Bhai Kanhaiya Ji Maharaj ~ His Barsi - Sept. 20.

- Part 1 | SikhNet 10/7/20, 4:35 PM

Select Language ​ ▼
Home (/)

Daily Hukamnama

"O Nanak, if the

Gracious Lord forgives,
then one is united in
Union with the Word of
the Shabad. ||1|| "
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji Maharaj ~ His Barsi - Sept. 20. - Part October 7, 2020

1
(/hukam)
The spiritual world, especially the Sikh world, is familiar with Bhai Sahib Bhai
Kanhaiya Ji, who is widely known for hi...
Subscribe to SikhNet

E-mail Address

SUBSCRIBE
(/authors/amolak-
by Amolak
singh)
Singh Weekly Sikh News
(/authors/amolak-
Celebrating the Sweet Memory of the Eternally Celebrated Daily Hukamnama
singh)
Kids Stories
Sep 17, 2015 Bhai Sahib Bhai Kanhaiya Ji Maharaj
Gurbani Media Center Kirtan
Epitome of Naam, Compassion and Obedience
Inspirational Videos

Gurdhyan Singh and Amolak Singh Updates

https://www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-kanhaiya-ji-maharaj-his-barsi-sept-20-part-1 Page 1 of 10
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji Maharaj ~ His Barsi - Sept. 20. - Part 1 | SikhNet 10/7/20, 4:35 PM

Take a Personal Hukam

"Need some advice or

direction today? Let the
Guru guide you! Take a
personal virtual-hukam
from the Siri Guru
Granth Sahib."

TAKE A
CYBER HUKAM

'Bhai Kanhaiya Singh Ji' by Pen-Tacular-Artist (https://pen-tacular-

(/hukam/personal)
artist.deviantart.com/art/Bhai-Kanhaiya-Singh-Ji-487530184) '

Apps
PART I of II

bile)

Sept. 19, 2015: The spiritual world, especially the Sikh world, is
familiar with Bhai Sahib Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, who is widely known for (/gurbani/mobile)
his water seva during Sri Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj Ji's time in
the battlefield. Due to the Blessing of Naam and the Grace of the
Guru, when serving water to the fallen soldiers, Bhai Ji could only
(/hukam/mobile)
see his beloved everywhere, and not friends or foes. He was the
le)
pinnacle of Guru Shabad's translation in his existence. Bhai Ji's life
journey shows that he was much more than someone who was
merely serving water, he was a Brahamgyani, Gnostic. Before that, (/stories/mobile)
on is his path of Sikhi, Bhai Ji had to conquer his mind and
eliminate duality. View all Mobile
Apps (/apps)

A heavenly soul named Kanhaiya descended onto earth on an

auspicious night in 1648 in Sohdara, a town near Wazirabad now
in Pakistan. His father, Bhai Nathu Ram Khatri, was a well to do
trader from an aristocratic family. After Kanhaiya's birth, Bhai Nathu
consulted the family astrologer who foretold that the child would
have strong mystical tendencies.

https://www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-kanhaiya-ji-maharaj-his-barsi-sept-20-part-1 Page 2 of 10
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji Maharaj ~ His Barsi - Sept. 20. - Part 1 | SikhNet 10/7/20, 4:35 PM

Bhai Kanhaiya Ji was educated and brought up in an aristocratic

manner but he remained more interested in his quest for the
common good and spiritual knowledge. As a young teenager, he
would fill his pockets with coins and discreetly share them with the
needy. On many occasions, he would leave home during the night
without informing his family and spend time with ascetics and holy
men.

As Bhai Kanhaiya Ji grew, his compassion for those in servitude

was outpouring. During his time, the rich and powerful would force
the poor into servitude, coercing them to carry heavy home and
business items on their heads and backs for many miles. Young
Kanhaiya would anonymously wait on the paths of the village for
them and discreetly carry the weight of those workers for some
distance, his humble attempt to share their burden.

The people were astonished at his compassion and the thoughtful

nature of someone so young and rich. His altruistic activities were
not enough for youthful Kanhaiya, as he had the inexplicable
desire to search for something unknown, so he always attended
holy congregations in the area.

