Sunday, January 18, 2026

Jo Mange Thakur by Shivpreet Singh playing on Loop in Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

As my sister Tripat, along with her daughter Simer and her grand-daughter Kudrat, visited Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in the evening, they parked their car in the area reserved for devotees and proceeded toward the elevator to reach the upper level on their way to the Gurdwara.

Jan 15, 2026

https://youtube.com/shorts/DSjD-u0ARQU?si=PG02k6fT_Zn8TngV


To their pleasant surprise, the shabad “Jo Maange Thakur Apne Se”, sung by Shivpreet Singh, was playing on loop inside the elevator.  My niece Simer made a special effort to stay back and catch the clip of the shabad, and soon her mother and children joined in. Right there in the elevator, they began singing along, turning those few moments into a spontaneous and deeply moving kirtan experience.

Dec 12, 2025

https://youtube.com/shorts/13vL53sThbM?si=Rvp0Qu5m1iXwTG-a

Hearing this sacred shabad even before entering the shrine of Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji filled their hearts with joy and devotion. It felt deeply humbling to encounter familiar kirtan at such a revered place, even before bowing at the Darbar.

In a quiet and beautiful way, every devotee arriving there is guided by shabad to prepare the mind before entering the sanctum. This moment felt like a living expression of Naam flowing naturally ‘aap japai, avarā nām japāvai’.(you meditate and have others meditate too)


I thank Babaji for blessing our Shivpreet Singh with the opportunity to spread Waheguru’s Naam in its truest sense, by singing Gurbani that reaches hearts far and wide. May Babaji keep him grounded in humility and grant him the strength to continue serving humanity through these sacred shabads.


The attached video, viewed by over five million people, stands as a testimony to how Gurbani, when sung with devotion, finds its own divine path.



Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh 🙏


Friday, January 16, 2026

Sketch of Guru Gobind Singh when Gobind Rai



Child Gobind Rai

This sketch reflects a rare and moving portrayal of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in his childhood, at an age when he was still a young boy, yet already displaying remarkable composure and depth. The gentle features, the neatly parted hair tied back, and the simple attire remind us that this image belongs to a time of innocence and learning, long before history would witness the extraordinary role he was destined to play.


What makes this portrait special is its ability to capture childhood without losing dignity. The expression is thoughtful, calm, and observant, showing a child growing in a spiritually charged environment, absorbing values that would later define courage, sacrifice, and leadership. It is a reminder that even the greatest journeys begin quietly, in the simplicity of early years.


I am deeply thankful to Dr. Anurag Singh for kindly sharing this invaluable image from the works of his father, Dr. Trilochan Singh. His scholarly contribution has preserved a precious visual memory that allows us to connect with Guru Gobind Singh Ji not only as a महान योद्धा and visionary, but also as a child shaped by faith, discipline, and divine purpose.


From Jute Mats To Words

At My Desk and using modern tools to write any where and everywhere.

I love to write, sometimes three or four blogs at a time. I know, over the years, I have gained wisdom as well as strength in my writing ability.


At times, I feel a strange sense of disbelief when I look back. After Partition of country, when I was affectionately nicknamed Pritu, went to school in Panipat and began my classes in a make shift school down the lane, by sitting on Jute mats full of dust and dirt.  My hair would get filled with dirt and I had to face the temper of my Mom. Yet Waheguru showed compassion and guided me to learn largely on my own after basic College education.

A sketch I would look in my Promary School

When I read my older blogs today, they make me feel small because of the poor English grammar and weak composition. And yet, those same writings remind me of the journey, how far I have come.

Even now, there are moments when I feel thrilled while writing a story. That joy has not faded.


My grand kids would love to pass their time in exploring this favorite store


My children love reading; they love books, liabrary or Barnes & Nobel. Perhaps that, too, is Waheguru’s quiet blessing continuing through generations.



Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Bhai Nand Lal Goya ‘Rehat Maryada’ On Long Hair

“While caring for your hair,

tie your favorite turban properly.

Brush and clean your teeth daily,

and thus you shall remain free from pain, O dear one.”

-Bhai Nand Lal Goya -


On unshorn hair 


 Collectedo from ‘Bhai Nand Lal Granthavali’  by Prof Ganda Singh


The Rehatnama/Tankhanama written by Bhai Nand Lal ji as dictated by Sri Gobind Singh ji, also clearly emphasizes the importance of keeping unshorn hair (kesh) clean, neat, and well-kept. It highlights that Guru ji was deeply concerned not only with spiritual discipline but also with the physical well-being and hygiene of his Sikhs.


The Father of Khalsa under whose direction the Sikh Code of  induct was written

Guru Gobind Singh ji understood the practical realities of life in Punjab, especially the hot climate, where long hair naturally leads to more perspiration and therefore requires greater care. Cleanliness, regular washing, combing, and tying of hair were considered essential parts of Sikh discipline. This was not merely about appearance, but about self-respect, health, and dignity.

