SAJJAN, SHAIKH

SAJJAN, SHAIKH, a resident of Makhdumpur, 20 km southwest of the ancient town of Talumbha or Tulambha, now in Multan district of Pakistan, was a thug or cutthroat who, according to the Janam Sakhi “tradition, was once visited by Guru Nanak. Sayan lived in apparent piety and prosperity and maintained a mosque for Muslims and a temple for Hindus. The sleeping guests were despatched by Sajjan and his band of thugs and their goods became his property. As Guru Nanak accompanied by Mardana passed that way during his travel across southwestern Punjab and stopped by, Shaikh Sajjan read in his lustrous face the signs of affluence and treated him with more than usual courtesy.

At night, however, the Guru tarried long before going to bed which made Sayan impatient. At last he came near the door to see inside.He discovered Mardana was playing on his rabab and Guru Nanak was singing a hymn in enraptured devotion. Sa|jan was overwhelmed and falling at the Guru`s feet confessed remorsefully how sinful he was. The Guru said that he could yet hope for God`s grace and forgiveness if he confessed and repented and delivered all of his possessions which he had collected by impious means.

“Then,” says Puratan Janam Sakhi, “Sajjan obeyed. He brought out all the things and gave them away in God`s name.” He converted his house into a dharamsala which, according to the Janam Sakhi, was the first such centre established in the history of early Sikhism. Sajjan`s tomb still exists near Makhdumpur, in Pakistan. A ruined mound near it is also known by his name.

References :

1. Harbans Singh, Guru Nanak and Origins of the Sikh Faith. Bombay, 1969
2. Vir Singh, Bhai, ed., Sri Guru Nanak Chamatkar. Amritsar, 1928
3. -.Puratan Janam Sakhi. Amritsar, 1926
4. Gian Singh, Giani, Panth Prakash. Delhi, 1880
5. Kohli, Surindar Singh, ed-Janamsakhi Bhai Bala. Chandigarh, 1975