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{{short description|Sikh saint and founder of the Sewapanthis}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}}
[[File:Bhai Kanhaiya 1998 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|Bhai Kanhaiya on a 1998 stamp of India]]
'''Bhai Kanhaiya''' (1648–1718) was a [[Sikh]], verbatim disciple, of [[Guru Tegh Bahadur|Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji]] and was requested to establish the Sevapanthi or Addanshahi order of the Sikhs by [[Guru Gobind Singh|Guru Gobind Singh Ji]]. He was known for pouring water for all the wounded members of the battlefield no matter whether they were Sikhs or fighting against the Sikhs.<ref>{{cite book|author=Ranjit Singh|title=Golden Crystal|date=2013|publisher=Unistar Books|location=Chandigarh|isbn=9789351130482|page=180}}</ref>


==Early life==
{{Infobox religious biography
Bhai Sahib was born in a Dhawan Khatri family of Sodhara (now sohdra) near Wazirabad in Sialkot district). His father was a wealthy trader, but he himself being of a religious bent left home when he was still very young and roamed about with [[Sadhu|saddhus]] and ascetics in search of spiritual peace.
| religion          = [[Sikhism]]
| name              = Kanhaiya
| honorific prefix  = Bhai
| sect              = [[Sewapanthi]]
| image              = Fresco depicting Bhai Kanhaiya seated on a terrace leaning against a bolster from Sri Khat Wari Darbar, Shikarpur, Sindh.jpg
| caption            = Fresco depicting Bhai Kanhaiya seated on a terrace leaning against a bolster from Sri Khat Wari Darbar, Shikarpur, Sindh
| office1            = Leader of the [[Sewapanthi]] sect
| predecessor1      = ''none'' (founder)
| teacher            = [[Nanua Bairagi]]
| successor1        = Bhai Sewa Ram
| parents            = Mata Sundri Ji and Sri Nathu Ram Ji
}}


During his youth he also spent a lot of time in the company of [[Nanua Bairagi]],<ref>{{cite book|author=Bhagata Siṅgha Hīrā|title=Bhai Kanhaiya, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4A0eAAAAMAAJ|year=1988|publisher=Sewa Jyoti Publications|chapter=Ch. 6. A Contact with Bhakt Nanua|page=19 |quote=Bhai Kanhaiya would have hardly stepped in his teens that he, fortuitously, came across saint Nanua, an eminent gnostic and a heavenly-minded man. His company and precepts had lasting effect on his delicate mind.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Bhagata Siṅgha Hīrā|title=Bhai Kanhaiya, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4A0eAAAAMAAJ|year=1988|publisher=Sewa Jyoti Publications|chapter=Ch. 6. A Contact with Bhakt Nanua|page=22|quote=Bhai Kanhaiya passed his early days in his company. He listened to his sermons with keen interest, enjoyed his charming communions with eagerness and moulded his character accordingly. His devotion to Nanua advanced every day. As a true devotee he adopted his every advice.}}</ref> who was also a disciple and comrade of last three Sikh gurus. Nanua Bairagi was a renowned poet-mystic of Punjab<ref name = "Nanua hymn">{{cite book|quote=Nanua Bhagat is a renowned ascetic and mystic and a Punjabi poet of the classical school|title=Rose-garden of the Punjab: English renderings from Punjabi folk poetry|page= 106|author= Gurbachan Singh Talib|publisher=Punjabi University|year= 1973}}</ref> and he left a deep imprint on Bhai Kanhaiya' spiritual and humanitarian outlook in his formative years.
'''Bhai Kanhaiya''' (1648–1718; also spelt as '''Bhai Ghanaiya<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Dilagīra |first=Harajindara Siṅgha |title=The Sikh Reference Book |publisher=Sikh Educational Trust for Sikh University Centre, Denmark |year=1997 |isbn=0-9695964-2-1 |edition=1st |location=Edmonton, Alb., Canada |pages=602 |oclc=37769917 |quote=SEWA PANTHI : - This term is used sometimes for the associates of Bhai Ghanaiya Singh, the leader of the Sikh Red-Cross . Literally : Sewa Panthi is person whose life is devoted to the services (of the Sikh nation).}}</ref>'''), known as '''Khat Waro Bao''' and '''Khaatwala Baba''' in [[Sindh]],<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Inderjeet |date=24 January 2018 |title=Sikhi & Sindhis |work=SikhNet |url=https://www.sikhnet.com/news/sikhi-sindhis}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last=Sharma |first=T. R. |title=Maharaja Ranjit Singh: Ruler and Warrior |publisher=Publication Bureau, Panjab University |year=2005 |isbn=9788185322353 |pages=99}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite book |title=Proceedings - Punjab History Conference, Volume 27, Part 1 |publisher=Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University |year=1991 |isbn=9788173802201 |pages=63}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite book |last=Malkani |first=K. R. |title=The Sindh Story |publisher=Allied |year=1984 |pages=152}}</ref> born to Mata Sundari ji and father Sri Nathu Ram's home village Saudra district Sialkot now in Pakistan, was a [[Sikh]] disciple of [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] and was requested to establish the [[Sewapanthi]] or Addanshahi order of the Sikhs by [[Guru Gobind Singh]]. He was known for pouring water for all the wounded members of the battlefield no matter whether they were Sikhs or fighting against the Sikhs.<ref>{{cite book|author=Ranjit Singh|title=Golden Crystal|date=2013|publisher=Unistar Books|location=Chandigarh|isbn=9789351130482|page=180}}</ref>


