BHIRAI, MAI, spelt by some chroniclers also as Bharai and Virai, who belonged to Matte di Sarai, the birthplace of Guru Angad (1504-52), was married to Bhai Mahima, a Khahira Jatt of Khadur (Sahib) in Amritsar district of the Punjab. She was like a sister to Bhai Pheru Mall, the Guru`s father, who too had made Khadur his home. According to Sarup Das Bhalla, Mahima Prakash, after Arigad (formerly Lahina) had been nominated by Guru Nanak to be his spiritual successor at Kartarpur in 1539 and advised to return to Khadur, the former instead of going back to his own home went to Mai Bhirai`s and stayed there for some time in seclusion, immersed in deep meditation.
After the passing away of Guru Nanak, the disciples, led by the venerable Bhai Buddha, found him in the room in which he had locked himself and persuaded him to come out to assume charge of the sangat. A tall edifice, Gurdwara Mai Bhirai, now marks the site where the Mai`s house once stood.
References :
1. Bhalla, Sarup Das, Mahima Prakash. Patiala, 1971
2. Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Guru Khalsa. Patiala, 1970
3. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1926-37
4. Macauliffe, Max Arthur, The Sikh Religion. Oxford, 1909
Historical Background and the Legend of Mai Bhirai
Mai Bhirai (also rendered as Mai Bharai or Mai Birahi in various accounts) belonged to Matte di Sarai, the notable birthplace of Guru Arigad (1504–52). She was married to Bhai Mahima, a Khahira Jatt from Khadur Sahib in the Amritsar district of Punjab. In the chronicles of Sikh tradition, her household held a special place—not only for its piety and devotion but also because it was closely linked to the early spiritual developments of the Sikh Gurus.
According to traditional narratives, after Guru Nanak nominated Guru Arigad (formerly known as Lahina) as his spiritual successor at Kartarpur in 1539, Guru Arigad was advised to return to Khadur. Instead of simply going back to his own house, he sought solace at the home of Mai Bhirai. There, in an atmosphere steeped in devotion, he spent a period in seclusion, immersed deeply in meditation. It was during this time that the sanctity of Mai Bhirai’s household further flourished, intertwining personal piety with the evolving spiritual legacy of the nascent Sikh tradition.
After Guru Nanak’s passing, the devoted Sikhs—led by the venerable Bhai Buddha—discovered Guru Arigad sequestered in a room at Mai Bhirai’s residence. Their persuasion and heartfelt appeal eventually brought him forth to assume charge of the sangat (community), thereby reestablishing the bonds of fellowship and spiritual succession.
Gurdwara Mai Bhirai: The Edifice of Remembrance
Today, a stately gurdwara stands at the site where Mai Bhirai’s house once rose. Gurdwara Mai Bhirai not only marks a physical location, but it embodies the rich intermingling of familial devotion and spiritual legacy:
- A Monument to Devotion:
Constructed to honor the memory of Mai Bhirai, the gurdwara serves as a living reminder of a woman whose home became a haven of meditation and healing. It underscores how the private acts of piety and seclusion can give rise to a broader communal legacy, influencing the course of Sikh spiritual history. - Cultural and Religious Significance:
The site is a cherished destination for pilgrims and devotees. For many, it is a symbol of the humble yet potent force of quiet devotion that helped nurture the early Sikh spirit. The edifice draws visitors not only to learn about the personal story of Mai Bhirai but also to reflect on how her life’s setting contributed to the spiritual transformation of great figures like Guru Arigad. - Preserving Oral and Written Traditions:
Historical accounts—drawn from works such as Sarup Das Bhalla’s Mahima Prakash and other Sikh chronicles—cement the role of Mai Bhirai’s residence in the spiritual lineage. The gurdwara, as a tangible continuance of these narratives, plays an essential role in preserving the oral histories and cultural memories that have been passed down for generations. Legacy and Continuing Inspiration
The rich history of Gurdwara Mai Bhirai is inseparable from the enduring legacy of its namesake. Mai Bhirai’s story speaks of:
- Unyielding Devotion:
Even though details of her personal life may be sparse in historical records, the spiritual ambience of her home speaks volumes about the silent power of devotion in shaping community and faith. - Fostering Spiritual Succession:
The pivotal role played by her household in the life of Guru Arigad—and, by extension, in nurturing the lineage that would define Sikh guruship—remains an inspiring narrative for both scholars and devotees. It underscores the idea that the evolution of great spiritual traditions is often rooted in the support given by those behind the scenes. - A Model for Community Unity:
Today, visitors to Gurdwara Mai Bhirai reflect on the episode when the disciples, led by Bhai Buddha, coaxed Guru Arigad from seclusion. This story continues to remind the Sikh community of the transformative power of unity, compassion, and gentle persuasion in reuniting and inspiring the faithful.
