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[[Image:Dictation of the Guru Granth Saheb.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Bhai Gurdas ji scribes the Adi Granth]]
[[Image:Dictation of the Guru Granth Saheb.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Bhai Gurdas ji scribes the Adi Granth]]


'''Bhai Gurdus''' (1551-1636) is much honoured for his Sikhi way of life and literary work. He was a leading figure in [[Sikhism]] who enjoyed the partronage of [[Guru Arjan]], the fifth [[Sikh Guru]] under whose supervision he inscribed the first copy of [[Sikh Scripture]], the [[Guru Granth Sahib]], which is still extant. He was born in a Bhalla Khatri family, his father's name was Bhai Ishar Das and mother's name was Mata Jivani at [[Goindval]], [[India]] in 1608 Bk/AD 1551. He was nephew of third Guru, [[Guru Amar Das]]. (see [[Guru family tree]])  Bhai Gurdas was a first cousin of [[Mata Bhani]], mother of [[Guru Arjan Dev]].
'''Bhai Gurdas''' (1551- [[23 September]] [[1637]]{{eref|1|http://sgpc.net/Historical%20dates%20&%20events/date_september.asp}}) is a much honoured [[Sikh]] scholar, missionary, and literary master who is also respected for his Sikh way of life. He was a leading figure in [[Sikhism]] who enjoyed the company of [[Guru Arjan]], the fifth [[Sikh Guru]].  


Bhai Ishar Das, one of [[Guru Amar Das|Guru Amar Das's]] cousins had settled in Goindval soon after the town was founded in 1546 AD (1603 Bk). Bhai Gurdas, who was the only child of his parents, lost his mother when he was barely three and his father when he was 12. He spent his early years at Goindval and [[Sultanpur Lodhi]]. At the former place, he had the opportunity of listening to many men of knowledge and spiritual attainment who kept visiting the town which fell on the [[Delhi]]-[[Lahore]] road and was then the religious centre of the Sikhs. He later proceeded to Varanasi where he studied [[Sanskrit]] and [[Hindu]] scriptures. He was subsequently initiated into [[Sikhism]]. He was then sent as a missionary of the Sikh Guru to spread the message of [[Guru Nanak]]. He extensively visited Agra, Lucknow Varanasi, Burhanpur, Rajasthan,Jammu and Chamba hills, preaching Guru Nanak's word.
It was under the supervision of the fifth [[Sikh Guru]] that he inscribed the first copy of [[Sikh Scripture]], then called The [[Adi Granth]], which is now respected as the perpetual Guru of the Sikhs and is central of the Sikh religion. He was also responsible for various writings in his own right which have gained much respect in the Sikh community. His [[Varan Bhai Gurdas|Varan]] have been referred to by [[Guru Arjan]] as the "Key" ("khungee") to the [[Guru Granth Sahib]]. Bhai Sahib is also responsible for composing the composition known as "Kabit Savaiye Bhai Gurdas".


