Fact File
Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji was born on the 22nd of Nov. 1920 A.D., 8 Maghar Vikrami Samvat 1977 during the early hours of Monday morning at Sri Bhaini Sahib.
Father: Satguru Partap Singh Ji Maharaj, Mother: Mata Bhupinder Kaur Ji, Wife: Mata Chand Kaur (after the expiry of Mata Rajinder Kaur), Daughter: Bibi Sahib Kaur.
Sant Aala Singh Ji.
1. He got his early education of learning the Gurmukhi alphabets from his father, Satguru Pratap Singh Ji, who used to teach him by writing on a wooden takhti.( board).
2. Master Balwant Singh Ji.
1. Sri Satguru Partap Singh Ji
2. Ustad Harnam Singh Ji “Chawinde Wale”
3. Ustad Udho Khan Ji
4. Ustad Rahim Bakhash Ji
5. Bhai Taba Ji
6. Bhai Nasir Ji
H.H. Satguru Ji was enthroned on sixth of Bhadon, Vikrami Samvat 2016 i.e. August 22, 1959 A.D.
Satguru ji stressed that everyone should meditate with Naam-simran for at least one hour a day & recite one complete paath (reading) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib or Sri Dasam Granth Sahib once in a month by each family.
The regular non-stop Jap Paryog was started, at Sri Bhaini Sahib in 1987 A.D.
The “Gopal Rattan” award was presented to Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji for his selfless services rendered for the upkeep and protection of cows, by organisation known as Gau-Samvardhan Samiti.
Satguru Jagjit Singh ji constituted the Namdhari Vidyak Jatha on 16th of Bhadon Vikrami Samvat 2019 i.e. on Ist September 1962 A.D. It is presently known as Vishav Namdhari Vidyak Jatha.
Thirty nine annual sessions of the Boys Wing of Namdhari Vidhyak Jatha and twenty three sessions of the Ladies Wing were held under the pious presence of Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji. In these sessions, Members of the Jatha from all over the world assemble at one place to participate in various competitions and compete with each other for the top positions. Since 1996 A.D., around 40 Gurmat Sikhlai Samagams (zonal Training Camps) have been held (so far) .
To follow and implement the commandments and teachings of Sri Satguru Ji, the first sammelan was held at Sri Bhaini Sahib in the presence of H.H. Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji from Nov. 4 to Nov. 7 1991 A.D.
The second Samellan was also held at Sri Bhaini Sahib from Sep. 30 to Oct. 02 (1992 A.D.) in the presence of Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji.
At first some girls used to participate in the annual sessions of the boys, but in 1982 A.D., a separate Namdhari Istri Vidyak Jatha, came into existence by the order of H.H. Satguru Jagjit Singh.
The main objective of the Vishwa Namdhari Vidyak Jatha is to organize the Namdhari youth and spread the teachings of Sri Satguru Ji and imbibe the spirit of Sikhism in them. It also provides a platform to Namdhari youth where they can express and show their capabilities in various fields.
The first series (started by Satguru Partap Singh Ji) was completed by Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji.The Second one was completed in 1974 A.D. and the 3rd series was completed in 1997 A.D. The fourth series is in continuation. All this is being done to expedite the return (home-coming) of Satguru Ram Singh Ji who was banished from India by the British rulers.
A huge Hawan Yagna in which Sava-lakh path (i.e. 125000 paaths of Chandi di Vaar were recited round the clock) was performed in 1980 A.D. at Sri Bhaini Sahib.
The second Hawan Yagna was performed in 1999 A.D. in the month of September.
Since His childhood, Sri Satguru Ji has have a great interest in games. He, Himself used to actively participate in wrestling, races, cycling, swimming, football, volleyball and hockey etc. Till recently, His Holiness used to play Badminton daily.
In 1974 A.D., some Namdhari youths were sent for training at the NIS. Patiala where the selection officer refused to train them in their Namdhari Uniform. Soon after, His Holiness made up His mind to train the Namdhari youth in accordance with the Namdhari tradition.
