MALO, BHAI

MALO, BHAI, and Bhai Manga, both named by Bhai Gurdas, Varan, XI. 13, among the notable Sikhs of Guru Nanak, were musicians who once sought audience of the Guru and begged him to unfold to them the tapas or devotion most beneficial for them. Guru Nanak, says Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, said to them, “Tapas as commonly understood involves bodily mortification and austerities which avail but little.

For you the best tapas will be to devote yourselves to kirtan or hymn singing and katha or exposition of the sacred word both performed in the sangat, i.e. holy assembly. This will bring you and your listeners solace and enhance your faith.” Bhai Malo and Bhai Manga dedicated the rest of their lives to katha and kirtan.

References :

1. Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala. Amritsar, 1955
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, .Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35