==Baptism into Sikhism==
During his youth he also spent a lot of time in the company of [[Nanua Bairagi]], who belonged to a [[Saini]] agriculture family<ref name=":1">{{cite book|author=Bhagata Siṅgha Hīrā|title=Bhai Kanhaiya, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4A0eAAAAMAAJ|year=1988|publisher=Sewa Jyoti Publications|chapter=Ch. 6. A Contact with Bhakt Nanua|page=19 |quote=Bhai Kanhaiya would have hardly stepped in his teens that he, fortuitously, came across saint Nanua, an eminent gnostic and a heavenly-minded man. His company and precepts had lasting effect on his delicate mind.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Bhagata Siṅgha Hīrā|title=Bhai Kanhaiya, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4A0eAAAAMAAJ|year=1988|publisher=Sewa Jyoti Publications|chapter=Ch. 6. A Contact with Bhakt Nanua|page=22|quote=Bhai Kanhaiya passed his early days in his company. He listened to his sermons with keen interest, enjoyed his charming communions with eagerness and moulded his character accordingly. His devotion to Nanua advanced every day. As a true devotee he adopted his every advice.}}</ref>  and was also a disciple and comrade of last three Sikh gurus. Nanua Bairagi was a renowned poet-mystic of Punjab<ref name="Nanua hymn">{{cite book|quote=Nanua Bhagat is a renowned ascetic and mystic and a Punjabi poet of the classical school|title=Rose-garden of the Punjab: English renderings from Punjabi folk poetry|page= 106|author= Gurbachan Singh Talib|publisher=Punjabi University|year= 1973}}</ref> and he left a deep imprint on Bhai Kanhaiya's spiritual and humanitarian outlook in his formative years.<ref>''"Bhai Kanhaiya would have hardly stepped in his teens that he, fortuitously, came across saint Nanua, an eminent gnostic and a heavenly-minded man. His company and precepts had lasting effect on his delicate mind."'' Bhai Kanhaiya, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace, Chapter 6- A Contact with Bhakt Nanua, p. 19, Bhagata Singha Hīrā, Published by Sewa Jyoti Publications, 1988</ref>
His quest ended as he met [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] (1621–75) and accepted initiation at his hands. Kanhaiya established a dharamsdhal at Kavha village in the present Attock district of Pakistan which he turned into a preaching centre. His special mission was selfless service of humanity with no distinction of nationality, caste or creed. In 1704–5, he was on a visit to Anandpur when the city was invaded by a combination of hill troops and the imperial [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] army.