Facebook After the death of his father, Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, as the oldest son,
(https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?
inherited the family business and reluctantly accepted his father's
u=https%3A//www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-
kanhaiya- responsibilities. However, his heart was not in right place as he
Twitter
ji-maharaj-
(https://twitter.com/share?
his-barsi- was more altruistic.
url=https%3A//www.sikhnet.com/node/62869&text=Bhai%20Kanhaiya%20Ji%20Maharaj%20~%20His%20Barsi%20-
sept-20-
%20Sept.%2020.%20-
part-
LinkedIn
%20Part%201)
As his past life's karam sprouted, the 9th Nanak, Sri Guru Tegh
1&t=Bhai%20Kanhaiya%20Ji%20Maharaj%20~%20His%20Barsi%20-
(https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?
%20Sept.%2020.%20-
mini=true&url=https%3A//www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-
%20Part%201) Bahadur Ji Maharaj's divine game afforded him the opportunity to
kanhaiya-
E-mail
ji-maharaj- unfold the first chapter of his divine life.
(mailto:?
his-barsi-
subject=Bhai%20Kanhaiya%20Ji%20Maharaj%20~%20His%20Barsi%20-
sept-20-
%20Sept.%2020.%20-
part-
Comments During one of his business trips, as he was sleeping in a tent,
%20Part%201&body=You%20might%20!nd%20this%20interesting%3A%20https%3A//www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-
1&title=Bhai%20Kanhaiya%20Ji%20Maharaj%20~%20His%20Barsi%20-
kanhaiya-
%20Sept.%2020.%20- during Amrti Vela, Bhai Kanhaiya Ji was woken by chants of the
ji-maharaj-
%20Part%201&source=SikhNet)
his-barsi- Sloks of Mahalla 9th by Bhai Nanua Ji. Bhai Nanua Ji was a
sept-20-
part-1)
devout Sikh blessed by the Satguru Maharaj Ji. Bhai Ji walked in
and found Bhai Nanua Ji chanting Sloks in a melodious and
magnetic fervor. Each Slok, full of vairag, pierced his heart and

https://www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-kanhaiya-ji-maharaj-his-barsi-sept-20-part-1 Page 3 of 10
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji Maharaj ~ His Barsi - Sept. 20. - Part 1 | SikhNet 10/7/20, 4:35 PM

shattered his world view, making him question the purpose of his
life. He immediately understood that the message in the Sloks was
for him.

Once Bhai Nanua ji completed his Nitnem and Naam Abhyaas,

Bhai Kanhaiya Ji requested Bhai Nanua Ji to explain the process
of adopting a Guru and getting Gurmantar. Bhai Nanua Ji said that
the Sloks are revealed by his beloved Guru, the 9th Nanak. He
told him to go to the 9th Nanak to end his wandering. Bhai Sahib
found himself unable to continue his worldly routine, and slipped
away from his entourage into the deep jungle, discarding his
worldly duties for good.

Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, writhing in the pangs of separation, wandered

into the forest. In the forest, he came across another devout Sikh,
Bhai Bans Ji, who was also immersed in Naam Simaran. Bhai
Banj Ji advised him to get the guidance of the Supreme Source of
light, and hinted him to go to populated places, rather than the
forest for that Light.

As his desperation grew, Bhai Ji visited different towns. His search

for Guru Maharaj Ji ended when he arrived in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
People were going to meet Him to earn His eternal blessings. He
also went to attend the sangat of Sri Guru Maharaj Ji. This meeting
further exacerbated his love for Him and his separation became
more unbearable. He started to attend Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's
congregations regularly. He resolved to stay in His congregation
and service forever.

Bhai Ji went forward and placed his head at His lotus feet, paying
his obeisance. Maharaj Ji's divine vision instantly electrified him,
and he felt he had found his beloved. Maharaj Ji initiated Bhai Ji
and gave him Gurmantar, and explained him the methods of
Naam Simaran and explained Rehat.

https://www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-kanhaiya-ji-maharaj-his-barsi-sept-20-part-1 Page 4 of 10
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji Maharaj ~ His Barsi - Sept. 20. - Part 1 | SikhNet 10/7/20, 4:35 PM

Then Maharaj Ji told him to express his desire, Bhai Ji pleaded for
blessings of simaran and seva. Maharaj Ji blessed him with
simaran through surti, and asked him to bring water.

Bhai Sahib instantly picked up a pitcher and filled it from a nearby

river. He then placed it by Guru Maharaji Ji's side. His Holiness
indifferently drank some water, washed his face, hands and feet,
and then spilled the remaining water. Bhai Kanhaiya Ji
immediately refilled the empty pitcher and placed it by His side.
Guru Ji repeated the same process again. In full public view, he
earnestly continued this difficult seva for several months.

