A Life of Service, Wisdom, and Supreme Sacrifice.

Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji.

Bhai Mani Singh Ji was born in 1644 CE in the village of Alipur, near Multan (present-day Pakistan), into a devout Sikh family. His father’s name was Mai Das Ji, and his family was closely associated with the Sikh Gurus. Bhai Mani Singh Ji was the younger brother of Bhai Dayala Ji, another great martyr who was martyred alongside Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in Delhi.

From a very young age, Bhai Mani Singh Ji displayed deep devotion, humility, and a thirst for spiritual knowledge. He joined the holy court of Guru Har Rai Ji and later served under Guru Har Krishan Ji, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and Guru Gobind Singh Ji, dedicating his entire life to the service of the Guru and the Sikh community.

Service in the Court of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Bhai Mani Singh Ji is remembered as one of the most faithful and scholarly disciples of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He became the Guru’s trusted scribe, advisor, and warrior. He accompanied the Guru through many key events, including the Battle of Bhangani and the difficult times in Anandpur Sahib. His service was not limited to the battlefield — he was equally instrumental in the spiritual mission of the Gurus.

He was entrusted with compiling, transcribing, and preserving the sacred hymns of Gurbani. Most notably, he helped in the transcription of the final recension of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji under Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s direct supervision at Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib in 1706 CE. This Bir included all the Bani of the Gurus, Bhagats, Bhatts, and also ended with Raagmala as was approved by Guru Sahib.

Role in Translating and Explaining Gurbani

Following the physical departure of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Bhai Mani Singh Ji played a pivotal role in interpreting Gurbani. Recognizing that the Sikh community was now looking to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru, he took on the responsibility of translating and explaining Gurbani to the Sangat. He made Gurbani accessible, providing meanings, grammatical clarity, and spiritual context to ensure Sikhs understood the Guru’s Word deeply, not just recited it. He composed exegeses (detailed explanations) of Gurbani lines and passages, which formed the foundation of Gurmat Vidya (Sikh theological learning) for future generations.

Establishment of Bhai Mani Singh Ji’s Taksal

With the Guru’s blessings, Bhai Mani Singh Ji established what is now referred to as the Sikh Taksal (school) of Gurbani learning. He began teaching Gurbani Ucharan (correct pronunciation), Gurmukhi grammar, meanings, and Sikh code of conduct (Rehat Maryada) near Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar. This institution laid the foundation for the Damdami Taksal, which continued through Baba Deep Singh Ji, Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji, and others. Bhai Mani Singh Ji is thus regarded as the first head (Jathedar) of the Vidya Sagar Taksaal, passing down Gurmat wisdom in an unbroken lineage. This institution laid the foundation for the Damdami Taksal, which continued through Baba Deep Singh Ji.

A Devoted Granthi and Leader

After the Jyoti Jot (passing) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1708, Bhai Mani Singh Ji took on the responsibility of Granthi (head priest) of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar. At a time when Sikhs were being persecuted and the community was scattered due to Mughal oppression, Bhai Mani Singh Ji provided spiritual guidance, preserved Sikh traditions, and served as a unifying figure. He worked tirelessly to maintain daily recitation of Gurbani, organized Gurpurabs and community gatherings, and wrote scholarly works to explain Sikh philosophy. Among his notable writings is Bhagat Ratanavali (Sikhan Di Bhagat Mala), a collection of the lives of prominent Sikhs.

The Supreme Martyrdom – Shahadat at Lahore

In 1737, Bhai Mani Singh Ji sought permission to organize a Bandi Chhor Diwas (Diwali) celebration in Amritsar, where Sikhs could gather in large numbers. He even paid the tax demanded by the Mughal authorities. But when he learned that the Mughal plan was to massacre the gathered Sikhs, he called off the event, thus protecting countless lives. This act enraged the authorities, and Bhai Sahib was arrested, brought to Lahore, and given an ultimatum — convert to Islam or be executed. With unwavering resolve, Bhai Mani Singh Ji refused to abandon his faith, and as punishment, he was sentenced to be cut limb by limb — a method called “Band-Band Katvauna”. On June 14, 1738, Bhai Sahib was martyred in Lahore’s Nakhas Chowk. Even as his body was severed, he continued reciting “Waheguru”, meditating deeply on the Divine Name. His martyrdom stands among the greatest sacrifices in human history — not only for his physical pain but for his spiritual strength and fearless commitment to Sikhi and the Guru’s Word.

Legacy and Remembrance

Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji’s life and martyrdom have left a deep imprint on Sikh history. He is remembered not only as a martyr, but also as a scholar, leader, and protector of the Sikh Panth. His contributions to the preservation of Gurbani, Sikh tradition, and his ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire millions to live a life of truth, devotion, and resilience. Gurdwaras, books, and historical narratives across the world honor his legacy. His martyrdom is commemorated by the Sikh community every year with deep reverence, especially at Sri Harmandir Sahib, where he once served.