Freed

Gurfateh !

On the left hand side of the Darshani Deori of Siri Darbar Sahib, there is a gilded panel that is inscribed with the description of a 'Kudrati Chamatkar' - a 'Miracle of Nature' that occured in 1877 - where a ball of light appeared in Sri Darbar Sahib at amrit vele.

Does any one have any details about this ? -

The Darshani Deori and the panel - on the left

A detail

A very sweet unknown 'Gurmukh Piara' who when he saw me filming the panel in 1999 - gave an impromptu 'voice over' - before I had a chance to thank him, he had disappeared - Siri Darbar Sahib is always full of beautiful people like that - I always have great experiences and the joy of meeting Beautiful Gursikhs.

The film and 'voice over' (Apologies for the shaky camera work)

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...73&hl=en-GB

The text of the panel

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਵਿਚ ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਚਮਤਕਾਰ

ਸਭਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਗਯਾਤ ਲਈ ਦਸਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਵਿਚ ੩੦ ਅਪ੍ਰੈਲ ੧੮੭੭ ਨੂੰ ਸਵੇਰੇ ਦੇ ੪-੩੦ ਵਜੇ ਇਕ ਅਜਬ ਖੇਲ ਵਰਤਿਆ | ਕੋਈ ਚਾਰ ਕੁ ਸੌ ਪ੍ਰੇਮੀ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਵਿਚ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਦਾ ਆਨੰਦ ਲੈ ਰਹੇ ਸਨ ਜਦ ਕਿ ਅਚਨਚੇਤ ਹੀ ਬਿਜਲੀ ਦੀ ਲਿਸ਼ਕ ਦਿਸੀ | ਉਹ ਇਕ ਵੱਡੀ ਰੌਸ਼ਨੀ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਕਲ ਵਿਚ ਪਹਾੜ ਦੀ ਬਾਹੀ ਦੇ ਦਰਵਾਜ਼ੇ ਵਿਚੌਂ ਆਈ ਤੇ ਠੀਕ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਸਾਹਮਣੇ ਗੋਲਾ ਜਿਹਾ ਬਣਕੇ ਫਟੀ ਅਤੇ ਚਾਨਣ ਹੀ ਚਾਨਣ ਕਰਕੇ ਦਖਣੀ ਦਰਵਾਜ਼ੇ ਥਾਣੀ ਇਕ ਰੌਸ਼ਨੀ ਦੀ ਲੀਕ ਹੋਕੇ ਨਿਕਲ ਗਈ | ਭਾਵੇਂ ਇਸ ਦੇ ਫਟਣ ਸਮੇਂ ਬੜੀ ਭਿਆਨਕ ਤੇ ਜ਼ੋਰ ਦੀ ਆਵਾਜ਼ ਆਈ ਪਰ ਅੰਦਰ ਬੈਠੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਮੀ, ਅਮਾਰਤ ਜਾਂ ਚੀਜ਼ ਨੂੰ ਕਿਸੇ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ ਦਾ ਕੋਈ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਨਾ ਪੁਜਾ | ਇਸ ਅਲੌਕਿਕ ਦਿ੍ਰਸ਼ ਨੂੰ ਸਭ ਲੋਕੀ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਰਾਮ ਦਾਸ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਕੌਤਕ ਦਸਦੇ ਹਨ |

Please post any information you may have

Many Thanks

Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Gurfateh

Amrita Sher-Gil at the Tate Modern - Bankside

runs from 28 February – 22 April 2007

and it's FREE

http://tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/shergil/

I posted some in this thread

http://www.sikhawareness.com/sikhawareness...opic.php?t=8942

Janam Asthan of Mata Ji

http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/Gurudwaras/Gu...-Ji-Rohtas.html

Gurfateh and pyar bhari Sat Siri Akaal to all the Cyber sangatan and heritage lovers !

I always receive positive feedback for my posts on the wealth of Sikh and Punjabi heritage - in this post I have a humble Benti and request.

As this is the season when many of us go to Punjab I am posting an inventory of Nineteenth century Murals. It is my hope that this will inspire you to visit the sites and - here comes the humble request - PLEASE photograph what you find - and then PLEASE share your findings with the world - You can put watermarks on them,( if you're worried someone will steal them), you can post them on Flickr or on any of the many Sikh sites - but please SHARE them and help to archive the fast disappearing heritage of Punjab.

The inventory is over 20 years old so many may not exist or you may have trouble getting access - but that's part of the fun - 'the hunt'.

Majha Malva and Doaba are all represented and if your going to Pakistani Punjab so is West Punjab - So unless you get bogged down with the 'visiting long lost relatives' part of a trip to Punjab you've got no excuse - take your camera everywhere and remember SHARE your findings!

**Note - I must admit - the request is not that 'humble' or innocent - as you all know I have an obssession for pictures so I'm always looking for new ones - but hey my heart is in the right place - isn't it ? !

Here is the inventory

* Taken from Punjab Painting - R P Srivatava - Abhinav - 1983

Get out there and take some pictures !!

Gurfateh

Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

You've hit the nail on head Amandeep !

Alka Pande in her research has called this "The pure and struggling" versus "the bastardised and flourishing"

Mirasis are the custodians of punjabi folk - but due to economic reasons and having to compete with modern 'video' artists they are forced to use modern instruments - to attract the punters (anyone who has been to a wedding in the pind will know the utter joy on the faces of kids and adults at the sight of a 'Saturday Night Fever' style flashing disco dance floor!). In her research Pande has tried to collect examples of instruments - she says that many examples no longer exist or if they do no one knows how to play them - she also tells of the sad story of instrument makers who nowadays just make items for the own personal pleasure - no one buys them and their children have moved into other areas like furniture making.

Another point is cheap copies - or display items - she gives the example of 'Algozey' - not only is it hard to play, it is also hard to make as the reed is difficult to get right - the market is flooded with copies to be sold at melas - they are not meant to be played.

This brings in the case of modern Punjabi artists who repeat the old hackneyed mantra 'we are preserving punjabi Virsa' - but in reality use traditional instruments or copies of them as 'props' - the music is all sampled even the dhol and algozey - making sounds a human could never reproduce.

In the Gurdas Mann video all the instruments are modern and relatively easy to play - why spend years training under an ustad to play sarangi , tabla etc when you can get a fairly good sound out of Bongos and the mandolin - It's the old Harmonium vs Tanti Saaj argument again !

But all is not lost - I think to use the Indian phrase - NRIs can make a difference. Traditional artists are easily available in Punjab - they just need patrons - when we go to Punjab we should hire them - Many of us do go frequently to Punjab and hire musicians be they Raagis and Dhadhis for religious functions or Singers for weddings - be discriminating and hire quality artists not just the 'loudest' or those with the 'Funky' hairstyles (Naming no names !!)