Bhai Ji never questioned Guru Ji's action of spilling water. He

never complained and but was more enthusiastic every time he
went to get water. He surrendered himself to Guru Ji's sweet will.
Bhai Ji cleared the first hurdle and pleased, Guru Ji, allowing him
to join his team of sevadaars. He was given Hazuri Seva. First, he
was the official water carrier for Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He
brought water for His baths, for washing his clothes, and for
preparing his meals. He later became in charge of the langar, and
arranging Maharaj Ji's bed. He also looked after Maharaj Ji's
horses. Maharaj Ji started to visit the stable frequently, unlike in the
past.

One day during His visit, Bhai Ji fell on His lotus feet with tears
rolling. Bhai Ji uttered remarkable praises of Him out of love.
Maharaj Ji said that He was happy with his seva, and uttered
prophetic words that Bhai Ji's future was going to be filled with
serving humanity. Bhai Ji carried on his Naam Simaran and
Maharaj Ji's seva for about 17 years, without any iota of complaint
or desire. Bhai Ji, with his devotion, was able to obtain Sri Guru
Tegh Bahadur Ji's happiness and grace. One day, Maharaj Ji
came to the stable when Bhai Sahib was alone and ordered the
gate sevadar to not let anyone enter.

https://www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-kanhaiya-ji-maharaj-his-barsi-sept-20-part-1 Page 5 of 10
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji Maharaj ~ His Barsi - Sept. 20. - Part 1 | SikhNet 10/7/20, 4:35 PM

Sache Patshah expressed his happiness and told Bhai Sahib Bhai
Kanhaiya Ji that his seva and simaran was complete and
approved. His Holiness Blessed Bhai Ji with His Grace, put His
hand over Bhai Ji's head, uttering Nihaal three times, and granted
him the boon of Brahmgyan. He received the blessings of Naam in
the form of the experiential light which eliminated the darkness of
his subtle ego and other maladies of the mind. Bhai Sahib lost all
duality of mind, and Maharaj Ji declared him to be His own
approved Sikh. Now Bhai Ji was not just merely a Sikh, but the
Sikh who joined the company of those approved in Guru's
Sachkhand.

Maharaj Ji also revealed him His eternal and majestic form, viraat
form. During this process, Bhai Ji saw the all spiritual powers of the
cosmos standing with folded hands in front of Sri Guru Tegh
Bahadur Ji Maharaj.

Maharaj Ji asked if has any desire. Bhai Ji humbly said he only

wanted His Blessings and sangat forever. Maharaj Ji commanded
that he must share his blessings with others. He told him to go to a
place of his choice and establish a dharamshala to serve people
and impart them divine knowledge (naam), work for their spiritual
and worldly development, and continue his tradition of seva. Sri
Guru Teg Bahadur Ji Maharaj gave his personal handkerchief as a
gift to Bhai Kanhaiya Ji.

Bhai Ji arrived at Kawa village in the Northwest Punjab. During his

stay at an inn, he asked for water. He did not get it as the
innkeeper told him that there was a shortage of water in the vicinity.
The people had limited water at homes, as village inhabitants had
to travel about two to three miles across high mountains to get
water.

He understood that this village is on a main, busy highway, with

travelers who faced problems due to the lack of water and other
facilities. So, for Bhai Ji, this was an opportunity to follow his Guru
Hukam and start his seva here.

https://www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-kanhaiya-ji-maharaj-his-barsi-sept-20-part-1 Page 6 of 10
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji Maharaj ~ His Barsi - Sept. 20. - Part 1 | SikhNet 10/7/20, 4:35 PM

The way Guru-blessed Sikhs live their lives is fundamentally

different than from ordinary mortals. Bhai Ji did not preach, lecture,
or request material or human help. He himself got a pitcher filled
with water and sat on the side of road serving travelers. As soon
as the water finished, Bhai Ji would refill the pitcher and serve
again.

Bhai Kanhaiya, on reaching Kavha, (district Attock, now in Pakistan), established a dharamsal
providing much sought-after water, peace and resting place to ...