Bhai Sahib was born in a Bhalla Khatri family. His father was [[Bhai Ishar Das]] and his mother's name was [[Mata Jivani]]. He was born at [[Goindval]], [[Punjab]], [[India]] in 1551. He was the nephew of the third Guru, [[Guru Amar Das]]. (see [[Guru family tree]])  Bhai Gurdas was a first cousin of [[Mata Bhani]], mother of [[Guru Arjan Dev]].
==Background==
{{tocright}}
Bhai Gurdas, who was the only child of his parents, lost his mother when he was barely three and his father when he was 12. He had spent his early years at Goindval and [[Sultanpur Lodhi]]. At the former place, he had the opportunity of listening to many men of knowledge and spiritual attainment who kept visiting the town which fell on the [[Delhi]]-[[Lahore]] road. At that time the city was the religious centre of the Sikhs.
* ([[Bhai Ishar Das]], one of [[Guru Amar Das|Guru Amar Das's]] brothers <!---cousins (changed by HS on 19-09-09---> had settled in Goindval soon after the town was founded in 1546AD, 1603 Bk).
Bhai Gurdas later proceeded to Varanasi where he studied [[Sanskrit]] and [[Hindu]] scriptures, subsequently he was initiated into [[Sikhism]]. He was then sent as a missionary of the [[Sikh Guru]] to spread the teaching of [[Guru Nanak]]. He made extensive visits to  Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, Burhanpur, Rajasthan, Jammu and the Chamba hills, preaching Guru Nanak's words.
==Adi Granth inscribed in Amritsar==
[[Image:BhaiGurdas and BabaBudda.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Bhai Gurdas ji with Baba Buddha ji]]
[[Image:BhaiGurdas and BabaBudda.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Bhai Gurdas ji with Baba Buddha ji]]
After the passing of [[Guru Ram Das]], in 1581, Bhai Gurdas returned to the Punjab, where he first visited Goindval and thence proceeded to [[Amritsar]] to pay his obeisance to [[Guru Arjan]], [[Guru Ram Das]]'s successor. He made Amritsar his home and through his devotion and love of learning carved for himself a pre-eminent position among the Guru's disciples.
When the Guru compiled the [[Adi Granth]] containing the hymns of the Gurus and those of some saints and sufis,  Bhai Gurdas inscribed the the entire text. Though the original copy was once turned over to Guru Tegh Bahadur after an attempt on the ninth Guru's life, it was returned at the wish of the Guru to [[Dhir Mall]], the elder son of [[Baba Gurditta]] and a grandson of [[Guru Hargobind]]. Though many hope that the original Bir as penned by Bhai Gurdas will one day return to the possession of the Panth, the original Granth is still in the possession of  the family of Dhir Mall's  descendants at [[Kartarpur]], in [[Jalandhar district]] of the [[Punjab]]. (Some have pointed out that had the [[Adi Granth]] been in the library of the Darbar Sahib during 1984's attack the Original Bir would most likely have been lost in the fires that destroyed so many priceless treasures of Sikh History.)


After the passing away of Guru Ram Das, in 1581, he returned to the Punjab, visited Goindval and thence proceeded to [[Amritsar]] to pay his obeisance to Guru Arjan, [[Guru Ram Das]]'s successor. He made Amritsar his home and through his devotion and love of learning carved for himself a pre-eminent position among the Guru's disciples. When the Guru decided to compile the Holy Granth containing the hymns of the Gurus and of some of the saints and sufis, he chose Bhai Gurdas to be his principal helper. They worked together on the volume which was completed in 1604. The entire text was inscribed by Bhai Gurdas. The copy written in his hand is preserved to this day in the family of the Guru's descendants at Kartarpur, in Jalandhar district of the Punjab.  
==Sewadar and dedicated academic==
Bhai Gurdas also contributed the labour of his hands to the excavation of the sacred pool at [[Amritsar]] (1577). He was chosen to recite the Gurus' hymns to [[Emperor Akbar]] when he visited [[Kartarpur]] in 1596-97 on his way back from a military campaign.  


As the tradition goes, the Emperor had been incited by [[Prithi Chand]] and his supporters against [[Guru Arjan]] saying that the hymns he was planning to compile into a volume had an anti-[[Muslim]] tone. As Bhai Gurdas read out verses selected at random, the Emperor was deeply impressed with their spiritual content.


Bhai Gurdas also contributed the labour of his hands to the excavation of the sacred pool at [[Amritsar]] (1577). He was chosen to recite the Gurus' hymns to [[Emperor Akbar]] when he visited [[Kartarpur]] in 1596-97 on his way back from a military campaign. As the tradition goes, the Emperor had been incited by [[Prithi Chand]] and his supporters against [[Guru Arjan]] saying that the hymns he was planning to compile into a volume had an anti-[[Muslim]] tone. As Bhai Gurdas read out verses selected at random, the Emperor was deeply impressed with their spiritual content. When [[Guru Hargobind]], Nanak Vl, decided to construct in front of the [[Harimandar]], [[Akal Takht]], Throne of the Timeless Lord, he entrusted the task to the two most revered Sikhs of the time, Bhai Gurdas and Bhai Buddha the latter blessed by Guru Nanak himself.
==Respected Sikh leader==
When [[Guru Hargobind]], Nanak Vl, decided to construct the [[Akal Takht]] (lit. Throne of the Timeless (a reference to God)) in front of the [[Harmandar Sahib]] , he entrusted the task to the two most revered Sikhs of the time, Bhai Gurdas and [[Bhai Buddha]], the latter who had been blessed by Guru Nanak himself.