At first, coaching was started in Guru Hari Singh Maha Vidyala at Sri Jeevan Nagar. Now by the grace of Satguru Ji, loud cheers welcome the Namdhari Team everywhere whenever they enter the hockey field. Their good performance has won them many trophies as well as reputation from all quarters.
Namdhari badminton players have played the national level games.
Shahid Bishan Singh Memorial School, New Delhi has won laurels in skating on the eve of Republic Day celebrations which take place in the presence of the President and the Prime Minister of India.
Satguru Ji, being a accomplished artist in the field of classical music himself, has made such arrangements that the young generation of Namdharis should also be topper in their respective fields of Classical Music. The services of highly qualified ustads (professional teachers) have been acquired for this purpose. H.H. Himself takes interest in training the children. Satguru Partap Singh Ji had started a Sangeet Vidyala (ClassicalMusicSchool) in 1928 A.D. at Sri Bhaini Sahib for the same purpose. Now, many Namdhari boys and girls are capable of playing Sitar, Tabla, Sarod, Sarangi, Dilruba, Taar-Shehnai, Santoor and Flute etc.
The weekly ‘Satjug’ is being published since 1920 A.D., but its present shape and style is praise-worthy. The weekly at present, is being published from Delhi. Its annual editions are rich in literary matter. Every year, a couple of new books are being published by Namdhari Darbar which presents new authors and different reading material before the Sangat. Several daily as well as weekly newspapers and magazines are also receiving liberal financial help from Sri Satguru Ji.
By the grace of Satguru Ji, the Vidyak Jathas are functioning with full zeal across the world. Seventy five units of the boys-wing, located across the globe, and fifty units of the girls-wing are functioning in order to receive the blessings of Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji. Apart from holding Annual Sammelans (conferences), regional Gurmat Sikhlai Samagams are also held which are one day functions meant for training the younger generation so that they are ever- ready to perform their religious duties. In these functions, they are trained for performing Ardas (Daily Prayer), Naam Simran (Meditation), Dastar (Turban Tying), public speaking etc.
With the graceful blessings of Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, S. Beant SinSh Chief Minister, Punjab initiated steps for making the memorials for Kuka Martyrs at Amritsar, Ludhiana, Raikot and Maler Kotla.The Kuka Memorial trust was constituted for this purpose whose chairman is the chief minister of Punjab. Its trustees include many Namdharis, prominent and most active among them being Sant Surinder Singh Namdhari who has been tirelessly making efforts for the early completion of these memorials. First of all, the memorial at Malerkotla has been completed where half a million pound sterling have been spent on landscaping and buildings. Here, a three- dimensional sixtysix feet high khanda (double edged sword) has been constructed in such a design that it looks like a double edged sword from all the angles alike. Here a Museum and a Library Hall have been built along with a hall for holding small functions. The whole area has been beautifully landscaped which rivals some of the famous parks in India. The land for other memorials has also been acquired at Ludhiana, Raikot and Amritsar and taken under the control Kuka Martyr Memorials Trust.
Under the divine guidance of Satgutu Jagjit Singh Ji , (Thakur) Satguru Udai Singh Ji , worked very hard to setup and promote a private company called Namdhari Seeds which is located at about 35 Kilometres from Bangalore City in Southern India. Starting from a 186 Acre farm in Bidadi, Bangalore , it has grown into a multi-national company with multimillion dollar turnover with branches spread in major cities the world. It also setup an ultra modern facility to process seeds as well as a packing facility for exporting fresh organic vegetables to U.K. and other European countries. It is one of the highest ranking seeds company in India.
Master Nihal Singh and Sant Ananta Singh were conferred the honour of ‘Panth Rattan’ in the Hola Mohalla fair in Delhi in 1985 A.D. and Suba Ganda Singh and Sant Waryam Singh Mussavar in 1986 A.D. in Delhi.