Alka Pande's book is very good - it also includes a CD of traditional instruments - including Sarangi,Toombi ,Nagaara and all the Malvai gidda 'orchestra'

'From Mustard Fields to Disco Lights - Folk Music and the Musical Instruments of Punjab' - Alka Pande - Grantha - 1999

Shahbaash Shera !

I knew you wouldn't let the side down !

Aziz Mian isn't as scary as the Sabri brothers ! the one with the short hair has a freaky involuntary wink and the one with the long hair is just the stuff nightmares are made of !!

But when they open their mouths to sing - Wow ! amazing

I love the way the one with the long hair says the elongated ALLAH !

Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sings from the Kafis of Baba Bulleh Shah (1680 - 1758 AD) - One of the finest Punjabi Sufi poets.

A Kafi is a poem of spiritual love - Bulleh Shah's writing shows the influence not only of Sufi Islam but also Sikhi and Buddhism.

The kafi sung here is an adaptation of this one -

Meri Bukal de vich chor

Meri bukkal de vich chor

Sadho kisnu kuk sunava

Meri bukkal de vich chor

Kitey Ramdas kitey Fateh Muhammed

Iho kadimi shor

Musalman sive to chrhde

Hindu chirhde gor

Chuk gaya jhagre jhere

Nikal gaya koi hor

Sadho kisnu kuk sunava

Meri bukkal de vich chor

Jis dhudia tis payo nahi

Jhur Jhur hoya mor

Ap Sahib jis nu bhal laye

Mainu use di gat zor

Jehra lekh mathe da likhya

Kaun kare bhan tor

Sadho kis nu kuk sunava

Meri bukkal de vich chor

Pir Pira Baghdad asada

Murshid Takhat Lahore

Uh asi sabh ikko koi

Ap guddi ap dor

Tusi pakar laho main dasna ha

Bulha Shah da chugal Khor

Sadho kis nu kuk sunava

Meri Bukkal de vich Chor.

There is a thief in the wrappings around me ( my bosom)

There is a thief in the wrappings around me ( my bosom)

O hermits, whom should I tell There is a thief in the wrappings around me ( my bosom)

Somewhere He is RamDas, somewhere He is Fateh Muhammad

this is the cry from ancient times

Muslims fear being cremated and Hindus fear burial

All quarrels have ended now - someone else has Appeared

O hermits, whom should I tell that There is a thief in the wrappings around me ( my bosom)

The one who sought Him could not attain Him

he pined away like a peacock

Whoever the Lord seeks and finds

I feel stronger because of him

Whatever is written there on their forehead

who can change that ?

O hermits , whom shall I tell There is a thief in the wrappings around me ( my bosom)

My spritual guide is at Baghdad and preceptor at Lahore

They are one with me like the kite and the cord

Catch him and I shall tell you who is the back-biter of Bulleh Shah

O hermits, whom shall I tell There is a thief in the wrappings around me ( my bosom).

Enjoy the video - it's beautiful ! ( recorded 1989)

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...33&hl=en-GB

Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Need cheering up ?

- here are some great videos highlighting the rich folk heritage of Punjab - the videos are of varying quality

There's the excellent Malvai Giddha ( or babean da giddha) - with classic funny bolian - great stuff !

There's Jagmohan Kaur - singing Bulleh Shah and there's Gurdas Mann singing 'Challa' - There's also the 'Great Indian dancers' of Southall - while they may not be as 'Lithe' and Athletic as Punjabi college Bhangra teams - they are really just a bunch of Dads and Uncles , with some that have stomachs obviously maintained by pints of Mild ! - but they do a good job - with nice bolian and matching moves. I love the opening sequence name checking the 5 rivers and the " Sir te Kaffan ban de " bit .

Hope they bring you as much joy to you, as they do to me !

Malwai Giddha -

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...98&hl=en-GB

Gurdas Mann - Challa (From 1987)

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...40&hl=en-GB

Jagmohan Kaur - Bulleh Shah (From 1984)

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...89&hl=en-GB

The Great Indian Dancers - (from 1987)

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...03&hl=en-GB

If that has whetted your appetite check out this site - it has some great Traditional Artistes and tracks of not just Punjab but all India and some great videos and tracks to download.

http://www.beatofindia.com/mainpages/artists.htm

ENJOY !

Freed

Here is a qwaal from Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in praise of Sheikh Fareed Ganj Shakar - It has always been a favourite of mine - I love the use of Language and the way it builds up - wonderful !

It's from the Eid Concert held in Small Heath park , Birmingham UK in 1989

Mangabat-i-Fareed - in Praise of Fareed

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...49&hl=en-GB

If you like this you will love the complete concert - it was shown on BBC 2 in 1989 - The video includes a brief intro about Sufi and qwaali - including a brief glimpse of Ajmer Shareef - and some great footage of devotees in 'Mastt'. The concert includes 'Allah hoo' , 'Mangabat-i- Fareed' , 'Mast Qalander' ,'Mast Nazron' and 'Nit Khair Mangan'.

An interesting fact in the interview is that Nusrat Fateh ali Khan's family originally came from Afghanistan and then came to live in Jalandhar Punjab - so he is a fellow Doabi !

a great Concert !

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...90&hl=en-GB

Enjoy ! It's an amazing concert - I never get sick of watching it and I've had it for 18 years !

Here are some pictures ( I like to give 'value for money' in my posts !)

Here is the 'Chilla' of Sheikh Fareed in Faridkot - which owes it's name to Baba Farid - there is a legend that says that when Mokal the Bhatti rajput Chief was building the Fort, he forced the masses to do 'begar' free labour - Baba Fareed was also forced to do hard manual labour - however when he carried a basket of mud it floated above his head - when the chief found out - to atone for the sin of putting a saint to work he named the city 'Faridkot' . The Chilla commemorates this.

The Chilla

a painting of the Legend

The Dargah of Sheikh Baba Farid - Ganj Shakar - Pak Pattan Pakistan

For More Info try here ;

http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php?title=Farid

Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Sorry me again - meandering off topic - I just re read tSingh's post about the Dera Baba Charan Shah - about it being 'a motorcycle ride' way - just got a great mental image of you riding an indian motorcycle in a 'dhoti' - was that on the back indian side saddle style ?

reminds me of when I first went to India as a kid and seeing men wearing 'dhotis' - our local 'Arthya' (money lender) used to wear one , but as he was rich man (ripping off poor Jats !!) he would also wear it with black socks and a pair of brogues he bought in London !

Are you for real 'Chatanga' ? - or did you get a big wooden spoon for Christmas and just enjoying using it ?

I love the ' The sooner we get rid of stuff like these paintings the better..' line reminds me of the Late comic genius Bill Hicks and his 'Burn your CDs' rant.

