Karah Prashaad

Deg also known as Karah Prashaad is a sweet treat from the Guru to his Sikhs. It is also a sign of the Sikhs equality and unity.

Code of conduct regarding Karah Prashaad:

Listen to the method of making Krah Parshaad. Take three equal quantities of sugar, butter and flour. Clean the utensils and bowl. Take a cleansing bath, repeat 'Vaheguru' while preparing. Stay focused while making the Parshaad and sing the Guru's Hymns. Rehatnama Bhai Nand Laal Jee

Sikhs that know Jap Ji sahib of by heart, repeat this while making Karah Prasad, and then they recite the Gurmantar unitl it is ready. 6 verses of the Anand Sahib (by the whole Sangat present) are to be recited before the Bhog is done. Make sure Deg is at a decent temperature before doing Bhog with the kirpan.

I have prepared all sorts of foods in various ways, and all sorts of sweet deserts. I have made my kitchen pure and sacred. Now, O my Sovereign Lord King, please sample my food. Ang 1266 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

If while distributing Kraah Parshaad one discriminates and becomes greedy. Giving some more than others they will forever receive unhappiness. Rehatnama Bhai Nand Laal Jee

A Sevadar distributing Deg should never set aside his own portion before serving others. The sevadaar must have no discrimination in their hearts, the whole Sangat must be treated equally and fairly (Nobody is to get a second serving until the whole Sangat has been served Deg at the end of the divan, only after the whole sangat has been catered for and there is extra Deg left over, then you may have a second serving). Most Gurdwaras have a person serving on the mens side and a person serving on the womens side at the same time, this gets rid of any gender discrimination. The whole sangat is to remain seated and jap “Satnam-Waheguru” while Deg is being served and you may only leave darbar after the whole Sangat has been in this way you show respect to the whole Sangat.

With a single, impartial eye, look upon all alike, and see God pervading all. Ang 833 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

DEGH PARSHAD MUST BE COOLED BEFORE IT IS CONSECRATED

Once, on the eve of the birth of the Khalsa, at Vaisakhi celebrations, parshad was brought into the Guru’s presence in two containers and placed before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The hasty preparation by the attendants meant that the parshad was still hot when placed in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. At the end of the programme, Ardas was performed and as per the tradition, parshad was offered to Guru Ji so that it could be consecrated. The hukamnama was read, following which, the attendants distributed the deg parshad, to the sangat. The sangat was reciting simran of Satnam-Waheguru and Baba Ji was standing behind Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji waving the fan (chaur Sahib). At this time the tenth master Guru Gobind Singh Ji appeared before Baba Ji and said, “Bhai Harnam Singh! Today the deg was very hot. Just look, the attendants can’t even serve it properly with their hands. How can we have such hot parshad? So in the future, deg should be prepared with sanctity and allowed to cool down before it is offered for bhog (consecration or blessing of the parshad by the Guru).” After the parshad was distributed, Baba Ji told the sangat about the order of the great Guru. After this incident, Baba Ji would personally check the vessel and parshad to see if it was too hot, before it was offered for bhog. If it was too hot, then the parshad would be stirred to cool it down before being offered for consecration. So, we should always be careful about offering hot deg parshad to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji for bhog and make sure the parshad is warm or cool before the Ardas and bhog.

Gurbani facts about Maya

The above pic anit realing moving its an illusion like this world!

A lot of people never remember God and are caught up in worldly things. Guru Ji tells us to live in the world, but we must also remember God and live a truthful life full of worship and good deeds. Worldly pleasures are fake and bear no fruit they are just like a dream they come and go.


The created world is like an illusion, a mirage - see this, and reflect upon it in your mind. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 536

Emotional attachment to Maya is created by my God; He Himself misleads us through illusion and doubt. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 67

Caught in the illusion of Maya, you have forgotten the Supreme Lord. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 805

Through the Shabad, egotism is conquered and subdued, and the illusion of Maya is dispelled. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 67