H.H. Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji conferred the honour of ‘GyanMartand’ on Pandit Gopal Singh Ji in the Hola-Mohalla at Sri Bhaini Sahib.
The Simriti Mandir was built under the holy guidance of Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji. It is 228 feet x 184 feet in area.
On this day, Sri Satguru Partap Singh Ji (while leaving Sri Jiwan Nagar) had given a hint of His successor – Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji.
Under the patronage of H.H. Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji this was at Sri Bhaini Sahib.
By the gracious blessings of Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, S. Beant Singh C.M. Punjab (who was also the Chairman of the Kuka Martyrs Memorial Trust) and Sant Surinder Singh Namdhari of Ludhiana have been greatly instrumental.
Forty One Holas have been held till now under the helm of Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji .
Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji says that this dress (Pant, Shirt & Tie) is of that English Empire which had drunk the blood of our forefathers. The Britishers had brutally tortured the Indians (especially, the Namdhari Sikh Community who had most severally rebelled and revolted against the British Rulers)during their reign over India for about 200 years. Hence, we should discard it altogether. ( It is the sign of our slavery).
As per the wishes of His Holiness Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, the Ashirwaad Puraskaar was started in A.D. 1994 during the Annual Vidyak Sammellan held at Chandigarh. In that year, it was bestowed upon two Sikhs namely, Sant Surinder Singh Ji and Sant Dalip Singh Ji . Subsequently, various Namdhari personalities who have served Satguru Ji during their life have been honoured with this award including Sant Jagdish Singh Ji Waryam and Master Nihal Singh Ji. In the year A.D. 2000,this award was bestowed upon Mahant Santokh Singh Ji of ‘Shaheedi Samarak’ Malerkotla and in the year A.D. 2001, it was awarded to Sant Ajit Singh Amroha who is serving at Sri Bhaini Sahib.
On 28th of March , A.D. 1999 (Sunday) , a huge gathering of Namdhari Sikhs clad in white dastar, kurta pyjamas (about 50,000 ) who had come by countless number of cars, trucks, buses, tractor-trolleys,motorcycles, scooters; under the divine leadership of His Holiness Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji took out a huge procession starting in the morning from Sri Bhaini Sahib to Anandpur Sahib. It took six hours to cover the 100 Km route and when the procession reached there, the whole of Anandpur Sahib appeared like a sea of white turbans.
In compliance with the wishes of Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, the then Chief Minister of Punjab Sardar Parkash Singh Badal ordered the establishment of ‘Satguru Ram Singh Chair’ at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. The Chair was established on Dec. 22 A.D. 1999 (Monday) by Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji. The main purpose of the Chair is to do research-work on Satguru Ram Singh Ji and the Namdhari Movement and award PhD’s (Degree of Philosophy) to students who happen to complete a thesis on any subject related to the Chair’s objectives.
To fulfil the wishes of Satguru Partap Singh Ji, Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji ordered his Sikhs to build a world class hospital in Ludhiana. The foundation stone of the hospital was laid on Oct. 28, 2000 A.D. by Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji. On this auspicious occasion, many leading personalities of India like (Late) Sant Waryam Singh Ji Ratwara Sahib, the then Home Minister of India Mr. L.K. Advani, the then Chief Minister of Punjab, Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, the then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mr. Farooq Abdullah had participated in the function. The hospital is now complete and shall be run by the Apollo Management of the Apollo Hospitals Group. This hospital is a multi-speciality hospital where world-class facilities are installed to give top of the line treatment to the patients.
This Sangeet Sammellan was organised on March 05, 2004 A.D. under the kind patronage of H.H. Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji.
On February 18, 1999.
Bibi Narinder Kaur of Sri’Bhaini Sahib was honoured with this award on the auspicious occasion of Holla Mohalla celebrations.
Sri Satguru Ji laid the foundation stone of the new Kranti Kari Mandir on February 12, 2002 A.D.
Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji honoured Prof. Kirpal Singh Kasel with Sahit Rattan Award on March 19, 2003 A.D. at Sri Bhaini Sahib.
Sri Satguru Ji honoured Sant Pritam Singh ‘Kavi’ with ‘Sahit Rattan’ Award on Oct. 15,2002 A.D. at Sri Bhaini Sahib.
Satguru Ji honoured Sant Balkar Singh with ‘Sant Attar Singh Mohnian’ Award on March 20, 2003 A.D. at Sri Bhaini Sahib
‘Sarab Kala Samrath’ is the name of this documentary film. It has been produced by Sant Taranjit Singh. It is a fine documentary covering the whole lifespan of Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji in which the best aspects of film-making have been incorporated with the highest professional standards.
Sri Bhaini Sahib has dynamic and functional design. Keeping this in mind the Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji continually developed Sri Bhaini Sahib to meet the everchanging demands.
Developments in Sri Bhaini Sahib under the guidance of Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji
Built in the memory of Satguru Hari Singh Ji, it had a thatched roof earlier which was pulled down and a new structure of 80 feet x 80 feet was built. It is ventilated for both the hot summers and cold winters in Sri bhaini Sahib. Small wedding ceremonies are held here. The daily kirtan of Asa-di-var is carried on in the early hours of morning whereas one-hour Naam-Simran is also done daily in the afternoons following by kirtan recited by Hazoori Raagis. This building has once again been extended and renovated to accommodate more persons at a time.
This is a an ancient natural source of holy water. After the deportation of Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji, some residents of Sri Bhaini Sahib, who were averse to Satguru Ji, had at that time complained to the Govt. authorities that this land belonged to the village and not to Satguru Ji. At that time, while digging this place, a triangular Hawan Kund ( a vessel meant for conducting Hawan) along with burnt charcoal had been excavated in the presence of a British Government official.Sri Satguru Hari Singh Ji showed these remnants and told the official that this land belonged to His Holiness since the times of Bhagwan Sri Ram Chandra Ji. It is now an octagonal white marbled wonder with nine wells in the deep centre.
Partap Mandir is majestic in every respect. Its hall is 228 feet long and 184 feet wide. It has been built without giving any support or pillars in between. At the time of its completion, it was the largest pillar-less hall in Asia. Satguru Partap Singh Academy is housed here which imparts education up to 12th standard.
It is the largest building in Sri Bhaini Sahib. Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji constructed this building on this place where the historic Brotherhood Conference of various sects having faith in Guru Nanak Dev ji took place in 1934. This important Sri Guru Nanak sarab Sapardaye gathering was organised by Sri Satguru Partap Singh Ji.
Its is also called the Guru Nanak Sad Bhawan Mandir
Generally, people are afraid of visiting cemeteries but this place (at Sri Bhaini Sahib) beautified as per the directions of H.H. Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, is worth seeing. It has been landscaped beautifully with grass, trees and flowers. A modem furnace has been built here for cremation purpose which consumes one-third wood as compared to traditional cremation wood-consumption. In the eastern part of this place, there is a Nature Cure Clinic which treats patients with natural things such as water and mud.
Gole Mandir has been rebuilt. The memorial has a majestic look, now. This marble building has a unique hall with eight entrances and is surrounded with trees and flowers. Satguru Partap Singh had spent his last moments here. It is now used for conducting Paath
Satguru Partap Singh Ji used to worship here. It has been given a new look and style. It is a rectangular marbled building with a thatched roof. The open marbled platform outside it is used for conducting Hawans etc.
Birdh Shalas: These old-age-homes have been built to look after the old and sick men and women who are unable to attend themselves. Here they are treated and served with earnest care by some young men and women volunteer servants.
The Guest House buildings await to welcome the pilgrims who come from far away places.