==Exemplary Service (Aduti Sewa)==
== Biography ==
During the frequent sallies and skirmishes between the Sikhs and the enemy, Bhai Kanhaiya was often seen carrying a [[mashk|mashak]] (a sort of pouch made of goat's skin that was used to carry water from one place to another), to serve water to anyone who was thirsty. He took upon the task of quenching the thirst of the wounded soldiers in the battle of [[Anandpur Sahib]] in 1704. He did this sewa with love and affection without any discrimination between the Guru's Sikh soldiers and the Mughal armies' soldiers. His act of compassion stirred up stern criticism amongst his fellow Sikhs, who complained to [[Guru Gobind Singh]] Ji, pointing out that Bhai Kanhaiya Ji was serving water to the wounded soldiers from the enemy camp. They were especially annoyed because the [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]] had surrounded the city and stopped all their food supplies, and here was Bhai Kanhaiya sharing with them what little water they had. They had tried to stop him many a time, but he would not pay any heed. Guru Gobind Singh summoned Bhai Kanhaiya and explained that he had received a complaint about his actions on the battlefield.
[[File:Fresco depicting Bhai Khanaiya meeting Guru Gobind Singh from Sri Khat Wari Darbar, Shikarpur, Sindh.jpg|thumb|Fresco depicting Bhai Khanaiya meeting [[Guru Gobind Singh]] from Sri Khat Wari Darbar, Shikarpur, Sindh]]
Bhai Kanhaiya was born in 1648<ref name=":0" /> in the Dhamman [[Khatri]] community of Sodhara, to Mata Sundari ji and father Sri Nathu Ram's near [[Wazirabad]] in the [[Sialkot]] region (now in Pakistan), and his father was a wealthy broker. He was known to have a habit of giving to the poor from a very young age.  


Guruji said, '''''“These brave Sikhs are saying that you go and feed water to the enemy and they recover to fight them again – Is this true?”'''''
In his youth, Kanhaiya met a man named Nauna Bairagi, who was a [[Sikhs|Sikh]] of the 9th Sikh Guru, [[Guru Tegh Bahadur]].<ref name=":1" /> Their connection allowed Kanhaiya to meet the Guru, and he converted to Sikhism.<ref>Hīrā, B. S.. Ch. 6, “A Contact with Bhakt Nanua. Bhai Kanhaiya”, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace. Sewa Jyoti Publications, 22-23.1988</ref> Kanhaiya stayed and continued to serve the Sangat (community). Kanhaiya was assigned as Guru's water bearer and later in [[Langar (Sikhism)|Langar]] (community kitchen). He also looked after Guru Sahib's [[Working animal|steeds]]. After the death of the 9th Guru, the 10th Guru, [[Guru Gobind Singh]], had [[Guru Gaddi|ascended]] and Kanhaiya began to follow him. Kanhaiya was visiting [[Anandpur Sahib|Anandpur]] in May 1704 when the city was attacked by a combination of [[Hill States of India|Rajput troops]] and their [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] partners. Bhai Kanhaiya was frequently seen carrying a goatskin water pocket and serving water to anyone who was thirsty.<ref name=":2">Burra, Srinivas. "Collective Engagement and Selective Endorsement: India’s Ambivalent Attitude Towards Laws of Armed Conflict." ''Locating India in the Contemporary International Legal Order'' (2018): 51-65.</ref> He performed this [[Sevā|sewa]] (magnanimous administration) with adoration.<ref name=":3">Jammu, Dilpreet Singh. "Compassion in Sikhism: A scriptural, traditional and historical perspective." ''Compassion in the'' 4 (2016): 266-274.</ref> This irritated the Sikh warriors on the battlefield, who complained to the Guru. The Guru then asked Kanhaiya, "These Sikhs are saying that you go and feed water to the enemy and they recover". Kanhaiya replied, saying, "Yes, my Guru, what they say is true, however, there were no Mughals or Sikhs on the battlefield. All I saw were people."<ref name=":3" />


Bhai Kanhaiya Ji replied '''''"Yes, my Guru, what they say is true. But Maharaj, I saw no Mughal or Sikh on the battlefield. I only saw human beings. And, ... Guru Ji, .. they all have the same God’s Spirit? – Guru Ji, have you not taught us to treat all God's people as the same?'''''
The answer satisfied the Guru.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" /> He provided with Bhai Kanhaiya with medical aid,<ref name=":3" /> and later on his mission came to be known as the [[Sewapanthi|Sewa Panthi Sampradaye]].<ref name=":0" />
'''''OUR SIKH HEROES DESTROY ENEMIES BY KILLING THEM, BUT I DESTROY ENMITY BY GIVING THEM WATER."'''''