The Primal Lord Himself formed the Universe. The beings and creatures are engrossed in emotional attachment to Maya. In the love of duality, they are attached to the illusory material world. The unfortunate ones die, and continue to come and go. Meeting with the True Guru, understanding is obtained. Then, the illusion of the material world is shattered, and one merges in Truth. ||1|| One who has such pre-ordained destiny inscribed upon his forehead - the One God abides within his mind. ||1||Pause|| He created the Universe and He Himself beholds all. No one can erase Your record, Lord. If someone calls himself a Siddha or a seeker, he is deluded by doubt, and will continue coming and going. That humble being alone understands who serves the True Guru. Conquering his ego, he finds the Lord's Door. ||2|| From the One Lord, all others were formed. The One Lord is pervading everywhere; there is no other at all. Renouncing duality, one comes to know the One Lord. Through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, one knows the Lord's Door, and His Banner. Meeting the True Guru, one finds the One Lord. Duality is subdued within. ||3|| One who belongs to the All-powerful Lord and Master no one can destroy him. The Lord's servant remains under His protection; The Lord Himself forgives him, and blesses him with glorious greatness. There is none higher than Him. Why should he be afraid? What should he ever fear? ||4|| Through the Guru's Teachings, peace and tranquility abide within the body. Remember the Word of the Shabad, and you shall never suffer pain. You shall not have to come or go, or suffer in sorrow. Imbued with the Naam, the Name of the Lord, you shall merge in celestial peace. O Nanak, the Gurmukh beholds Him ever-present, close at hand. My God is always fully pervading everywhere. ||5|| Some are selfless servants, while others wander, deluded by doubt. The Lord Himself does, and causes everything to be done. The One Lord is all-pervading; there is no other at all. The mortal might complain, if there were any other. Serve the True Guru; this is the most excellent action. In the Court of the True Lord, you shall be judged true. ||6|| All the lunar days, and the days of the week are beautiful, when one contemplates the Shabad. If one serves the True Guru, he obtains the fruits of his rewards. The omens and days all come and go. But the Word of the Guru's Shabad is eternal and unchanging. Through it, one merges in the True Lord. The days are auspicious, when one is imbued with Truth. Without the Name, all the false ones wander deluded. ||7|| The self-willed manmukhs die, and dead, they fall into the most evil state. They do not remember the One Lord; they are deluded by duality. The human body is unconscious, ignorant and blind. Without the Word of the Shabad, how can anyone cross over? The Creator Himself creates. He Himself contemplates the Guru's Word. ||8|| The religious fanatics wear all sorts of religious robes. They roll around and wander around, like the false dice on the board. They find no peace, here or hereafter. The self-willed manmukhs waste away their lives, and die. Serving the True Guru, doubt is driven away. Deep within the home of the heart, one finds the Mansion of the True Lord's Presence. ||9|| Whatever the Perfect Lord does, that alone happens. Concern with these omens and days leads only to duality. Without the True Guru, there is only pitch darkness. Only idiots and fools worry about these omens and days. O Nanak, the Gurmukh obtains understanding and realization; he remains forever merged in the Name of the One Lord. ||10||2|| Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 842

Gurbani facts about reincarnation

The empty body is dreadful, when the soul goes out from within. The burning fire of life is extinguished, and the smoke of the breath no longer emerges. The five relatives (the senses) weep and wail painfully, and waste away through the love of duality. ||1|| You fool: chant the Name of the Lord, and preserve your virtue. Egotism and possessiveness are very enticing; egotistical pride has plundered everyone. ||1||Pause|| Those who have forgotten the Naam, the Name of the Lord, are attached to affairs of duality. Attached to duality, they putrefy and die; they are filled with the fire of desire within. Those who are protected by the Guru are saved; all others are cheated and plundered by deceitful worldly affairs. ||2|| Love dies and affection vanishes. Hatred and alienation die. Entanglements end, and egotism dies, along with attachment to Maya, possessiveness and anger. Those who receive His Mercy obtain the True One. The Gurmukhs dwell forever in balanced restraint. ||3|| By true actions, the True Lord is met, and the Guru's Teachings are found. Then, they are not subject to birth and death; they do not come and go in reincarnation. O Nanak, they are respected at the Lord's Gate; they are robed in honor in the Court of the Lord. ||4||14|| Ang 19 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Without the Word of the Shabad, people wander lost in reincarnation. Through the love of duality, multitudes have been drowned. ||1|| O mind, swim across, by focusing your consciousness on the Shabad. Those who do not become Gurmukh do not understand the Naam; they die, and continue coming and going in reincarnation. ||1||Pause|| Ang 19 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Practicing falsehood again and again, people come and go in reincarnation, and forfeit their honor. ||3|| Ang 23 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The soul in love with duality goes around the wheel of reincarnation, through 8.4 million incarnations. Ang 31 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Praise the Lord's Name, and you shall no longer come and go in reincarnation. ||1||Pause|| Ang 36 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Meeting the True Guru, all my sufferings have ended, and the Peace of the Lord has come to dwell within my mind. The Divine Light illuminates my inner being, and I am lovingly absorbed in the One. Meeting with the Holy Saint, my face is radiant; I have realized my pre-ordained destiny. I constantly sing the Glories of the Lord of the Universe. Through the True Name, I have become spotlessly pure. ||1|| O my mind, you shall find peace through the Word of the Guru's Shabad.
Working for the Perfect Guru, no one goes away empty-handed. ||1||Pause|| The desires of the mind are fulfilled, when the Treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord, is obtained. The Inner-knower, the Searcher of hearts, is always with you; recognize Him as the Creator. By Guru's Grace, your face shall be radiant. Chanting the Naam, you shall receive the benefits of giving charity and taking cleansing baths. Sexual desire, anger and greed are eliminated, and all egotistical pride is abandoned. ||2||The Profit of the Naam is obtained, and all affairs are brought to fruition. In His Mercy, God unites us with Himself, and He blesses us with the Naam. My comings and goings in reincarnation have come to an end; He Himself has bestowed His Mercy. I have obtained my home in the True Mansion of His Presence, realizing the Word of the Guru's Shabad. ||3|| His humble devotees are protected and saved; He Himself showers His Blessings upon us. In this world and in the world hereafter, radiant are the faces of those who cherish and enshrine the Glories of the True Lord. Twenty-four hours a day, they lovingly dwell upon His Glories; they are imbued with His Infinite Love. Nanak is forever a sacrifice to the Supreme Lord God, the Ocean of Peace. ||4||11||81|| Ang 46 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Gurbani facts on the human form.