[[Image:BhaiGurdasLibrary.JPG|thumb|300px|right|Bhai Gurdas Library in Amritsar in his Honour]]
[[Image:BhaiGurdasLibrary.JPG|thumb|300px|right|Bhai Gurdas Library in Amritsar in his Honour]]
Bhai Gurdas was assigned to look after the premises. [[Guru Hargobind]] also appointed him to teach his young son (the future (Guru) [[Guru Tegh Bahadur|Tegh Bahadur]], the ancient classics.  [[Bhai Buddha]] also trained the Guru's son in the manly arts of archery and horsemanship.


Bhai Gurdas was assigned to looking after the premises. Guru Hargobind also appointed him to teach his young son (Guru) [[Guru Tegh Badadur | Tegh Bahadur]] ancient classics even as Bhai Buddha supervised his training in Manly arts of archery and horsemanship. Bhai Gurdas led a batch of Sikhs to Gwalior where [[Guru Hargobind]] had been detained under the orders of the Mughal [[Emperor Jahangir]]. He was present at the weddings of the Guru's sons [[Baba Gurditta]] (April 1621) and [[Baba Suraj Mall]] (23April 1629). He offered ardas at the death in 1621 of [[Mata Ganga]], Wife of [[Guru Arjan]], and recited Scripture and offered ardas at the time of [[Baba Buddha]]'s death on 17 November 1631.  
==Esteemed scholar and brave soldier==
Bhai Gurdas led a batch of Sikhs to Gwalior where [[Guru Hargobind]] had been detained under the orders of the Mughal [[Emperor Jahangir]]. He was present at the weddings of the Guru's sons [[Baba Gurditta]] (April 1621) and [[Baba Suraj Mall]] (April 1629). He offered [[ardas]] at the death in 1621 of [[Mata Ganga]], the Widow of [[Guru Arjan]]. He also recited Scripture and offered ardas at the time of [[Baba Buddha]]'s death on [[8 September]] [[1631]].


Bhai Gurdas was the bulwark of Sikhi still for many years. He was the expounder and exemplar of the Sikh way of life. He was a man of wide learning especially in ancient texts and philosophy, and devoted his exceptional talents to preaching the Sikh faith. He composed verse which is valued for its racy style and for its vivid exposition of the teaching of the Gurus. His poetry, now available in two volumes, in Punjabi '''[[Vara Bhai Gurdas]]''' and in Braj Kabitt Savaiyye and is sung along with gurbani, the Gurus' word, at holy congregations. Guru Arjan put his seal of approval on it by designating it as the '''"key"''' to the Holy Scripture. Bhai Gurdas, who never married, died at [[Goindval]] on Bhadon suds 5,1693 13k/25 August 1636.
==Philosopher and Chief scribe==


Bhai Gurdas continued as the 'bulwark' of Sikhi for many years. He was the expounder and exemplar of the Sikh way of life. He was a man of wide learning especially in ancient texts and philosophy who devoted his exceptional talents to preaching the Sikh faith. He composed verse which is valued for its vigorous, fast paced style and for its vivid exposition of the teaching of the Gurus.
His poetry, now available in two volumes, in [[Punjabi]], '''[[Varan Bhai Gurdas]]''' and in Braj, Kabitt Savaiyye, is often sung along with [[gurbani]], the Gurus' words, at holy congregations. [[Guru Arjan]] put his seal of approval on the ''Varan Bhai Gurdas'' by designating it as the '''"key"''' to the Sikh Holy Scripture.
Bhai Gurdas, who never married, died at [[Goindval]] on Bhadon suds 5,1693 13k/[[25 August]] [[1636]].
== See also==
* [[Varan Bhai Gurdas]]
* [[Index of Varan]]
* [[Bhai Gurdas Vaar 1]]
* [[Bhai Gurdas Vaar 2]]
* [[Panch baar gang jaai baar panch praag naai]] - famous shabad by Bhai Gurdas
* [[Historical Facts in the Vaars of Bhai Gurdas]]
* [[Bhai Gurdas Singh]] Another scholar of a later period
===Important Shabads===
* [[Suene pukar datar prab|Suene pukar datar prab Guru Nanak Jag Mah Patayia]]