The Guru was very pleased with the reply. Bhai Kanhaiya Ji had understood the deep message of [[Gurbani]] correctly. Guru ji smiled and blessed Bhai Kanhaiya. Guru Ji said, '''''"Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, You are right. You have understood the true message of [[Gurbani]]"'''''. He then continued and told the Sikhs that Bhai Kanhaiya had understood the deeper message of the Gurus' teachings correctly and that they all have to strive to learn lessons from the priceless words of [[Gurbani]].
=== In Sindh ===
He was sent by the Guru to Sindh in-order to propagate the Sikh religion amongst the locals of the region.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /> He is locally known as ''Khat Waro Bao'' or ''Khaatwala Baba'' in Sindh as he would preach whilst seated on a bed.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /> The Khat Wari Darbar in [[Shikarpur, Sindh|Shikarpur]] is a Sindhi temple dedicated to him.<ref name=":4" /> After his passing, he was succeeded as head of the Sewapanthi sect by Bhai Sewa Ram.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Harbans |title=The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism |date=1992–1998 |publisher=Punjabi University |isbn=0-8364-2883-8 |volume=3, M-R |location=Patiala |pages=299 |oclc=29703420 |quote=PARCHl BHAl SEVA RAM is a biographical sketch, in Punjabi verse, of Bhai Seva Ram who led the Sevapanthi sect after the death of its founder Bhai Kanhaiya, a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh}}</ref> His successor would continue preaching and proselytizing Sikhism in Sindh.<ref name=":4" />


Guru also gave Bhai Kanhaiya Ji medical Balm and said '''''“From now on, You should also put this balm on the wounds of all who need it”'''''
== Legacy ==
 
[[File:Bhai Kanhaiya 1998 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|Bhai Kanhaiya on a 1998 stamp of India]]
Then turning to the sangat Guru Ji said, '''''"Saadh sangat ji, Bhai Kanhaiya is a God-fearing saintly soul. His impartial and non-biased behaviour towards others has led him to achieve Sehaj-avastha. Let him carry on with his mission. Many more will follow in his footsteps in the years to come and keep the tradition of [[Nishkam]] [[Selfless service|sewa]] alive."'''''
SGPC under president Prof Kirpal Singh Badungar first time celebrated the birth anniversary of Bhai Kanhaiya ji on September 20, 2017. In this context, the Punjab government under chief minister Capt. Amrinder Singh too celebrated his birthday on September 20, 2017 as the Manav Sewa Diwas.
 
Guru ji reminded the Sikhs of [[Guru Arjan Dev]] Ji Shabad:
 
* I have totally forgotten my jealousy of others,
 
since I found the Saadh Sangat (the holy congregation). ((1))Pause
 
No one is my enemy, and no one is a stranger. I get along with everyone. ((1))
 
Whatever God does, I accept that as good. This is the sublime wisdom I have obtained from the Holy. ((2))
 
The One God is pervading in all. Gazing upon Him, beholding Him, Nanak blossoms forth in happiness. ((3)(8)) ([[Guru Granth Sahib]] Page&nbsp;1299 line&nbsp;55528)
 
To have respect for every person is a fundamental pillar of Sikhism and a strong message advanced by the Tenth Guru.
 
==Death==
Bhai Kanhaiya died in 1718&nbsp;CE after retiring to Sodhara.
 