Then again the Bill Hicks reference is not really hitting the SA target audience - anyone remember Bill Hicks ? - saw him 'live' once - hilarious - got to dig out that video

Anyway - whether you're taking the 'Michael' or not 'Chatanga' -- here is a glorious tuk of Gurbani - we should all do deep vichaar on -

Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib - Tilang Mahalla 1 Ghar 2 - Ang 725 ( Freedkot teeka page 1500)

Gurfateh !

At the weekend a Bhai Sahib showed me some of his pictures of the Gilded Panels that decorate the four doorways of Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib, Amritsar and asked for more information about the scenes they depict .The inscriptions on the panels give the names and addresses of the donors and only a little information, usually just names , of the figures they depict. I hope in this post to give a little information about the themes these panels depict - I have no pretensions of being a scholar - the information given is my personal opinion formed by a little research - please feel free to add your own views and any constructive criticism.

The panels are in the form of embossed brass - made by the craftsmen of Kucha Fakirkhana, Amritsar in the mid 19th century - they are perhaps some of the finest examples of their kind. The panels are arranged in groups of 3 above each of the 4 doors - 12 in total.

The themes of the panels can be divided into 4 distinct categories - depictions of the Guru Sahiban , The children of the Guru Sahiban, The Bhagats and Scenes from the Puranas.

There are 3 panels that depict the Guru Sahiban - in this panel Guru Nanak Sahib is shown with Saints ,Sants and Sages

details

There is a similar mural in the Akhara of Bala Nand , Amritsar - which names the saints as - on the left Bharthi Nath ji , Gorakh Nath ji and on the right Macchandar Nath ji

A side note , which I hope is not flippant - does anyone know why the saint - in the bottom right hand side corner - has what appears to be a 'Thaatee' - a cloth used by some Sikh men to press their beards - around his chin , does this have any significance ?

Mural - Akhara of Bala Nand

In context

In this panel Guru Gobind Singh Ji is depicted with Five Singhs

details

In this panel Guru Gobind Singh is shown surrounded by his beloved Singhs - perhaps before a battle - as the scene is very dynamic with lots of movement.

Note the Nagarchi - or mounted war drum player and the Singh carrying a Degh on his head.

details

Guru Gobind Singh is shown with Sahib Singh at the Vaisakhi of 1699 in this panel

In this panel Guru Gobind Singh is shown giving Amrit to the Panj Piaras and Mata Ji is also shown

detail

Baba Atal ji , the son of Guru Hargobind Sahib and Mata Nanaki - is shown in this panel - also showing the Ten Guru Sahiban

detail of Baba Atal ji

The Four Sahibzadas

details

In this panel the sons of Guru Nanak Sahib , Baba Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das are shown with Baba Ani Rai son of Guru Hargobind Sahib and Mata Nanaki.

Baba Gurditta ji , eldest son of Guru Hargobind Sahib and Mata Damodari is shown here with Suraj Mal ji , son of Guru Hargobind Sahib and Mata Maha Devi Marvahi - Suraj Mal's descendents are the Sodhis of Anandpur.

This panel has been described as a scene from Guru Nanak's Janamsakhi by T S Randhawa (2000) - however I believe it is a scene depicting The Jat , Dhanna Bhagat - Bhagat Dhanna's bani is included in the Guru Granth Sahib - and I believe the panel shows the famous Sakhi of Dhanna and the 'Thakaar' (idol) given to him by a brahmin . In The legend as recorded by R C Temple in 1880 - Dhanna asks the brahmin for an idol - who gives him a four 'ser' weight stone in exchange for a milch cow - Dhanna performs such devoted service that Krishna himself appears and says -

" Sun Bhai Dhanna , tain kini meri sev. Pheran halt , kiare khaddan , kam karesan ev. Gawwan Charan, kam sawaran, Sabhe janan bhev. Tain tan main nun tan man arpia; Sufal hove teri sev.- Dhanne da Har se laga neh."

(translation - Listen, Friend Dhanna; You have done me service (so) I will drive your Persian wheel, i will dig your field, - Thus I will work: I will graze your cows, I will work carefully, I know all the art. - As you have given yourself , body and soul, to me, Your service shall be fruitful. -- Dhanna's devotion was to Hari... )

In the panel you can see Dhanna and the Brahmin , Dhanna and his wife - you also see Krishna working the 'Halt' - persian wheel irrigation - working the fields and the tools of a Jat farmer

details

'Pheran Halt'

'Kiare khaddan'

Tools of a Jat

This panel is a depiction of the Samudran Manthan - the churning of the ocean - from the Puranas - as celebrated at the Kumbh Mela every 12 years

It relates the episode where having been cursed by Indra, the Adityas fearing they will lose their powers ask Brahma for a way to achieve Immortality - they are told to churn the Ocean to gain 'Amrit' - with the help of all the avatars they churn the ocean with the mountain 'Mandara' and using 'Vasuki' the snake - intially the mountain sank but 'Vishnu' came in his 'Turtle' avatar 'Kurma' - to support the churning.As they churned a great poison came forth - Which Shiva drank - Parvati his consort stopped the poison at his throat -( this explains why Shiva is called 'Neel Kanth' blue throated) - Then all manner of treasures came forth

* Sura, goddess and creator of wine

* Apsarases, various divine nymphs

* Kaustubha, the most valuable jewel in the world

* Uchhaishravas, the divine horse

* Kalpavriksha, the wish-granting tree

* Kamadhenu, the first cow and mother of all other cows

* Airavata, the elephant which is the steed of Indra

* Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune and Wealth

* Kali (Demon), personification of Kali yuga

Then finally came Dhanvantari - knower of all cures and medicines - with a 'Kumbh' of ' Amrit' - the heavenly nectar of immortality - which was drunk by all

Guru Gobind Singh Ji writes about the Samundran Manthan and the fourteen jewels gained in the churning in the Dasm Granth Sahib - Chaubis Autar

ਭਾਗ

SECTION

ਅਥ ਕੱਛ ਅਉਤਾਰ ਕਥਨੰ ॥

Now begins the description of Kachh (Tortoise) Incarnation:

ਭੁਜੰਗ ਪ੍ਰਯਾਤ ਛੰਦ ॥

BHUJANG PRAYAAT STANZA

ਕਿਤੋ ਕਾਲ ਬੀਤਯੋ ਕਰਯੋ ਦੇਵ ਰਾਜੰ ॥ ਭਰੇ ਰਾਜ ਧਾਮੰ ਸੁਭੰ ਸਰਬ ਸਾਜੰ ॥

Indra, the king of gods, ruled for a long time and his palaces were full of all materials of comfort;

ਗਜੰ ਬਾਜ ਬੀਣੰ ਬਿਨਾ ਰਤਨ ਭੂਪੰ ॥ ਕਰਿਯੋ ਬਿਸਨ ਬੀਚਾਰ ਚਿੱਤੰ ਅਨੂਪੰ ॥੧॥

But once Vishnu reflected upon a unique idea in his mind that this king is without elephants, horses and jewels (therefore something should be done in this direction).1.

