TODA BHATT, a Brahman bard of Sultanpur Lodhi, was a pious Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan. His name is included among the Guru`s devotees in Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala.
References :
1. Man! 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. 21
Toda Bhatt is remembered in Sikh hagiographical tradition as a devoted devotee whose life was immortalized in the Bhagat Mala, a revered collection that chronicles the inspirational journeys of Sikh devotees. Originating from the learned Brahmin community of Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab, Toda Bhatt embraced the spiritual guidance of Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, whose teachings emphasized devotion, humility, and the dissolving of social barriers.
In the Bhagat Mala, Toda Bhatt’s story shines as an exemplar of how individuals from diverse backgrounds found a transformative path in the Sikh tradition. His devotion was not confined to mere recitation of sacred hymns; it transcended into an artful expression of faith. Often regarded as a bard, Toda Bhatt’s contributions underscored the rich interplay between poetic expression and spiritual insight. His legacy, like that of many others included in the Bhagat Mala, serves as a reminder that the heart of Sikh spirituality lies in the universality of love and the pursuit of truth—a core principle of Guru Arjan’s message.
For contemporary devotees, Toda Bhatt’s narrative is more than mere historical record: it is an inspiration to embrace spirituality with sincerity, creativity, and a commitment to the values of equality and service. His inclusion in the Bhagat Mala underscores the tradition’s recognition that the path to spiritual enlightenment is accessible to all, regardless of social or caste distinctions.
