TILOKA PATHAK, BHAI, a devoted Sikh contemporary of Guru Arjan and of Guru Hargobind. He became known as a soldier and fell fighting in the battle of Amritsar in 1629. Bhai Gurdas describes him in his stanza as “the principal reciter of Scripture, active in the service of holy congregation.”
References :
1. Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35
3. Gurdas Bhai, Varan, XI. 28
Bhai Tiloka Pathak stands out as a celebrated Sikh devotee and warrior whose life beautifully intertwined spiritual dedication with martial valor. A contemporary of both Guru Arjan and Guru Hargobind, he was revered for his role as the principal reciter of scripture—a quality immortalized in the writings of Bhai Gurdas, who described him as “the principal reciter of Scripture, active in the service of holy congregation” . His contributions weren’t confined to the realm of devotional recitations; Bhai Tiloka Pathak also actively took up arms and fought in the Battle of Amritsar in 1629, a crucial moment that underscored the Sikh community’s resolve to defend its faith and principles. His sacrifice in battle left a legacy that continues to inspire Sikhs, symbolizing a harmonious balance between inner spiritual strength and external commitment to justice .
Bhai Tiloka Ji was a great warrior. As a warrior, he was appointed an army officer with a personal squad of the local ruler of Ghazni. Bhai Tiloka Ji originally was from ‘Sooharh’ gotra of ‘khatri’ caste (varna). He was a Sikh of fifth Guru, Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji.a Suhar Khatri officer in the Mughal army at Ghazni, once waited on Guru Arjan and said, “Soldiering being my profession, violence is my duty. How shall I be saved ?” The Guru spoke, “Remain firm in your duty as a soldier, but let not your mind be touched by violence.” Tiloka received initiation as a Sikh and went back to Ghazni. One day, as says Bhai Santokh Singh, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth, Tiloka slayed during the chase a pregnant doe. As he slashed his prey, , twin embroys, almost fully developed, were discovered, both dying after a few convulsive movements. Bhai Tiloka was filled with remorse and took a vow never to kill again. He started wearing a sword with a wooden blade, but a proper hilt for show. A complaint reached the ears of the governor, who ordered a parade. As he started inspecting the soldiers’ weapons, Bhai Tiloka prayed the Guru for succour. Amazingly, tells the chronicler, Tiloka’s wooden sword, when unsheathed, turned out to be gleaming steel. When Bhai Tiloka next visited the Guru, he narrated the story to the sangat.
