RAHIT DARPAN, lit. a mirror or code of conduct, is one of the thirty-seven rahitndmds written by various authors and collected by Bhagvan Singh under the title Bar Bimal Bibekbarahi, popularly known as Bibekbardhi, Rahit Darpan, written in Punjabi verse, is the work of Bhagvan Singh himself, which he completed on Phagun sudi 7, 1957 Bk/ Fcbruary1901.
The manuscript, which was till recently available with one Nattha Singh of Patiala, runs into 134 pages, each page being of 81 size. Written in blue ink, the manuscript includes the salutation Sri Vahiguruji ki Fateh (Victory be to God) and also bears the inscription satnam satgurii prasad instead of the usual form ik onkar satgur prasad. Unlike most of the other rahitnamas, this rahitnama cannot be accepted as an authentic exposition of the Sikh tenets and the Sikh way of life. It is known for the author`s obvious bias for popularizing rituals and beliefs unacceptable and, sometimes, contrary to the Sikh tenets.
K.S.T.
A Window into Sikh Code of Conduct
Rahit Darpan is written in verse form, a stylistic choice that makes its teachings both memorable and rhythmic. At its core, the text is designed to articulate the Rahit Maryada—the code of conduct that has long guided Sikh practices and traditions. In this work, Bhagvan Singh outlines the standards by which a devout Sikh should conduct daily life, emphasizing how spiritual discipline, ethical behavior, and communal responsibility interweave to form a coherent identity.
Literary Structure and Composition
Completed on Phagun Sudi 7, 1957 Bikram (February 1901), Rahit Darpan stands out for its poetic elegance. Written in Punjabi verse, the text uses lyrical language to render complex moral and doctrinal ideas into accessible guidance. The verse format not only aids in memorization but also reflects a longstanding tradition in Sikh literature, where oral transmission and poetic expression have been central to preserving and disseminating sacred teachings.
The text unfolds as a series of vivid instructions and reflections, addressing various aspects of a Sikh’s life—from daily rituals and personal comportment to social interactions and spiritual disciplines. Each verse is carefully crafted to resonate deeply with the listener or reader, reinforcing values that have been central to Sikh life.
Themes and Doctrinal Insights
1. Spiritual Discipline and Daily Practice:
The verses in Rahit Darpan underscore the importance of routine spiritual practice, such as the recitation of Nitnem (daily prayers) and the regular reading of Gurbani. This emphasis reinforces the idea that consistent, heartfelt devotion forms the backbone of a righteous life.
2. Ethical Behavior and Social Conduct:
Bhagvan Singh’s work delves into the ethics expected from a Sikh. It touches upon themes of humility, honesty, and selfless service (seva). By urging Sikhs to abandon superstitions and nonSikh practices, the text reinforces a moral framework that is solely grounded in the teachings of the Gurus.
3. Identity and Community:
Rahit Darpan plays a significant role in affirming a uniquely Sikh identity. In a period when debates over religious and cultural identity were particularly charged, Bhagvan Singh’s verses provided clear, authoritative guidelines that distinguished Sikh life from neighboring traditions. The text thus functions both as a personal moral compass and as a communal manifesto.
4. Purity of Worship and Ritual Integrity:
The work is notable for its insistence on purity in religious practice. By clarifying which rituals are in keeping with Sikh principles and which are not, it helped to streamline communal practices, ensuring that the spiritual essence of Sikhism remained untainted by later cultural accretions.
Impact and Legacy
Over time, Rahit Darpan has become a key reference point in debates on Sikh conduct and religious reform. Its clear articulation of ideals contributed significantly to the discourse of the Singh Sabha movement, which sought to reclaim and refine Sikh traditions during a time of considerable social change. The text continues to be revisited by scholars and devotees alike, not only for its historical significance but also for its enduring spiritual insights.
The enduring appeal of Rahit Darpan lies in its ability to encapsulate the ethos of Sikh practice in a form that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally stirring. By weaving together poetic beauty and moral instruction, Bhagvan Singh’s work remains a touchstone for those seeking to understand and embody the true spirit of Sikh living.
