dera

gurdwara dera sahib

Uncover how 'dera' signifies homes, temples, and monasteries across Punjab's cultural landscape, bridging historical roots and modern usage.

DEVA SINGH NAROTAM, PANDIT (d. 1924), Nirmala scholar, was the son of Mahitab Singh of the village of Janetpura, 13 km north of Jagraori (30° 47`N, 75° 28`E), in Ludhiana district of the Punjab. He received his early lessons in the Sikh texts at the hands of Bhai Gurdit Singh and then left home to continue his studies under Sant Nattha Singh of Gurdwara Tapiana Sahib at Khadur Sahib, in Amritsar district, and later under Sant Mahna Singh (d. 1890) at the Nirmala dera or monastery at Khandur, near Mullaripur, in Ludhiana district. He accompanied Sant Mahna Singh to Bhai Rupa, a village 18 km north of Rampura Phul in Bathinda district, to join the Nirmala monastery called Dera Khuharivala. Here, Deva Singh, already reputed enough as a scholar to be known as pandit (lit. learned scholar), was put by his mentor through a course of comparative study of gurbani in the light of his knowledge of Sanskrit and Vedanta.

Discover the brave tale of Duddun Ram who sheltered Sikhs in 1760, facing Mughal forces in Pandori. A story of courage and sacrifice.

wada dera daudhar

Discover Vadda Dera, founded in 1859 in Punjab, India. Learn about its rich history in Sikh music training and cultural teachings.

fateh khan tiwana.

Explore the tumultuous life of Fateh Khan Tiwana, a historic figure who played pivotal roles in revolts and power struggles in the 1840s Punjab region.

Explore the historic Gurudwara Janamasthan Bebe Nanaki in Dera Chahal, Lahore. A sacred site tied to Guru Nanak Dev Ji's family and heritage.

Discover the legacy of Kahn Chand, son of Amir Chand, who served Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Learn about his vital role in the Sikh army and the Dera Khas regiment.

ADDAN SHAH, BHAI (1688-1757), third in succession to Bhai Kanhaiya, founder of the Sevapanthi sect, was born in 1688 in the village of Lau in Jhang district, now in Pakistan. His parents were of a devout temperament and he inherited from them a deeply religious bent of mind. He learnt Gurmukhi and got training in the exegesis of Sikh scriptural texts from Bhai Gurdas Dakkhani, a leading Sikh of Guru Tegh Bahadur`s time. He also remained in the company of Bhai Seva Ram, a disciple of and successor to Bhai Kanhaiya, for a long time and ultimately succeeded him as chief of the Sevapanthi sect.

Discover the legacy of Bhai Khushal Singh, a blind Sikh music maestro known for his mastery in gurbani and kirtan, influencing generations in Punjab.

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4 years Ago

Explore the deeper meaning of Aarti in Hinduism and Sikhism, where true worship goes beyond rituals and embraces the beauty of nature and truth.

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4 years Ago

Explore the profound concept of Aatma and its connection to Paramaatma, God, and the transcendental self in Sikh and Hindu philosophies.

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Explore the distinctive and largely unknown Sikh architectural style, with its rich history in gurdwaras, forts, and palaces, by S.S. Bhatti.

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Discover the captivating history and architecture of Samman Burj, the octagonal Mughal marvel in Lahore Fort, known for its royal and administrative legacy.

The Sikh Encyclopedia

This website based on Encyclopedia of Sikhism by Punjabi University , Patiala by Professor Harbans Singh.