Shiromani Panth Series

This series will be discussing the history of Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal 96Krori ChakarVarti Chalda Vaheer Panjva Takht (BD) by following the story of the 14 Jathedars that have commanded its armies. We hope this brings clarity to the Sikh community and will improve the perception of BD and the Nihang Singh Guru Khalsa Panth in general by highlighting the close relationship Nihang Singhs have always had with the Guru and the Sangat (hence the name Laadliya Fauja - beloved warriors). We should all honour these brave soldiers of the Panth who saved us from extinction. Without their sacrifice, there would be no Sikhi today. We are forever indebted to their actions and can only repay them by learning and practising Sikhi in light of the glorious history conferred upon us by the Akali BD and, ultimately, Guru Sahib.

ਨਰਕ ਘੋਰ ਬਹੁ ਦੁਖ ਘਣੇ ਅਕਿਰਤਘਣਾ ਕਾ ਥਾਨੁ ॥

In the most horrible hell, there is terrible pain and suffering. It is the place of the ungrateful.

(Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Ang 315)

First, let's break down the title:

Shiromani – Ultimate

Panth – Collective

Akali – Immortal

Buddha – Wise

Dal – Army

Chakar Varti – Forever Roaming 

Chalda Vaheer – Eternal

Panva Takht – 5th Throne 

This is the epitome of the Sikh faith, the creme de la creme, given to us over the span of 239 years and 10 Guru Sahibaans. The Guru Khalsa Panth - the eternal, forever roaming, ultimate, wise army that belongs only to Waheguru (Wondrous Enlightner - God). They are not like an army who sit at a single base - they are scattered and forever roaming; jungles or streets, they are eternal in their nature and presence. It, as a collective, is blessed with the title of Panjva Takht - 5th throne. This is a throne like no other: its foundations are the Name of the Lord as opposed to bricks & mortar; its cement akin to the virtues it holds of Humility, Detachment and Courage and its dwelling is the Mothers bounty. It is the Guru Khalsa Panth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji that is mobile and in the service of all mankind. 

A common belief within the Sikh sangat is that Sri Damdama Sahib P.10 is the Panjva Takht. However, it was only in 1966 that Sri Damdama Sahib P.10 was made the Panjva Takht by the SGPC. That too was very cleverly chosen because in the year 1966, Sri Damdama Sahib P.10 was the headquarters of BD (under the command of 96Krori Singh Sahib Jathedar Baba Santa Singh Ji) and was therefore seen to be the Panjva Takht anyway. The initial historical Takht has always been this Chakarvarti army that breathes with the lungs of each Singh that lives within it. This was the greatness in the philosophy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, they gave us something that will be here as long as time keeps ticking. 

So where does this idea of Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal being the Panjva Takht originate from? 

The conceptualization of the Panjva Takht originates from the origins of Sikhi itself. Sahib Sri Satguru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj was definitively and conceptually Nihang (meaning to have no attachment/ego) Khalsa (pure one). They are the ones who introduced the very laws that Dal Panth operates by today; the laws of Compassion, Simran & Seva. They lived and introduced the Chakarvarti lifestyle, where they travelled over many years educating and preaching the message of truth. 

ਬਾਬਾ ਫਿਰ ਮੱਕੇ ਗਯਾ ਨੀਲ ਬਸਤ੍ਰ ਧਾਰੇ ਬਨਵਾਰੀ ॥

Donning blue attire then Baba Nanak went to Mecca, 

ਆਸਾ ਹੱਥ ਕਿਤਾਬ ਕੱਛ ਕੂਜਾ ਬਾਂਗ ਮੁਸੱਲਾ ਧਾਰੀ ॥

He held staff in his hand, pressed a book under his arm, caught hold of a metal pot and mattress.
(Bhai Gurdaas Ji, Vaar 1, Pauree 32)

The “then Baba Nanak went to Mecca” references the fact Guru Sahib was always on the move from place to place. Sri Suraj Parkash (written by the Great Poet Bhai Santokh Singh) documents Guru Sahibs travels which is said to have spanned approximately 30 years covering tens of thousands of kilo-meters’ of land. They are said to have come as far as Italy, visiting Rome in the 15th century. This was at a time that the only form of travel was either on a horse or by foot; this was the greatness of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. 

Moreover, they were fearless in the face of a world that sometimes did not want to accept the message they were preaching & it is documented they adorned Shaster (holy weapons). They were God themselves, put on this planet to show how to be sampooran (full) in Baani (Gurus teaching) and Baana (Gurus lifestyle). Guru Sahibs physical apparel (in this instance) is also in direct correlation to how the Guru Khalsa Panth is ordained to dress. The blue colour of the Bana and the staff in the hand highlights royalty & inclusivity; the same philosophy used by Nihang Singhs today. Guru Sahib, in Gurbani, highlights the spiritual importance of the outward appearance that Nihang Singhs abide by.

ਨੀਲੀ ਸਿਆਹੀ ਕਦਾ ਕਰਣੀ ਪਹਿਰਣੁ ਪੈਰ ਧਿਆਨੁ ॥

The blackness of sin is erased by my wearing of blue clothes, and meditation on the Lord's Lotus Feet is my robe of honor.

