Nihangnama PDF
Nihangnama PDF
Nihangnama PDF
NIHANGNAMA
(The Nihang Treatise)
ikRq: mMglwcrn
© 2009-2019 Manglacharan. All Rights Reserved.
Nihangnama
The Nihangnama (Treatise of Nihang Singh Warriors) is an
anthology of historical accounts discussing the origin
stories related to the Nihang Singhs. The Sikh tradition,
following Guru Gobind Singh, would be woefully ignorant
of the history of the Nihang Singhs without these seminal
texts. These texts unequivocally assert that the Nihang
Singhs draw their lineage straight from Guru Gobind Singh.
Previously untranslated texts are presented to bring
awareness to Sikhs in the diaspora regarding the origins of
the Nihang Singhs.
kibq ]
pwaux gur miq jb PYilE jgq siB, myG AigAwn Bjy AwkwS idKwveI [
When the Guru's Wisdom, like the wind, dispersed across the world,
it removed the ignorance like clouds, and displayed the Blue [Bana] sky for all to
see.
isMGn ivsyS vyS mwih prdyS, kyS r`Kx mlyC Aib sRySt bnwveI [
The unique uniform [Bana] of the Singhs is now present in foreign countries, and
these foreigners are even keeping their Kes [Hair] becoming the highest [Guru's
Sikhs].
SsqR hmyS r`Ky pwT cMfI sdw rry, Ku`lHy dygW cly AnYkW CkwveI [
Always strapped with weapons and reciting the scriptures of Chandi, their
[Shahidi] Degh always flows freely and they distribute it to countless people.
-3-
qqkrw
Foreword 2
Mangal (Salutation) 3
Pracheen Panth Prakash – Shahid Rattan Singh Bhangoo 5
-4-
pRcIn pMQ pRkwS
-5-
Pracheen Panth Prakash 1830
The Khalsa Panth’s Illumination Shahid Rattan Singh Bhangoo
Shahid Rattan Singh Bhangu who was the grandson of the famed
Shahid Mehtab Singh. Much of his knowledge was passed down
through his family and thus the text provides an interesting insight
into the Misal period [mid to late 1700s]. The text makes consistent
mention of the Akali Nihangs and their sacrifices during the Misal
period but the passage below specifically describes the story of
Gurbaksh Singh Nihang.
Oh wise ones listen to this story I will tell of the Nihang Gurbaksh
Singh, who attained sublime Shahidi [martyrdom] in the
auspicious city of Amritsar.
pRwq auTy Ar s`uKw pIvY ] huie rmxXo muK dwqn kIvY ]2]
loh ckR loh qoVy DwryY ] srb loh kI rKX aucwrY ]4]
Around his neck he wore an all-iron rosary, even his comb was
made of iron and his small rosary. His Chakar [quoit] around his
turban was iron, as the iron chain. He would recite “All-Iron is
my Protector” [from Akal Ustat].
sMjoie loh kI phrs AMg ] iem lwie idvwn inq bhY inhMg ]5]
The gauntlets he wore were iron along with his club. Wearing a
white Kachera, with cloth measuring up to one and a quarter
yard, he also wore iron chain-mail. In holding congregations [at
Akal Takht], many Nihangs would also attend.
ijm duK suK dyhI nw mMny aus khYN ibdyhI cMg ]6]
jhW pMQ pY bf pvY BIr ] fwhY Awp jwie qhW srIr ]8]
Kym krn iFg lIl u nwm ] huqo mwJY mYN iqsko gRwm ]10]
- 10 -
Gurpratap Suraj Prakash 1843
The Solar Illumination Mahakavi Santokh Singh
of the Guru’s Glory
The passage below describes the origin story of the Akali Nihangs.
Specifically, events surrounding Guru Gobind Singh leaving
Chamkaur Sahib. After sustaining some injuries to his feet he was met
by Maan Singh, Daya Singh and Dharam Singh in an orchard, where
they then proceeded to Gulaba Masand’s house.
SRI muK qy iqh sMg aucwrw ] su`Kw imrcW Awin audwrw ]39]
ibnw Aml bhu smw ibqIqw ] pwn krYN hulsY qib cIqw ]
11
When the Guru was seated in this orchard, the Masand went
quickly to the city to complete his task. Guru Gobind Singh had
taken the milk of an Ak plant [for medication, commonly called
the ‘Apple of Sodom’], but it had caused dryness on his feet.
