BHAGATU, BHAI (d. 1652), a devoted Sikh who served the Fifth, Sixth and the Seventh Gurus, was the son of Adam (Uddam in some chronicles), a Siddhu Brar of Malva country. Sikh chronicles record that Adam, without a son for a long time and despaired of prayers at the feet of different holy men, Muslim as well as Hindu, was advised by a Sikh to go to Guru Ram Das. Adam reached Amritsar and dedicated himself to the service of the Guru and the sangat. The Guru was pleased by his humility and sincerity. Adam received his blessing and had a son born to him. Bhagatu, as the son was named, grew to be a saintly person with a firm faith in the Guru.
GOIND KUKK, BHAI, and Bhai Gola and Bhai Mohan, also Kukk Jatts, sought refuge at the feet of Guru Arjan and asked to be instructed in the path of righteousness and liberation. The Guru gave them twofold advice: "Repeat the Name of God and remember death. By remembering death, you will desist from committing sin, and by repeating God`s Name the effect of your past sins will be erased." Bhai Goind and his two companions became Sikhs and, according to Bhai Santokh Singh, Sn Gur Pratdp Sura] Granth, ever remained in the service of the Guru.
BIHANGAM, from Sanskrit vihang which means a bird, is a term applied to wandering ascetics who lead a life of complete detachment. A Biharigam is a celebate who lives in poverty renouncing all worldly ties and follows the path of holiness. In the Hindu tradition, he, abjuring religious dogma, worships Siva, Rama and other incarnations. Bihangams, among Sikhs, are likewise holy men who do not marry and who shun worldly ambition and temptation. The object of their devotion is the One Supreme Being.
GORDON (d. 1837), often miscalled Canon, an Anglo Indian, entered the service of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1820 as an infantry instructor on a salary of Rs 500 per month. Later, he was put in command of a battalion of artillery. In July 1822, his battalion received approbation from Allard and Ventura and was ultimately incorporated in the FaujiKhas. Gordon was now charged with raising a new cavalry regiment to be called Akal Regiment.