ਭੁਜੰਗ ਛੰਦ ॥

BHUJANG PRAYAAT STANZA

ਸਭੈ ਦੇਵ ਏਕਤ੍ਰ ਕੀਨੇ ਪੁਰਿੰਦ੍ਰੰ ॥ ਸਸੰ ਸੂਰਜੰ ਆਦਿ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਉਪਿੰਦ੍ਰੰ ॥

Indra gathered together all the gods including Chandra. Surya and Upendra.

ਹੁਤੇ ਦਈਤ ਜੇ ਲੋਕ ਮਧਯੋ ਹੰਕਾਰੀ ॥ ਭਏ ਏਕਠੇ ਭ੍ਰਾਤਿ ਭਾਵੰ ਬਿਚਾਰੀ ॥੨॥

Considering this gathering as some stratagem against them, the proud demons also gathered together.2.

ਭੁਜੰਗ ਛੰਦ ॥

BHUJANG PRAYAAT STANZA

ਬਦਯੋ ਅਰਧ ਅਰਧੰ ਦੁਹੂ ਬਾਟਿ ਲੀਬੋ ॥ ਸਭੋ ਬਾਤ ਮਾਨੀ ਯਹੈ ਕਾਮ ਕੀਬੋ ॥

Now both the groups decided that whatever shall be attained, the same shall be distributed equally. All of them agreed on this proposal and the work was begun;

ਕਰੋ ਮਥਨੀ ਕੂਟ ਮੰਦ੍ਰਾਚਲੇਯੰ ॥ ਤਕਯੋ ਛੀਰ ਸਾਮੁੰਦ੍ਰ ਦੇਅੰ ਅਦੇਯੰ ॥੩॥

Both the gods and demons settled the programme of churning the milk-ocean, making churning-stick of the Mandrachal mountain.3.

ਭੁਜੰਗ ਛੰਦ ॥

BHUJANG PRAYAAT STANZA

ਕਰੀ ਮਥਕਾ ਬਾਸਕੰ ਸਿੰਧ ਮੱਧੰ ॥ ਲਾਗ ਦੋਊ ਭਏ ਅੱਧ ਅੱਧੰ ॥

The serpent Vasuki was made the rope of the churning-stick and dividing the participants equally, both the ends of the rope were held tighty.

ਸਿਰੰ ਦੈਤ ਲਾਗੇ ਗਹੀ ਪੂਛ ਦੇਵੰ ॥ ਮਥਯੋ ਛੀਰ ਸਿਧੰ ਮਨੋ ਮਾਟਕੇਵੰ ॥੪॥

The demons caught hold of the side of the head and the gods the tail, they began to churn like the curd in a vessel.4.

ਭੁਜੰਗ ਛੰਦ ॥

BHUJANG PRAYAAT STANZA

ਇਸੋ ਕਉਣ ਬੀਯੋ ਧਰੇ ਭਾਰੁ ਪਬੰ ॥ ਉਠੇ ਕਾਂਪ ਬੀਰੰ ਦਿੱਤਯਾਦਿੱਤਯ ਸੱਬੰ ॥

Now they reflected on this idea as to who can be the mighty hero, who can endure the load of the mountain (because a base was required for the purpose)? Hearing this Ditya, Aditya etc., the heroes shuddered, faltering in absurd prattle.

ਤਬੈ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਬਿਸਨ ਮੰਤ੍ਰੰ ਬਿਚਾਰਯੋ ॥ ਤਰੇ ਪਰਬਤੰ ਕੱਛਪੰ ਰੂਪ ਧਾਰਯੋ ॥੫॥

Then observing this difficulty of both the gods and demons, Vishnu himself thought about it and transforming himself in the form of Kachh (tortoise), seated himself at the base of the mountain.5.

ਇਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਬਚਿਤ੍ਰ ਨਾਟਕ ਗ੍ਰੰਥੇ ਦੁਤੀਆ ਕਛ ਅਉਤਾਰ ਬਰਨਨੰ ਸੰਪੂਰਨਮ ਸਤੁ ਸੁਭਮ ਸਤੁ ॥੨॥

End of the description of the second Kachh (tortoise), incarnation in BACHITTAR NATAK.2.

ਭਾਗ

SECTION

ਅਥ ਛੀਰ ਸਮੁੰਦ੍ਰ ਮਥਨ ਚਉਦਹ ਰਤਨ ਕਥਨੰ ॥

Now begins the description of the Churing of the Milkocean and the Fourteen Jewels:

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗਉਤੀ ਜੀ ਸਹਾਇ ॥

Let Shri Bhagauti Ji (The Primal Power) be helpful.

ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥

TOTAK STANZA

ਮਿਲਿ ਦੇਵ ਅਦੇਵਨ ਸਿੰਧੁ ਮਥਿਯੋ ॥ ਕਬਿ ਸਯਾਮ ਕਵਿਤਨ ਮਧਿ ਕਥਿਯੋ ॥

Both the gods and demons unitedly churned the ocean, which hath been narrated in verse by the poet Shyam.

ਤਬ ਰਤਨ ਚਤੁਰਦਸ ਯੋਂ ਨਿਕਸੇ ॥ ਅਸਿਤਾ ਨਿਸਿ ਮੋ ਸਸਿ ਸੇ ਬਿਗਸੇ ॥੧॥

Then the fourteen jewels, in their splendour emanated from the sea, just as the moon looks elegant during the night.1.

ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥

TOTAK STANZA

ਅਮਰਾਂਤਕ ਸੀਸ ਕੀ ਓਰ ਹੂਅੰ ॥ ਮਿਲਿ ਪੂਛ ਗਹੀ ਦਿਸਿ ਦੇਵ ਦੂਅੰ ॥

The demons caught Vasuki from the side of the head and the gods from the side of the tail.

ਰਤਨੰ ਨਿਕਸੇ ਬਿਗਸੇ ਸਸਿ ਸੇ ॥ ਜਨੁ ਘੂਟਨ ਲੇਤ ਅਮੀ ਰਸ ਕੇ ॥੨॥

On seeing the jewels emanating from the sea, they became pleased as though they had drunk the ambrosia.2.

ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥

TOTAK STNAZA

ਨਿਕਸਯੋ ਧਨੁ ਸਾਇਕ ਸਧ ਸਿਤੰ ॥ ਮਦੁ ਪਾਨ ਕਢਯੋ ਘਟ ਮਦਯ ਮਤੰ ॥

The bow and of purely white colour came out, and those intoxicated ones brought out from the ocean a pitcher of honey.

