century

Dive into the life stories and teachings of Guru Nanak through traditional Janam Sakhi narratives. Discover the evolution of these sacred accounts.

Discover the historical significance of 'jatha' in Sikh tradition, representing volunteer bands skilled in guerrilla warfare during 18th-century conflicts.

Explore the legacy of Mahants in Sikh history, their influence on gurdwaras, and the impact of the Gurdwara Reform movement in the 20th century.

Explore PARAS BHAG, a revered adaptation in Sadh Bhakha of Al Ghazzali's work, influential among Sevapanthi Sikhs for its moral and spiritual guidance.

Discover PUAT, an old village in Ludhiana, where Guru Gobind Singh passed in 1705. Dive into Punjab's rich history, the land of five rivers.

Explore SANTMAL by Bhai Sobha Ram, a 19th-century Punjabi verse account with detailed biographies of Sevapanthi saints, unique historical insights, and more.

Dive into the origins of Sikh historiography with the Janam Sakhis of Guru Nanak. Discover a blend of myth and tradition in early Sikh history.

Discover the pioneering efforts of the Sri Guru Upkar Pracharni Sabha in preserving Sikh religious identity and countering challenges in early 20th century Amritsar.

Explore the history of Gurdwara Patshahi Dusari in Tur, a stunning shrine dedicated to Guru Ahgad. Experience spiritual heritage in Amritsar's scenic Punjab region.

Explore the roots of untouchability within the Hindu caste system and its rejection in Sikhism. A deep dive into caste, karma, and social classes.

Explore the significance of Aakhand Path, a nonstop 48-hour recitation of Guru Granth Sahib, performed by multiple readers in a historical relay fashion.

BHAI, of Indo Aryan origin (Sanskrit bhratr, Pali bhaya), means brother in its literal sense and is employed as an honorific as well as in the dominant familial sense and as a title of affection between equals. It has been used in the Guru Granth Sahib in the latter sense and there are several apostrophic examples none of which seems to imply any special rank or status. However, by the middle of the seventeenth century, it was being used as a title implying distinction: the earliest example is the Bala Janam Sakhi (AD 1658) which refers to its putative author as Bhai Bala. The naturalness of its use in this particular context suggests that it must have developed the honorific connotation even earlier though it does not necessarily follow that these connotations were clearly apprehended in earlier usage.