Through 8.4 million incarnations you have wandered, to obtain this rare and precious human life. Ang 50 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

In so many incarnations, you were a worm and an insect; in so many incarnations, you were an elephant, a fish and a deer.In so many incarnations, you were a bird and a snake. In so many incarnations, you were yoked as an ox and a horse. ||1|| Meet the Lord of the Universe - now is the time to meet Him. After so very long, this human body was fashioned for you. ||1||Pause|| In so many incarnations, you were rocks and mountains; in so many incarnations, you were aborted in the womb; in so many incarnations, you developed branches and leaves; you wandered through 8.4 million incarnations. ||2|| Through the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, you obtained this human life. Do seva - selfless service; follow the Guru's Teachings, and vibrate the Lord's Name, Har, Har. Abandon pride, falsehood and arrogance. Remain dead while yet alive, and you shall be welcomed in the Court of the Lord. ||3|| Whatever has been, and whatever shall be, comes from You, Lord. No one else can do anything at all. We are united with You, when You unite us with Yourself. Says Nanak, sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord, Har, Har. ||4||3||72|| Ang 179 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

This human body has been given to you. This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe. Nothing else will work. Join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; vibrate and meditate on the Jewel of the Naam. ||1|| Make every effort to cross over this terrifying world-ocean. You are squandering this life uselessly in the love of Maya. ||1||Pause|| I have not practiced meditation, self-discipline, self-restraint or righteous living. I have not served the Holy; I have not acknowledged the Lord, my King. Says Nanak, my actions are contemptible! O Lord, I seek Your Sanctuary; please, preserve my honor! ||2||4|| Ang 12 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

By true actions, this human body is obtained, and the door within ourselves which leads to the Mansion of the Beloved, is found. Ang 18 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The precious gift of this human life becomes fruitful when one chants the True Word of the Shabad. Ang 44

The blessing of this human life has been obtained, but still, people do not lovingly focus their thoughts on the Name of the Lord. Ang 28 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

O Nanak, that human body, in which there is no pain of separation from the Lord-take that body and burn it. ||1|| Ang 89 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Guru Ji is saying that people who have no love for god or those who do not meditate on waheguru, what is the use of obtaining this form? The people that don’t do good deeds or read Gurbani or do Naam Simran, there lives are useless (hence why Guru Ji uses the metaphor “Take that body and burn it”)

Those who do not serve the True Guru-why did they even come into this world? Cursed are their lives; they have uselessly wasted this human life. The self-willed manmukhs do not remember the Naam. Without the Naam, they suffer in terrible pain. ||7|| Ang 129 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Those who are trapped in maya (worldly illusion and pleasures) and their ego loose this opportunity to meet the lord; they will go through reincarnation again. So while you are alive, remember the lord at Amritvela, do your Rehras Sahib in evening and at night do the kirtan sohila. Read Gurbani from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and act upon the teachings. Only then your life may account towards something, otherwise it is cursed like Guru Ji says.