He desired an intoxicant to drink [which would remove this
pain].
bUJy qib BI sMgI qIn ] su`Kw iks ky inkt khIn ] mwn isMG ky Qo kuC
pwly ] suin kir gur qy Koil inkwly ]42]
hoie pRsMn br dyviq jovYN ] pMQ Kwlsy mihN qum hovYN ]43]
12
13
- 13 -
Gurpratap Suraj Prakash
nvIn pMQ pRkwS
14
- 14 -
Naveen Panth Prakash 1880
The Khalsa Panth’s Illumination Giani Gian Singh
(Newer Standard)
Guru Nanak, who gave the entire world endless happiness, has
kept the honour of the ‘Bana’ [Nihang uniform], and who
illuminated the sun of wisdom.
15
swKI 1] Story 1
16
As the Brahmin walked out the door, there were poor Sikhs,
cannabis drinking beggars, who asked the Brahmin what he
was taking with him with such excitement.
The Brahmin said, “I am taking this charity, which the Guru has
blessed me with”, the Sikhs did not understand how he had
earned this and did not accept this.
The Sikhs snatched the charity from the Brahmin, who then
went to the Guru and pleaded, but the Guru laughed and said
“these Sikhs are the Akalis.”
I have given you this charity to rid the Sikhs of poverty, hunger,
laziness and the effect of black magic, but now they have
brought these back into the community.
17
Thus the Guru, for the Singhs, made it mandatory for iron
weapons and Karas to be worn [to protect from black magic]
and fed them many fried sweets.
He made them adopt the blue uniform and thus the Guru said,
“these Sikhs are the Guru’s Akalis.”
swKI 2] Story 2
18
Looking at him the Guru said, such a Panth will be started and
call themselves the ones of Baba Fateh Singh.
This is the proper origin story of the Nihang Singhs, the next story
I will narrate is also found within the Gurpratap Suraj Prakash
Granth.
swKI 3] Story 3
19
swKI 4 ] Story 4
Now listen to the fourth origin story that is told about the
Nihangs, which relates to when Guru Gobind Singh wore blue
clothing in the Macchiwara jungle.
20
The Guru saved one piece and gifted it to Maan Singh, who
adorned it on his turban [as a Farla], and thus started the new
uniform of dark blue clothing of Nihangs.
cOpeI ]
These are the four origin stories of the Nihangs, as I have heard
them I write them down as such. Now I will narrate the origin
story of the tall turban.
21
jbY rwj isMGn kw QIAw ] igRsq inhMgYN bhu qib kIAw ]182]
When the Panth first joined forces they got together and fought
against the Turks, taking away their governance. When the
Singhs established their own kingdoms, then many Nihangs
became householders.
rOr rihq qib mulk mJwry ] corI fwky prq Apwry ]184]
The rulers who were Singhs did not punish the Nihangs, they
themselves with their strength had looted. When there was no
more commotion of war then within the kingdom there arose
this widespread of stealing.
lMgR cwilE iqs kw BwrI ] iqs soN rihq inhMg ApwrI ]185]
During this time there was one Nihang, Naina Singh, who was
known for his recitation, austerity and keen discerning intellect.
He ran a very large Langar [communal kitchen] and practiced
very firmly the Nihang Singh conduct.
22
guru pMcm jo khXo ibswlw ] myrw guru iml aUc dumwlw ]186]
The Nihangs have accepted this saying of the Guru and have
adorned such beautiful tall Dumallas. From then these very
large tall Dumallas were adorned by the Nihangs.
qib qY cwl eyhu hY cwlI ] Aib sun ibdqy jYs AkwlI ]188]
23
In the same way that Kookas [Namdharis] got their name from
their Kooks [shrieks], and those who burnt their hair became
known as Hair Burners [sirphooke], in the same way their names
manifested in the world [due to their actions. As such, the
Nihangs were also called Akalis.
iqs mYN Qy qib ijiqk ispwhI ] nwm AkwlI siB kw AwhI ]193]
24
tUt geI rjmt iPr soaU ] ibQry isMG vhI mD loaU ]196]
25
- 25 -
Naveen Panth Prakash
kib`q ]
Their diet, dress, speech and mannerisms are all different from
other Singhs, and the entire world.
26
Eating out of iron vessels, wearing only iron on their body, they
always remain enraged, they have burned away the entire
army of Ignorance.