Satguru Ram Singh Ji had started this free Kitchen in 1857 A.D. It has been serving people round the clock non-stop since then. A beautiful and large hall has been built for distributing the langar. This complex serves the people during the annual fairs also. A second langar hall is also being built nearby. The surrounding area has been beautifully landscaped. A modern toilet complex and a modern grain warehouse facilities have been built.
Satguru Ram Singh Ji used to sit and meditate here. The old structure has been recently pulled down and the new structure in place has been designed to give it a majestic look It is a high 2-storey round shaped building with a central dome and a steel Khanda atop it. The magnificent round building of Ram Mandir was constructed, with the blessing of Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji in 2007. On this site Satguru Ram Singh Ji had his residence. The present day Ram Mandir houses a museum having a model of the original building and some personal possessions of Satguru Ram Singh Ji.
This place is where Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji used to meditate is worth seeing. Keeping the old structure intact, a new complex has been built around it to preserve the sanctity of the place.
A Cattle Shed also exists here which houses variety of cows and bulls. The cows are of high milk-yielding variety (Sahiwal and Haryana). They cater to the daily milk requirement of Gurdwara Sri Bhaini Sahib.
Flour Mill: This mill was made during the days of Satguru Hari Singh Ji. This was necessary because of the rapid increase of the population travelling to Sri Bhaini Sahib. This mill was constructed by Sant Thaker Singh Bhante. It was completed in ten days and on 28 Dec 1895, the mill was operational. In 1905, the police post was shifted nearer to the mill. By the order of the DC of Ludhiana the mill was uplifted and put next to the road leading to Akal Bunga. After 104 years, Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji relocated the mill to its original site, where it stays today.
Namdhari Sports Academy: The Namdhari Hockey Eleven is known far and wide for its young talented players and good hockey skills . A new junior team is also being groomed for the future and they are being provided all the modem facilities to transform them into good players.
Stadium : An Indoor Sports stadium has been built where number of sports activities take place round the year. A new and modern Astro Turf Hockey Complex has also been made near the indoor stadium.
Sangeet Kola Kendar : Started by Satguru Partap Singh Ji, it is also on the road of progress in all respects. The tutors are well tranied here. It is the place where all the young and upcoming classical musicians are groomed by well-trained Ustaads.
Telephone Exchange : A tele-communication Exchange has also been established here. It provides the latest technological advances for communication and net working.
Previously this location was earlier known as Shaheedi Bunga. To escape the atrocities of British rulers, many freedom fighters of Babbar Akali Movement, Congress Party amongst others, including Bhagwan Singh Arhbungi, Rattan Singh, Master Mota Singh, and Kishan Singh (father of shaheed Bishan Singh) came to Sri Bhaini Sahib. They took refuge here and seek guidance from Satguru Partap Singh Ji. In 1924, Mata Bhupinder Kaur ji was cremated here. Sometime later a well was dug and in 1934, Satguru Partap Singh Ji started the Akhand Varni ... the non-stop recitation of Nam Simran, which continues even today..
In the area of the Ram Mandir is the Nishan Sahib. On this site, on 12 April 1857, Satguru Ram Singh Ji rekindled the spirit of the khalsa by administering khandy-bhatay's Amrit to 5 Sikhs. It is also the site from where the KUKA ANDOLAN movement was started by Satguru Ram Singh. On 14 April 2007 Satguru Jagjit Singh ji hoisted the white flag to mark the 150yr anniversary of the KUKA ANDOLAN movement.
A latter new addition to the Ram Mandhir complex, this Steel Garva sculpture is a potent symbol and reminder of the Such Sodh tradition and the recitation of Nam & Bani instilled by all Gurus. This marayada (discipline) was re-enforced by Satguru Ram Singh Ji after Sikhs lost their spiritual goals.
In 2011, Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji inaugurated the opening of this Miniature Theme Park. This theme park is made up of models of important places where Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji and his subas were detained after the deportation in January 1872.
More entries to follow ..