By Your Grace, I obtained this human body; grant me the Blessed Vision of Your Darshan, O Sovereign Lord King. ||1|| Ang 207 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The Lord Protects Bhagat Namdev Ji

The Sultan said, ""Listen, Naam Dayv:
let me see the actions of your Lord.""||1||
The Sultan arrested Naam Dayv,
and said, ""Let me see your Beloved Lord.""||1||Pause||

"Bring this dead cow back to life.
Otherwise, I shall cut off your head here and now.""||2||

Naam Dayv answered, ""O king, how can this happen?
No one can bring the dead back to life. ||3||
I cannot do anything by my own actions.
Whatever the Lord does, that alone happens.""||4||

The arrogant king was enraged at this reply.
He incited an elephant to attack. ||5||

Naam Dayv's mother began to cry,
and she said, ""Why don't you abandon your Lord Raam, and worship his Lord Allah?""||6||

Naam Dayv answered, ""I am not your son, and you are not my mother.
Even if my body dies, I will still sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord.""||7||

The elephant attacked him with his trunk,
but Naam Dayv was saved, protected by the Lord. ||8||

The king said, ""The Qazis and the Mullahs bow down to me,
but this Hindu has trampled my honor.""||9||

The people pleaded with the king, ""Hear our prayer, O king.
Here, take Naam Dayvs weight in gold, and release him.""||10||

The king replied, ""If I take the gold, then I will be consigned to hell,
by forsaking my faith and gathering worldly wealth.""||11||

With his feet in chains, Naam Dayv kept the beat with his hands,
singing the Praises of the Lord. ||12||

"Even if the Ganges and the Jamunaa rivers flow backwards,
I will still continue singing the Praises of the Lord.""||13||

Three hours passed,
and even then, the Lord of the three worlds had not come. ||14||

Playing on the instrument of the feathered wings,
the Lord of the Universe came, mounted on the eagle garura. ||15||

He cherished His devotee,
and the Lord came, mounted on the eagle garura. ||16||

he Lord said to him, ""If you wish, I shall turn the earth sideways.
If you wish, I shall turn it upside down. ||17||

If you wish, I shall bring the dead cow back to life.
Everyone will see and be convinced.""||18||

Naam Dayv prayed, and milked the cow.
He brought the calf to the cow, and milked her. ||19||

When the pitcher was filled with milk,
Naam Dayv took it and placed it before the king. ||20||

The king went into his palace,
and his heart was troubled. ||21||

Through the Qazis and the Mullahs, the king offered his prayer,
"Forgive me, please, O Hindu; I am just a cow before you."||22||

Naam Dayv said, ""Listen, O king:
have I done this miracle? ||23||

The purpose of this miracle is
that you, O king, should walk on the path of truth and humility.""||24||

Naam Dayv became famous everywhere for this.
The Hindus all went together to Naam Dayv. ||25||

If the cow had not been revived,
people would have lost faith in Naam Dayv. ||26||

The fame of Naam Dayv spread throughout the world.
The humble devotees were saved and carried across with him. ||27||

All sorts of troubles and pains afflicted the slanderer.
There is no difference between Naam Dayv and the Lord. ||28||1||10||

Prahlaad Sakhi told by Guru Amar Das Ji

Bhairao, Third Mehla, Second House: One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:

The Creator has staged His Wondrous Play.
I listen to the Unstruck Sound-current of the Shabad, and the Bani of His Word.
The self-willed manmukhs are deluded and confused, while the Gurmukhs understand.
The Creator creates the Cause that causes. ||1||

Prahlaad's father sent him to school, to learn to read.
He took his writing tablet and went to the teacher.
He said, ""I shall not read anything except the Naam, the Name of the Lord.
Write the Lord's Name on my tablet.""||2||

Prahlaad's mother said to her son,
"I advise you not to read anything except what you are taught."
He answered, ""The Great Giver, my Fearless Lord God is always with me.
If I were to forsake the Lord, then my family would be disgraced.""||3||

"Prahlaad has corrupted all the other students.
He does not listen to what I say, and he does his own thing.
He instigated devotional worship in the townspeople.""
The gathering of the wicked people could not do anything against him. ||4||

Sanda and Marka, his teachers, made the complaint.
All the demons kept trying in vain.
The Lord protected His humble devotee, and preserved his honor.
What can be done by mere created beings? ||5||

Because of his past karma, the demon ruled over his kingdom.
He did not realize the Lord; the Lord Himself confused him.
He started an argument with his son Prahlaad.
The blind one did not understand that his death was approaching. ||6||

Prahlaad was placed in a cell, and the door was locked.
The fearless child was not afraid at all. He said, ""Within my being, is the Guru, the Lord of the World.""