==Download Bhai Sahib's Bani ==
==Download Bhai Sahib's Bani ==
* [http://www.gurbanifiles.org/gurmukhi/index.htm Gurmukhi Files - Mostly in Unicode Gurmukhi fonts]
* [http://www.gurbanifiles.org/gurmukhi/Vaaraan%20by%20Bhai%20Gurdaas,%20Gurmukhi%20(Uni).docx Vaar in word format]
* [http://www.gurbanifiles.org/gurmukhi/Vaaraan%20by%20Bhai%20Gurdaas,%20Gurmukhi.pdf Vaar in pdf format]


These files are in Acrobat Reader pdf format
These files are in Acrobat Reader pdf format
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* [http://www.bsingh.dsl.pipex.com/khalsa/news34.htm#Gurdas by bsingh]
* [http://www.bsingh.dsl.pipex.com/khalsa/news34.htm#Gurdas by bsingh]
* [http://www.amritbani.com/documents/punjabi/Vaaraan_Bhai_Gurdas_Ji.pdf Download PDF file from amritbani.com]
* [http://www.amritbani.com/documents/punjabi/Vaaraan_Bhai_Gurdas_Ji.pdf Download PDF file from amritbani.com]
* [http://www.searchgurbani.com/amrit_keertan/page/655 Famous shabad from Kabit Savaiye Bhai Gurdas - Panch Bar Gang Jae Bar Panch Prag Naei]


==Search the Varan==
==Search the Varan==
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[[Category:Early Gursikh Personalities]]
[[Category:Early Gursikh Personalities]]
[[Category:Biographical]]
[[Category:Bhai Gurdas]]
[[Category:bhai]]

Latest revision as of 19:25, 26 August 2018

Bhai Gurdas ji scribes the Adi Granth

Bhai Gurdas (1551- 23 September 16371) is a much honoured Sikh scholar, missionary, and literary master who is also respected for his Sikh way of life. He was a leading figure in Sikhism who enjoyed the company of Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru.

It was under the supervision of the fifth Sikh Guru that he inscribed the first copy of Sikh Scripture, then called The Adi Granth, which is now respected as the perpetual Guru of the Sikhs and is central of the Sikh religion. He was also responsible for various writings in his own right which have gained much respect in the Sikh community. His Varan have been referred to by Guru Arjan as the "Key" ("khungee") to the Guru Granth Sahib. Bhai Sahib is also responsible for composing the composition known as "Kabit Savaiye Bhai Gurdas".

Bhai Sahib was born in a Bhalla Khatri family. His father was Bhai Ishar Das and his mother's name was Mata Jivani. He was born at Goindval, Punjab, India in 1551. He was the nephew of the third Guru, Guru Amar Das. (see Guru family tree) Bhai Gurdas was a first cousin of Mata Bhani, mother of Guru Arjan Dev.

Background

Bhai Gurdas, who was the only child of his parents, lost his mother when he was barely three and his father when he was 12. He had spent his early years at Goindval and Sultanpur Lodhi. At the former place, he had the opportunity of listening to many men of knowledge and spiritual attainment who kept visiting the town which fell on the Delhi-Lahore road. At that time the city was the religious centre of the Sikhs.

Bhai Gurdas later proceeded to Varanasi where he studied Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures, subsequently he was initiated into Sikhism. He was then sent as a missionary of the Sikh Guru to spread the teaching of Guru Nanak. He made extensive visits to Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, Burhanpur, Rajasthan, Jammu and the Chamba hills, preaching Guru Nanak's words.

Adi Granth inscribed in Amritsar

Bhai Gurdas ji with Baba Buddha ji

After the passing of Guru Ram Das, in 1581, Bhai Gurdas returned to the Punjab, where he first visited Goindval and thence proceeded to Amritsar to pay his obeisance to Guru Arjan, Guru Ram Das's successor. He made Amritsar his home and through his devotion and love of learning carved for himself a pre-eminent position among the Guru's disciples.

