Bhai Mani Singh ji is the most revered Sikh scholar and martyr. He was a very brave warrior as well as an elite scholar. He was a saint soldier in the real sense.
Bhai Mani Singh ji was born in the household of Bhai Mai Das ji on 10 March 1644 through the womb of Mata Madri Bai ji in the village Alipur district Muzaffargarh, Punjab (Pakistan). Bhai Sahib was fortunate enough to get the blissful glimpse of Guru Har Rai ji at the tender age of 13 along with his father. At the age of 15 he was tied in the wedlock with Seeto Bai ji who was the daughter of Lakhi Rai ji.
Bhai Mani Singh ji served Guru Harkrishan ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur ji. When Guru Tegh Bahadur ji returned to Anandpur Sahib after finishing the devout task of spreading the message of Sikhi Bhai Mani Singh ji also came to Anandpur Sahib and here he got involved in the great Seva of copying and preparing small pothis of Gurbani. When Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji went to Delhi to protect the rights of Hindus and attained martyrdom Bhai Sahib stayed back with Guru Gobind Singh ji and in the company of the tenth master Bhai Sahib became an elite and prominent scholar.
During the war of Bhangani and Nadaun Bhai Sahib showed great bravery. Looking at his valor and devotion towards Guru’s house Guru Patshah graced him with the status of Diwan. In 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh ji established Khalsa Panth on the day of Vaisakhi Bhai Sahib took Amrit and his name was changed from Mani Ram to Bhai Mani Singh.
Bhai Sahib used to explain the deep meaning and interpretation of Gurbani every day to the Sikh congregation at Anandpur Sahib. On the request of Sikhs of Amritsar Guru Gobind Singh ji appointed Bhai Mani Singh ji as a custodian of Shri Harmandir Sahib and Bhai Sahib preached about Sikhism on reaching Amritsar.
During the night between 20th and 21st December 1704 when Guru Gobind Singh ji left the fort of Shri Anandpur Sahib Bhai Mani Singh ji was successful in assisting Mata Sundar Kaur and Mata Sahib Kaur to Delhi. After the war of Muktsar when Guru Gobind Singh ji reached Talwandi Sabo and during his stay there Guru ji recited the current version of Guru Granth Sahib ji from his memory and Bhai Mani Singh ji transcribed it. This way Guru ji prepared the Damdami bir and also entered the bani of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur ji in it and later he honored the Damdami bir with Guruship at Nanded.
From the year 1721 Bhai Mani Singh was leading the Sikh nation under his able leadership and guidance. He used to gather Sikhs on the occasion of Diwali and Vaisakhi so that the whole Sikh community could come together and spend time together. In 1738 Bhai Mani Singh ji requested for permission from Governor of Lahore, Zakaria Khan to celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas at Harmandir Sahib. He granted the permission but asked to pay the amount of Rs. 5,000. The Governor had a different plan and attacked Sikhs during the festival. Bhai Mani Singh ji reported this incident to the authorities. The authorities ordered execution of Bhai Mani Singh ji. He was arrested and taken to Lahore in chains. He was offered to convert to Islam. Refusing to give up his beliefs and faith he was ordered death by dismemberment.
Bhai Sahib accepted martyrdom happily and said I can sacrifice various lives for Sikhi and Sikhi principles. His life will always be an inspiration for all Sikhs to die and live for their faith. His life is a symbol of his deep love and respect for his beloved Guru.