ਕਮਰਬੰਦੁ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਕਾ ਧਨੁ ਜੋਬਨੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਨਾਮੁ ॥੨॥

Contentment is the cloth that wraps around my waist & Your Name is my wealth and youth. ||2||
(Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Ang 16)

From Guru Angad Dev Ji (2nd Guru) to Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Guru), this warrior spirit was a subtle back-tone however did exist (for example, Guru Angad Dev Ji started the 'Mal Akhara' - Wrestling). This concept was however first formalized and further embraced by the wider Sikh community under the guidance of the 6th Guru, Sahib Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. The Mughal empire’s oppressive policy on non-muslims culminated in the Shaheedi of the 5th Guru, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Their tyrannical rule was met with great foresight by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji who was responsible for initiating the martial spirit in the Sikh faith through their son, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.

Before their Shaheedi (martyrdom), they instructed Baba Buddha Ji (an extremely respected GurSikh who lived through 6 Guru Sahibaans) to give their son the status of Guru and ensure they militarised the Sikhs to protect themselves from what was to commence in the following centuries (Baba Buddha Ji were infact the ones who instilled the first 6 Gurus into command).

It was from these instructions that Baba Buddha Ji began to train an 11 year old Hargobind who quickly transformed into Miri Piri de Malik, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Baba Buddha Ji had infact learnt 'Shaster Vidya' (Weaponry) from Guru Nanak Dev Ji and were the master of it and were thus put in charge of this army that was to be created. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji then created the Akaal Sena (Timeless Army) which became the first army of the Sikh faith. This army was trained by Baba Buddha Ji at Sri Akaal Bunga Sahib Ji (as it was known at the time) and were deployed in 4 wars - all of which were victorious. 

ਦਲਭੰਜਨ ਗੁਰੁ ਸੂਰਮਾ ਵਡ ਜੋਧਾ ਬਹੁ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ।

This Guru (Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji), the vanquisher of armies, is very brave and benevolent.
(Bhai Gurdaas Ji, Vaar 1, Pauree 48)

It is after the same Baba Buddha Ji that the name Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal comes from. When Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji were imprisoned at Gwalior Kila (the fort of Gwalior), Baba Buddha Ji had taken an army there to free them. When Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji saw Baba Buddha Ji commanding an army, they were extremely pleased and stated that one day there will be an army in the name of Baba Buddha Ji. This bachan (message) of Guru Ji came true when Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal became formalised as the head of the Sikh army.

Before Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji left the planet, they gave instructions to the 7th Guru, Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, to never enter into warfare. They were instructed to maintain the army and warrior lifestyles however never to deploy the forces they had with them at all times. It was the will of Waheguru (God), bound by the words of the 6th Guru, that there were to be no wars before the 10th Guru.

ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਬਚਨੁ ਸਦਾ ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ॥

The Guru's Word is eternal and everlasting.
(Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Ang 117)

The 10th Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, then came & shifted the paradigm even further. They were the son of the 9th Guru who were beheaded to prevent Mughal tyranny wiping out Hinduism. Upon receiving the beloved sees (head) of their father, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, they were disappointed no Sikh stood up & rather chose to blend in. It was at this point they decided to make their Sikhs stand out in crowds of millions. They strongly encouraged all Sikhs to take up arms, train & get ready. Guru Gobind Singh Jis first war was in 1686 at the age of 19 and this gave life to an extremely potent martial period. The Guru was involved in several wars before they gave the final stamp on the Sikh faith. 

In the year 1699, they revolutionized the way of the army formed by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (Akaal Sena). They formalised all of the ideals of the previous 9 Guru’s into a code of conduct by which the 'Guru Khalsa Panth' would now abide by. This was affirmed through the heavenly & divine Khanda Pahul Amrit (Elixir of Immortality) which was to be administered by the Guru Khalsa Panth when Guru Sahib left their physical form. Therefore, this Akaal Sena became Khalsa Akaal Purakh Ki Fauj – The Pure Army of the Timeless Being. Those who took this Amrit gave their head to the Guru, signing the ‘Khalsa contract’ – stating they will follow the code of conduct and if not, are accountable to ‘5 Pyare’ (5 Beloved Ones). All Sikhs were instructed to take this elixir & prove their service to the Guru. This isn’t as simple as wearing the 5K’s and reciting prayers, it's about using the Amrit to meet the Creator Lord & experiencing His Glory.

ਰਹਿਤ ਬਿਨਂ ਨਹਿ ਸਿੱਖ ਕਹਾਵੈ ||

Without the Code of Conduct, do not call oneself a Sikh.

ਰਹਿਤ ਬਿਨਂ ਦਰ ਚੋਟਾਂ ਖਾਵੈ ||

Without the Code of Conduct, one suffers punishment at the court of the Lord.
(Rehatnama, Bhai Desa Singh)

Mahaan (Great) Kavi (Poet) Bhai Santokh Singh (the author of Sri Sooraj Pakash written in 1843) wrote during the sombre period of Poh (December/January) that in the Jungle of Machhiwara, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave the Guruship to 5 Singhs in the form of the Guru Khalsa Panth (Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Maan Singh, Bhai Sangat Singh & Bhai Sant Singh). Thus, the Guru Khalsa Panth had been created. It was infact Guru Sahibs mission to start this Panth (path). 

