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Pir Budhu Shah was a Muslim saint who lived at Sidhaura in Himachal Pradesh. His original name was Sayyid Badr-ud-din. He was born on June 13, 1641, in a rich Sayyid family of Sadhaura. From his childhood he was imbued with spiritualism and realization of God. As he took no interest in worldly affairs and spoke little, he was called Budhu or stupid. Being a Sayyid, Shah was added to his name. When he grew up to manhood, people considered him a man of God, and designated him Pir or a saint. The epithet of Budhu Shah stuck to him. He became Pir Budhu Shah. While Guru Gobind Rai was staying at Paonta, the Pir was touring the hilly areas. The Pir came to know that Guru Gobind Rai, the tenth embodiment in the line of Guru Nanak, was staying at Paonta. He went to see the Guru, in a palanquin, as it was the fashion among kings and emperors of those times to move with royal pomp and show, in palanquins, with attendants and servants. The audience with the Guru gave him the peace of mind which the study of religious books, prayers and meditation had not given. His mind was cleared of all doubts after exchange of views with the Guru. The difference of ‘That is yours and this is mine’ had disappeared from his mind. The Pir could see everything belongs to one God, when he left for Sidhaura. After the first meeting it became routine for Pir Budhu Shah to visit the Guru. He no more needed a palanquin to visit the Guru. He came to realise that the Guru’s fight was not for any kingdom but against the tyranny which was being perpetrated against the poor people. Religion was being used as an excuse to commit tyranny. He got five hundred Pathans (Natives of Afghanistan) who had been dismissed from Aurangzeb’s army for being Shi’ah Muslim, enrolled with the Guru. Before starting the War of Bhangani’, the hill states’ rajas tempted and enticed four hundred of these five hundred Pathans to join them. When Pir Budhu Shah came to know this disloyalty of the Pathans, he came to the Guru’s aid with his seven hundred followers, four sons and two brothers. Fierce battle was fought at Bhangani. Two of his sons attained martyrdom in the battle. The army of the hill rajas suffered heavy casualties in the war and their forces were routed. After the war was over, the Pir came to take leave from the Guru to go back to Sidhaura. The Guru asked the Pir, “You have rendered great help to me in this war. You may ask if you have any special wish. Your wish will be fulfilled from the ‘House of Nanak’.” At the time, the Guru was combing his hair. The Pir said to the Guru, “If you are so pleased with my services, be kind enough to grant me this comb with your hair entangled in it.” The Guru gave the comb with the hair to Pir Budhu Shan. Later on Maharaja Bharpur Singh of Nabha state obtained that comb and hair from the descendants of the Pir after paying the sum asked by them. When Aurangzeb came to know that the Pir had helped the Guru in the ‘War of Bhangani’ he sent Usman Khan with a force to Sidhaura. Usman Khan arrested the Pir and to punish the Pir for helping the Guru, he was martyred by burying alive. Baba Banda Singh Bahadur avenged the Pir Budhu Shah’s execution in 1709 by storming Sadhaura and punishing ‘Usman Khan. The ancestral house of Pir Budhu Shah in Sadhaura has since been converted into a Gurdwara named after Pir Buddhu Shah. Source: http://singhstation.net/2014/06/sacrifice-pir-budhu-shah-guru-gobind-singh-ji/

Amritsar: The All-India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) led by Karnail Singh Peer Mohammed has given a call for Punjab bandh for November 1 to to mark the 30th anniversary of Operation Bluestar - Addressing a press conference, AISSF President Peer Mohammed, accompanied by Jagdish Kaur, a key witness in the Sajjan Kumar case, said the bandh call was meant to protest the “injustice” to the anti-Sikh riot victims and the “patronage” given to Congress leaders allegedly involved in the carnage. He added it has been three decades since Sikhs were massacred in the aftermath of Indira Gandhi’s assassination, but justice continued to elude those who bore the brunt of the riots. Jagdish Kaur and her son Gurdeep Singh Goldy said they were depending on the support of the people of Punjab for justice as they were disappointed with the Indian justice system. They urged the people to support their bandh call. AISSF President stated that despite recommendations of Nanavati Commission, . successive Congress governments at the Centre have provided shelter to Congress leaders involved in riots, they alleged. Since BJP-SAD is now in power at Delhi “We expect the BJP-led NDA government to take the cases against Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar to their logical end,” they said. http://singhstation.net/2014/10/1984-riots-aissf-calls-punjab-bandh-november-1/