How to hold and neatly comb your hair in front of a mirror.


Thus, maintaining long hair was never meant to be neglected or disorderly. On the contrary, it required responsibility, discipline, and daily upkeep. Through such guidance, Guru ji ensured that his Sikhs remained hygienic, presentable, and disciplined while upholding the divine gift of kesh with honor and care.


How Gurpal Changes His mood and posture 2018


I tried to capture  in Jan 2018 our dear nephew Gurpal’s moods when we offer flowers and sympathy.

In those moments, his emotions seem to travel through many shades, 

from anger born of pain, to quiet acceptance,

from fleeting smiles of happiness to a deeper sense of fulfilment.

Each expression reflects the journey of a heart learning to carry loss with dignity and grace.


In Loving Memory of Mohinder Kaur Gulati



Dear Hardeep and Leena,


I have been watching you both go through an extremely difficult phase of life. Your mother has now reached her heavenly abode, but I must sincerely appreciate the wholehearted and tireless efforts you made to help her pass through this journey as smoothly and peacefully as possible.


In doing so, you have truly set new benchmarks for all of us, examples from which we can learn how to face the toughest moments of life with dignity, compassion, and devotion.


Dear Mohinder Kaur Bhenji’s  blessed life was extended by your constant care, support, and presence on all fronts. It was evident how deeply she was surrounded by love.


Hardeep had earlier supported his father in a similar manner nearly eight years ago. Dear S Satnam Singh Ji’s ailment was of such a nature that it was almost impossible to keep him clean, healthy, and comfortable. Yet, despite the demands of a high-pressure professional life, Hardeep never let his responsibilities slip. Every effort was made, every duty fulfilled. And this time too, both of you did complete justice.


I wish to record and appreciate your actions so that others may learn from you ‘how to live’, how to honor family life with full devotion, while still attending to professional responsibilities with sincerity.


I am extremely proud of you both.


I have always treated you like Shiv, as you were born around the same time, though in different places and environments. Destiny, however, bound you together to walk through life as one—always supporting and strengthening each other.


May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and continued strength to the family.


Here is what Guru Ji says in Gurbani on page 474 SGGS:



Pauri. 

ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਕਰਣਾ ਕੀਓ ਕਲ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਤੈ ਧਾਰੀਐ ॥

Thou Thyself didst create the world and Thou of Thyself infused power therein. 

ਅਰਥ: (ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ!) ਤੂੰ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਇਹ ਸ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਟੀ ਰਚੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਤੂੰ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਇਸ ਵਿਚ (ਜਿੰਦ ਰੂਪ) ਸੱਤਿਆ ਪਾਈ ਹੈ। 

ਦੇਖਹਿ ਕੀਤਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਧਰਿ ਕਚੀ ਪਕੀ ਸਾਰੀਐ ॥

Thou seest Thine creation as also losing and winning dice (good and bad men) this earth. 

ਅਰਥ: ਚੰਗੇ ਮੰਦੇ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪੈਦਾ ਕਰ ਕੇ, ਆਪਣੇ ਪੈਦਾ ਕੀਤੇ ਹੋਇਆਂ ਦੀ ਤੂੰ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਸੰਭਾਲ ਕਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈਂ। 

ਜੋ ਆਇਆ ਸੋ ਚਲਸੀ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ ਆਈ ਵਾਰੀਐ ॥

Whosoever has come, he shall depart and all shall take their turn. 

ਅਰਥ: ਜੋ ਸੰਸਾਰ ਤੇ ਜਨਮ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਆਇਆ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਦੀ ਮੌਤ ਵੀ ਅਵੱਸ਼ ਹੋਵੇਗੀ। ਇਹ ਮਤ ਦੀ ਵਾਰੀ ਸਭ ਨੂੰ ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਹੈ। 

ਜਿਸ ਕੇ ਜੀਅ ਪਰਾਣ ਹਹਿ ਕਿਉ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਮਨਹੁ ਵਿਸਾਰੀਐ ॥

Why should we forget in our heart that Lord. who owns ore soul and life? 

ਅਰਥ: ਜਿਸ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੇ ਦਿੱਤੇ ਹੋਏ ਇਹ ਜਿੰਦ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਣ ਹਨ, ਉਸ ਮਾਲਕ ਨੂੰ ਮਨ ਤੋਂ ਕਦੇ ਭੁਲਾਣਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ। 

ਆਪਣ ਹਥੀ ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਕਾਜੁ ਸਵਾਰੀਐ ॥੨੦॥

With our own hands let us ourselves arrange our own affairs. 

