Chapter 3 [Pita-Poot — Father and Son]
“The month of Sawan(*) has come, O my companions;
remember your Husband-Lord. O Nanak,
the abandoned bride is in love with another;
now she weeps and wails, and dies.
The month of Sawan has come, O my companions;
the clouds have burst forth with rain.
O Nanak, the blessed soul-brides sleep in peace;
they are in love with their Husband-Lord.”
— Aadi Granth (Malar War M.2, p.1280)
When the dense rain-bearing clouds burst, they see no place as being high or low, instead, their bounty is for all. When the rain falls, it rejuvenates the forests, deserts, mountains, planes and agricultural fields all alike, making them verdant. Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj, first word of whose name was ‘Sawan’ (the Indian season of rain), brought the rain of God’s grace and mercy, which flooded the entire world, by coming upon earth during this very season. His divine blessings were for one and all.
Whether a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, whosoever, whether good or bad, he blessed all with his glance of mercy and connected them with God. He had come for the entire world. He removed the individual distinctions of ‘I’ and ‘you’ and made everyone sit together after pulling them out from the pits of partisanship and narrow mindedness, by getting them to memorize the lesson of:
“The One God is our Father;
we are the children of the One God.”
— Aadi Granth (Sorath M.5, p.611)
He was an embodiment of light and illuminated the entire world. He was one with God, and was God in human form, and provided a glimpse of that to the people.
Need of the Times
Whatever form man takes as an ideal, nature assists in manifesting the same in real life. Whatever thoughts people contain within themselves, in relation to God, nature keeps on presenting it in that very form and shape. Divine personages keep appearing in the form of Guru Nanak Sahib and other nine Gurus, Kabir Sahib, Dadu Sahib, Paltu Sahib, Maulana Rum, Shams Tabrezi, Tulsi Sahib, Huzur Swami Shivdayal Singh, Baba Jaimal Singh Ji, Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji, who, through the example of their life, attract the seekers of Truth towards themselves. Hence, when those who sincerely desire to meet the Lord, find themselves confronted with the manifestation of their very ideal before them in the physical form, are willing to surrender themselves — with a thousand lives.
At the time when Guru Nanak and Kabir Sahib appeared, religious intolerance and fanaticism was at a peak and the contractors of religious faiths, beliefs and outer practices were at loggerheads with one another. Outer religious ceremonies, rites and rituals were dominant and spirituality was nowhere to be seen. Diverse types of atrocities were done in the name of religion. The saints and seers, who gave out the teachings of the spiritual path, were being tortured. The distress call of the suffering people reached the holy feet of the Creator. The Ocean of Divine Love came into fullness, and presented itself in the form of a living Mahatma, the divine human personality of the time. As they appeared, they soon attempted to bring closer together the twin faiths — the Hindus and the Muslims.
Guru Nanak Sahib said:
“None is a Hindu and none a Musalman.
Know us both to be one and the same.”
— confirmed by Sant Kirpal Singh
(see “Guru Nanak and His Teachings” Sat Sandesh 1970-01)
He gave the message of peace and explained that God cannot be found by donning outer appearances and garbs. Spirituality is a thing away from all these things.
The fanatic Muslims accosted Kabir Sahib and asked him who he was, to which he replied:
“If I say I am Hindu, that I am not. Nor am I a Musalman.
I am but a doll composed of the five elements
in which an unseen divine power resides.”
— Kabir Saakhi Sangrah, Part I (Madhya ka Ang 4, p.75)
To paraphrase: “If I say I am a Hindu, you will strike me because your perception is limited to the outer physical shapes and forms. And by the thing i.e. the outer practice, shapes and forms that you consider to be that of a Musalman, I am not that kind of Musalman either. This body consists of five basic elements, in which an unseen power functions. That I am, the indweller of that house that is called Kabir.”
History often repeats itself. Earlier, there used to be two faiths, now each faith has split into several divisions and sects. There are 72 different sects in Muslims. Similarly, Hindus, Sikhs and Christians each have numerous sects. Presently, there are over 700 different sects and religions in the world, each one claiming themselves and their religious practice as most superior. In this tug-of-war, the seekers of Truth have become despondent. Their cry reached the Creator and a tide rose within the Ocean Divine; out-flowed a stream and manifested in the form of a saint of the highest order, a perfect Master, Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj.
Here, there is a mention about the dawning of the rainy season of ‘Sawan’, the season that is the time for reuniting with God. The divine grace and mercy is coming down in torrents. Generally, there is discomforting humidity after such rain-shower, but whenever the Great being’s shower of grace and mercy pours, it brings sweet everlasting peace. His words, laden with Divine Love bring solace to the hearts of each and every soul. His message was for the entire world and shall remain so eternally.
“Great men speak the teachings
by relating them to individual situations,
but the whole world shares in them.”