When and how did the custom of displaying photos of deceased person start, is difficult to say. But this custom is increasing day by day like a bitter creeper. Beside paying false homage to the deceased person, another wrong tradition that has found a way in Sikhism is the display of a photograph of the deceased in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib or slightly echeloned. Thus who comes and bows his head before Sri Guru Granth Sahib also pays his respect to the deceased in the same form. Adoring these large sized photographs with garlands have also become a common features, as if a very highly spiritual personality has departed and his memory is being celebrated. All the same whosoever may be the deceased person, exhibition of his portrait before or in the close vicinity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is apostasy. It is self will, improper and purposeless. And the office bearers or leaders of many religious institutions sitting in the Sangat do not even speak against such false and anti Gurmat practices. A much greater irony is that such people who have religious tendencies and posses adequate awareness of Gurmat also make statements of praise in favour of the deceased person instead of saying a word against this self willed tradition. This gives a false assurance to the family that whatever way they have organised and conducted the proceedings was in accordance with Gurmat. No leader, missionary of Raaggi has expressed a word of criticism. Thus the anti Gurmat traditions get an encouragement are are on the increase day by day. Which Brahmanic tradition is not followed in a Sikh home during the Bhog ceremony of a deceased person. Offerings off clothing, bedding, utensils, fruits, sweets and umbrella are made and displayed before the gatherings. Instead of a Brahmin all these things will be taken away by a Granthi. We seem to be forgetting the follows command and warning of our Guru: Jab ih gahai bipran ki rit. Main na karon in ki prafit. The lines before the above are: Jab lagg khalsa rahai niara. Tab lag tej dio main sara. In case we wish to STOP anti Gurmat traditions, our managements, Granthi, preachers, missionaries and every Sikh needs to understand the above lines and act accordingly. Quotes like above will have to be propagated in Sangat. The leaders will have to come forward fearlessly like Akali Phoola Singh. Every Sikh must be aware of the Sikh Maryada and Sikh principles and will have to preach and propagate them with body, mind and soul. One must raise one’s voice wherever procedure contrary to the Sikh Rehat Maryada is followed. Beside adopting preachings and other means, the quintessence of Sadd(u) Bani of Guru Amar Das Ji that depicts his will in matters related to death rites of a Sikh will have to be explained in clear terms. Only then would these wrong traditions be removed from the body social of Sikhism. http://singhstation.net/2014/10/displaying-photo-deceased-front-guru-granth-sahib-ji/

Faridkot: Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) member, Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal was re-arrested on Thursday evening within minutes after stepping out of the prison. Daduwalwas granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court two days ago only. He has been jailed again under Section 107/151 of CrPC by the police (disturbing the peace) under arrest until October 17. Daduwal was arrested on August 22 for his alleged involvement in two criminal cases relating to possession of illegal firearms. As Daduwal was to be released today, a large number of his supporters had started gathering outside the jail premises since early morning to receive him. Amid heavy deployment of police, Daduwal’s supporters and family members were kept at a distance of 200 metres from the main jail building. He was released around 6 pm but as he stepped out of the jail, the police against took him into custody. As the main entrance to the jail was blocked by Daduwal’s supporters, the police kept him in preventive custody in a residential flat on the jail premises for the next 40 minutes. The police then produced him before duty magistrate Harjit Singh Sidhu. Daduwal was booked under Section 151 