Bhai Jiwan Singh

Bhai Jiwan Singh (also spelled Jivan) (Bhai Jaita before baptism) (1649–1705) was a Sikh General^[1] and a personal accomplice, companion and friend of Guru Gobind Singh the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. As well as his military prowess he was a Poet and a warrior. He eventually became a Sikh Martyr and an icon when he fell during the siege of Chamkaur in 1705 against the Mughal armies.

Born as Jaita to father Sada Nand and mother Mata Premo at Patna, India in 1649.^[2] he lived the start of his young life at Patna where he received training in various weaponry and learnt the art of warfare. In addition he learnt horse riding, swimming, music and Kirtan.^[3] He became famous when he cut the head of his own father and remaining body was buried under the home where all family residing and placed on where head of the ninth Guru of the Sikhs Guru Teg Bahadur and then he rescued the severed head of the ninth Guru of the Sikhs Guru Teg Bahadur; who had been executed at Delhi under the orders of Aurangzeb. He inturn received the honour of Rangrette Guru ke Bette for his community from Guru Gobind Singh. However it is as a General and Sikh warrior that he made his name. He became renowned for his boldness, strategic skill, organizing capacity and his handling of weapons.^[4]

Bhai Jivan Singh was with the Guru during the evacuation of Anandpur and laid down his life to aid Guru Gobind Singh's safe escape.^[5] After his death in 1705 a tomb was erected^[6] to honor him which stands there to this day.

Childhood

Bhai Jaita was born to Bhai Sada Nand and Mata Premo at 1:13 A.M. on the 7th moon day of Poh Bikram Samwat, 1718 i.e. Tuesday, 13 December 1661 CE at Patna Sahib. The Ninth Sikh Guru Guru Tegh Bahadur named the child 'Jaita'.

In December, 1665 CE, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib set out on his 3rd missionary tour of the eastern parts of India. He took Bhai Sada Nand and his family along with him. He left his wife Mata Gujri and other female members of the family at Patna, under the supervision of Bhai Kirpal Chand, the brother of Mata Gujri.

Guru Tegh Bahadur's only son, Gobind Rai (later Guru Gobind Singh), was born in Patna on 22 December 1666. The next day i.e. 23 December 1666, Bhai Sangata, the second son of Bhai Sada Nand was born. While carrying on his missionary propagation the Guru reached Anandpur Sahib by the middle of 1670. But Mata Gujri and Gobind Rai continued to stay at Patna Sahib.

Sri Gur Katha

Singh also wrote the poem "Sri Gur Katha", which contains a first hand account of Guru’s battles.

Gurudwara Shaheed Burj Sahib

At the place where Baba Jiwan Singh was martyred, Gurudawar Burj Sahib was situated. This Gurudwara Sahib was situated in the memory of Baba Jiwan Singh Ji. Bibi Sharan Kaur gave a funeral for Baba Jiwan Singh at this place. There is a historical well there, where Guru Ji, two Sahibzadas and other Singh soldiers drank water from this well.

References