ਗਜ ਬਾਜ ਸੁਧਾ ਲਛਮੀ ਨਿਕਸੀ ॥ ਘਨ ਮੋ ਮਨੋ ਬਿੰਦੁਲਤਾ ਬਿਗਸੀ ॥੩॥

The elephant, horse, nectar and Lakshmi came out and looked splendid like the flash of lightning from the clouds.3.

ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥

TOTAK STANZA

ਕਲਪਾ ਦ੍ਰੁਮ ਮਾਹੁਰ ਅਉ ਰੰਭਾ ॥ ਜਿਹ ਮੋਹਿ ਰਹੈ ਲਖਿ ਇੰਦ੍ਰ ਸਭਾ ॥

After Kalapdrum (Elysian, wish-fulfilling tree) and poison, the heavenly damsel Rambha came out, seeing whom, the people of Indrs`s court allured.

ਮਣਿ ਕੌਸਤੁਭ ਸਸਿ ਸੁ ਰੂਪ ਸੁਭੰ ॥ ਜਿਹ ਭਜਤ ਦੈਤ ਬਿਲੋਕ ਜੁਧੰ ॥੪॥

The Kaustubh jewel and the moon also came out, which are remembered by the demons in the battlefield.4.

ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥

TOTAK STANZA

ਨਿਕਸੀ ਗਵਰਾਜ ਸੁ ਧੇਨ ਭਲੀ ॥ ਜਿਹ ਛੀਨਿ ਲਯੋ ਸਹਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਬਲੀ ॥

Kamadhenu (the wish-fulfilling cow) also came out which was seized by the mighty Sahasrajun.

ਗਨ ਰਤਨ ਗਨਉ ਉਪਰਤਨ ਅਬੈ ॥ ਤੁਮ ਸੰਤ ਸੁਨੋ ਚਿਤ ਲਾਇ ਸਭੈ ॥੫॥

After reckoning the jewels, now I mention the minor jewels, O saints; listen to me attentively.5.

ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥

TOTAK STNAZA

ਗਨਿ ਜੋਕ ਹਰੀਤਕੀ ਓਰ ਮਧੰ ॥ ਜਨ ਪੰਚ ਸੁ ਨਾਮਯ ਸੰਖ ਸੁਭੰ ॥

These minor jewels are leech, myrobalan, honey, conch ( panchjanay), ruta, hemp, discus and mace;

ਸਸਿ ਬੇਲ ਬਿਜਿਯਾ ਅਰ ਚੱਕ੍ਰ ਗਦਾ ॥ ਜੁਵਰਾਜ ਬਿਰਾਜਤ ਪਾਨ ਸਦਾ ॥੬॥

The later two look impressive in the hands of princes always.6.

ਤੋਟਕ ॥

TOTAK STANZA

ਧਨੁ ਸਾਰੰਗ ਨੰਦਗ ਖੱਗ ਭਣੰ ॥ ਜਿਨ ਖੰਡਿ ਕਰੈ ਗਨ ਦਈਤ ਰਣੰ ॥

The bow and arrow, the bull Nandi and the dagger (which had destroyed the demons) came out of the ocean.

ਸਿਵ ਸੂਲ ਬੜਵਾਨਲ ਕਪਿਲ ਮੁਨੰ ॥ ਤਿ ਧਨੰਤਰ ਚਉਦਸਵੋ ਰਤਨੰ ॥੭॥

The trident of Shiva, Barvanal (the fire), Kapil Muni and Dhanwantri came out as the fourteenth jewel.7.

ਗਨਿ ਰਤਨ ਉਪਰਤਨ ਔ ਧਾਤ ਗਨੋ ॥ ਕਹਿ ਧਾਤ ਸਭੈ ਉਪਧਾਤ ਭਨੋ ॥

After counting the greater and minor jewels, now I count the metals and afterwards I shall count the lesser metals.

ਸਭ ਨਾਮ ਜਥਾ ਮਤਿ ਸਯਾਮ ਧਰੋ ॥ ਘਟ ਜਾਨ ਕਵੀ ਜਿਨਿ ਨਿੰਦ ਕਰੋ ॥੮॥

All these names have been reckoned by the poet Shyam according to his own understanding; considering them in small number, poets requested not to slander me.8.

ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥

TOTAK STNAZA

ਪ੍ਰਿਥਮੋ ਗਨਿ ਲੋਹ ਸਿਕਾ ਸ੍ਵਰਨੰ ॥ ਚਤੁਰਥ ਭਨ ਧਾਤ ਸਿਤੰ ਰੁਕਮੰ ॥

First of tall I reckon iron, lead and gold alongwith the fourth white metal silver;

ਬਹੁਰੋ ਕਥਿ ਤਾਂਬਰ ਕਲੀ ਪਿਤਰੰ ॥ ਕਥਿ ਅਸਟਮ ਜਿਸਤੁ ਹੈ ਧਾਤ ਧਰੰ ॥੯॥

Then mentioning copper, tin and brass, I consider the eighth metal as zinc, which is found within the earth.9.

ਤੋਟਕ ਛੰਦ ॥

TOTAK STNAZA

ਉਪਧਾਤ ਕਥਨੰ ॥

Updhat Description:

ਸੁਰਮੰ ਸਿੰਗਰਫ ਹਰਤਾਲ ਗਣੰ ॥ ਚਤੁਰਥ ਤਿਹ ਸਿੰਬਲ ਖਾਰ ਭਣੰ ॥

Now I describe the minor metals; they are : antimony, cinnabar, yellow orpiment, bombax,

ਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸੰਖ ਮਨਾਸਿਲ ਅਭ੍ਰਕਯੰ ॥ ਭਨਿ ਅਸਟਮ ਲੋਣ ਰਸੰ ਲਵਣੰ ॥੧੦॥

Potash, conchshell, mica, artemesia and calomel.10.

ਦੋਹਰਾ ॥

DOHRA

ਧਾਤ ਉਪਧਾਤ ਜਥਾ ਸਕਤਿ ਸੋ ਹੌ ਕਹੀ ਬਨਾਇ ॥

These metals, minor metals have been described by me according to my own understanding.

ਖਾਨਨ ਮਹਿ ਭੀ ਹੋਤ ਹੈ ਕੋਈ ਕਹੂੰ ਕਮਾਇ ॥੧੧॥

He, who desires to have them, can get them.11.

ਚੌਪਈ ॥

CHAUPAI

ਰਤਨ ਉਪਰਤਨ ਨਿਕਾਸੇ ਤਬ ਹੀ ॥ ਧਾਤ ਉਪਧਾਤ ਦਿਰਬ ਮੋ ਸਭ ਹੀ ॥

As the major and minor jewels, the major and minor metals came out;

ਤਿਹ ਤਬ ਹੀ ਬਿਸਨਹਿ ਹਿਰ ਲਯੋ ॥ ਅਵਰਨਿ ਬਾਟ ਅਵਰਨਹਿ ਦਯੋ ॥੧੨॥

They were taken away by Vishnu and distributed the remaining things amongst all.12.