== The Kanhaiya Principles ==
 
This [[Sakhi]] has a deep message for the Sikhs. In times of Human Suffering, a Sikh must adhere to the following guidelines as promoted by their Tenth Master, [[Guru Gobind Singh]]:
 
# '''SERVE SELFLESSLY''': The Sakhi tells us that we should serve Humanity selflessly ('''[[Nishkam]]''') and with complete dedication; To open our minds to see divinity in all beings
# '''TREAT ALL EQUALLY''': To Serve All of Humanity Equally '''without discrimination'''; provide help and assistance to everybody '''without prejudice''' or indifference; make no distinction between friend or foe;
# '''SERVE WITH COMPASSION & LOVE''': It tells us how we should treat even our fallen enemies (when they do not have their swords drawn) '''with respect, compassion, humility and Love'''.
# '''THE FIVE WEAPONS''': The Five Weapons to destroy the five internal Thieves – Deep level of Compassion ('''[[Daya (Sikhism)|Daya]]'''), Complete compliance to Truth ([[Sat (Sikhism)|Sat]]), Inner Contentment ([[Santokh]]), Overflowing Humility ([[Nimrata]]) and Total Love ([[Pyar]]). The Sakhi puts into practise the 5 major virtues promoted by [[Gurbani]]
# '''SHARE WITH OTHERS''': To Share ones wealth with the people who are suffering to reduce their suffering and pain. Remembering the Three Pillars of Sikhism – [[Naam Japo]]; [[Kirat Karni]] and [[Wand kay Shako]].
# '''SEWA''': To carry out whatever [[Selfless service|Sewa]] that we are able to, to help make life more comfortable for anyone who is hurt, in pain, is suffering or otherwise in a bad way. This is part of Sikhism's Two Pronged Dedication to God of [[Simran (Sanskrit word)|Simran]] and [[Selfless service|Sewa]].
 
== Gurbani ==
 
* You have no compassion; the Lord’s Light does not shine in you.
You are drowned, drowned in worldly entanglements. (4) ([[Guru Granth Sahib]] Page&nbsp;903 line&nbsp;38569)
 
* Practice truth, contentment and kindness; this is the most excellent way of life.
One who is so blessed by the Formless Lord God renounces selfishness, and becomes the dust of all. (3) ([[Guru Granth Sahib]] Page&nbsp;51 line&nbsp;2072)


* The fruit of humility is intuitive peace and pleasure. ([[Guru Granth Sahib]] Page 235 line 10192)
==See also==
* Bow in humility within your heart, and you will not have to be reincarnated over and over again. (2) ([[Guru Granth Sahib]] Page&nbsp;971 line&nbsp;41521)
*[[Sevā]]
* Those who practice Truth, contentment and love, obtain the supplies of the Lord’s Name.
*[[Sewapanthi]]
So banish corruption from your mind, and the True One will grant you Truth. (5) ([[Guru Granth Sahib]] Page&nbsp;422 line&nbsp;19317)
*[[Nanua Bairagi]], mentor of Bhai Kanhaiya


==References==
==References==
Line 74: Line 48:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.khalsaaid.org/ www.khalsaaid.org]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050316183038/http://www.bhaikanhaiyaji.com/ www.bhaikanhaiyaji.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051218184107/http://www.sewapanthi.org/htmls/home.html www.sewapanthi.org]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060510120923/http://www.sikhpoint.com/religion/sikhcommunity/kanhaiya.htm www.sikhpoint.com]
* [http://www.unitedsikhs.org/ghanaia/inthenews.html www.unitedsikhs.org]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060830004030/http://www.bsingh.dsl.pipex.com/khalsa/news40.htm By B Singh]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060511083941/http://www.studentbmj.com/issues/03/11/life/427.php www.studentbmj.com]
* [http://members.dancris.com/~sikh/chap14.html members.dancris.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071216043431/http://www.sikhnn.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=250 www.sikhnn.com/]


{{Sikhism}}
{{Guru Gobind Singh}}
{{Guru Gobind Singh}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Kanhaiya, Bhai}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kanhaiya, Bhai}}
[[Category:Indian Sikhs]]
[[Category:Punjabi Sikhs]]
[[Category:1648 births]]
[[Category:1648 births]]
[[Category:1718 deaths]]
[[Category:1718 deaths]]
[[Category:Sikh saints]]
[[Category:Sikh saints]]

