PHERU, BHAI

PHERU, BHAI (1640-1706), an Udasi Sikh preacher, was born the son of Bhai Binna Uppal of Amb Man in parganah Mien ki Maur in Lahore district (now in Pakistan). His original name was Sarigat. As he grew up, he adopted peddling as a profession and earned the nickname of Pheru, (lit.peripatetic). Journeying out with his wares once, he met Bhai Bhagatu, a devout Sikh who led him to the presence of Guru Har Rai (1630-61) at Kiratpur. Bhai Pheru turned a disciple and stayed on to devote himself to serving in Guru ka Larigar, the community kitchen. Guru Har Rai bestowed on him special blessing {bakhshish in Udasi Sikh parlance) and appointed him to preach and run Guru ka Larigar in his native Nakka region. The centre established by him near Mien ki Maur itself came to be called Bhai Pheru after him. When shortly before the creation of the Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) summoned all masands to Anandpur in order to enquire into their conduct, Bhai Pheru also presented himself.

The Guru, pleased with his spirit of service and humility, bestowed on him the epithets of Sachchi Darhi (beard unsullied) and Sarigat Sahib (honoured by the assembly) and half of his own turban, which Pheru wrapped around his monk`s cap. He was exempted from joining the ranks of the Khalsa and he returned to his monastery at Mien ki Maur (Bhai Pheru) where a new order of Udasi sadhus known as Sarigat Sahib Ke came to flourish. Bhai Pheru died in 1706.

References :

1. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Cur Pratdp Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35
2. Randhir Singh, Udasi Sikkhdn di Vithid. Amritsar, 2016 Bk.
3. Macauliffc, Max Arthur, The Sikh Rflifion. Oxford, 1909