— Aadi Granth (Sorath War M.3, p.647)
His clarion call was for all Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, and indeed the entire mankind, to whom he would say, “I am yours and you are mine. I have come to embrace you all. I have no concern with any outer religious practice, physical shapes and forms, rites and rituals etc. I am only concerned with spirituality. Whichever religion and society you belong to, stay within the same. Follow their traditions, sacraments such as for marriages and other ceremonies. Only get to know yourself — as to who you are. And get connected with the ‘Word’ or ‘Naam’ or ‘Kalma’, with the Supreme Lord. My relation with you is only spiritual.”
It was the need of those times for a competent Master, who could raise the world, hitherto attached to name and form, and lift it beyond facets and appearances and connect it with the Lord. In the previous times, the Great beings had to confront only two societies, but now there are hundreds of distinct sects and societies to deal with. In these times, the task had to be carried out while keeping in mind the feelings of all. It was the task undertaken by that Great Power, which worked through Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj. His first task was to make all the people sit together in God’s name (Word or Naam).
“Come and join together, O my Siblings of Destiny;
dispel your sense of duality and let yourselves
be lovingly absorbed in the Lord.
Let yourselves be joined to the Name of the Lord;
become Gurmukh, spread out your mat, and sit down.”
— Aadi Granth (Basant M.5, p.1185)
His message was one for the entire world. He used to say, “Sit together and remove all the mutual differences. We are all one from the perspective of humanity”
“Know the caste of all mankind to be one.”
We are all embodied souls. The soul of every human is a part of God.
“Says Kabir, this is of the same essence as the Lord.
It is like the ink on the paper which cannot be erased.” ॥4॥2॥5॥
— Aadi Granth (Gond Bani Kabir, p.871)
The source of all lives is one. In His name, on the basis of humanity, we are all one. In order to make contact with the spiritual unity which is already within us, but have forgotten how to find, sit in the company of a true Master (Gurmukh).”
“I have totally forgotten my jealousy of others,
since I found the Sadh sangat, the Company of the Holy.
No one is my enemy, and no one is a stranger to me.
I get along with everyone.”
— Aadi Granth (Kanada M.5, p.1299)
Showers of Mercy
When Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj appeared in the human form on earth, i.e. associated with the physical body, that auspicious day was Tuesday, 27th July, 1858 (1) (13 Sawan, 1925 Vikrami, according to the Indian calendar system — corresponding July-August). He was born in a prestigious “Jat Grewal” family in the village Mahima Singh Wala, District Ludhiana, India.
The name of Huzur’s father was Sardar Kabal Singh Grewal. He was a Subedar Major in the army. His mother’s name was Smt. Jeevani. Huzur was the only son of his parents and all their hopes and aspirations were focused upon him. Such distinguished personalities do not take birth in the house of ordinary parents. Huzur’s father, Sardar Kabal Singh was a saintly person devoted to Satsang, who served saints and seers, and the mother, Smt. Jeevani was a living example of old-time virtues, simplicity, humility and contentedness.
Before the birth of Huzur, famine like conditions were prevailing due to drought, but on the day he was born, there was an out-pour of heavy rains, which continued till the evening, and in fact extended to the entire month. Upon his arrival, everyone’s sorrow and suffering was washed away, and calmness and greenery spread all around. (2) It was like an announcement, a declaration from nature, regarding the arrival of a divine personality at a time when there was a famine of spirituality (self-knowledge), who would go on to freely distribute, with both hands, the divine treasures of mercy and grace, so that there will be such a torrential downpour of spirituality that the entire earth would be inundated. Hence, all the people spoke with one voice that the arrival of this child prophesied great fortune. For his naming ceremony, when a verse of Guru Granth Sahib was referenced, what appeared was the following verse of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Master, which was read to be:
“In the month of Sawan, the soul-bride is happy,
if she falls in love with the Lotus Feet of the Lord.
Her mind and body are imbued with the Love of
the True One; His Name (Naam) is her only Support.”
— Aadi Granth (Majh M.5, p.134)
Based on the first word of this verse, the name ‘Sawan Singh’ was accepted, which was to prove appropriate for the benevolent personality and the glorious works to be carried out by Huzur in the world.
Huzur’s Horoscope
When the horoscope of Huzur was completed, the Pandits who prepared it, were left astounded. They had never seen such a horoscope in their lives. Upon making an analysis of the horoscope, it emanated that this child will be the ruler of both worlds — the here and the hereafter, this world and the next, and shall help liberate millions of souls. He will be Supreme amongst Yogis, wealthiest among the wealthy. He will have all the grandeur of both the emperor (‘Meer’) and the fakir (‘Peer’). His name and fame will spread across the world. His physical appearance will be attractive, whosoever will have a glimpse of it, would be enamoured with him. He will rule over hearts. He will live as long as he desires and will depart from the mortal world and return to his own Home when he so desires. This, then, was the gist of Huzur’s horoscope.
