Mahant Tirath Singh Ji: Difference between revisions

Mahant Tirath Singh Ji 'Seva Panthi' was the 12th spiritual descendant of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji.

Mahant Tirath Singh Ji

Mahant Sahib was born on Feb 12, 1925 in the village Jandan Wala, in district Mianwali, in the North Western part of the Punjab province, now in Pakistan. He was born to Bhai Tara Singh, a well known devout Sikh of exemplary moral character, who had unwavering faith in the Gurbani, and who besides his Nitnem, would recite upwards of 5 Sukhmani Sahib paaths everyday.

Early Life

Mahant Sahib, early in his childhood was enrolled in the local school where he was taught to read and write Urdu. He was an excellent student and an avid sportsman, especially excelling in Volley Ball. He then passed his Matriculation examination and the 'Gyani' studies, which is equivalent to a B.A.(Hons) in Punjabi, with honors.

His life took an uncommon turn at the age of 15. An honored saint Sant Bhai Asa Singh Ji visited his father, Bhai Tara Singh's home at while there, his kind eyes came to rest upon young Bhai Tirath Singh, who was at the time not keeping good health. Sant Bhai Asa Singh Ji who was always kindhearted and nurturing, asked Bhai Tara Singh if he could take Bhai Tirath Singh with him to his Dharamsala at Noorpur. He promised to take care of him. So with his father's consent, Bhai Tirath Singh came to Noorpur and was presented to then Mahant of the dharamsala, Mahant Bhai Gulab Singh Ji. Sant Bhai Asa Singh Ji requested Mahant Gulab Singh Ji to take this exceptional young man under his wing and to bring him up. At the Noorpur Seva Panthi asthan, young Bhai Tirath Singh ji learnt Gurbani, memorized several Banis, continued advancing his education and learnt the protocols, mannerisms and traditions of the dharamsala as well. There he met and was inspired by many prominent Sadhus, who gave his life a spiritual meaning and helped him to imbibe the Divine Word, equity, and the spirit of rendering humanitarian service. They taught him how to practice celibacy, modesty and purity. In addition, there was an unending flow of religious scholars, theologists, poets and raagis, who would come to the Dharamsala to meet with with Mahant Gulab Singh Ji. These new associations and contacts molded his thoughts giving him new insight into the spiritual, religious, social and practical aspects of life. His perception of things, distinguishing right from wrong, truth from untruth, reality from falsehood, changed dramatically. He was able to discern the beauty of righteousness from the ugliness of false ego and illusory Maya. Divine truths were being revealed to him and he now began to understand the path before him. Imbued with Divine love, he soon decided to follow the Gurmat Maryada and the ways of pure and holy souls around him.

Induction into the 'Seva Panthis'

Seeing young Bhai Tirath Singh evolve into a pious soul, Mahant Gulab Singh Ji, prophesized that he would acquire more knowledge and spiritual wisdom and that one day he will shine like a bright star and will be known for his great spirituality and divine knowledge. He will also enlighten the sangat with discourses from the Gurbani and provide them with practical insights on how to live a life of purity as taught by the scriptures. On one occasion, while Mahant Bhai Jawahar Singh Ji of the Mitha Tiwana Seva Panthi dera was visiting, he foretold that young Bhai Tirath Singh will be initiated into the Seva Panthi fold by Sant Bhai Asa Singh Ji and under his discipleship he will be establish several educational, charitable and religious institutions. All of these prophecies came true and dozens of institutions, large and small, were founded and subsequently flourished under the leadership and benevolent guidance of Mahant Tirath Singh Ji. Mahant Gulab Singh Ji and Mahant Jawahar Singh Ji arranged for young Bhai Tirath Singh to attend Gurmat Taksal at Dera Sant Bhai Amir Singh, Satto Wali Gali, Amritsar, to learn etymological annotation, philology and Gurbani grammmar from Sant Amir Singh Ji Seva Panthi, who was the most well renowned scholar and annotator of Sikh Scriptures of his time. He also was introduced to and later lived with Sant Bhai Nischal Singh Ji, the first President of the All India Seva Panthi Addan Shahi Sabha, Amritsar, and acquired a good deal of theological knowledge and experience from him.