The created being tried to compete with his Creator, but he assumed this name in vain.
That which was predestined for him has come to pass; he started an argument with the Lord's humble servant. ||7||

The father raised his weapon to strike down Prahlaad, saying,
"Where is your God, the Lord of the Universe, now?"
He replied, ""The Life of the World, the Great Giver, is my Help and Support in the end.
Wherever I look, I see Him permeating and prevailing.""||8||

Tearing down the pillars, the Lord Himself appeared.
The egotistical demon was killed and destroyed.
The minds of the devotees were filled with bliss, and congratulations poured in.
He blessed His servant with glorious greatness. ||9||

He created birth, death and attachment.
The Creator has ordained coming and going in reincarnation.
For the sake of Prahlaad, the Lord Himself appeared.
The word of the devotee came true. ||10||

The gods proclaimed the victory of Lakshmi, and said,
"O mother, make this form of the Man-lion disappear!"
Lakshmi was afraid, and did not approach.
The humble servant Prahlaad came and fell at the Lord's Feet. ||11||

The True Guru implanted the treasure of the Naam within.
Power, property and all Maya is false.
But still, the greedy people continue clinging to them.
Without the Name of the Lord, the mortals are punished in His Court. ||12||

Says Nanak, everyone acts as the Lord makes them act.
They alone are approved and accepted, who focus their consciousness on the Lord.
He has made His devotees His Own.
The Creator has appeared in His Own Form. ||13||1||2||

Bhagat Kabeer Ji protected from Mad Elephant!

The nature of bhagt Kabeer Ji, got on the nerves of ruthless Kings and rulers of his time. His love, compassion for humanity made him many enemies. Attempts were made on his live many times, but Waheguru Ji protected him on many incidents. A king once tired to get Kabeer Ji crushed to death by a elephant, nut instead with the power of God, the elephant picked him up instead of harming him. This Sakhi is in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 870

Raag Gond, The Word Of Kabeer Jee, Second House:
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:
They tied my arms, bundled me up, and threw me before an elephant.
The elephant driver struck him on the head, and infuriated him.
But the elephant ran away, trumpeting,
"I am a sacrifice to this image of the Lord."||1||

O my Lord and Master, You are my strength.
The Qazi shouted at the driver to drive the elephant on. ||1||Pause||
He yelled out, ""O driver, I shall cut you into pieces.
Hit him, and drive him on!""

But the elephant did not move; instead, he began to meditate.
The Lord God abides within his mind. ||2||

What sin has this Saint committed,
that you have made him into a bundle and thrown him before the elephant?
Lifting up the bundle, the elephant bows down before it.
The Qazi could not understand it; he was blind. ||3||

Three times, he tried to do it.
Even then, his hardened mind was not satisfied.
Says Kabeer, such is my Lord and Master.
The soul of His humble servant dwells in the fourth state. ||4||1||4||

Prahlaad Sakhi

Ang 1165 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji: Sanda and Marka went and complained to Harnaakhash,
"Your son does not read his lessons. We are tired of trying to teach him.
He chants the Lord's Name, clapping his hands to keep the beat; he has spoiled all the other students. ||1||

He chants the Lord's Name,and he has enshrined meditative remembrance of the Lord within his heart.""||1||Pause||

"Your father the king has conquered the whole world", said his mother the queen."O Prahlad my son, you do not obey him, so he has decided to deal with you in another way."||2||

The council of villains met and resolved to send Prahlaad into the life hereafter. Prahlaad was thrown off a mountain, into the water, and into a fire, but the Sovereign Lord God saved him, by changing the laws of nature. ||3||

Harnaakhash thundered with rage and threatened to kill Prahlaad. ""Tell me, who can save you?""
Prahlaad answered, ""The Lord, the Master of the three worlds, is contained even in this pillar to which I am tied.""||4||

The Lord who tore Harnaakhash apart with His nails proclaimed Himself the Lord of gods and men.
Says Naam Dayv, I meditate on the Lord, the Man-lion, the Giver of fearless dignity. ||5||3||9||

