Bhai Joga Singh
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.
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.
As he halted for a night at Hoshiarpur, not far from his destination, Anandpur, he fell for the charms of a beautiful courtesan. Kalghidhar disguised himself as a mace-bearer and started guarding the house of the prostitute to save his devotee from hell. 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 at Anandpur with humility, and unashamedly told other Sikhs of how he had practically fallen and how he had been saved by the Guru's grace. A gurudwara named after Bhai Joga Singh existed in Peshawar until 1947.
Related Articles
Also see: Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh, Peshawar