ਮੈ ਅਪਨਾ ਸੁਤ ਤੋਹਿ ਨਿਵਾਜਾ ॥
I have anointed you as my Son,
ਪੰਥੁ ਪ੍ਰਚੁਰ ਕਰਬੇ ਕਹ ਸਾਜਾ ॥
And hath created you for the propagation of the path (Panth).
(Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Bachittar Natak, Ang 122) 

The other key element of their revolution was the roop (form) they gave to this restructured army. While sitting on the throne of Sri Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji asked Baba Fateh Singh Ji (who was 2 at the time) to show the Sangat the form of Akaal Purakh (God) in whose image the Guru Khalsa Panth would be forged in. Baba Fateh Singh Ji returned with a tall, conical Dumalla, adorned heavily with Shaster (weapons) and in blue attire. This was where the appearance of the Guru Khalsa Panth was born. Guru Sahib stood up, done Prikarma (paid respects) around Baba Fateh Singh Ji and bowed down in front of them. This story has been mentioned by Kavi (Poet) Bhai Seva Singh (1 of Guru Gobind Singh Jis 52 Poets) in 'Shaheed Bilas' & 'Dumalnama P.10' as well as Sant Gurbachan Singh Bhindranwale in 'Gurmukh Prakash'.

ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਫਤਿਹ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਕੋ ਬੁਲਾਇਆ ॥

Guru Gobind Singh Ji Summoned Fateh Singh Ji.
ਚਲੈਗੋ ਤੋਰ ਜੈਸਾ ਪੰਥ ਐਸਾ ਮੁਖ ਸੇ ਅਲਾਇਆ ॥

And from his holy mouth, he uttered that a panth like Fateh Singh would come to be. 
(Salok Dumalle Da)

The Gurdwara where this took place is called ‘DumalGarh Sahib’ and is located behind ‘KeshGarh Sahib’, Sri Anandpur Sahib. This is why Baba Fateh Singh Ji is widely regarded as the 1st Jathedar of the Nihang Singh Guru Khalsa Panth. It was from this appearance that Mahakaal Nihang Singhs were born and the ideology of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Khalsa had been set in stone. This form taken on by Baba Fateh Singh Ji was something that was mentioned by Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Baba Fateh Singh Jis Great, Great, Great Grandfather) in Gurbani.

ਹਉ ਗੋਸਾਈ ਦਾ ਪਹਿਲਵਾਨੜਾ ॥
I am a wrestler; I belong to the Lord of the World.
ਮੈ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਉਚ ਦੁਮਾਲੜਾ ॥
I met with the Guru, and I have tied a tall, plumed turban.
(Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 73)

With this ideology in place, many wars were fought and won. Many hardships were endured and many sacrifices were made. The one thing that remained constant throughout all of Guru Jis hardships is that they never strayed from the Guru Khalsa Panth. The Guru spent the majority of their time under the cooling sensation of the Guru Khalsa Panth & visa versa. The Guru Khalsa Panth went through so much for and with the Guru, that they became the Gurus pride and joy - they had won the heart of their King.

ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ ਮੇਰੋ ਪਿੰਡ ਪਰਾਨ ॥

The Khalsa is my body and soul

ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਾਨ ਕੀ ਜਾਨ ॥

The Khalsa is the breath of my life.

(Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Khalsa Mehima)

The Guru Khalsa Panth then continued to fight many wars protecting their beloved Guru Gobind Singh Ji & suffered heavy losses whilst doing so. As the years passed on, all four sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Baba Ajit Singh Ji, Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji & Baba Fateh Singh Ji) were martyred. It was upon the martyrdom of the ‘Chotteh Sahibzade’ (younger sons) that Guru Sahib came to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur (Banda Bairagi at the time) near Takht Sri Hazur Sahib. They set Baba Banda Singh Bahadur the task of avenging the deaths of all the fallen Singhs & destroy Sirhind (where Wazir Khan, the slaughterer, was stationed) brick by brick. With Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji sent 5 Singhs of which Baba Binod Singh Ji was made the Jathedar (leader). Guru Sahib instructed Baba Banda Singh Bahadur to always stay within the boundaries set by the Guru Khalsa Panth or he would face great difficulty. The Singh's had set out on the mission to change the face of the planet and in the meantime, their beloved Guru left their physical body behind. It was thus Baba Binod Singh Ji who becomes the head of the Guru Khalsa Panth after Guru Gobind Singh Ji does Joti Jot (leaves the Earth).

Its from this point in the story that the series will continue from & will run all the way up until today’s Jathedar. It is down to ourselves to do khoj (research) of our extremely rich history to dispel the ignorant and misleading lies made about the Guru Khalsa Panth that we often see in today’s narrative.