Sain Ji's Job was saved by The Great Lord

Sain was a poor man who would serve the king in his palace. “Hearing about the glory of Kabeer, Sain also turned to be a disciple of the lord. In the night he would immerse in loving devotion to God and in the morning he would serve at the door of the king. One night some saints came to him and the whole night was spent in singing the praises of God. Sain could not leave company of the saints and consequently did not perform the king’s service the following morning. God himself took the form of Sain (while sain was with the saints) and served the king in such a way that the king was overjoyed. Bidding farewell to the saints, Sain embarrassedly arrived at the palace of the king. From a distance the king called him nearby. He took off his own robes and offered it to Sain. ‘You have overpowered me today’, said the king and his words were heard by all people standing there. God himself manifests the dignity of His devotee” (Gurdas Ji’s Vaar 10:16)

With incense, lamps and ghee, I offer this lamp-lit worship service. I am a sacrifice to the Lord of Lakshmi. ||1|| Hail to You, Lord, hail to You! Again and again, hail to You, Lord King, Ruler of all! ||1||Pause|| Sublime is the lamp, and pure is the wick. You are immaculate and pure, O Brilliant Lord of Wealth! ||2|| Raamaanand knows the devotional worship of the Lord. He says that the Lord is all-pervading, the embodiment of supreme joy. ||3|| The Lord of the world, of wondrous form, has carried me across the terrifying world-ocean. Says Sain, remember the Lord, the embodiment of supreme joy! ||4||2||Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 695

Bhagat Naamdev Ji at the Temple

Bhagat Naamdev Ji worshipped God and had full faith in Him. He did not worship anyone else but the one immortal God.

He says, ‘The performance of countless millions of other devotions is not even equal to one devotion to the Name of God’ (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1163).

He cared neither for gold nor silver, he was in love with God. Even though as a result of his true worship he had became a highly spiritual person, he was still completely devoid of pride. Naamdev knew that God does care for the person who recites His name and remembers Him all the time.

Once Naamdev went to Avandanagnath Temple situated in Maharashtra, India. The Hindu priests of that temple believed in the caste system. After reaching the temple Naamdev sat and started worshipping God but the Hindu priests grabbed his arm and drove him out of the temple. The priests said that Naamdev couldn’t visit the temple because he is of a low class. Naamdev was deeply hurt so he went behind the temple and started worshipping God.

In his prayer he said,

‘Joyfully, I came to Your Temple, O Lord. While Naamdev was worshipping, he was driven out. I am of a low social class, O Lord; why was I born into a family of fabric dyers? I picked up my blanket and went back, to sit behind the temple’ (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1164).

Naamdev also said, ‘O Lord, please do not forget me because if you forget me then where should I go. There is nowhere else to go and no one else to believe in except you’. ‘Please do not forget me, do not forget me, please do not forget me, O Lord. The temple priests have doubts about this, and everyone is furious with me. Calling me low-caste and untouchable, they beat me and drove me out; what should I do now O Beloved Father Lord? If you give me salvation after I am dead, no one will know that I attained salvation. These Priests, these religious scholars, call me low born; when they say this, they tarnish your honor as well. You are called kind and compassionate; the power of Your Arm is absolutely unrivalled’ (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 1292).

‘As Naamdev uttered the Glorious Praises of the Lord, The temple turned around to face the Lord's humble devotee’ (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 1164).

‘The Lord turned the temple around to face Naamdev and its back to the Priests’ (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Ang 1292).

That temple is still rotated. This is the symbol of the true love of God towards His true worshiper.

Why I Shot My Boss

This is a shocking tale of a Sikh youth, working for CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), the national police force of India. CRPF is a paramilitary police force in India. Narinder Singh was posted in the Assam state of India and worked for a very narrow-minded and fundamentalist Hindu officer – Company Commander RN Mishra. This is an incident of around March of 1995.

Narinder Singh was born in a Hindu family but later became a Sikh and maintained unshorn hair. When he got posted to Assam, his officer RN Mishra found out that he belonged to a Hindu family but practiced the Sikh faith. He did not take it too well. Following is the translation of the news caption published on July 23, 1995 in the Daily Ajit:

Narinder Singh told the press that few years ago he joined the CRPF and he was the only one out of his family who adopted the Sikh faith.

He narrated to the press that the first incident of discrimination and harassment from officer RN Mishra occurred around March of 1995. He called him in his office and asked him to cut his hair and beard. Narinder Singh responded back with humility, “Sir, I love my hair more than my life and I have been keshdhaari (one who keeps unshorn hair) all my life.