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The police claimed he was an “imminent danger to the peace or likelihood of breach of peace under Section 107 of the CrPC”. At the time of filing this report, the duty magistrate said the police were preparing reports under Sections 107 and 151 of the CrPC for the preventive arrest of Daduwal. Sources in the police said the duty magistrate sent Daduwal in judicial custody till October 16 as he failed to furnish bail bonds. Gurmeet Singh, Daduwal’s father-in-law, alleged the police enacted a high drama to stall his release from the jail. “We were apprehensive of Daduwal being arrested in another case after his release. This was the reason why a heavy posse of police was deployed around the jail so that none of his supporters can have an access to him at the time of his release,” he said. “The main aim behind keeping Daduwal in preventive custody till October 16 is to stop him from campaigning against the Akali Dal candidate from Mandi Kallianwali seat in the Haryana Assembly elections,” he said. The elections will be held on October 15. Daduwal, the native village of Baljit Singh, is part of the Kallianwali constituency. Gurmeet claimed his son-in-law had said that he would campaign against the SAD candidate after his release from jail. It’s sad poll strategy: kin “The main aim behind keeping Daduwal in preventive custody till October 16 is to stop him from campaigning against the Akali Dal candidate from Mandi Kallianwali seat in the Haryana Assembly elections. the police enacted a high drama to stall his release from the jail” Gurmeet Singh, Daduwal’s father-in-law Had got bail from HC Religious leader Baljit Singh Daduwal was granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court He was arrested on August 22 for his alleged involvement in two criminal cases relating to possession of illegal firearms Daduwal was taken into preventive custody immediately after he stepped out of the Faridkot Central Jail around 6 pm The police booked him under Section 151 of the Criminal Procedure Code http://singhstation.net/2014/10/released-jail-baba-baljit-singh-daduwal-re-arrested/

Years ago, in village gurdwaras, Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib ji was done on a small Manji ( a small cot) placed on a raised dais made of wood or steel (also called the Takht Posh). Over the head used to be a Chandoa ( sometimes also called Chandani), generally made of simple cotton Fulkari (cloth). Chandani can be built easily by tying strings or ribbons to the four corners of a piece of cloth, and attach the ribbons to four hooks implanted in the walls or in the ceiling. However with time, Palki seems to be a new development and fairly new invention especially in western countries. The gigantic sized palki sahibs seems to be a new concept in modern Gurdwara Sahibs where hundreds of thousand dollars are spent just on an expensive palki thereby creating competition among Gurdwaras. In the west, people seems to be casually doing all the elegant things. People don’t want to spend time in putting the big Chandoa on the ceiling considering it will leave marks on their ceiling and an added hassle as well. Gurdwara Committees as well as the Kirtani Jathas are equally responsible towards this move as they provide the biggest support to such move and instead of asking the family to put big Chandoa, they also tell them not to worry and that palki should be enough. Baba Mohan ji handing over the pothis to Guru Arjan Dev ji In the Sikh tradition, we read about the use of Palki for the first time when Guru Arjan Dev ji brought the sacred four pothis of Gurbani from Goindwal Sahib to Amritsar Sahib. Also take an example of a Royal court where a King used to sit on an open throne fully visible to his audience and not sitting in a palki. Accordingly, while conducting a diwan, we should always install Guru Granth Sahib ji on a Manji (a throne and not in a palki) with Chandoa (canopy) on the top and accompained by a chaur. According to a press statement given by Giani Joginder Singh ji Vaidanti to the Tribune Newspaper in 2003, the then Jathedar of Akal Takhat Sahib, he warned “granthis” and others on the issue of “chandoa” (cloth canopy) Palki (planquin) was a mere carrier or container of the holy Granth Sahib and a full-fledged “chandoa” must be placed over Guru Granth Sahib, he asserted. The scripture should normally be placed out of the “palki” in its “parkash” but in case the “parkash” was done inside the palki then a big chandoa must be fixed over head and the violators