On 27th January, many congratulations to the entire Sikh sangat on the birth anniversary of the great Baba Deep Singh Ji. Let us briefly look at the life of Baba Ji today. There are some differing views about the birthplace of Baba Deep Singh Ji. Some believe he was born in Gurm village near Dehlon in district Ludhiana. There is also a memorial gate dedicated to Baba Ji in this village, and a three-day religious program is held every year on his birth anniversary. The village Pahuwind (Amritsar) is considered Baba Ji’s maternal village. However, many historians consider Pahuwind to be his actual birthplace as well. Continuing the history— One day, Bhai Bhagtu Ji was working near a well when a saintly GurSikh, full of naam-ras and devotion to Guru Nanak Sahib, arrived there. Bhai Bhagtu Ji respectfully seated him. Soon, Mata Jiuni Ji also arrived with prasada. Bhai Bhagtu Ji respectfully served water and prasada to the saint, and then partook himself. Sitting beside him, Mata Jiuni Ji humbly said: “We have no children yet. Please pray to Guru Nanak Sahib Ji for us.” The saint performed an ardaas and, pleased, said: “A brave and valiant son will be born in your house. Name him Deep — just as a lamp lights up the entire surroundings, so will he radiate light everywhere.” Hearing this, Bhai Bhagtu Ji and Mata Jiuni Ji were overjoyed. In due time, Mata Jiuni Ji gave birth to two sons— The elder was named Deep, and the younger Laala. The lineage of Baba Ji’s younger brother Laala Singh continued as follows— Laala Ji’s son: Bhai Karam Singh Karam Singh’s son: Sardar Gulab Singh, a General in Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji’s army Gulab Singh’s son: Sardar Aala Singh, a Colonel in the British army Aala Singh’s son: Kishan Singh Kishan Singh’s son: Gurbakhsh Singh Today, their descendants include Sardar Gurdiyal Singh, Gurdatar Singh and Gursahinderpal Singh. From childhood, Baba Deep Singh Ji was strong, handsome, and always absorbed in the remembrance of Waheguru. The entire family regularly visited Sri Anandpur Sahib to seek the blessings of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji. When Baba Ji grew up, Guru Gobind Singh Ji told the family: “Leave this child Deep with us.” The family happily offered him in the Guru’s service. Guru Sahib blessed Baba Ji with Amrit and assigned him the humble seva of cleaning the used utensils of the sangat. As Baba Ji cleaned the utensils, his inner self too became increasingly pure. One day, while polishing a sarbloh vessel, Baba Ji kept looking at his reflection. Guru Gobind Singh Ji observed this for some time and asked: “Deep Singh, what are you doing?” With deep humility, Baba Ji bowed and said: “Guru Ji, I clean this vessel so much, but I only see my own reflection. I wish to clean it until I can see only your divine form.” Guru Ji understood his devotion, hugged him, and said: “Your seva is accepted. Now learn warfare and spiritual study.” After some time, Guru Sahib sent him to Pahuwind (Amritsar) and said: “Stay here and spread Sikhi. When the time comes, we will call you.” Later, Guru Ji reached Damdama Sahib where the sacred scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, was scribed by Bhai Mani Singh Ji and Baba Deep Singh Ji. Guru Sahib entrusted the service of Damdama Sahib to Baba Ji and left for Nanded Sahib. Baba Deep Singh Ji personally prepared four handwritten saroops of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and countless pothis of Gurbani, which he distributed among the sangat. Alongside Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Baba Ji fought bravely to avenge the martyrdom of the Sahibzaade. The Sikh army honored him with the title “Jinda Shaheed” (Living Martyr). When Baba Ji heard of the desecration of Sri Harimandar Sahib, he lifted his double-edged sword and said: “My head may fall, but my steps toward Sri Harimandar Sahib will not stop.” Even after his head was severed, Baba Ji continued to move forward towards Harimandar Sahib, fighting valiantly. He ultimately freed Harimandar Sahib from the Afghan invaders and drank the nectar of martyrdom. Today, on the birth anniversary of the great saint-warrior, scholar, and immortal martyr Baba Deep Singh Ji, many congratulations to the entire sangat.
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