Bhai Kuram: Difference between revisions

Bhai Kuram (approx between 1581 - 1650)
Name:	Kuram Singh Labana
Native:	Vill. lambian, Mohali
Linked with:	Gurudwara Amb Sahib
Other Info:	Rich - well known trader, Have many Mango Gardens

Bhai Kuram Singh, a Labana by caste, was a resident of village Lambian. He was a Sikh during the times of Guru Arjun and Guru Har Rai. Bhai Kuram came to Amritsar to respect and have a glimpse of Guru Arjan. During his visit, mangoes were in season. Many visitors were coming to attend the darbar of the now famous Sikh Guru, the great Guru Arjan. The place was heaving with devotees. Many followers were presenting their gifts and offerings to the Guru. Followers from Kabul had brought with them large sumptuous ripe mangoes. In those days Kabul was famous for its mangoes.

Bhai Kuram Singh felt sorry that he had come from the land of mangoes but had not brought with him any mangoes while many others from his region were carrying large loads of these delicious fruits. When the darbar concluded that night, the ripe mangoes were distributed as Parshad (blessed food). After receiving their parshad, the followers retired to their deras (sleeping quarters) for the night. Bhai Kuram Singh did not eat the mango given to him as parshad. Next day he got up in the morning, took bath and took the mango received as parshad and offered the same back in darbar that morning.

The great Guru Arjan called Bhai Kuram and said "This mango was given to you as parshad but you have offered the same here".

Bhai Kuram Singh very humbly bowed before the Guru and requested "Your Highness, I have come from the land of mangoes but had not brought any for offering to you, so I retained this for offering to you today".

Guru Ji ordered him to eat the fruit and promised him that his offerings will be accepted by the Guru one day.

During Guru Har Rai

On the first day of Poh (during mid-December), as promised by Guru Arjan, the next Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai came to the spot which is now marked by Gurdwara Amb Sahib which is situated at Mohali (Punjab) from Kurukshetra. Guru ji asked about Bhai Kuram and was informed that Bhai sahib was deeply engrossed in meditation in the garden. Guru Ji came to him and ordered Bhai Kuram Singh to fulfil his promise of giving mangoes to the Guru. Bhai Kuram was shocked and confused as mangoes were not in season. He very politely and humbly informed Guru ji that he is unable to comply as fruit was not in season.

He informed Guru ji that with the best will in the world, he could not fulfil his wish again. On hearing this, Guru ji asked him to look up into the mango tree. To Bhai sahib surprise, the mango tree was full of ripe fruits. Bhai Kuram Singh was astonished and humbly touched the feet of the great Guru. Guru Ji asked him to offer the mangoes to the sangat. Obeying the Guru, Bhai Kuram Singh served mangoes to the Guru and the sangat fulfilling his deep wish of many year before.

At this historical site stands the famous shrine called Gurudwara Amb Sahib ("amb" means "mango" in Punjabi) which has the blessings of the great Guru Har Rai. At this place, the Guru blessed his Gursikh, Bhai Kuram, who now felt contented and at peace having fulfilled his ambition by witnessing mangoes out of season.

• Another shrine linked to Bhai Kuram ji is Gurudwara Angitha Sahib(Mohali) where Yaadgar (rememberance) of Bhai Kuram Singh is situated.