Huzur’s Childhood
“Obstacles do not stick to those
who are talented and brave.”
The coming events cast their shadows beforehand. The signs of extraordinary wisdom and talent were visible in him from the very early age. Even during early childhood, he was an introvert and did not choose to play with other children. He usually stayed at home, reading by himself. He had a sharp mind and was a scholarly student who always topped the class. He relished cleanliness and neatness, and would arrange his books, pens and other study materials systematically. Never was a spot or stain to be seen on his clothes and books.
From the beginning, Huzur’s father, Sardar Kabal Singh stayed in the company of holy men (Sadhus) and served them devotedly. Thus, Huzur also had the opportunity to serve the Sadhus at an early age. Till the age of 12, i.e. up to the year 1870, Huzur stayed with his father. Like the father, thus the son. As a result of his father’s inclinations, the son also developed love for serving the Sadhus. Whatever time Huzur would get, he spent in the company of the Sadhus.
Huzur began primary education from the Madrassa of Mauza ‘Narangwal’, then studied at ‘Gujranwala’ and completed matriculation from there. He had great respect for his teachers. He would reminisce about his Farsi teacher, Munshi Bakhsheesh Singh Ji, for whose bath, he used to draw water from a well with the help of a drum. The teachers also gave him due respect. Who could have said at that time that this child, carrying a bag to the school, will one day teach the whole world? After passing matriculation examination in 1878, Huzur was soon selected for the post of Ziledaar (District Officer), and worked in District Rohtak at Gohana canal as Ziledaar for a while. He was called back home due to health problems and stayed there for two years.
To those Great beings to whom the task of taking souls across the Ocean of the World (‘Bhavsagar’) is assigned, appropriate resources and circumstances are made available by the Higher Power. During the two years of stay at home, Huzur benefited from the company of Bhai Bhoop Singh, who had renounced the world and was a renunciate and a great scholar of Vedanta and an experienced Yoga master. Association with him had a huge impact on Huzur and the thought of renunciation of world did cross his mind. Since Huzur was the only child of his parents, their service and care stopped him from entertaining the idea of renunciation, as a renunciate cannot properly look after one’s parents, and thus can never attain perfection.
Until 1880, i.e. up to the age of 22 years, Huzur’s life passed in this manner. Thereafter, his father, Sardar Kabal Singh attempted to get his son appointed in the Army as an Indian Officer. He spoke to his Commanding Officer, and received an assurance from him that in due course of time, Huzur would be appointed. For some time, Huzur served in the Army School at Farrukhabad as a teacher, where he did not find himself comfortable in the company of illiterates, alcoholics and non-vegetarians and hence left. Thereafter, he took admission in the Thomson Engineering College, Roorkee, U.P. and completed the course with flying colours.
For the benefit of seekers after Truth, Huzur would give very apt and meaningful indications, while referring to the events of his life. He used to say that when we passed the engineering examinations, the professors shook hands with us and asked us to sit along with them, and stated that from now on, there was no difference between them and us. Huzur wished to convey that after receiving initiation, you ought to work hard to earn the wealth of ‘Naam’ so that you too can reach the stature of the one, from whom you have acquired it. During his stay at Farrukhabad, Huzur had the opportunity of meeting several Sadhus and Mahatmas on the banks of the holy river, Ganges. In particular, he remained in contact with a Mahatma named Bhai Nihal Singh Thohewale.
After a while, the Commanding Officer agreed to commission him in the Army as an Indian Officer. Simultaneously, he also received an appointment in the Military Engineering Service (M.E.S.). Huzur preferred the service of M.E.S. and in 1883, joined at Naushehra as a Sub-Overseer. There, Huzur was on the look out for a house and the local people informed him that a house was vacant, but was haunted and thus dangerous to live in. Huzur replied, “I will certainly stay there,” and started to live in it and no one ever came to know where all the spirits and ghosts vanished. For one, who is Master of the Universe, what is to be feared and what danger to be confronted? The entire Cosmos is at his beck and call.
At Naushehra, Huzur had the opportunity of having Satsang and Darshan of Baba Karam Singh Ji, the saint of Hoti Mardaan. Huzur had been perusing the holy scriptures since long and had studied all the religious books without any bias. He had knowledge of Gurmukhi, Hindi, Urdu, Farsi and English languages and made an in-depth study of the religious scriptures of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians, along with the books of Sufis and the literature of the Sants. Huzur mastered the principles of virtuous living, love and spirituality. From the very beginning, he was free of blind faith, narrow-mindedness, hatred and outer practices. To carry out study and research into the fundamental principles governing each religion and faith was his objective. Due to the effects of the spotless spiritual life of his parents and the company of the Sadhus during early years of life, he acquired the virtues of devotion, renunciation, kindness, forgiveness, sobriety, satisfaction, humility and charity, which developed naturally in him from an early age. All these virtues were for the making of a great life that was about to present itself.