Latest revision as of 16:09, 24 November 2025



Bhai

Kanhaiya
Fresco depicting Bhai Kanhaiya seated on a terrace leaning against a bolster from Sri Khat Wari Darbar, Shikarpur, Sindh
Leader of the Sewapanthi sect
Preceded bynone (founder)
Succeeded byBhai Sewa Ram
Personal
ReligionSikhism
ParentsMata Sundri Ji and Sri Nathu Ram Ji
SectSewapanthi
Religious career
TeacherNanua Bairagi

Bhai Kanhaiya (1648–1718; also spelt as Bhai Ghanaiya[1]), known as Khat Waro Bao and Khaatwala Baba in Sindh,[2][3][4][5] born to Mata Sundari ji and father Sri Nathu Ram's home village Saudra district Sialkot now in Pakistan, was a Sikh disciple of Guru Tegh Bahadur and was requested to establish the Sewapanthi or Addanshahi order of the Sikhs by Guru Gobind Singh. He was known for pouring water for all the wounded members of the battlefield no matter whether they were Sikhs or fighting against the Sikhs.[6]

During his youth he also spent a lot of time in the company of Nanua Bairagi, who belonged to a Saini agriculture family[7][8] and was also a disciple and comrade of last three Sikh gurus. Nanua Bairagi was a renowned poet-mystic of Punjab[9] and he left a deep imprint on Bhai Kanhaiya's spiritual and humanitarian outlook in his formative years.[10]

Biography[edit | edit source]

Fresco depicting Bhai Khanaiya meeting Guru Gobind Singh from Sri Khat Wari Darbar, Shikarpur, Sindh

Bhai Kanhaiya was born in 1648[1] in the Dhamman Khatri community of Sodhara, to Mata Sundari ji and father Sri Nathu Ram's near Wazirabad in the Sialkot region (now in Pakistan), and his father was a wealthy broker. He was known to have a habit of giving to the poor from a very young age.

In his youth, Kanhaiya met a man named Nauna Bairagi, who was a Sikh of the 9th Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur.[7] Their connection allowed Kanhaiya to meet the Guru, and he converted to Sikhism.[11] Kanhaiya stayed and continued to serve the Sangat (community). Kanhaiya was assigned as Guru's water bearer and later in Langar (community kitchen). He also looked after Guru Sahib's steeds. After the death of the 9th Guru, the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, had ascended and Kanhaiya began to follow him. Kanhaiya was visiting Anandpur in May 1704 when the city was attacked by a combination of Rajput troops and their Mughal partners. Bhai Kanhaiya was frequently seen carrying a goatskin water pocket and serving water to anyone who was thirsty.[12] He performed this sewa (magnanimous administration) with adoration.[13] This irritated the Sikh warriors on the battlefield, who complained to the Guru. The Guru then asked Kanhaiya, "These Sikhs are saying that you go and feed water to the enemy and they recover". Kanhaiya replied, saying, "Yes, my Guru, what they say is true, however, there were no Mughals or Sikhs on the battlefield. All I saw were people."[13]

The answer satisfied the Guru.[13][12] He provided with Bhai Kanhaiya with medical aid,[13] and later on his mission came to be known as the Sewa Panthi Sampradaye.[1]

In Sindh[edit | edit source]

He was sent by the Guru to Sindh in-order to propagate the Sikh religion amongst the locals of the region.[2][3][4][5] He is locally known as Khat Waro Bao or Khaatwala Baba in Sindh as he would preach whilst seated on a bed.[2][3][4][5] The Khat Wari Darbar in Shikarpur is a Sindhi temple dedicated to him.[2] After his passing, he was succeeded as head of the Sewapanthi sect by Bhai Sewa Ram.[14] His successor would continue preaching and proselytizing Sikhism in Sindh.[2]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Bhai Kanhaiya on a 1998 stamp of India

