Mata Bhirai, the maternal grandmother of Guru Nanak, was married to Baba Rama of the village of Chahal, near Lahore. They has two children – a son called Baba Krishna and a daughter called Mata Tripta, who was destined to become Nanak’s mother.
When Mata Tripta was married to Mahita Kalu, as was the custom then, she move to the residence of her husband which was Rai Bhoe Ki Talvandi (near Lahore). She moved to the present-day Nankana Sahib, which is the modern name of Rai Bhoe Ki Talvandi. It was in Nankana Sahib that Guru Nanak was born; the founder of the Sikh faith.
References
1. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1926-37
Bhirai Mata, the maternal grandmother of Guru Nanak, holds a significant place in Sikh history as part of the lineage that nurtured the founder of Sikhism. Her life and connection to Rama, her husband from Chahal village near Lahore, provide fascinating insights into the familial and cultural roots of Guru Nanak.
Genealogical Importance
Bhirai Mata was married to Baba Rama, a respected figure from Chahal village, near Lahore. Together, they had two children:
- Baba Krishna, their son.
- Mata Tripta, their daughter, who later married Mahita Kalu and became the mother of Guru Nanak.
This lineage is pivotal as it connects Guru Nanak to a family deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural traditions of Punjab. The marriage of Mata Tripta to Mahita Kalu brought her to Rai Bhoe Ki Talvandi (modern-day Nankana Sahib), where Guru Nanak was born.
Cultural and Historical Context
The region around Chahal village and Lahore was a vibrant hub of cultural and spiritual activity during the 15th and 16th centuries. Rama’s connection to Chahal situates Bhirai Mata’s family within this dynamic environment, reflecting the interplay of local traditions and emerging spiritual ideals. The family’s reputation for piety and devotion likely influenced Guru Nanak’s upbringing, providing a nurturing atmosphere for his spiritual development.
Legacy and Influence
Bhirai Mata’s legacy extends beyond her genealogical role. Her life represents the quiet yet profound influence of familial love and spiritual guidance in shaping the early Sikh ethos. The values and traditions passed down through her family contributed to the foundational principles of Sikhism, emphasizing humility, devotion, and service.
Her connection to Rama and their residence in Chahal village highlight the importance of regional identities in the evolution of Sikh teachings. This legacy underscores how the spiritual revolution initiated by Guru Nanak was deeply intertwined with the cultural and familial traditions of his time.