Meeting with Baba Kahan
Huzur moved from Naushehra to Peshawar, where he had the friendship and company of Baba Kahan. Baba Kahan always used to remain in ecstasy and did not permit anyone to come near him, but whenever Huzur visited, he welcomed him lovingly and would enquire about his personal well being. Huzur too would serve and honour Baba Ji. Once when Huzur returned from field service, he had with him a consolidated pay he had received for the field period. Out of this, he presented ten rupees to Baba Kahan. Baba Ji replied, “I will take twenty silver coins.” Huzur laughingly said, “Baba, you have become greedy.” Baba Ji said, “I am not greedy. You have received more money. I want that the poison should be removed from your earning, otherwise what need do I have for money? Soon, children will come and will take it all away.” Huzur placed twenty Rupees before Baba Ji and after a while, children came and took away all the money.
Once Huzur asked Baba Kahan for inner spiritual experience and requested, “Baba, please grant something,” to which he replied, “You will definitely receive it, but from someone else.” Huzur enquired, “Where should I search for him?” Baba Ji replied, “When the time is ripe, that Great being will himself find you.” Such personalities can envision the past, present and future. Later on, when Huzur received the gift of inner experience from Baba Jaimal Singh Ji, he met Baba Kahan again and told him, “Baba, you gave me nothing, but someone else did.” Baba Kahan said, “We are all one.”
Meeting with Baba Ji
Huzur was transferred from Peshawar to Koh Murree, where he stayed in a house near the charitable inn (Dharmshala) of Bharpooramal. All the Sadhus and Mahatmas, who went on the holy pilgrimage of Amarnath, used to stay at this inn. Huzur had discussions with them and gained a lot from their company. From a very early age, destiny constantly kept providing the means of spiritual growth to him, and Huzur benefited in one way or the other from every Sadhu he came across. In this manner, the day arrived when the foundation of the spiritual progress of the entire mankind was to be laid by him.
Wherever there is fire, oxygen comes to assist. Where there is hunger, food is available, wherever there is thirst, water appears. The Divine Power, which had already manifested at a human pole, which we call by the name of Baba Jaimal Singh Ji Maharaj, experienced a strong magnetic pull. He started from Beas, and where did he go? To the hills of Murree, where Huzur had been appointed as an S.D.O. and was engaged in his official work, when Baba Ji passed by across the road. Huzur used to describe this incident in his own words, thus:
“One day, while I was supervising the works at Murree hills, when I saw an elderly Sikh passing alongside, who was accompanied by a lady of mature age. I thought that the Sikh gentleman had probably come to file an appeal in the Commissioner’s Court. That Sikh gentleman was Baba Jaimal Singh Ji Maharaj and the lady accompanying him was Bibi Rukko. I did not know about this at that time, but later came to know that Baba Ji had indicated towards me and told Bibi Rukko that ‘We had come there for this Sikh gentleman.’ Upon hearing this, Bibi Rukko objected that he had neither wished you nor even greeted ‘Sat Sri Akaal’. Baba Ji replied that, “What does he know presently? After four days he will come to us.”
It may be called selection or nomination, which in fact is the Will of the Lord. Was there no other suitable person available in the Punjab province? There were many men, but not such a person who was to lead and guide the entire world on the path of spirituality in the times to come. What virtues did Huzur possess to merit that selection? He had all the sterling qualities that perfect Masters are endowed with.
In accordance with the predictions of Baba Ji, along with Baba Kahan Singh, Huzur visited the meeting place of Babu Sukh Dayal, where Baba Ji was putting up. A day prior to that evening, in the company of a Vedantic Sadhu, Huzur was reading a Vedant Granth, when Baba Kahan Singh came in and informed that a realized saint had arrived, and enquired if he wished to come for his darshan. During discussions, he informed them that the great seer was a Radhasoami. Upon hearing this, the Vedantic Sadhu became enraged and said, “These people are atheists and keep a musical instrument inside their heads.” Huzur said, “I am an Engineer. I have never seen such an instrument till date which could be placed in the head.” Actually, the Sadhu did not wish Huzur to go there.
The next day, Huzur went for Baba Jaimal Singh Ji’s darshan. Huzur used to describe this incident in this manner:
“On the fourth day, I went to the Satsang of Baba Ji, who was expounding the meaning of ‘Jap Ji Sahib’ verses (the prologue of ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib’). I asked so many questions that the people sitting in Satsang got irritated. A copy of the collection containing the verses of Huzur Swami Ji Maharaj, named, ‘Saar Bachan’ was also lying there. I objected to the word, ‘Radhasoami’, and in response, Baba Ji read this couplet from ‘Saar Bachan’ and explained the meaning of this word in the discourse.”
