Nanua Bairagi

Nanua Bairagi, (~17th–18th century) also known as Nanua Bhagat and Jamala Singh, was a renowned mystic, humanitarian and Sikh warrior of Punjab.[1] He belonged to Saini community of Punjab.[2]

Nanua as a humanitarian and spiritual mentor of Bhai Kanhaiya

Nanua was also the spiritual mentor of Bhai Kanhaiya,[3][4] who in turn started "Seva Panthi" mission .

Nanua as a poet-mystic

As a Darbari Kavi, or court poet, of Sikh gurus, his poetry left an imprint on the poetry style of Bulhe Shah. One of his famous hymns is given as follows:[1]

I am Naught, O Lord, Thou art All!

I have seen all cloth, each shred,

To find all textures the self-same cotton.

Rama's light of love falls over all:

Fear not then dreadful Kala.

Rama runs through every nerve,

And Sohang, Sohang cry the pores!

I am naught, O Lord, Thou art All!

Sohang is apabransha of Upnishadic Soham (Sanskrit) which means "I am He". This is also termed as mahavakya in Upnishads and represents final union or gnosis of soul with Brahman, or the over-soul.[1]

It is thus clear that Nanua's poetry synthesized both Vedantic and Sufi monisms into distinctly Sikh devotional practice, informed by direct discipleship and service of Sikh masters. Which speaks volumes about his stature as a poet and his place among the preeminent Sikh mystics whose place in Sikhism is second only to ten Sikh Gurus.

Nanua as a close associate of Sikh gurus

Bhagat Nanua was a reputed Saini of the 17th century and Guru Tegh Bahadur is said to have had a great regard for him.[5] Throughout his life he rendered his valuable services to Sikh Guru. He enjoyed the privilege of having close relationships with 8th, 9th & 10th Sikh Gurus.[6] At the time of 8th Guru's death in Delhi, he arranged the cremation & later carried Guru ji's bone urn to Kiratpur Sahib. From there, along with Guru's family members he reached Baba Bakala as indicated by the 8th guru. After the cremation ceremony of 9th guru, he remained in the company of his master on various teaching missions. At the time of the last voyage of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji to Delhi, he accompanied the convoy. After the martyrdom of the Guru & Sikhs, he arranged their cremation. He along with Bhai Jaita and Bhai Uda had found and carried Guru Tegh Bahadur's severed head to Anandpur Sahib.[2][7]

Nanua as a baptized Sikh, warrior and martyr

As a baptised Sikh of 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, he was named Jamala Singh Nanuan. As a great warrior, his service was equal to his contemporaries, Bhai Bachittar Singh Minhas, Bhai Jaita and Bhai Sangat Singh Minhas, Mai Bhago.

He sacrificed his life in the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib. His son, Darbar Singh laid down his life in the battle of Agampur and another son Gharbara Singh was killed in the battle of Muktsar. His great grandson Kavi Jai Singh Saini had the privilege of being 'Darbari Kavi' at the court of Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala.[2]

References
  1. Nanua Bhagat is a renowned ascetic and mystic and a Punjabi poet of the classical school, Rose-garden of the Punjab: English renderings from Punjabi folk poetry, p. 106 ,Gurbachan Singh Talib, Compiled by Kamal Krishan Mukerji, Published by Punjabi University, 1973
  2. Saini jagata utapati ate wikasa / Surajita Singha Nanua, Patiala : Manajota Prakashana, ਪਟਿਆਲਾ : ਮਨਜੋਤ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ਨ, 2008, DK Agencies DKPAN-5413 ( HBD )
  3. "Bhai Kanhaiya would have hardly stepped in his teens that he, fortuitously, came across saint Nanua, an eminent gnostic and a heavenly-minded man. His company and precepts had lasting effect on his delicate mind." Bhai Kanhaiya, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace, Chapter 6- A Contact with Bhakt Nanua, p. 19, Bhagata Singha Hīrā, Published by Sewa Jyoti Publications, 1988
  4. "Bhai Kanhaiya passed his early days in his company. He listened to his sermons with keen interest, enjoyed his charming communions with eagerness and moulded his character accordingly. His devotion to Nanua advanced every day. As a true devotee he adopted his every advice." Bhai Kanhaiya, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace, Chapter 6- A Contact with Bhakt Nanua, p. 22, Bhagata Singha Hīrā, Published by Sewa Jyoti Publications, 1988
  5. "The close intimates of the Guru took their courage to ask him," Reverend Satguru! You always appreciate Nanua in all respects and seem to be much pleased with him. Then why don't you appoint him a missionary (Masand) in any of your domains or absorb him in your administrative staff? The Guru's simple reply was ,"You don't know his worth, he is above all these posts." Bhai Kanhaiya, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace, Chapter 6- A Contact with Bhakt Nanua, p. 20, Bhagata Singha Hīrā, Published by Sewa Jyoti Publications, 1988
  6. "He became a close associate of the Guru and often the Guru invited him for a game of dice. Both Guru and Nanua had mutual liking for each other. They met daily for a game and then departed. The Guru appreciated him in all respects but remarked nothing more but bravo O 'Nanua' bravo, he applauded" Bhai Kanhaiya, Beacon-light of Humanitarian Service & the Apostle of Peace, Chapter 6- A Contact with Bhakt Nanua, p. 19, Bhagata Singha Hīrā, Published by Sewa Jyoti Publications, 1988
  7. The Panjab Past and Present, p. 118, By Punjabi University Dept. of Punjab Historical Studies, Published by Dept. of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University., 1975, Original from the University of Michigan
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