History is the reflection of every religion. If we peep into the history of Sikhism, we find that it is full of sacrifices (for others) and patriotism. To save the humanity (in general) and truthfulness (in every person), Sikh gurus have had to give many sacrifices. Guru Teg Bahadur (the 9th guru or 9th patsha) is one of them, who sacrificed his life for the sake of Hinduism (in other words to save the entire Hinduism from the evil clutches of Aurangzeb). The entire world knows of his sacrifice.

In 1675, Kashmiri Pandits came to seek Guru Teg Bahadur’s help, as they were being forcefully converted into Muslims by Aurangzeb (the cruel ruler of that time). On hearing their plea for help, Guru Teg Bahadur said that your religion needs a sacrifices from a supreme person. On hearing guru’s words, Sahibzada Gobind Rai who was just 9 years said, who could be a supreme person than you. Guru Teg Bahadur who was listening to his son’s words smiled and said that he was right.

Guru Teg Bahadur covered a distance of 300 miles to see Aurangzeb in his fort. He was accompliced by Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Dayala. Together they made a demand that Kashmiri Pandits should not be converted into muslims. But Aurangzeb ordered to excute all three of them only then guru ji uttered - "Sis Javey par Dharm na Javey" (meaning I can give my head but not my religion).

Aurangzeb was a cruel ruler who could not keep his cool and executed all of them. Guru ji (Teg Bahadur) was beheaded the same year (1675). His ‘Sis’ (head) was taken away by Bhai Jaita, who brought back his head to Anandpur Sahib. On receiving Bhai Jaita with Guru Teg Bahadur’s ‘Sis’ at Anandpur Sahib - Guru Gobind named him "Guru Ka Beta" (Son of Guru). On the other hand Guru Teg Bahadur ji’s body was taken away by Bhai Lakhi. He eliminated all the traces of Guru's mortality by buring his body with his house.

In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh ji (who was Gobind Rai in his earlier years) established the Khalsa panth. He baptized them by giving them Khanda (a type of dagger). In 1700 on his way to Talwandi now known as Dam Dama Sahib he defeated the army of Aurangzeb. Guru Gobind Singh Ji stayed there for many months. During this long stay he asked Bhai Mani Singh to re-write Sri Guru Granth Sahib and thus added preaching of Guru Teg Bahadur also.

After having completed his mission of getting Sri Guru Granth Sahib compiled,  Guru Gobind Singh Ji started his journey towards Nanded (South), where he met a very faithful disciple by the name of Banda Bahadur. Having evaluated all the credentials of Banda Bahadur, guru ji made him the general of his army and presented him with five arrows and asked him to lead his army in Punjab. Baba Banda Singh Bahadur came to Punjab to avenge the killing of four ‘Sahibzadas’ from Wazid Khan. He fought with Khan furiously and made him suffer dearly. Later Baba Banda Singh Bahadur was caught and tortured to death.

Many more sacrifices were made by Singhs in general. Now it was the time for Dal Khalsa to come into the lime light. Every member of Dal Khalsa being follower of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, have an obligation to fulfill by showing there strength in the battle field. Many members of Dal Khalsa have also laid their life for the sake of other religions.

Infamous but little understood or documented, the Nihangs have an unbroken lineage from the time of Guru Gobind Singh ji. Nihangs are said to be the "Ladlian Faujan" (lovable army) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. We can easily distinguish them from the rest of the world. As a Nihang is normally dressed in a soothing blue uniform and is often seen on strong horses with swords, Barchas (javelin) in their hand. A properly dressed up Nihang looks smart and the real son of Guru. A view of Nihang takes us back into the 18th century when Dal Khalsa had just started wearing these type of dresses. Today, when the entire Nihang community gets together in Anandpur Sahib and Nagaras (drums) are sounded loud and clear it signifies that all those weak hearted person gets enough courage to stand against any suppressing power.

Gathering of Nihangs at one place at a given time gives a beautiful view of their strength and power. It is like a great river which can not be stopped. The river which was started on the eve of Baisakhi in 1699 from Anandpur from the feets of guru Gobind Singh Ji. They wander the Punjab to this day with horses and tents spreading "Chardi Kala" or "rising vibration" of the Gurus.