of this religious maryada would proceeded against, he warned. No doubt, Palki has a definite place in Satkaar (respect) of Dhan Guru Granth Sahib ji but the use of Palki is to transport Guru Sahib from one place to another. In Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, the palki as during the days of Gurus, is used every day only to carry Guru Granth Sahib ji from Sri Akal Takht Sahib to Sri Darbar Sahib and then used to bring back to Akal Takht Sahib at night. Thus Palki is like a vehicle to respectfully move Guru Sahib from one place to another and it is a Manmat to do Prakash of Guru Sahib in a Palki. Prakash must be done on Takhat Sahib with Manji Sahib on top and Chandoya Sahib on the ceiling. Palki seems to be a new development and as in Darbar Sahib in Amritsar Sahib, Prakash should be on a Manji with Chandoa on the ceiling. Considering the times of Guru Sahibaans and history, Chandoa feels right and is puratan tradition that is still carried out at sri Darbar Sahib. Bhul chuk di muafi http://singhstation.net/2014/09/maryada-putting-big-chandoa-vanishing/

EARLIER LIFE Guru Ramdas ji earlier known as Bhai Jetha was born at Chuna Mandi, Lahore in the house of Bhai Hari Das, a Khatri of the Sodhi clan and Anup Devi on 24 September 1534 (25 Assu, Sammat 1591). His parents were too poor to meet even the daily needs and he had to earn his living by selling boiled and salted grams (brown chana). Both the parents of Bhai Jetha expired when he was only seven years of age. Being left as an orphan, his nani (grandmother) took him to Baserke, her village. His grand-parents were also very poor. When he grew up, he started selling sweetened grams (ghunganian) to make his living. Once Bhai Jetha happened to hear about Guru Amardas ji and then he joined a group of devotees to visit him at Goindwal. There he was enchanted with the holy atmosphere of Goindwal and decided to settle there. There he resumed his profession of selling boiled grams and he also began to take part in the religious congregations held by Guru Amardas Sahib. He also made active participation in the development of Goindwal Sahib. Here, he also started studying langiages, such, Gurmukhi, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu and Persian. MARRIAGE TO BIBI BHANI Bhai Jetha Ji was very handsome and grew tall. He also took keen interest in Sikhism and used to remain busy serving the congregation after his day’s work of selling boiled and salted grams. Bibi Bhani had been also busy in serving the congregation of Guru Amardas Ji. Both were growing up as goods Sikhs with great interest in learning about Sikhism and its principles. In due course the far-sighted Guru Amar Das got Bhai Jetha married to his daughter Bibi Bhani. Inspite of becoming the son-in-law of Guru Amardas ji, Bhai Jetha treated him as ‘Guru’ andAfter the marriage, he stayed with his father-in-law and deeply associated himself with the activities of Sikhism in the Gurdwara. Bhai Jetha Ji and Bibi Bhani Ji had three sons; Prithi Chand Ji, Mahadev Ji and Arjan Dev Ji (Guru) Ji and commanded full confidence of Guru Amardas ji and often accompanied him when the latter went on long missionary tours to different parts of India. CHAK RAMDAS Bhai Jetha was directed by Guru Amar Das to set up a new township at the site marked by the Guru. This place was called ‘Guru-Chak’, later known as Chak Ramdas or Ramdaspura. Subsequently when Guru Ram Das had a holy pool constructed on this spot, the place came to be known as Amristsar or the ‘Pool of Immortality’. Phrase came to be associated with the tank dug at Amritsar which was “Ramdas Sarovar Nahate, Sab uttre paap kamate“ The water to the tank was brought from River Ravi, a rare feat in those days. The new city (Chak Ramdas Pur) flourished soon as it was situated at the centre of international trade routes. It grew into an important center of trade in Punjab after Lahore. Guru Ramdas Sahib himself invited many merchants and artisans from the different walks of life and trades. Later on, it proved to be step of far-reaching importance. It provided a common place of worship to the Sikhs and paved the way for the future guidelines for Sikhism as a different religion. Guru Ram Das Sahib introduced Masand system in place of Manji system and this step played a great role in the consolidation of Sikhism. BECOMING GURU RAM DAS As Guru Amardas ji was getting older, he was in search of his successor. Guru ji’s eldest daughter, Bibi Dani was married to Rama ji who was a zealous Sikh. He used to work in Guru’s kitchen and