Shaheed Bhai Mehtab Singh
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
This past week marked the shaheedi divas of Bhai Mehtab Singh, 18th century warrior. He was born to Hara Singh, of the Bhangu clan of the village Mirarikot. At the time when he was growing up, Sikhs were being heavily persecuted by the Mughals, and so he joined one of several guerrilla bands, after Banda Singh Bahadur gave his shaheedi. The governor of Punjab, Zakariya Khan, intensified his efforts to persecute Sikhs and so many were forced to move out of Punjab and into the hills. Ratan Singh Bhangu, the author of Panth Parkash and grandson of Bhai Mehtab Singh, writes that Bhai Sahib had moved to Jaipur, where he took up work under the local ruler.
It was here that he learnt that Massa Khan Ranghar, the officer of Amritsar, had occupied Sri Harmandir Sahib, and was doing severe beadbi by turning it into a "house of pleasure". Bhai Sahib decided to avenge the beadbi, and so he set off with Bhai Sukha Singh, disguised as tax collectors.
Ratan Singh Bhangu narrates:
"It was a scorching noon of the month of Bhadori, a strong wind raised a lot of dust, giving the two an excuse to cover their faces. Massawas enjoying music appropriate to the rainy season. The guards were either resting under shelters or listening to the songs of the dancing girls. The two got their God given chance. They hid their horses and spears outside the main entrance, one at either side, concealed their swords under their armpits, and advanced as if they were just some soldiers who had come with their collection of tax. Walking smartly, they reached where the mrdang was being played. One of them immediately drew his sword and severed Massa's head like a gourd is plucked off the plant, while the other removed the ornaments from the body. There arose an instant tumult, but the two rode away on their horses and vanished into the forest."
Bhai Mehtab Singh's ancestral village, Mirarikot, was raided by a military contingent. They killed several residents of the village, and injured the son of Bhai Sahib, Rai Singh. However there was no trace of Bhai Mehtab Singh until 5 years later. After hearing about Bhai Taru Singh's arrest, Bhai Sahib surrendered himself to die beside Bhai Taru Singh. Bhai Mehtab Singh attained shaheedi as he was crushed on the charkhari (between two spiked wheels).
Without the bravery of these great warriors, our Panth wouldn't have flourished, our faith is built on the blood of these Shaheeds.
Bhul chuk maaf karni (forgive me for my many mistakes).
- Daas
This past week marked the shaheedi divas of Bhai Mehtab Singh, 18th century warrior. He was born to Hara Singh, of the Bhangu clan of the village Mirarikot. At the time when he was growing up, Sikhs were being heavily persecuted by the Mughals, and so he joined one of several guerrilla bands, after Banda Singh Bahadur gave his shaheedi. The governor of Punjab, Zakariya Khan, intensified his efforts to persecute Sikhs and so many were forced to move out of Punjab and into the hills. Ratan Singh Bhangu, the author of Panth Parkash and grandson of Bhai Mehtab Singh, writes that Bhai Sahib had moved to Jaipur, where he took up work under the local ruler.
It was here that he learnt that Massa Khan Ranghar, the officer of Amritsar, had occupied Sri Harmandir Sahib, and was doing severe beadbi by turning it into a "house of pleasure". Bhai Sahib decided to avenge the beadbi, and so he set off with Bhai Sukha Singh, disguised as tax collectors.
Ratan Singh Bhangu narrates:
"It was a scorching noon of the month of Bhadori, a strong wind raised a lot of dust, giving the two an excuse to cover their faces. Massawas enjoying music appropriate to the rainy season. The guards were either resting under shelters or listening to the songs of the dancing girls. The two got their God given chance. They hid their horses and spears outside the main entrance, one at either side, concealed their swords under their armpits, and advanced as if they were just some soldiers who had come with their collection of tax. Walking smartly, they reached where the mrdang was being played. One of them immediately drew his sword and severed Massa's head like a gourd is plucked off the plant, while the other removed the ornaments from the body. There arose an instant tumult, but the two rode away on their horses and vanished into the forest."
Bhai Mehtab Singh's ancestral village, Mirarikot, was raided by a military contingent. They killed several residents of the village, and injured the son of Bhai Sahib, Rai Singh. However there was no trace of Bhai Mehtab Singh until 5 years later. After hearing about Bhai Taru Singh's arrest, Bhai Sahib surrendered himself to die beside Bhai Taru Singh. Bhai Mehtab Singh attained shaheedi as he was crushed on the charkhari (between two spiked wheels).Without the bravery of these great warriors, our Panth wouldn't have flourished, our faith is built on the blood of these Shaheeds.
Bhul chuk maaf karni (forgive me for my many mistakes).
- Daas
Comments
Post a Comment