ਚੌਪਈ ॥

CHAUPAI

ਸਾਰੰਗ ਸਰ ਅਸ ਚਕ੍ਰ ਗਦਾ ਲੀਅ ॥ ਪਾਂਚਾਮਰ ਲੈ ਨਾਦ ਅਧਿਕ ਕੀਅ ॥

He took away himself the bow and arrows, the sword, the discus, the mace and the (Panchjanay) conch etc.

ਸੂਲ ਪਿਨਾਕ ਬਿਸਹ ਕਰ ਲੀਨਾ ॥ ਸੋ ਲੈ ਮਹਾਂਦੇਵ ਕਉ ਦੀਨਾ ॥੧੩॥

And taking the trident, the cow named Pinak and Poison in his hands, gave them to Shva.13.

ਭੁਜੰਗ ਪ੍ਰਯਾਤ ਛੰਦ ॥

BHUJANG PRAYAAT STANZA

ਦੀਯੋ ਇੰਦ੍ਰ ਐਰਾਵਤੰ ਬਾਜ ਸੂਰੰ ॥ ਉਠੇ ਦੀਹ ਦਾਨੋ ਜੁਧੰ ਲੋਹ ਪੂਰੰ ॥

The elephants named Airavat was given to Indra and the horse to the sun seeing which the demons, in great fury,Marched to wage war.

ਅਨੀ ਦਾਨਵੀ ਦੇਖਿ ਉੱਠੀ ਅਪਾਰੰ ॥ ਤਬੈ ਬਿਸਨ ਜੂ ਚਿਤਿ ਕੀਨੀ ਬਿਚਾਰੰ ॥੧੪॥

Seeing the advancing army of the demons, Vishnu thought in his mind.14.

********************

In the panel you can see the jewels that were brought forth - the elephant, the wine - Lakhsmi - the cow etc - you can also see the celestial weapons - bow arrow chakar - you can see the Avaatars churning with the snake and the turtle at the bottom.

I have been told this is an allegory for the spiritual search - that the human being is perfect and contains all the treasures within - all s/he needs do is make some effort - like milk which contains lassi and butter - churn the milk/mind (with simran) and butter is produced - all 'treasures' are received with Guru's Grace.

details

The Turtle - Kurma

In this last panel you can see the depiction of Narsi Bhagat - Narsi is the 'Patron Saint- Poet' of Gujarat - a great influence on M K Gandhi .

Narsi was a bhagat of Krishan always absorbed in devotion - he was a wealthy man but gave all his money to the needy - the panel depicts a famous Sakhi - Narsi's wife asks where they will find the money to marry their daughter - Narsi says that Krishna came to him in a dream and said send a 'Hundi' ( an Indian draft/ demand) to Dwarka in the name of Sawal Shah - and I will give you the money to marry your daughter - Some Yatrees ( pilgrims) took the 'Hundi' to Dwarka - but couldn't find a Sawal Shah - eventually they found a man claiming to be Sawal Shah and got the Money - Sawal Shah was Krishan Ji himself - he had come to the help of his devotee Narsi .

In the panel you can see Narsi Bhagat - the Yaatrees and Krishan in the guise of Sawal Shah.

here are the thoughts of Narsi - in his words

'He is to be called the Vaishnav who sympathizes with the affliction of others. He tends to the sorrows of others but gets not conceited in that act. He tolerates others with humility. He does not censure anyone. His words and mind are steadfast. Such a person’s mother is indeed wealthy. With equanimity he has given up his cravings. To him all women are his mothers. Words of untruth never issue from his mouth. He lays not his hand on the wealth of others. He is free from passion and delusion. His mind is dispassionate from conviction. He readily claps his hands to the names of Ram. In his body reside all holy places. He is free from greed and deceit as also from lust and anger. Says Narsi the sight of such a person enables the seer and his entire clan to cross sansar.'

Narsi Bhagat

details

*********

Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib

The Doorways of the Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib

*********************

*Pictures from:

* 'The Sikhs - Images of a Heritage' - T S Randhawa - Prakash Books - 2000

* http://prabhukhalsa.blogspot.com/ -- Taken by Sardar Prabhu Singh ( New Mexico )

****************************

Once again I have posted a huge amount - I do apologise for the long winded post - I hope it was of interest and you enjoyed the pictures and that the text went some way to explain their context and themes

I hope you are all blessed with the Darshan Didar of Gurdwara Baba Atal and Siri Amritsar very soon - and as the old saying says "Baba Atal Pakian Pakaian Ghal" - (Baba Atal sends prepared meals) you will be showered with the Guru's Blessings.

Gurfateh !

Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

While I'm not an expert - I thought the 'Zulfiqaar' sword was like the 'Holy Grail' of Islam ( sorry for the mixed metaphors !) in that no one is sure of what it looked like or were it is - this particular 'saif' is said to have been given to Aurangzeb by the Islamic 'Khalifas' - it then passed on to his son Bahadur Shah - he then gifted it to Guru Sahib to use in the upholding of 'Dharma' -- This is all based on popular / oral tradition so there is no real way to corroborate it.

Dear Amardeep if you have any more info on the 'Zulfiqar'/ 'dhulifiqar' sword please post it

Many Thanks

Heera - they were HUGE - Dhami thought he was 'Tom Jones' didn't he - what was he thinking I mean 'leather trousers and glitter top' teamed with the 'Village People' moustache - How camp was that !

Unfortunately I can't play any instruments - well not properly - though I do have a collection of them - that's really sad aint it !!! -The wife's hidden the Tumbi - I think I can play - she doesnt agree !

Ah Channi - Bless him - he's still working that white scarf !

did you read the comments under the video -

"Channi Singh from Alaap must be 70 years old now"

Has Sardara Gill still got the curly 'Kevin Keegan' Hair ? - Talking of Brummie singers whatever happened to Balwinder Safri ? He had a really good voice.

Here's another Cheesy video - not as mature as the Apna Sangeet one but still definitely 'Cheddar' - I mean who told Jazzy he could dance - it looks like he's being given electric shocks or something !

Classic video - my cousin sent me it from Canada (hence the dodgy quality) - but to be honest the video might be cheesy - with Jazzy doing his best Kuldip Manak impersonation - but you can't really fault the voice ! - Jazzy may do some dodgy tracks but he has got a real 'old school' voice - I'd like to see him do an 'old school' album of 'Kallian' Manak style with traditional instruments - now that would be heavy !

Enjoy it !

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...14&hl=en-GB

Nah Man - this site is not dry - just needs our resident 'Bhangra Expert' Amreek Sian to get things started!

Here's something for "Sada Midland da Munda" - a seriously CHEESY blast from the past - now everyone get those shoulders and that bubble perm/ mullet working - and all together now - 'SOHo Road Utey! Soho Rd utey !