SGPC under president Prof Kirpal Singh Badungar first time celebrated the birth anniversary of Bhai Kanhaiya ji on September 20, 2017. In this context, the Punjab government under chief minister Capt. Amrinder Singh too celebrated his birthday on September 20, 2017 as the Manav Sewa Diwas.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Dilagīra, Harajindara Siṅgha (1997). The Sikh Reference Book (1st ed.). Edmonton, Alb., Canada: Sikh Educational Trust for Sikh University Centre, Denmark. p. 602. ISBN 0-9695964-2-1. OCLC 37769917. SEWA PANTHI : - This term is used sometimes for the associates of Bhai Ghanaiya Singh, the leader of the Sikh Red-Cross . Literally : Sewa Panthi is person whose life is devoted to the services (of the Sikh nation).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Singh, Inderjeet (24 January 2018). "Sikhi & Sindhis". SikhNet.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Sharma, T. R. (2005). Maharaja Ranjit Singh: Ruler and Warrior. Publication Bureau, Panjab University. p. 99. ISBN 9788185322353.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Proceedings - Punjab History Conference, Volume 27, Part 1. Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University. 1991. p. 63. ISBN 9788173802201.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Malkani, K. R. (1984). The Sindh Story. Allied. p. 152.
  6. ↑ Ranjit Singh (2013). Golden Crystal. Chandigarh: Unistar Books. p. 180. ISBN 9789351130482.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Bhagata Siṅgha Hīrā (1988). "Ch. 6. A Contact with Bhakt Nanua". Bhai Kanhaiya, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace. Sewa Jyoti Publications. p. 19. Bhai Kanhaiya would have hardly stepped in his teens that he, fortuitously, came across saint Nanua, an eminent gnostic and a heavenly-minded man. His company and precepts had lasting effect on his delicate mind.
  8. ↑ Bhagata Siṅgha Hīrā (1988). "Ch. 6. A Contact with Bhakt Nanua". Bhai Kanhaiya, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace. Sewa Jyoti Publications. p. 22. Bhai Kanhaiya passed his early days in his company. He listened to his sermons with keen interest, enjoyed his charming communions with eagerness and moulded his character accordingly. His devotion to Nanua advanced every day. As a true devotee he adopted his every advice.
  9. ↑ Gurbachan Singh Talib (1973). Rose-garden of the Punjab: English renderings from Punjabi folk poetry. Punjabi University. p. 106. Nanua Bhagat is a renowned ascetic and mystic and a Punjabi poet of the classical school
  10. ↑ "Bhai Kanhaiya would have hardly stepped in his teens that he, fortuitously, came across saint Nanua, an eminent gnostic and a heavenly-minded man. His company and precepts had lasting effect on his delicate mind." Bhai Kanhaiya, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace, Chapter 6- A Contact with Bhakt Nanua, p. 19, Bhagata Singha Hīrā, Published by Sewa Jyoti Publications, 1988
  11. ↑ Hīrā, B. S.. Ch. 6, “A Contact with Bhakt Nanua. Bhai Kanhaiya”, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace. Sewa Jyoti Publications, 22-23.1988
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Burra, Srinivas. "Collective Engagement and Selective Endorsement: India’s Ambivalent Attitude Towards Laws of Armed Conflict." Locating India in the Contemporary International Legal Order (2018): 51-65.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Jammu, Dilpreet Singh. "Compassion in Sikhism: A scriptural, traditional and historical perspective." Compassion in the 4 (2016): 266-274.
  14. ↑ Singh, Harbans (1992–1998). The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism. Vol. 3, M–R. Patiala: Punjabi University. p. 299. ISBN 0-8364-2883-8. OCLC 29703420. PARCHl BHAl SEVA RAM is a biographical sketch, in Punjabi verse, of Bhai Seva Ram who led the Sevapanthi sect after the death of its founder Bhai Kanhaiya, a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • Lal Chand (1955). Sri Sant Rattan Mala. Patiala. ISBN.
  • Gurmukh Singh (1986). Sevapanthian di Panjahl Sdhit nun Den. Patiala. ISBN.

External links[edit | edit source]

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