SALHO, BHAI (d. 1628), a prominent Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan, rendered devoted service during the excavation of the sacred tank and the construction of the Harimandar at Amritsar. He was especially assigned to keeping record of all receipts and expenditure, in cash as well as in kind. Later, Guru Arjan entrusted to him the general administration of Amritsar, and he induced many people to come and settle in the town. Bhai Salho was among those chosen to accompany the marriage party of (Guru) Hargobind in January 1605.
Guru Arjan once described him as one “matchless in devotion, most dear to me.” Bhai Salho lived up to the time of Guru Hargobind. He died in 1628 and the Guru personally performed the obsequies. A gurdwara, called Dharamsala Bhai Salho ji, in Amritsar, commemorates him. Close by a samadh, or memorial shrine, marks the spot where his mortal remains were cremated.
References :
1. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35
2. Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Guru Khalsa [Reprint]. Patiala, 1970
3. Macauliffe, Max Arthur, The Sikh Religion : Its Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors. Oxford, 1909
Bhai Salho is remembered as one of the devoted Sikhs whose service played a vital role during the early formative period of Sikhism in Amritsar. While he may not have been an “administrator” in the modern bureaucratic sense, historical accounts describe him as a central figure who helped organize and carry the work required to establish and maintain sacred institutions. His involvement with the excavation of the sacred pool (sarovar) at what is now the Harimandir Sahib marks him as an exemplar of selfless service and hands-on devotion. According to local traditions, he would take a moment to rest under a jujube tree—now known as the Lachi Ber tree—which underscores the deep connection between physical labor, spirituality, and dedicated community work in Sikh culture .
In narratives passed down through Sikh heritage, Bhai Salho’s contribution extends beyond mere labor. Under the guidance of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, his active participation in communal projects was crucial during times when the sanctity of the sacred sites was threatened—such as instances involving external aggressors like Massa Khan Ranghar. The historical record recounts moments when fellow Sikh warriors, seeking to reclaim the sanctity of the site, fastened their horses to this very tree. Such acts of coordinated community defense and reverence illustrate how Bhai Salho’s personal example contributed to broader administrative and spiritual efforts that held the community together during turbulent times .
Today, Bhai Salho’s legacy is commemorated in Amritsar, where local gurudwaras and historical sites serve as both cultural memory and inspiration. His life, interwoven with acts of voluntary service and deep devotion, continues to inspire many who look back at the early Sikh community’s struggles and triumphs in building not only physical spaces of worship but also a resilient, self-organized community. His example encourages a view of administration that is built on shared responsibility, dedication to service, and the belief that true leadership often emerges from the acts of daily, selfless work.
Exploring Bhai Salho’s life provides an entry point for understanding how communal responsibility became a cornerstone of Sikh tradition—a model where participation in community tasks was as much a spiritual practice as it was a civic duty. If you’re interested in learning more about the historical figures behind Amritsar’s sacred sites or the broader story of Sikh community organization, there’s a rich tapestry of oral histories and documented traditions that continue to shed light on these formative contributions.