Blue is Sacred

When Guru Gobind Singh Ji baptized the five beloveds they came out from the tents wearing blue attire. There is one saying which laid the foundation that every Nihang will have to wear blue clothes. Another saying goes like this; one day Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji came in front of Guru Gobind Singh Ji wearing blue ‘Dumalla’, on seeing this guru announced that people who will wear this dress will form a ‘Panth’ in itself. Another anecdote goes like this; when guru ji removed the cloak of ‘Uch De Peer’ he tied a part of it to his ‘Kartar’. That was the origin of blue attire community.


The Akali

According to old saying when Bhai Dya Singh Ji along with four ‘Sahibzadas’ hailed in front of Guru Gobind Singh Singh ji "Akal, Akal, Akal..." then the word "Akali" came into existence.

According to a well renowned writer Malcolm, it were the Singh’s who were the true Akalis (Nihangs). They represented the Sikh religion and political independence. Akali term was earlier used for the Nihangs. Akali is a person who is a devotee of Akal (The almighty). The fierce fanatical Akalis were saint soldiers. This brotherhood was distinguished by blue dress and turbans, the knives and miniature daggers and steel bracelet.

When Mata Gujri saw her grandson in the blue uniform she said your great grand father the sixth Guru used to dress up in a same way. When they all came in front of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, he said that this is the most sacred wearing and reflects a true Khalsa. Later he (Guru) declared that every true Khalsa will have this appearance which reflects "Akal Purkh de Fauj". This place where guru founded the Khalsa panth was known as ‘Damal Gargh’. However, today political parties such as SGPC and others are doing their level best to eliminate this name. Today this place is being named as "Manji Sahib". As the old saying goes, renaming and removing the old names does not eliminate the history itself. If we see the entrance stone at modern Manji Sahib, we’ll find old engraving of original name "Damal Garh" which reflects the truth of this holy and sacred place of Guru Gobind Singh Ji ‘Kalgidhar Patsha’.

During the past many different stories have come up and that has caused the confusion over the issue of formation of the Khalsa Panth. But a pure Khalsa is always in the form of a Nihang. 


Today, SGPC is the governing body which controls the most of the religious gurudwaras and shrines of the holy past. Their version of history is now said to be the official version. However, though there are many facts that remain that shows that SGPC is not taking good care of the religious gurdwaras under their control. Many gurdwaras are now decaying and are not been looked at properly. Nihangs are keen to possess the control over those religious gurudwaras and shrines, and are very much ready to repair them by themselves. Gurdwaras such as Angitha Baba Naina Singh Ji, Gurdwara Babeksar ji, and some other gurdwaras around Taran Taran Sahib are under the state of immediate attention.

The Nihangs are the voice of dissent against the world wide monopoly that the SGPC has become. The SGPC has led many other covert attacks against the Nihangs, of trying to depose their clan leader with an impostor. Throughout their troubled history to this day the Nihangs have remained steadfast to origins and traditions bestowed upon them by the Tenth Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj.

Nihang Singh is that pure form of Khalsa in which Sat Guru Kalgidhar Patsha founded Panj Payare. Guru blessed them with ‘Bani’, ‘Bana’, ‘Rahit Mariada’, ‘Nit Nem’, ‘Mool Mantar’, ‘Guru Mantar’. These are the symbols of a pure Nihang Singh.
 

The Original Five Takhats

The dispute of fifth takhat is another major point of confliction between the Nihangs and the SGPC. According to the old records, the five takhats are as followings:

1. Sri Akal Takhat Sahib: It was declared as Takhat in 1609 AD by Sri Har Gobind Ji, (Lord of Miri Piri). It is situated in the vicinity of Darbar Sahib and right in front of Darshani Deorhi in Amritsar.

2. Takhat Sri Patna Sahib: It is situated in Patna (Bihar State) where Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji (the 10th guru) was born. And it is one of the most important place in Bihar.

3. Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib: It is situated in Anandpur Sahib (Punjab). Here Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji laid the foundation of Khalsa Panth.

4. Takhat Sri Hajur Sahib: This Takhat is situated in Nanded in the state of Maharashtra. At this very place Guru Gobind Singh Ji "Jyoti Jyot Samay" or "made heavenly abode". At this very place Guru ji gave Guru Granth Sahib the "Gur Gadhi".

5. Takhat Sri Budha Dal: Budha Dal is said to be the "Ladlian Faujan" of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Originally, Budhadal is said to be the 5th and the final takhat. However, as mentioned earlier that SGPC is now the governing body and all the major religious properties are under their control. They are forcefully changing the history once again, by alleging that Dam Dama Sahib is the fifth takhat. Which is historically NOT TRUE. This is just another thorn in the history of brave Nihangs.

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