“Radha is the name of the pristine spirit.
Swami is the home of the primal Shabd.”
— Saar Bachan, Poetry (Bachan 2, Sifat 4)
“Baba Ji started to explain the path of ‘Surat-Shabd,’ but I had read Vedant. Whenever I read Gurbani, my thoughts used to undergo a change. At last, in order to understand the teaching of Baba Ji thoroughly, I took eight days leave from work. Baba Ji instructed me to read the writings of Kabir Sahib in ‘Anurag Sagar’. I immediately called for eight copies of ‘Anurag Sagar’ from Mumbai, so that I could distribute them among my friends such as Baba Hari Raam, Babu Gulab Singh and others in order to have their opinion. I had further talks with Baba Ji and thereafter, I was fully satisfied, and on 15th October, 1894, I finally took spiritual initiation (‘Naam’) from Baba Ji.”
The story beyond this is an unparalleled tale of devotion of the Gurmukh (‘Mouthpiece of the Guru’ or True Disciple) and the grace and mercy of the Master (Satguru). Baba Ji remained at Koh Murree for two months. Huzur used to sit at the lotus feet of Baba Ji to avail the benefit of Satsang and spent time practicing meditation (Bhajan) in accordance with his directions. After Baba Ji’s departure, Huzur used to spend considerable time in spiritual practices. Huzur remained in anguish due to separation — such was the state of his love for the Master. Whenever he could get an opportunity, he would reach the lotus feet of Baba Ji and avail the benefit of his company.
The Founding of Dera Baba Jaimal Singh
Baba Jaimal Singh Ji resided on the banks of the river Beas. The place where Dera Baba Jaimal Singh is located had earlier been seen and approved by Baba Ji. It was here that he had met the intoxicated fakir, who was known as ‘Kahan Kamla’ by the local people. He was found collecting pebbles and stones. Baba Ji asked him, “What are you doing, O Lord?” The fakir replied, “I am collecting bricks and stones for your residence.” This incident relates back to the times when Baba Ji was serving in the army. In the year 1891, after taking pension from the army, Baba Ji came to settle on the banks of river Beas, where Bibi Rukko had already constructed a thatched hut of 8 x 8 feet. Baba Ji began to peacefully practice meditation (Bhajan–Simran) in this hut. When one of Baba Ji’s loving devotees, Lala Khazaana Mal visited him for his darshan, he arranged for a mud covering upon the hut and also had a cave dug out. Baba Ji used to practice meditation in the cave and did not come out for many days.
Baba Ji remained deeply absorbed in God’s Name, away from the world, but the fragrance of his spiritual wealth spread all around and many people began visiting for his darshan. Many rich persons offered to construct a permanent brick house, but Baba Ji turned them down and continued to stay in the same cave. The project for the construction of buildings began only in the year 1894, when Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji came to the lotus feet of Baba Ji. On the request of Huzur, Baba Ji gave his consent for construction of a permanent room in place of the hay hut. In those days, there was no water arrangement in the Dera. The loving devotees used to fetch water for the satsangis from the river in canisters on their shoulders or on bamboo support (Bahangiya). Taking the permission of Baba Ji, Huzur constructed a permanent well there. Thereafter, buildings like the small gathering court, free kitchen (Langar) and some rooms were constructed for the visitors for their stay there, and in this manner, construction of buildings continued. There is great importance attached to the earlier buildings small court (chhota durbar) and large court (bada durbar); therefore, it will not be out of place to provide a brief history of their founding here.
Affairs of the Small Court
Measuring 30 feet in length and 15 feet in width, this was the first room of the Dera building. It maintained the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, with due reverence and gurdwara traditions, which continued to the times of Huzur. During the times of Huzur, there used to be three Darbar Sahibs, one of which contained the Granth Sahib belonging to Swami Ji Maharaj from which he used to deliver discourses, which Huzur had brought from Agra. This Aadi Granth was presented before the gathering during monthly discourses only. Since the number of devotees was less in those days, the discourses were held in small court. As per regular practice in gurdwaras, a canopy over Sri Guru Granth Sahib had been installed. Thereafter, a new satsang hall measuring 50 feet in length and 30 feet in width was constructed, in which the first discourse was delivered by Huzur and thereafter, small court was exclusively used for Gurbani recitation as per tradition.
