\'ABDULLA BHAI\', Abdul according to some Sikh chroniclers, was a Muslim minstrel who recited heroic balladry at Sikh congregations in the time of Guru Hargobind (1595-1644). Abdul was born in the village of Sursingh, now in Amritsar district of the Punjab. He first came to Amritsar in 1606 at the time of the installation ceremony for Guru Hargobind at the Akal Takht. According to Gurbilas Chhevin Patshahi, he and his companion, Bhai Nattha, sang the stanza on the occasion: The Throne everlasting Has by the Holy Guru\'s presence become haloed, Indescribable is its splendour, How may I sing its glory! Seeing the Guru, Both the sun and the moon were shamed.
BHAGATA, BHAI, an Ohri Khatri, figures in Bhai Gurdas`s roster of the principal disciples of Guru Nanak, Varan, XI. 14. To quote Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, Bhai Bhagata, accompanied by Bhai Japu Vansi, presented himself before the Guru and said, "Holy Sir, we are illiterate and can neither read nor write. How shall we be saved!" "By shunning the ways of the manmukh," said Guru Nanak. "Pray, unfold to us the ways of a manmukh." The Guru replied, "Recognize a manmukh by his four traits, viz. envy, pride, backbiting and aversion to good counsel. These you must avoid, and you must share with your brethren food earned by the labour of your hands." Bhai Bhagata and Bhai Japu, continues the Bhagat Mala, practised the precept and attained liberation.
