DHINGAR, BHAI, a carpenter, was a devoted Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind (1595-1644). According to Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, Bhai Dhirigar, along with Bhai Maddu, a fellow worker in the craft, came to serve at the Guru`s feet. During the day they hewed wood for Guru ka Langar, community kitchen, and made cots and other articles for use by the disciples; in the divan they attentively listened to recitations and discourses; and early in the morning they drew water for Sikhs` ablutions.
DHIRA, BHAI, a devoted Sikh of the time of Guru Hargobind, was a resident of Uj[jain. He used to visit Amritsar twice a year, to make obeisance to the Guru. Once, records Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, he begged Guru Hargobind to enlighten him about the qualities of a true saint. Guru Hargobind recalled Guru Arjan`s sloka (GG, 1357) which, defines a man of God as one who meditates upon the mantra of God`s Name; for whom dukh and sukh, suffering and pleasure, are the same; who, purged of rancour, has compassion for all; who subsists on singing God`s praise and is free from maya or worldly attachment; who treats friend and foe alike and instructs both in the love of God; who is selfless and humble; and who does not lend his ear to slander of others. According to Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth, Bhai Dhira, along with his brother, Hira, took part in the battle of Amritsar.
BHAGVAN DAS, BHAI, a devoted Sikh of Burhanpur (21° 18`N, 76° 14`E), on the bank of the River Tapti, once travelled to Amritsar along with Bhai Bodala, Bhai Malak Kataru, Bhai Prithi Mall, Bhai Bhagatu, Bhai Dallu, Bhai Sundar Das and Bhai Svami Das to seek instruction from Guru Hargobind. The Guru, says Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, told them to construct a dharamsal in their town where they should gather morning and evening for prayer and to raise charities for the needy. He taught them to overcome their haumai, i.e. egoity, and to learn to be humble. Bhai Bhagvan Das and his companions followed the Guru`s instructions and established a sangat at Burhanpur to which Bhai Gurdas refers in his Varan, XI. 30.