Hearing this the commanding officer burst into anger and threatened, “If you don’t remove your joora (hair knot), I will teach you such a lesson that you will never forget”.

Narinder Singh humbly pleaded before his officer not to insult him or do anything to humiliate him in front of others. Five of his friends too pleaded with the officer not to push this case. They even wrote a request letter to bring this case to a senior officer. Mishra returned the letter threatening them dire action if they proceeded with the letter.

After getting released on bail, in the murder case, Narinder Singh had arrived at Siri Darbar Sahib, where he met the journalists and narrated them his sad story. Narinder Singh further said, “On March 4, 1995, some cadets tied my arms and legs and took me in front of Mishra. He ordered them to shave off my beard and cut my hair. I repeatedly pleaded with them to let me go but they did not care. I even threatened them that they would have to face the consequences for this but they ignored me and shaved my beard and cut my hair."

After shaving his beard and head, the same evening Havaldar HM Thoni took him in front of Mishra. Mishra clapped and loudly laughed at his new look. He said, “Saalay (wife’s brother, a bad word), if I don’t remove turbans of all Sikhs and cut off their beards, don’t call me Mishra. I will have them wear hats instead of turbans.”

Narinder Singh continued, “After this, Mishra ordered his subordinates to organize a party to celebrate cutting my hair and beard. When Mishra said he was going to organize a party to celebrate my humiliation, I could take it no longer. My patience was up. I felt that if I did not end this demon now, he will damage my faith severely and will insult and hurt many more of my Sikh brothers.”

“I took hold of my LMG (light machine gun) and went to see Mishra. He was surprised to see me with an LMG. He figured out what I was up to. I emptied the whole of LMG on this tyrant”.

“Red alert was declared all over. Everyone was shocked. I dropped my LMG and surrendered saying that I had done what I had to do and now the law could treat me as it wants”.

“In the jail, the officers tried to remove my kaRa (sarbloh bangle) but I threatened them with dire consequences. I told them that I would repeat another Mishra incident if they did not back off. They backed off as I was really up to something.”

“I have no regrets for what I have done. We Sikhs do ardaas everyday asking Vaheguru for Kesh daan. I have no regrets for what I have done.”

Shiromini Committee spokesperson, Manjit Singh Calcutta expressed strong displeasure and protest for treating the faithful Sikh officers like this. He demanded that Narinder Singh be released from jail and taken back into service.

Kabeer Ji Tied in Chains, Saved by God

In the fourteenth century, India was ruled by a king who would kill if anyone refused to accept the Islamic faith. Kabeer Ji was a true devotee of God and would recite His praises eternally. Kabeer Ji would worship God and none else. Kabeer Ji considered himself neither a Muslim nor a Hindu.

He says, “I do not keep fasts, nor do I observe the month of Ramadaan. I serve only the One, who will protect me in the end. The One Lord, the Lord of the World, is my God Allah. He administers justice to both Hindus and Muslims. I do not make pilgrimages to Mecca, nor do I worship at Hindu sacred shrines. I serve the One Lord, and not any other. I do not perform Hindu worship services, nor do I offer the Muslim prayers. I have taken the One Formless Lord into my heart; I humbly worship Him there. I am not a Hindu, nor am I a Muslim. My body and breath of life belong to Allah - to Raam - the God of both. Says Kabeer, this is what I say: meeting with the Guru, my Spiritual Teacher, I realize God, my Lord and Master” (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1136)

The king came to know about Kabeer Ji and told him to accept Islam but Kabeer Ji refused. He was tied up with the chains by the order of the king. The king’s men brought Kabeer near the bank of the river Ganges. There was not a single person with Kabeer but God.

Kabeer Ji says, “The River Ganges is deep and profound. Tied up in chains, they took Kabeer there. My mind would not shake; why should my body be afraid? My consciousness remained immersed with God” (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1162)

The king’s men threw Kabeer’s body tied up with chains in the river Ganges to drown. Kabeer Ji describes this situation as follows,

“The waves of the Ganges broke the chains and Kabeer was seated on a deer skin. Says Kabeer, I have no friend or companion, on the water, and on the land, the Lord is my Savior” (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Ji Ang1162)

God raised Kabeer Ji from the water to protect His devotee. The chain broke as Kabeer’s body touched the water of the Ganges and Kabeer was raised from the water and was sitting on the deer skin on the surface of the water. Watching this, the king was amazed and full of embarrassment. The King begged Kabeer Ji for an apology.