The Dera as a Gurdwara
The small court had an appointed priest, and the Bhog of Akhand Path (unbroken recitation) of Gurbani was a routine practice. Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji himself used to be present, where Sikhs were baptised by five holy priests (the ‘Five Beloveds’). The practice of baptism continued during the time of the first reciter (Granthi), Bhai Bhagat Singh Ji. Thereafter, Bhai Rattan Singh Ji was appointed as Granthi and Akhand Path was also performed during the period of Huzur’s illness. The land at the location, where the Dera is situated, was registered by the local devotees of Mauja Balasarai in the name of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, whose chairman and administrator was with Baba Jaimal Singh Ji. After his demise, this land, in the name of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, came under the management of Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj.
The Akaali Wave
There was a strong Akaali movement with a view to take over control of gurdwaras (Sikh shrines/temples), and they put up a camp in front of the Dera and started a propaganda against its establishment. Huzur had a very large heart. He would say to the Akaalis, who were engaged in the campaign against him, “Dear brothers, you must be having problem to arrange for food. This is Guru’s langar (free kitchen) and you ought to consume Prasad here.” When it was questioned on behalf of Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee as to whether the Dera was a gurdwara or not, Huzur sent Bhai Surain Singh and Bhai Maghar Singh. On behalf of Huzur, they announced that Dera is Gurdwara Baba Jaimal Singh and shall continue as a gurdwara. Here, Gurbani was being propagated, which shall continue in future as well. A written assurance to this effect was issued, which should be in the records of Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee.
The Devotion of Huzur
Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj first came to the lotus feet of Baba Ji in the year 1894. In those days, he was working as a Sub-Divisional Officer (S.D.O.) at Koh Murree and whenever he would get leave, he went straight to Dera Beas to avail the Darshan and Satsang of Baba Ji. Whatever salary he received, he used to place it at Baba Ji’s feet. In return, Baba Ji used to send some money to the Huzur’s family for their livelihood, and the remaining was put in service of Dera as he thought proper. Huzur used to visit his home before joining the service as per orders of Baba Ji, otherwise he would join his duty directly from there.
The Gift of Mastership
In 1902, the foundation for the new satsang hall was laid. When this satsang hall was under construction, Baba Ji said that he would not be giving Satsang there. When the satsang hall was ready, the disciples requested Baba Ji to give a discourse (Satsang), upon which, he said, “No, it is not God’s will. The one, who has to work after me, only he shall give satsang in the large court (Bada Darbar).” Bibi Rukko said, “When his time comes, we shall listen to him as well, but you are still there as our head. Today, we shall listen to your Satsang only.” Baba Ji said, “No, I want that Babu Sawan Singh (Baba Ji used to affectionately call Huzur as ‘Babu’ Sawan Singh) should take over the responsibility of Satsang during my lifetime itself.” The devotees had already gathered for the Satsang and everyone wanted that Baba Ji should give the Satsang. At last, after repeated requests of Bibi Rukko, Baba Ji stood up, but after taking two steps on the stairs, stopped and repeated that it was not God’s will. Whosoever has to do the task of delivering Satsang after me, only he will deliver discourse in the new satsang hall, he insisted.
When the people reached the new satsang hall, they were surprised to see the Gurmukh son of Baba Ji, Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj, who was not present at the Dera at that time, on the dais for the discourse. People were astonished to witness this miracle.
These are not extraordinary happenings, but happen only in accordance with the rules of nature, about which we are not familiar as yet. There comes a reference regarding Madam Blavatsky, who was giving a speech in Lahore, when a professor stood up and said, “Whatever you are saying is like a fairy tale and it is as impossible as the falling of flowers from the ceiling.” Madam Blavatsky said, “Professor! Do you think it is impossible?” And instantaneously, there was a rain of flowers from above and filled the table. On seeing this, the professor was startled. Madam Blavatsky said, “Whatever has happened, has happened in accordance with the laws of nature, about which we are not aware as yet.”
Baba Ji’s blessings were being showered upon everyone like the rays of sun that provide life and light alike, but it was Huzur Baba Sawan Ji Maharaj, who was the recipient of Baba Ji’s special blessings and grace. Huzur visited Dera Beas regularly between 1894 and 1903 in order to have the darshan of Baba Ji. During this period, Baba Ji also visited Huzur several times. Baba Ji had already informed his personal housekeeper, Bibi Rukko, a lady who was blessed with good inner experiences, that the glorious, dear to-behold Babu Sawan Singh would be his successor.
One day, Baba Ji, in a state of ecstatic Free-Will (Mauj), said to his beloved Gurmukh, “You and I have come to the world for the welfare of mankind.” In response, Huzur said, “It is certainly true that you have come to the world for welfare of mankind, but I am only a simple, lost soul.” (3) Baba Ji repeated the same words, and Huzur again gave the same reply. Baba Ji then became serious and raised his eyebrows and said in a stern and forceful voice, “Babu Ji, I am talking to you. We both have come here for the benefit of mankind.” Upon hearing this, Huzur kept quiet.
