Baba Nand Singh Ji

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

This past week marked the barsi (death anniversary) of Baba Nand Singh Ji, a well know mahapurakh, who attached many people to Naam during his life. It is said that from a young age Baba Ji was extremely courteous and never lied. At the age of 5, he was discovered in deep meditation for 3 hours, sat on the edge of a deep well. The elderly people of the village found him in ecstasy, as he was completely absorbed in Naam. He said that if he’d fallen asleep he would have forgotten God whereas if he’d fallen asleep on the well he would’ve fell and died before he forgot God.

Under the influence of Baba Harnam Singh Ji, he was drawn to meditation and practiced discipline for 12 years, at various places including Sri Hazur Sahib. After this, Baba Ji began preaching Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings, as he travelled across the country. Baba Nand Singh Ji was in deep mediation on the banks of a river, which flooded suddenly. The depth of the water had reached 6 feet, the torrents of water surrounded Baba Ji but didn't touch him. The flowing waters around him were held back and he remained in deep mediation. As Baba Ji got up and faced the river, the water began to move out of his path, and once he had passed the surge of water would rise again. Baba Ji had been blessed with kirpa from Guru Sahib, and the Naam that he had recited, kept him safe as he returned to the hills.

Extraordinarily, Baba Ji would consume the regular portions of food but never slept, as he was always in deep meditation. It is a also said that Baba Ji would wipe the feet and shoes of the sangat, displaying his true humility. Baba Nand Singh Ji had the upmost respect and love for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and this is reflected by the unique way in which Guru Sahib is respected as the living Guru in many Nanaksar Gurdwareh. Baba Ji was once in the Darbar of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and after Asa Di Vaar had been read, Baba Ji submitted himself to Guru Ji. He then removed the upper layer of his dastaar, and laid it on the ground, instructing the Bhai Sahib to walk along it when carrying Guru Sahib.

The life of Baba Nand Singh Ji, does nothing but inspire us to always remember the importance of Naam Simran. It also reminds us to always have love for others around us, and make the effort to connect to Guru Sahib and to Akaal Purakh.

Bhul chuk maaf karni (forgive me for my many mistakes).

- Daas

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