Click if you dare ! ( I am not to be held responsible if your innocent eyes are traumatised by the sight of grown men in glittery jump suits !)

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...82&hl=en-GB

Gurfateh tSingh Ji !

You're in luck I've just come back from Amandeep and Parmjit 's UKPHA training event - full of new ways to use my scanner - 'shaheediyan' has beaten me in posting the Grewal Habib version so here is the 1901 Shea and Troyer version: (I'm not perfect yet so some scans are a bit wonky !)

**Taken from 'The Dabistan or School of Manners - The Religious beliefs, observances, Philosophic opinions and Social Customs of the nations of the East' - Translated from the original persian by David Shea and Anthony Troyer - M. Walter Dunne - 1901 - pg 284 - 295

Hope that helps in some way

Pyar Bhari Sat Sri Akaal !

Ranjit

Gurfateh tSingh !

You've probably seen these pictures - but if not check them out - They are amazing - whoever 'chitrakari' is s/he should publish them in large 'coffee table' book size - I would definitely buy a copy

There is an amazing picture of Baba Harbhajan Das Udasin, of the Mumbai Sadhubela Udasin 'Akhara' and a wonderfully 'other worldly' picture of the Dera Baba Charan Shah at Bahadurpur Hoshiarpur.

I love the study of the frescoes at Baba Atal and the Nihang portraits

Oh and getting back to your original post - there's a picture of the Murti of Baba Sri Chand at the BrahmButta Akhara Amritsar

definitely worth a look!

Here's the link

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chitrakari/

ENJOY !

Freed

Thanks for the extra info Amandeep !

Nothing 'Nerdy' about it at all - but then I would say that being one myself !

I've got a 1907 copy of 'India' - though it is covered in 'foxmarks'

here is that picture of Harmandir Sahib

take care

'freed'

Gurfateh !

One of the roots of my obssession with Sikhi related pictures etc is that when I was growing up in the England of the dark distant 1970s 80s I was always the only Singh at school - I lived in a town with a few Sikh families and 'Sikh resources' were very hard to get hold of . Our local library had only 4 books on Sikhi,one by Khushwant Singh, two by Piara Singh Sambhi / Owen Cole and my favourite - as I was about 7 and liked the pictures - was 'Pavan is a Sikh'. I grabbed as much information as I could wherever I could find it. On TV there were very few 'Sikh' faces - the dodgy comedy 'mind your language' type or the ' let's have a programme about racism type' - anyone remember 'Randhir Singh' and 'gripper' in 'Grange Hill' ? another distant memory is the BBC kids drama 'The Changes' - from the book 'The Devil's Children' by Peter Dickinson - it deals with a time when people have turned against machines and all aspects of modern civilisation - it featured lots of Sikhs and a story line where they are initially feared then become accepted and become heroes and saviours of a village. - The TV situation is not really much better today ! - but the Sikh 'resources' situation is better.

Nowadays most school children in England are taught about all faith communities and are encouraged to reflect on and consider religious and spiritual feelings, experiences and concepts such as worship, wonder, praise, thanks, concern, joy and sadness. This is a great step as in many parts of the world this is unheard of - while sometimes the teaching can be a little 'saris, steelbands and samosas' as it focuses on the surface symbols of dress, food and music - anyone who has tried to give a talk to younger school children will know that sometimes it is hard not to fall into that type of explanation. In the main the teaching is very heartening with emphasis on looking at similarities and personal experiences and asking questions - which can only lead to better understanding.

There are lots of resources available to teachers - many of these resources are also good for Sikh kids as they help discussion and understanding. I am posting some of the videos shown on 'schools' TV about Sikhi - while they are not perfect , they are presented in a child friendly way - I am also posting them as 2 of the 3 films focus on female Sikhs and their experiences - this is heartening as many resources on Sikhi focus exclusively on Male Sikhs.

have a look at the videos and see what you think - if you don't like them - you know what you can do - make one of your own !! - in these days of 'youtube' it's not that hard to reach a wide audience !

Harsimran Kaur - 'The Golden Temple - Sikhism (Channel 4 1996)

Click link to see ;

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...71&hl=en-GB

Simranjit Kaur - 'God , Oneness and equality' - (BBC 2 1998)

Click link to see ;

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...34&hl=en-GB

Sahib Singh Lall - 'Living as a Sikh - Vaisakhi ' (BBC 2 1998)

Click link to see ;

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...34&hl=en-GB

These next pictures are of 3 'Sikh' books for kids published in the UK - they are out of print and hard to get hold of - 'Pavan is a Sikh' was published in 1977 - Pavan is probably about 40 now !. - While it is not a brillant book - with some strange comments which aren't exactly positive - it was one of the first books of its kind, and has some great 1970s pictures.

Rani and Jugnu Singh's 'Stories from the Sikh World' is a classic - it has wonderful illustrations by Jeroo Roy - published in 1987 - Rani and Jugnu used to have a travelling show which performed plays in schools of these stories.

The last book is 'Topsy and Tim meet new friends' - - a favourite because of 'Balraj' , perhaps one of the first books with a little boy with a 'jura and rumaal'

--- aw so sweet !

Pavan is a Sikh - Sean Lyle - A & C Black - 1977

Stories from the Sikh World - Rani and Jugnu Singh - Macdonald - 1987

Topsy and Tim meet new friends - Jean and Gareth Adamson - Blackie - 1992 edition

SORRY for the mammoth post ! - hopefully those with children or nieces and nephews etc will find it useful .

(**If the copyright police are watching SORRY !!**)

Hope you enjoyed the movies and pictures

Pyar Bhari Sat Siri Akaal !

Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Gurfateh !

As you may of guessed from my posts , I have a passion for collecting pictures and books - one of my favourite books is 'Durbar' by Mortimer Menpes - I managed to get a first edition copy from ebay at a bargain price - in the days when you could get a bargain on ebay !

It is special as it comes from the library of the Maharaja of Alwar (Rajastan) - The book published in 1903 is a pictorial record of the Delhi Darbar, held on New year's day 1903, to celebrate the declaration of Edward the VII as Emperor of India.

The book is illustrated with 100 engravings of paintings by Mortimer Menpes - I think these paintings are stunning --- with amazing bright colours and interesting choice of subjects.( though some may think they are a bit twee and chocolate box - yes, you know who you are ! - and yes,I still think they are 'Stunning' !!! - and no, you are not the new 'Brian Sewell' --- apologies for that minor outburst - just a private joke/ongoing discussion/disagreement I've been having ! )

Anyway back to the pictures

I am posting some pictures of the 'Sikh' related engravings below for you all to enjoy.

Enjoy !

Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

" A Sikh spear-bearer" - note the Dastar is adorned with numerous 'Shastar' - My favourite of all the engravings

"Akalis Fanatical Devotee" - an old soldier - veteran of the seige of Delhi - He has an impressive tall Dastar with Gaj Gah and numerous 'shastars' and 'Shingar'

" An Akalis Fanatical Devotee" - An Akali with a wonderful Dastaar Boonga with large Gaj Gah , and impressive body armour - the text relates a story of the eccentricities of Nihangs - if you look at the pony you will see it is wearing a kacchera - the author says this is because the nihang had made his pony a 'Sikh' ( make of that what you will - !!! ?)

"A retainer from Jind" - with impressive 'Farla' , an axe and pistol and an interesting mixture of 'aad chand' and what appears to be British army 'chakar' on his Dastar.

Spear-Bearer from Jind -

"A Sikh Warrior"

The Maharajah of Nabha - Hira Singh

The young Maharaja of Patiala - Bhupinder Singh

"Retainers from Cutch" - wearing wonderful 'Chogas'

"From Rajgarh" - while he may not be a 'Sikh' figure I was struck by the 'Boar Tusks' in the turban - a tradition maintained by Nihangs

"A Rajput from Rajgarh" - again he may not be a 'Sikh' figure but he is an impressive figure - with fanned out beard and royal turban, Shastar in one hand , a mala in the other hand , fine 'Choga' and a 'great-coat' - all great military traditions of India -- given to the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh .

Veterans of the 'Indian Mutiny of 1857' - Old Sikh soldiers - fine examples of proud Punjabi 'Babey'

Veterans on Parade - proudly wearing their medals

These two pictures are neither 'Sikh' nor of the Durbar parade - They are of a simple Tailor and a Slipper maker -- I hope this is not offensive but something about them reminded me of the Bhagats whose shabads are included in the Guru Granth Sahib - namely Bhagat Ravi Das, the cobbler and Bhagat Naamdev - the son of a cloth printer father and tailor mother. The tailor with torn clothes and the shoe maker with no shoes just made me think of these Bhagats - and their beautiful Bani - apologies if this offends .

The tailor

The Slipper maker

These next pictures are of the book's cover and inscription - in case you're interested

(* All pictures taken from Durbar - Mortimer Menpes , text Dorothy Menpes - A C Black - 1903)

Hope you enjoyed the pictures !

Bhul Chuk Maaf

Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

ਅਸ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਨ ਖੰਡੋ ਖੜਗ ਤੁਪਕ ਤਬਰ ਅਰੁ ਤੀਰ ॥ ਸੈਫ ਸਰੋਹੀ ਸੈਹਥੀ ਯਹੈ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਪੀਰ ॥੩॥

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh !!!

Enjoy the 'darshan' of these Beautiful Shastars of the Guru Sahiban and other Historic Shastars.

Akal Takht Sahib - Preserved in the Akal Takht Sahib are the Historic shasters of Guru Sahiban and their beloved warriors.

Unlike the shasters displayed at Anandpur Sahib which are housed in a large windowed structure and can be viewed from all sides - the Shasters at Akal Takht Sahib are housed in a Gold Throne with latticed doors - though beautiful, it makes viewing the shasters difficult, and therefore they cannot be seen clearly or are missed by many of the sangat.

These shasters are ceremoniously displayed to the sangat after Rehras in the Akal Takht.

This beautiful collection of Shasters include The Meeri Peeri swords of Guru Hargobind Sahib- a sword of Guru Gobind Singh - daggers of the sahibzade Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh - A 10 kilo sword of Bhai Bachitter Singh - A large Khanda of Baba Deep Singh - and a large Khanda of Baba Gurbaksh Singh.

The Miri Piri swords

Shastar Darshan - this picture is rare as you see the display of the shasters in the original Akal Takht in the late 1970s

The Dumaalley shasters and Chakars of Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed

The Katar of Guru Hargobind Sahib (No. 1) and the Katar, kamarkasa and kanga of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (No.s 2 and 3) kept at the Central Museum Amritsar

The sword of Bhai Mehtab Singh - used to behead Massa Ranghar (No. 4)

and the sword of Ranjit Singh used in the Conquest of Kasoor. (No. 5)

The weapons at Anandpur sahib

The Khanda used at the first Amrit Sanchaar 1699

Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Karpa Barccha

Musket

The Saif - presented to Guru Gobind Singh by Bahadur Shah - it is believed to have belonged to Hazrat Ali , son in law of the Prophet Muhammed and used by his gransons Hassan and Hussain

The Nagini Barchha of Guru Sahib as used by Bhai Bachittar Singh at the battle at Lohgarh 1700 AD against the Hill rajas - Bhai Sahib struck the drunken elephant which led the rajas' troops in the forehead - making the army retreat in terror.

Weapons in the possession of the Maharaja of Patiala

The personal small kirpan of Guru Gobind Singh

arrows of Guru Gobind Singh

The body armour of Guru Gobind Singh Ji - inscribed with the Jaap Sahib

The Kirpan of Guru Gobind Singh

The Khanjar of Guru Gobind Singh with jade hilt.

The dagger of Sardar Fateh Singh - Ruler of Kapurthala

Khanda

A kirpan carved with the image of Guru Nanak , Bala and Mardana

The Kirpan of Ranjit Singh - kept in the toshekhana Amritsar - studded with rubies (Top)

and the sword of Bhai Trilok Singh - of Patiala (bottom)

The Jade sword of Ranjit Singh kept at Ram Bagh Museum Amritsar

A decorated Chakar - Ram Bagh Mus.

The Sword of Hari Singh Nalwa - kept at the Sikh Regimental centre Ramgarh.

Pictures from :

Piety and Splendour - B N Goswamy 2000

Gurdwaras - Mohinder Singh 2004

Anandpur - Mohinder Singh 2002

Album Central Sikh Museum - Prof. Satbir Singh 1991

Gurdwaras - Patwant Singh - 1992

Sikh Heritage - Dr Daljeet - 2004

The Golden Temple - Mohinder Singh - 2002

Guru Nanak's Birthday - Margaret Davidson - 1982

Des Pardes Weekly Aug 1984 (No.792)

Gurfateh !

Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

You're right Malwe da Sher Bai Ji !

I love that album especially - the 'Heer' track -- my only complaint with Pammi Bai is that he doesnt use enough traditional instruments - he always has the classic instruments used in Malvai Giddha - the galarh/kato, the garhva, algozey ,chikka sap etc. - but he tends to use them just as 'props' only rarely do you hear them played on his tracks.

I love Malvai Giddha - just to see all those elders have a great old time singing funny bolian - makes your heart glad !

OOOOh you won't let that Morrissey disclosure lie will you !

'I am human and I need to be loved ' he sings to himself as 'he reels around the fountain' with a bunch of daffs in his back pocket.......

he just wouldn't let it lie ..............