administer the needs of the pilgrims. One day he put both of his son-in-laws, Rama ji and Bhai Jetha to test. He asked them to make a platform beside the Baoli. They both made the platform many times, but the Guru did not approve of either of the platforms saying that these are not what I desired. At this, Rama ji gave up and dissnted and said that it was exactly as Guru ji had told and that he fully understood the requirements to fully conform to them. After a long argument he refused to build it third time and said that Guru ji was having a lapse of memory because of his advancing age. Bhai Jetha ji however pleaded, “I am a fool, I am erring and of mean understanding, while you possess all knowledge”. He demolished it again and rebuilt the third time. The Guru ji continued to find the fault with it untill it was destroyed and rebuilt seven times. Jetha ji was in tears and fell at Guru ji’s feet and begged, “I am a fool and with my limited understanding, cannot comprehend your vision. Kindly bless me so that my hands do your bidding and I may be able to erect the platform of your vision.” On hearing this, Guru Amardas ji smiled and blessed him saying, “Obeying my order, you have built the platform seven times, without any expectation. The Guru’s throne rightfully belongs to you.” Baba Budha ji annotated Jetha and renamed him to Guru Ramdas. Guru Amar Das ji placed coconut and five paisa at his feer and declared him as his successor Guru. Before his departure, Guru Amar Das ji also handed over the written records of previous Gurus to him at the time of his succession. GURBANI AND SEWA Guru Ram Das continued the tradition of Kirtan (holy music), langar and sewa (selfless service). During his Guruship period, Guru Ram Das always emphasized the value of sewa, which should be the primary duty of every Sikh and his family. Besides every Sikh should be engaged in honest labour during which the name of God should always be on ones lips. This would bring happiness in the world and mukti or liberation from the painful process of birth and death. Guru Ramdas ji strengthened the Sikhism a step further by composing Four Lawans and advised the Sikhs to recite them in order to solemnize the marriages of their children. Thus he introduced a new matrimonial system based upon Sikhism instead of Hindu’s Vedi system. Thus this distinct marriage code for the Sikhs separated them from the orthodox and traditional Hindu system. also made rapprochement with different sects of Udasis through Baba Shri Chand Ji. He, like his predecessors carried forward the tradition of Guru ka Langer. Superstitions, caste system and pilgrimages were strongly decried. He wrote 638 hymns in 30 ragas, these include 246 Padei 138 Saloks, 31 Ashtpadis and 8 Vars and are a part of Guru Granth Sahib. LAST DAYS AND PASSING OF GURUSHIP He nominated his youngest son (Guru) Arjan Dev Ji as Fifth Nanak. After this he left Amritsar and retired to Goindwal Sahib. There, after a few days he passed away on September 1, 1581 (Bhadon Sudi 3rd (2nd Assu) Samvat 1638. http://singhstation.net/2014/10/journey-bhai-jetha-dhan-guru-ramdas-ji/

Gurdwara Jandalisar in Kotshamir turned into police chawni today soon after the news of Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal expected release from Faridkot modern jail on thursday. After Daduwal’s arrest in August, local Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee member, Amrik Singh Kotshamir, along with his supporters, had taken over the management of the gurdwara, claiming people did not want Daduwal to return to the sacred place. Apprehensive that Daduwal’s return to the Gurdwara may lead to tension between warring groups in the village, heavy police force has been deployed surrounding the area to avoid any law and order issue. Before his arrest, Daduwal managed the gurdwara for over seven years. Amrik Singh said a five-member committee of village residents had been constituted to manage the affairs of the gurdwara. He said Daduwal would be allowed to pay obeisance at the gurdwara just like any other devotee but would not be allowed to stay there. Ajaib Singh, a member of the committee also echoed Amrik’s sentiments and said Daduwal would not be allowed to stay at the gurdwara. Daduwal’s belongings are still in the gurdwara and his room was locked after his arrest. SP (headquarters) Jasvir Singh said the police force had been deployed as a routine affair and no extraordinary deployment had been made. http://singhstation.net/2014/10/gurdwara-jandalisar-turns-police-chawni-ahead-daduwals-release/