ਅਰਥ: (ਜਿਤਨਾ ਚਿਰ ਇਹ ਜਿੰਦ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਣ ਮਿਲੇ ਹੋਏ ਹਨ, ਉੱਦਮ ਕਰ ਕੇ) ਆਪਣੇ ਹੱਥਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਆਪਣਾ ਕੰਮ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਸੁਆਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ (ਭਾਵ, ਇਹ ਮਨੁੱਖਾ-ਜਨਮ ਹਰੀ ਦੇ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਨਾਲ ਸਫਲ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ) ॥੨੦॥



The above Guru’s words will give you all lot of strength and will power to face these hard times.


With deep love, respect and affection.


Pm



It will be worth to attatch. Dear Hardeep and Jasleen reply below:


Thanks so much Mamaji for your very thoughtful wishes,  wisdom, and sharing Gurbani  🙏 all of us are very thankful for your support, presence and also Shivi’s kirtan. When he said things about Mom I couldn’t hold my tears. We are trying to find peace in that she went in the way she wanted and she is in better place. 


Hardeep



Mamaji

your note was so well written, we are proud of your talent and ability to see positivity in everyone and every situation


Jasleen









Maghi - Makar Sakranti

For the benefit of my friends who do not know Punjabi, here is English and Hindi version:



Maghi - The martyrdom of forty Sikhs Mukkas - On this day, the last battle was between Sikhs and Mughals. The last fight of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji with Mughals reminds of the martyrdom of the 40 Mukts who were martyred in the battle of Shri Muktsar Sahib - whom Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji was given the title of Mukta on the battlefield.


After leaving Shri Anandpur Sahib, when the mountain kings and Mughal army betrayed and attacked Guru Sahib ji, a fierce fight took place on the bank of Sirsa. In this fierce fight, Guru Sahib's family got separated. Mata Gujri ji and younger Sahibzad went one side, Mata Sundari ji and some Singh towards Delhi and Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji went to fort of Chamkaur Sahib with big Sahibzad and some Singhs. When two eldest sons and many other lions were martyred in the ground of Chamkaur Sahib, Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji was ordered to leave the fort as five lions. With the help of Ghani Khan, Nabi Khan and Pir Buddhu Shah ji, Guru Sahib ji left Chamkaur fort and reached Kangar Dina and became Pir on high.


We got news from here that the royal forces of Sarhind and Delhi are moving forward very fast following Guru ji. Guru Sahib Ji planned to build a front in Khidrana. In this battle, those lions also got martyred on the battlefield to marry that bride on behalf of Guru Sahib ji, who wrote some time back to Guru Sahib ji that we are not your Sikhs and you are not our Guru. Their families closed the doors to their forever homes for this cowardly task, they realized what a big mistake they made.


Inspired by Mai Bhag Kaur ji, these lions fought with full force in this battle to confirm their mistake. In the battlefield, with the grace of Kalgidhar Patshah, the lions showed such a wonder of sword that in the evening they occupied the battlefield and became martyred. Just like Guru Sahib ji took care of hungry, thirsty and wounded lions in Chamkaur fort, similarly in this battle of Muktsar, Guru Sahib ji took care of the bodies of martyr lions and also ointed the wounded lions himself. Brother Mahan Singh was counting his last breath. Guru Patshah ji took brother Mahan Singh's head in his lap and loved him. His face was soaked in blood. Guru Sahib ji wiped his face with his hands and said, "Mahan Singh, what do you want to ask for? "Then the great Singh requested only one, "O true Patshah ji, return the relationship we had broken with you." "Please, reconnect with each other, only then it will wash stains, please forgive me. Then Guru Sahib ji promised, Khalsa ji, you are blessed. Only forty of you are free. Y'all got a high position. After listening to this word, brother Mahan Singh took his last breath of life in the lap of Guru Sahib ji and got martyred.


Every year, in the memory of the unparalleled martyrdom of this war, there seems to be a big addition fair on the land of Shri Muktsar Sahib. A large number of devotees from far and wide bow down here. In history, this war is remembered as the battle of Muktsar. At that time this war took place named Tibbi Sahib, but when 40 Mukts were martyred, this place was named Muktsar Sahib. Muktsar Sahib was named after Shri Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Sahib ji gave many blessings and titles to the lions who were martyred in this war, he also gave the biggest blessing by calling them Chali Mukta. So whenever every Sikh prays, he should pray by remembering these Chali Mukta


Translation in Hindi below:


माघी – चालीस सिख मुक्तों (चाली मुक्‍ते) का शहादत दिवस


माघी के दिन सिखों और मुग़लों के बीच अंतिम निर्णायक युद्ध हुआ। यह दिन श्री गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जी के मुग़लों के साथ अंतिम संघर्ष तथा श्री मुक्तसर साहिब के युद्ध में शहीद हुए चालीस मुक्तों की महान शहादत की स्मृति दिलाता है, जिन्हें युद्धभूमि में ही श्री गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जी ने “मुक्ता” की उपाधि प्रदान की।