27
They may perform work but even then they do not desire any
money in return, they remain ever in bliss and never experience
pain in their heart.
lYhYN dIn hvY n mMg kYhY log XON inhMg hYN ]200]
They eat by instilling fear and taking from others, they travel
from Gurdwara to Gurdwara, they do not beg like beggars, the
people call a Nihang as such.
28
They do not recognize anyone else other than their Guru and
the Deathless [Akal], against [Indic] tradition they do Parkarma
[circumambulation] the reverse way [counter-clock wise].
They are large fish in the ocean of Rudra rasa [The Ferocious
Rasa], they do not endure the objections and slanders from
others, they cut the limbs off their enemies.
29
- 29 -
Naveen Panth Prakash
pwlI ihMdu h`d m`d Drm kI ibh`d jWih
Gyan Singh says that, in the past, present and in the future, the
Nihang Singhs have earned great achievements, the cooling
breeze and pleasant sunlight warmth [of their presence]
expands forth quickly!
They were given impurity in big heaps but even still they’ve
been given a high status, these Akalis of the Guru are masters
of Tegh [sovereignty] and Degh [benevolence].
30
Being pleased with even just a little seva [selfless service], they
are as if Shiva, granting wishes and pleasures to people, and to
those who are angry against them, they grant them liberation
[through death].
They are great lovers of both the Panth and Gurbani within the
Guru Granth, they are the saviors of Gyan Singh, such are the
Akali Singhs.
- Naveen Panth Prakash
31
32
- 32 -
Sri Gur Pad Prem Prakash 1880
The Lovely Illumination of Baba Sumer Singh
The Guru’s Lotus Feet
Foreword: The Sri Gur Pad Prem Prakash is an exquisite Braj historical
text on the life of Guru Gobind Singh, the author was the esteemed
Sumer Singh who served as Jathedar of Takht Patna Sahib and also
the chairman of the Faridkot Tika committee. Baba Sumer Singh
traces his lineage to the Giani Sampradya from Amritsar and the
passage describes the origins of Nihangs.
The stories of the Guru outweigh all the Vedas and the
numerous Puranas, this secret though can only be understood
and realized by a devoted and fully aware servant of the Guru.
33
At one time, all the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh got
together, the respected Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, the esteemed
and pure Jorawar Singh, and the revered Fateh Singh, who
even sin feared.
The youngest of all the sons, Fateh Singh was the most
prominent and loved, for he was the one who invoked for the
first time the Khalsa Fateh [Vahiguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vahiguru Ji Ki
Fateh].
The three elder brothers met and carefully set out to create a
new path, typing a large dark blue Dumalla on the wise Fateh
Singh.
34
This Farla is the symbol for the entry into heaven, those Singhs
who adorned it will be fearless and victorious in battle. This Farla
is highest honour given; great are these Nihang Singhs.
When the Guru gave this blessing to Fateh Singh, then Himmat
Singh [of the Punj Pyare] were also given this honour [to wear
the Bana and Farla]. The Nihang Singhs then expanded greatly
in size and two types of Nihangs started to emerge.
35
CpXo pMQ kuaU clw n Awgy ] nYxw isMG jbY jg jwgy ]7]
sunXh kQw jb miq jwnI ] sRI AMimRqsr mih sur gXwnI ]8]
Naina Singh was Baba Deep Singh's student, and was a great
warrior, filled with virtue. Listen to this narration, which I have
understood from listening to the Gyanis in Amritsar.
36
Naina Singh thus started this tradition of the tall Dumalla, this
tradition came into the world from Naina Singh. Ganda Singh
then also wore this tall Dumalla, who was a great warrior and
praised throughout the world.
iqn qy sun gun pun pun khI ] kQw jQwmiq Awpn lhI ]13]
37
38
- 38 -
Bhai Daya Singh Rehatnama 1700s
Code of Conduct of the Bhai Daya Singh Pyara
Compassionate Tiger
The Bhai Daya Singh Rehatnama is dated within the 1700s and
outlines the characteristics and traits of an Akali Nihang.
pMj SsqR Dr dyih pY ikRpwn gwqry rwiK ] krd Byt ibn pwn nih Akwl
Bwv siq BwK ]
aUcw buMgw jo sjY nwm inhMg sujwn ] krm AkwlI sm krY sunhu is`K Dir
DXwn ]
39
40