Who was Bhagat Ravidas Ji ?

Bhagat jee was born in a so-called low-caste family of "Chamaars", whose profession was making leather and shoes. Gradually he started spending most of his time in the sangat (company) of saints and Sadhus and built himself a thatched hut wherein he received and entertained wandering holy people. Many stories became current about Bhagat jee's simplicity and holy nature.

In spite of his so-called low caste, Bhagat Ravidaas jee rose to a position of great honour through a life of simplicity and piety. He never felt ashamed of his birth (into a so-called low caste) and fearlessly faced the Panddits (Hindu scholars), who were proud of their high caste. He told them that spiritual greatness is achieved through a loving devotion to Waheguru and the attainment of Waheguru's grace.

Bhagat jee says in Gurbani:O people of the town, I am obviously a 'Chamaar', a shoe-maker.Within my mind, I contemplate the Pervading Waheguru and meditate on virtues of the world-Lord. Pause. (Ang 1293 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji)

He reached God-consciousness (Brahm-Gyaan) and experienced Waheguru. Through Bhagat jee Gurbani was revealed. Forty of Bhagat jee's shabads (hymns) have been incorporated in Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee by Guru Arjan Dev jee.

You are me, and I am You-what is the difference between us? We are like gold and the bracelet, or water and the waves. (Ang 93 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji)

Message from Teachings: Bhagat jee rejects distinctions between man and man on the basis of caste or creed, for, as he says, in the world beyond no such differentiations will be acknowledged. Bhagat Jee illustrates in Gurbani that the ultimate end of human life is to become enlightened to realize Waheguru, therefore, one should live life meditating and remembering Waheguru, giving up ritualism.Birth in a so-called "low caste" or having low social status is no hindrance in the way to spiritual development.

United they Stood

This picture was taken a few hours before Operation Bluestar. All sorts of Singhs from different jathas were there. A nihang Singh can be seen outlined in red, they put there differences aside for the defense of the panth. Everyone these days has personal views we just have to accept that and get on with panthic work together. Everyone is understanding Sikhi in their own way, everyone has their on view on what gurmat is. we defo have to make a stand when someone is totally taking the piss. But when it comes to personal maryadas , why fight about minor things, when the panth is under siege. If you think your brother is wrong pray for him, help him, instead of fighting with him.

Helping Drug addicts

Baba Jaivinder Singh (with white beard in white clothes) with inmates of the Akal Drug De-addiction Centre at Cheema, near Sunam.

The local Akal Drug De-addiction cum Rehabilitation Centre has been proving to be a boon since July, 2004, for drug addicts of not only the Malwa belt and other parts of the state, but also for drug addicts of neighbouring states like Delhi and Haryana. The de-addiction centre is being run here by the Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib (Himachal Pradesh). Indoor patients are being looked after by two doctors, six pharmacists and nursing assistants and two ward boys at the centre.

The centre started its functioning from the local Gurdwara Janam Asthan Sant Attar Singh ji, but in September, 2007, it was shifted to a newly constructed building built for it. Though the building has a capacity to accommodate 35 drug addicts as indoor patients, there are 31 drug addicts under treatment nowadays. The indoor patients are normally treated here for a period of six weeks for medical, psychiatric, nursing and psychological care.

A 16-year-old boy from Bharri Mansa village (near Dhuri) started taking smack during the last Assembly elections and became a habitual addict of the smack. He started spending Rs 500 daily on smack, which he got from family members by quarrelling with them. He said he had been purchasing smack from a nearby village. Whenever he failed to secure smack, his body felt restlessness. He said after coming to this centre, he had gained 8 kg weight during the past five weeks.

Another 35-year-old married man who came from Chottian village (near Lehragaga) to the centre, said he had been consuming excess liquor for the past 20 years, besides consuming poppy husk for some time. In June last year, he was admitted to the centre as a drug addict and he remained there for about two months. Now he was in good health, he added.

Baba Jaivinder Singh, chief manager, Akal Academy, Cheema (near Sunam), said since July, 2004, about 700 drug addicts had been treated as indoor patients by the centre, while about 1,500 drug addicts had taken treatment as out-door patients till now. He further said the centre had benefited patients, who had come here from the areas of Muktsar, Delhi, Nabha, Phagwara, Moga, Mansa, Sirsa, Barnala, Fatehabad, Patiala, Bathinda etc

Frontline comments

This is an example for all, the whole panth should follow in these footsteps.