News of this action quickly spread among local inhabitants. Slowly,

more people joined Bhai Ji with their buckets. Bhai Ji's endeavor
inspired many more to join seva. People also started to bring along
black chole to serve with water. Bhai Ji immediately commenced
daily congregational activities with his new sangat. With Naam
radiating from his glowing face, the people realized that he was not
ordinary, but actually a supreme holy one.

Bhai Ji laid down the foundation of dharamshala, where, in

addition to water and chole seva, a regular satsang would be held.
Within no time, fragrance of His Naam spread far and wide, and
Guru sangat grew larger as devotees from far away started to
come. The place was a focal point of seva and simaran.

https://www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-kanhaiya-ji-maharaj-his-barsi-sept-20-part-1 Page 7 of 10
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji Maharaj ~ His Barsi - Sept. 20. - Part 1 | SikhNet 10/7/20, 4:35 PM

Very soon, a full-fledged dharamshala was built that remained

open round the clock, had a rest house of 200 rooms with 200
beds and pillows. Also, 200 pitchers of waters were ready at all
times for the travelers.

In the meantime, Maharaj Ji arranged His Delhi saka, and went to

Sachkhand, and his son, Sri Gobind Rai Ji, succeeded him. Bhai Ji
could not bear the departure of his beloved Guru, and he
immediately left Kawa, and arrived at Anandpur sahib. He paid his
respect to the 10th Nanak, Sri Guru Gobind Rai Ji Maharaj, and
started to attend His sangat daily.

CONTINUE to part 2... (/news/bhai-kanhaiya-ji-maharaj-his-barsi-

sept-20-part-2)

(/authors/amolak-singh)
Amolak Singh (/authors/amolak-singh)

I am a math major at the University of Minnesota

More Articles by This Author

Bhai Kanhaiya Ji
Maharaj ~ The Epitome
1st Nanakian Global of Seva
Envoy: Sant Teja Singh Ji SIKH HISTORY AND HERITAGE

(/news/1st-nanakian-global- (/news/bhai-kanhaiya-ji-
envoy-sant-teja-singh-ji) maharaj-epitome-seva)
More articles

https://www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-kanhaiya-ji-maharaj-his-barsi-sept-20-part-1 Page 8 of 10
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji Maharaj ~ His Barsi - Sept. 20. - Part 1 | SikhNet 10/7/20, 4:35 PM

Bhai Kanhaiya Ji
Maharaj ~ His Barsi -
Sept. 20. - Part 2 Reluctant ~ A young
SIKH HISTORY AND HERITAGE Sikh Writer

(/news/bhai-kanhaiya-ji- (/news/reluctant-young-sikh-
maharaj-his-barsi-sept-20-part- writer)
2)

Categories: Sikh History and Heritage (/news/sikh-history-and-heritage)

Topics: Bhai Kanhaiya (/news/topics/bhai-kanhaiya)

Share:

Add a Comment

2 Comments Sort by Newest

Add a comment...

Ajit Singh
sewak ki ork nibhi preet ...
Like · Reply · 4y

Abnash Jolly
Very good to know about our History during War in old Times.
Thanks JAS Germany
Like · Reply · 5y

Facebook Comments Plugin

https://www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-kanhaiya-ji-maharaj-his-barsi-sept-20-part-1 Page 9 of 10
Bhai Kanhaiya Ji Maharaj ~ His Barsi - Sept. 20. - Part 1 | SikhNet 10/7/20, 4:35 PM

(https://artofpunjab.com/shop/) (https://nanakicapital.com/!nancial- (https://sikhphotos.com/)

options/small-business-loan/)

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR INFORMATION RESOURCES CONNECT WITH US

NEWSLETTER

ABOUT PRIVACY ANNUAL GET INVOLVED

DONATE (HTTPS://DONATE.SIKHNET.COM
E-mail Address SIKHNET POLICY REPORT (/GET-

(/ABOUT- (/PAGES/PRIVACY- (HTTPS://REPORT.SIKHNET.COM)

INVOLVED)
SUBSCRIBE
SIKHNET) POLICY) TOPIC INDEX

CONTACT US LOG IN (/USER) (/CATEGORIES)

Weekly Sikh News
(/CONTACT)
Daily Hukamnama Kids Stories

Gurbani Media Center Kirtan

Inspirational Videos Updates

Copyright © 2020 SikhNet, Inc., All Rights Reserved

https://www.sikhnet.com/news/bhai-kanhaiya-ji-maharaj-his-barsi-sept-20-part-1 Page 10 of 10