श्री आनंदपुर साहिब छोड़ने के बाद, जब पहाड़ी राजाओं और मुग़ल सेना ने विश्वासघात कर गुरु साहिब जी पर आक्रमण किया, तो सरसा नदी के तट पर भीषण युद्ध हुआ। इस संघर्ष में गुरु साहिब का परिवार बिछुड़ गया। माता गुजरी जी छोटे साहिबज़ादों के साथ एक ओर चली गईं, माता सुंदरी जी कुछ सिंहों के साथ दिल्ली की ओर प्रस्थान कर गईं, और श्री गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जी बड़े साहिबज़ादों तथा कुछ सिंहों के साथ चमकौर साहिब के किले में पहुँचे।


चमकौर साहिब की रणभूमि में दोनों बड़े साहिबज़ादों सहित अनेक वीर सिंहों के शहीद हो जाने के बाद, पाँच सिंहों की आज्ञा से गुरु साहिब जी को किला छोड़ना पड़ा। भाई गनी ख़ान, भाई नबी ख़ान और पीर बुद्धू शाह जी की सहायता से गुरु साहिब जी चमकौर से निकलकर कंगर डीना पहुँचे और उच्च वेश में पीर का रूप धारण किया।


यहाँ से समाचार मिला कि सरहिंद और दिल्ली की शाही सेनाएँ बहुत तेज़ी से गुरु जी का पीछा कर रही हैं। तब गुरु साहिब जी ने खिदराना में मोर्चा लगाने की योजना बनाई। इसी युद्ध में वे सिंह भी रणभूमि में शहीद हुए, जिन्होंने कुछ समय पहले गुरु साहिब जी को यह लिख दिया था कि “हम आपके सिख नहीं हैं और आप हमारे गुरु नहीं हैं।” इस कायरता से उनके परिवारों ने भी उनसे नाता तोड़ लिया। शीघ्र ही उन्हें अपनी बड़ी भूल का अहसास हुआ।


माई भागो कौर जी से प्रेरित होकर, इन सिंहों ने अपनी गलती सुधारने के लिए पूरे पराक्रम से युद्ध किया। रणभूमि में, कलगीधर पातशाह की कृपा से, इन सिंहों ने तलवार का ऐसा अद्भुत कौशल दिखाया कि संध्या होते-होते उन्होंने युद्धभूमि पर अधिकार कर लिया और स्वयं शहीद हो गए। जैसे चमकौर के किले में गुरु साहिब जी ने भूखे, प्यासे और घायल सिंहों की सेवा की थी, वैसे ही मुक्तसर के इस युद्ध में भी गुरु साहिब जी ने शहीद सिंहों के शरीरों की संभाल की और घायलों को अपने हाथों से मरहम लगाया।


भाई महान सिंह अपनी अंतिम साँसें गिन रहे थे। गुरु पातशाह जी ने भाई महान सिंह का सिर अपनी गोद में रखा और स्नेहपूर्वक उन्हें सहलाया। उनका मुख रक्त से भीगा हुआ था। गुरु साहिब जी ने अपने हाथों से उनका चेहरा पोंछा और कहा, “महान सिंह, तुम क्या वरदान चाहते हो?” उस महान सिंह ने केवल एक ही प्रार्थना की—“हे सच्चे पातशाह, जो संबंध हमने आपसे तोड़ लिया था, उसे पुनः जोड़ दीजिए। कृपा कर हमें क्षमा करें।” तब गुरु साहिब जी ने वचन दिया, “खालसा जी, तुम धन्य हो। तुम सभी चालीस मुक्त हो गए हो। तुम्हें उच्च पद प्राप्त हुआ है।” यह वचन सुनते ही भाई महान सिंह ने गुरु साहिब जी की गोद में प्राण त्याग दिए और शहीद हो गए।


हर वर्ष इस अनुपम शहादत की स्मृति में श्री मुक्तसर साहिब की धरती पर विशाल मेला लगता है। दूर-दूर से बड़ी संख्या में श्रद्धालु यहाँ नमन करने आते हैं। इतिहास में यह युद्ध “मुक्तसर की लड़ाई” के नाम से प्रसिद्ध है। उस समय यह स्थान “टिब्बी साहिब” कहलाता था, किंतु चालीस मुक्तों की शहादत के पश्चात इसका नाम “मुक्तसर साहिब” पड़ा। श्री गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जी ने इस युद्ध में शहीद हुए सिंहों को अनेक आशीर्वाद और उपाधियाँ दीं तथा उन्हें “चाली मुक्ते” कहकर सर्वोच्च सम्मान प्रदान किया। इसलिए प्रत्येक सिख को अपनी अरदास में चाली मुक्तों का स्मरण अवश्य करना चाहिए।