TILOKA, SETH, a rich merchant of Fatehpur, was a pious Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan. He, accompanied by some other Sikhs, once visited the Guru at Amritsar. Guru Arjan was then engaged in compiling the hymns of the Gurus and bhagats into a single volume. Seth Tiloka and his companions suggested the names of some contemporary holy men, whose compositions might be considered for inclusion in the holy book under preparation. Seth Tiloka`s name is included among the Guru`s devotees in Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala.
References :
1. Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, SriGur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35
3. Gurdas, Bhai, Varan, XI. 26 `
Seth Tiloka was a distinguished Sikh figure during the time of Guru Arjan, remembered not only as a wealthy merchant from Fatehpur but also as a devoted participant in shaping the Sikh spiritual tradition. During Guru Arjan’s monumental project of compiling the hymns of the Gurus and bhagats into a single, cohesive volume—a precursor to what would later be enshrined as the Guru Granth Sahib—Seth Tiloka, along with his fellow Sikh companions, visited the Guru at Amritsar. Their contribution was significant: they suggested names of contemporary holy men whose devotional compositions were worthy of inclusion in this sacred work. This act underscores the collaborative effort that was instrumental in unifying and preserving the rich liturgical heritage of early Sikhism .
Seth Tiloka’s devotion and active participation are further immortalized in hagiographical texts such as Bhai Mani Singh’s Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, where his name is recorded among the esteemed devotees of Guru Arjan. His legacy exemplifies how individuals from multifaceted backgrounds—ranging from merchants to scholars—played a crucial role in nurturing the Sikh faith. This blending of worldly success with deep spirituality is an enduring aspect of Sikh history, reflecting the community’s unique ability to integrate material well-being with religious devotion .
