GURDITTA, BHAI

GURDITTA, BHAI, a devoted Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan. He received instruction from the Guru himself and repeated constantly the name `Vahiguru`. Thus he remained absorbed in God`s remembrance (Varan, XI. 24). BIBLIOGRAPHY 1 Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955 2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-33 T.S. GURDITTA, BHAI (1625-1675), son of Bhai Jhanda, was a descendant of the venerable Baba Buddha. He was one of those who, after the death of Guru Har Krishan at Delhi in 1664, were especially summoned to Bakala for the anointment of Guru Tcgh Bahadur.

The privilege of performing this ceremony had by tradition belonged to Baba Buddha`s house. On 11 August 1664, Bhai Gurditta, presented to Guru Tcgh Bahadur the spiritual regalia and placed the saffron mark on his forehead. He planted, on 19 June 1665, the ceremonial sapling at the Makhoval mound near Kiratpur in the Sivalik foothills, where the Guru founded a new habitation, Chakk Nanaki, later renamed Anandpur. It is not certain whether he accompanied the Guru during his travel to the east, but, according to Sakhi Pothi, he was in attendance on him during his journey through the Malva country, probably in 1672-74. In 1675, when Guru Tegh Bahadur decided to proceed to Delhi to court martyrdom, Bhai Gurditta was called upon to perform the accession ceremony, installing Guru Gobind Singh as the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs.

The ceremony took place on 8 July 1675. Three days later Bhai Gurditta also set out for Delhi. He was not arrested on the way, and reached Delhi where he witnessed the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur`s Sikhs on 11 November 1675. He himself discarded his body in a divine passion the following day, 12 November 1675. According to Guru ktdn Sdkhidn, he was cremated by the Sikhs of Delhi at Bhogal, on the bank of the River Yamuna.

References :

1. Malva Desk Ratan di Sakhi Pothi. Amritsar, 1968
2. Padam, Piara Singh, and Giani Garja Singh, eds., Guru kian Sakhian. Patiala, 1986
3. Kuir Singh, Gurbilds Patshahi 10. Patiala, 1968
4. Harbans Singh, Gum Tegh Bahadur. Delhi, 1982