When the Guru compiled the Adi Granth containing the hymns of the Gurus and those of some saints and sufis, Bhai Gurdas inscribed the the entire text. Though the original copy was once turned over to Guru Tegh Bahadur after an attempt on the ninth Guru's life, it was returned at the wish of the Guru to Dhir Mall, the elder son of Baba Gurditta and a grandson of Guru Hargobind. Though many hope that the original Bir as penned by Bhai Gurdas will one day return to the possession of the Panth, the original Granth is still in the possession of the family of Dhir Mall's descendants at Kartarpur, in Jalandhar district of the Punjab. (Some have pointed out that had the Adi Granth been in the library of the Darbar Sahib during 1984's attack the Original Bir would most likely have been lost in the fires that destroyed so many priceless treasures of Sikh History.)

Sewadar and dedicated academic

Bhai Gurdas also contributed the labour of his hands to the excavation of the sacred pool at Amritsar (1577). He was chosen to recite the Gurus' hymns to Emperor Akbar when he visited Kartarpur in 1596-97 on his way back from a military campaign.

As the tradition goes, the Emperor had been incited by Prithi Chand and his supporters against Guru Arjan saying that the hymns he was planning to compile into a volume had an anti-Muslim tone. As Bhai Gurdas read out verses selected at random, the Emperor was deeply impressed with their spiritual content.

Respected Sikh leader

When Guru Hargobind, Nanak Vl, decided to construct the Akal Takht (lit. Throne of the Timeless (a reference to God)) in front of the Harmandar Sahib , he entrusted the task to the two most revered Sikhs of the time, Bhai Gurdas and Bhai Buddha, the latter who had been blessed by Guru Nanak himself.

Bhai Gurdas Library in Amritsar in his Honour

Bhai Gurdas was assigned to look after the premises. Guru Hargobind also appointed him to teach his young son (the future (Guru) Tegh Bahadur, the ancient classics. Bhai Buddha also trained the Guru's son in the manly arts of archery and horsemanship.

Esteemed scholar and brave soldier

Bhai Gurdas led a batch of Sikhs to Gwalior where Guru Hargobind had been detained under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. He was present at the weddings of the Guru's sons Baba Gurditta (April 1621) and Baba Suraj Mall (April 1629). He offered ardas at the death in 1621 of Mata Ganga, the Widow of Guru Arjan. He also recited Scripture and offered ardas at the time of Baba Buddha's death on 8 September 1631.

Philosopher and Chief scribe

Bhai Gurdas continued as the 'bulwark' of Sikhi for many years. He was the expounder and exemplar of the Sikh way of life. He was a man of wide learning especially in ancient texts and philosophy who devoted his exceptional talents to preaching the Sikh faith. He composed verse which is valued for its vigorous, fast paced style and for its vivid exposition of the teaching of the Gurus.

His poetry, now available in two volumes, in Punjabi, Varan Bhai Gurdas and in Braj, Kabitt Savaiyye, is often sung along with gurbani, the Gurus' words, at holy congregations. Guru Arjan put his seal of approval on the Varan Bhai Gurdas by designating it as the "key" to the Sikh Holy Scripture.

Bhai Gurdas, who never married, died at Goindval on Bhadon suds 5,1693 13k/25 August 1636.

See also

Important Shabads

Download Bhai Sahib's Bani

These files are in Acrobat Reader pdf format

External Links

Search the Varan

Most sites have incomplete coverage and translation into English

BIBLIOGRAPHY

  • 1. Copyright © Harbans Singh "The encyclopedia of Sikhism. Vol III."
  • 2. Jaggi, Ratan Siligh, Bhai Gurdas Jivan Te RachnaPatiala, 1974
  • 3. Sardul Singh, Bhai Gurdas. Patiala, 1961
  • 4. Nripinder Singh, The Sikh moral tradition, Delhi 1990.
  • 5. Darshan Singh. Bhai Gurdas Sikhi de pahile viakhiakar, Patiala, 1986.