HARNAM SINGH, BABA

HARNAM SINGH, BABA (d. 1927), an ascetic saint widely respected in the southern districts of the Punjab, was born the son of BhaT BTr Singh and Pradhan Kaur of the village of Mansurval in Kapurthala district. His original name was Nihal Singh. Leaving his home at the age of 13, he came in contact with a Nirmala scholar, Sant Ram Singh, under whom he learnt to read the Sikh Scripture and studied Sanskrit texts of the Nyaya and Yoga schools. It was his wont to recite the Japu 101 times a day.

Impressed by his devotion to ndm, Sant Ram Singh renamed him Harnam (Harinam, lit. God`s Name) Singh and directed him to be his own preceptor. Spending several years in meditation at Amritsar, Harnam Singh roamed about in the Doaba and Malva countries. Around 1891 he settled at Bhuchcho Kalan in Bathinda district.

Here he stayed for the rest of his life, popular among high and low for his piety, austerity and occult powers. The place came to be known as Rum! Dera where, besides seekers of boons, came disciples eager to receive instruction. Among the latter was Sant Nand Singh of Kaleran. Baba Harnam Singh died on Poh vadi9, 1984 Bk/18 December 1927.

References :

1. Visakha Singh, Malvn Itihds. Kishanpura, 1954