SUKKHAN, a Khatri resident of the village of Dhamial, near Rawalpindi, now in Pakistan, was a worshipper of the Goddess Durga until he met Guru Amar Das and was converted to Sikh teaching. He was made head of a manji to preach the word of Guru Nanak in the Pothohar region.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kahn Singh, Bhai, Gurushabad Ratanakar Mahan Kosh [Reprint]. Patiala, 1981
Sukkhan’s journey is a remarkable tale of transformation—a passage from the familiar contours of Hindu devotion to the emerging, unifying spirit of Sikhism. Hailing from the village of Dhamial near Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan), this Khatri was initially devoted to the worship of the Goddess Durga, embracing the vibrant rituals and imagery of a tradition steeped in power and maternal strength.
The turning point in his life arrived with his meeting with Guru Amar Das, whose teachings resonated deeply with him. Confronted with the simplicity, compassion, and the universal message of Sikhism, Sukkhan found himself drawn away from the idolatrous practices of his former faith. Embracing the new path, he accepted the Guru’s message with humility and commitment—a transformation that symbolized the progressive outlook of early Sikhism, which welcomed and reinterpreted pre-existing spiritual expressions.
In recognition of his heartfelt conversion and dedication, Sukkhan was entrusted with an important role as the head of a manji—a miniature congregation administered by an appointed preacher. Tasked with spreading the sacred word of Guru Nanak in the Pothohar region, he became a pioneer in communicating Sikh ideals to communities that were previously steeped in diverse ritualistic traditions. His legacy reminds us that the journey of faith is often one of both personal introspection and communal outreach, bridging the old with the new.
