SINGHA, BHAI. During his travels Guru Tegh Bahadur once stopped in Khiva, according to the Sakhi Pothi, with a farmer named Singha. Singha offered water, grass and fodder for the Guru`s animals. As he got up to depart, the Guru spoke, “Why are you leaving ? What is the hurry?” He answered that there was a shagan come for his son`s engagement. The Guru said, `You are now apprenticed to the Guru`s service. You have now to fulfil a dual responsibility. From now on you will be entitled to a double share.”
References :
1. Attar Singh, Malva Desh Ratan di Sakhi Pothi. Amritsar, 1950
2. Kalm Singh, Bhai, Gururshabad Ratanakar Mahan Kosh. Patiala, 1981
The journey of Bhai Singha with Guru Tegh Bahadur in Khiva is a celebrated episode in Sikh tradition that epitomizes selfless service and the transformative power of spiritual commitment. According to well‐preserved hagiographies, during one of his travels through the Malwa region, Guru Tegh Bahadur halted at Khiva—a small village echoed in Sikh lore for its sacred significance. Here, a humble farmer named Singha tenderly offered water, firewood, and fodder for the Guru’s animals, embodying the pure-hearted service that Sikh teachings hold dear .
As the Guru prepared to move on, a brief conversation unfolded that would forever change Singha’s destiny. When asked by Guru Tegh Bahadur, “Why are you leaving? What is the hurry?” Singha replied that he needed to attend his son’s engagement. In response, the Guru gently reoriented Singha’s priorities by declaring, “You are now apprenticed to the Guru’s service. You have now to fulfill a dual responsibility. From now on you will be entitled to a double share.” This pronouncement not only highlighted the increased spiritual role Singha was to play but also symbolized that his acts of devotion would bring him twice the reward—both in the material and spiritual realms .
The impact of this encounter went far beyond that single moment in time. The narrative of Singha’s unwavering commitment, even in the face of pressing personal obligations, has become an emblem of the Sikh ideal that service to the Guru outweighs personal interests. Over the centuries, this story has been commemorated in local Gurdwaras—such as the Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib in Khiwa Kalan—and in communal traditions where villagers continue to observe the practice of offering “double shares” of blessings, a living testimony to the Guru’s benediction .
This cherished episode reminds modern devotees of the merit in selfless commitment and the ways in which simple acts of faith can yield profound spiritual rewards. It also reinforces the perennial Sikh value that devotion and service to the Guru enrich not just the individual but the entire community.
