body was not cremated but carried in a procession of hymn singing mourners to the River Indus onto which it was consigned. A memorial was raised in his honour at Saidu.

Legacy

A Sikh Sant of much renown and influence Sant Karam Singh Ji had 101 of his disciples to achieve the stage of Brahmgiaan. His many disciples include the famous Sant Aaya Singh Ji Maharaj (Hoti Mardaan) and Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj (Reru Sahib), who would later inherit the Seva of the Samparda. This Samparda would later be passed onto the great Mahapurkh Sant Isher Singh Ji Maharaj of Rara Sahib, who, just like Sant Karam Singh Ji, would spread the fragrance of Naam throughout the world.


External links


References

  1. Tara Singh, Panj Suche Moil. Delhi, 1973
  2. Molian Singh, Giani, Pachhmi Parkd.^i arlluit Hoti Mnrdnri da Nw. Amritsar, 1970
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