On another occasion, Baba Ji gave a similar indication, when he said, “I had to labour very hard to amass the wealth of spirituality which I have kept tightly locked and have not permitted its fragrance to leak out. But whosoever will work after me, his fragrance shall spread throughout the world.” (4)
With the passage of time, the importance of Dera Baba Jaimal Singh increased and it became an internationally renowned centre of the knowledge of selfrealization. Baba Ji was not in favour of constructing big buildings, but could not turn down the request of ‘Babu’ Sawan Singh Ji. Accordingly, during the last days of Baba Ji, a permanent well and a large hall for discourse was constructed, of which, mention has been made earlier. Initially, when the proposal was placed before Baba Ji, he said, “What is the use of constructing a building, where it could be swept away by the waters of the river?” But ‘Babu’ Sawan Singh would not relent and said, “Maharaj, if you just take a single sip of the water of this well and shower your grace with a spiritual discourse, my efforts would have proven successful and thereafter, may the waters of the river carry it away.”
Last Days of Baba Ji
During the last days of Baba Ji, there was a huge rush of devotees visiting Dera Beas. Baba Ji, who earlier used to spend days together engrossed in meditation, was now spending all his time in the service of the devotees. The doors of his mercy were open to all. There was such a wonderful grace to be experienced, several days before Baba Ji left the physical body, that whosoever entered his room could easily concentrate his attention within (his mind became still) and his soul began to traverse the divine regions.
Finally, the day of Baba Jaimal Singh Ji Maharaj’s departure to the Eternal Region arrived. It was 29th December, 1903. The cold wind, skimming over the Beas river was chilling the body. Baba Ji repeatedly looked towards the door with anxiety. At last, a Police Officer (5) came in and requested for initiation. Baba Ji said, “I was waiting only for you” and immediately proceeded to grant him the secret of ‘Surat–Shabd Yoga’. After granting initiation, Baba Ji lay down and giving up the perishable body, proceeding to the Eternal Home.
Period of Government Service
Even after Baba Ji’s departure, Huzur continued in the government service. Working as S.D.O., Huzur was instrumental in constructing the Mona Remount Depot. From 1904 to 1911, Huzur was at Abbotabad and Rawalpindi, and constructed the New Royal Artillery Building. At Murree Hill, a big water supply tank was also constructed. During his service, his diligent hard work, extraordinary creativity, effective administration and wisdom won many a heart. During service, Huzur used to visit Dera Beas to deliver the monthly discourse (Satsang).
From the year 1911 onwards, after taking permanent leave from government service, Huzur stayed on at Dera Beas. From then on, until he left the physical body, Dera Beas made remarkable progress, which is for all to witness. Where there were only few small houses, the place transformed into a fullfledged populated city. A large ‘T’ shaped satsang hall, measuring 40 feet in width and 120 feet in length, was constructed, which remains an example of superior architectural design. Its beautiful golden shaped domes are clearly visible from the railway station, three miles from Dera Beas. The wealth of ‘Naam’ (Word) was freely and open-heartedly distributed, which flooded the world with spirituality.
Baba Ji gave ‘Naam’ to around 3,000 people during his lifetime. Thereafter, during the times of Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji, the teachings of ‘Surat–Shabd Yoga’ (Sant Mat) spread, and continued to spread from the East to the West in the entire world. Huzur initiated more than 1,25,000 men and women, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Brahmins, Vaishyas, Shudras, Kshatriyas, Europeans, Americans etc. from different countries, castes and religions with the gift of ‘Naam’.
The Master and the Disciple
The matters between Baba Jaimal Singh Ji and his true disciple, Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji are a source of education and inspiration for spiritual seekers. This soul-inspiring true story has been presented by Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji’s true disciple, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji in the book, ‘Baba Jaimal Singh — His life and teachings’. This book can be called an excellent research-based creation of the art of biography writing.
It contains thorough details about the life of Baba Ji, his personality and teachings, which come alive before our own very eyes. Baba Ji wrote many letters to his disciple-son, Baba Sawan Singh from time to time, which contain his teachings, reflect his personality and present the relations between a Master and his true disciple. The subject-wise summary of these letters has also been given in this book. Hence, further scope for providing details about this story does not exist.
Huzur Baba Singh Ji Maharaj himself said that before starting the work of ‘Naam’ initiation under the direction of Baba Ji to the people at large, he visited Chacha Pratap Singh Ji Maharaj (younger brother of Swami Ji Maharaj) and also Baba Garib Das Ji (of Delhi), who assured him that none of the souls initiated by him would go through the cycle of birth and death, ‘Chaurasi’ (8.4 million species). Huzur stated that the questions he used to ask Baba Garib Das Ji are now contained in the collection titled, ‘Anmol Vachan’.
Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj was the Sovereign of the following four treasures:
- Treasure of Huzur’s own spiritual practice
- Treasure of Baba Jaimal Singh Ji’s spiritual practice
- Treasure of Baba Garib Das Ji’s spiritual practice, and
- Treasure of Chacha Pratap Singh Ji’s spiritual practice.
In the year 1903, Baba Ji had handed over the responsibility of initiation to Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji. At that time, Huzur had beseeched Baba Ji for the grant of four boons, which are as under:
- “That during the Kali yuga, the beings shall continue to fall into evil ways, but may they not be subjected to the cycle of 8.4 million life-forms.” Baba Ji granted the boon, saying that any soul initiated by you, who will engage in ‘Naam’–Simran shall not fall into the cycle of ‘Chaurasi’, i.e. shall not fall below the human birth.
- “That I may not have resource constraints, so that there are no problems in serving the devotees or satsangis.” Baba Ji granted the boon and said, “Kings, Emperors and other great personalities shall visit your durbar for the gift of ‘Naam’, and you will never face shortage of resources.”
- “That my good wishes to others should bear good results, while there should be no ill effects of any curse of mine.” Baba Ji said, “It shall be thus.”
- “That you should dwell within me and do the work.” Baba Ji said, “It shall be thus.”
His true disciple and son, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji has elaborated the divine personality of Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj, in his various discourses, so that should a collation be made regarding Huzur’s great benevolence, and instances of grace and mercy, several volumes would be required to be written.
In his discourses, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji, quite often gave examples from the lives of Huzur and of his own. He said that in order to understand something of the story of the Sants, we need to hear them from their own mouth. If they do not tell us about themselves, how can we, those with limited understanding, possibly get to know them? Therefore, here, we would attempt to present glimpses of the unsullied, illustrious life of Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj through the endless treasure-house of the discourses of Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji. The scripting of the complete story of Eternity is not possible; hence, only a few glimpses will be presented here.
Footnotes:
(*) The month of Sawan: the rainy season has descended.
(1) When Huzur was asked about his birthday, he replied, “My true birthday is the day when I came to the feet of Baba Jaimal Singh Ji Maharaj.” Such a thought is frequently expressed in the sayings of great-beings. Guru Nanak Sahib, during a discourse with the Siddhas, stated:
“Born into the House of the True Guru,
my wandering in reincarnation ended.”
— Aadi Granth (Ramkali M.1, p.940)
There was a dispute regarding Huzur’s birthday even during his own lifetime. Hence, Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji requested Huzur to clarify this since quite often different opinions abound about the birthdays of the great personalities. Huzur may decide on it himself so that no doubts are left thereafter in this regard. Thereafter, the horoscope was called for, according to which the date of birth was found to be 27th July (13 Sawan). When the horoscope (‘Janmpatri’) was presented before Huzur, he approved of the date and rejected the rest. Lala Aroodhchand of Amritsar said, ”We will still continue to celebrate the birthday on 5th of Sawan, as it was the date declared earlier by Huzur himself.” Huzur replied, “I had stated earlier and am saying it now as well that the correct date of my birth is 27th July (13 Sawan).” It is surprising that even after this statement of Huzur, some brothers still continue to celebrate the birthday of Huzur on 5th of Sawan.
(2) It has been observed that the mercy and grace of Huzur is such that should his name be mentioned, the rain appears, even though only a few drops. As a consequence, when the foundation-stone of Sawan Ashram was laid, the sky was absolutely clear and the sun shone brightly. All brothers and sisters were seated. Nothing had yet been constructed. All of a sudden, large sized droplets of rain began to descend from the skies. Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji said, “O there comes Huzur!” Since Huzur’s name was ‘Sawan’, hence some drops of Sawan (rain) do certainly fall. This is a sign of Huzur’s benevolence.
(3) The same was conveyed to Baba Ji by his Guru, Swami Shivdayal Singh Ji Maharaj. Swami Ji said, “You are born for the benefit of the souls. There is no difference between you and me.” Baba Ji said, “I am not worthy of this. Please let me remain at your feet, away from the vice of ego.” Swami Ji Maharaj said, ”Don’t worry. A true Sant does not have ego.” Baba Ji again repeated that he may be allowed to remain at his lotus feet and only wished that he may remain as the humble servant of the Sants.
(4) Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj had also predicted about his successor, that “The one, who will come after me, he will forcefully ask you to do Simran and Bhajan.” Huzur said to his successor, “Kirpal Singh, whosoever came to me and asked for anything, I granted the same. The result of this fondness was that the devotees refrained from Bhajan and Simran. You should get them to do meditation.”
(5) This police officer was Inspector Mangat Rai, whose house is still standing in the Dera compound. He retired in 1903 from service and continued to stay there until 1926, serving the devotees.