Bhai Kanhaiya

Early Life

Since childhood Bhai Sahib had a habit of keeping coins in his pocket so he could give them to people he saw who were in an unfortunate position. The people were amazed at his humanity and caring nature of someone so young. He began to help the poor as he grew a little older in other ways. He used to wait on the ways of the village. When he noticed a poor person carrying heavy loads he would be ready to carry the weight for them for a few miles. He used to help people through this way every day. It was when his mother found out and got worried that locals would think badly of a rich trader’s son doing such low-status labor. Anyways Bhai Kanhaiya was stubborn. He said that he was not capable of seeing the suffering of others and would do anything in his power to soothe some of their burdens even for a few hours. This alone depicts that Bhai Sahib had humanity and was willing to help others from a very young age.

Bhai Kanhaiya took over the family business after Bhai Sahib’s father passed away.

His exceptional Service

Frequently Bhai Kanhaiya was seen having a mashak (a kind of pouch made of goat’s skin that was used to carry water from one place to another), to provide water for those who are thirsty due to continued attacks and conflicts between the Sikhs and the enemy. He took the responsibility of satisfying the thirst of the injured soldiers in the battle of Anandpur Sahib in 1704. Without any discrimination between the Guru’s Sikh soldiers and the Mughal armies’ soldiers he did this help with passion and respect. His work of mankind brought on severe criticism amongst his fellow Sikhs, who complained to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, noting that Bhai Kanhaiya Ji was providing water to the injured soldiers from the enemy camp. They were very annoyed as the Mughals had bordered the city and banned all their food supplies, and this was where Bhai Kanhaiya was sharing little water he had. They tried to stop him several times, but he was not ready to listen. Bhai Kanhaiya was warned by Guru Gobind Singh that he had got a complaint about his actions on the battlefield.

Bhai Kanhaiya Ji admitted that whatever they say was true. He said that he did not see any Mughal or Sikh on the battlefield. What he saw was all human beings. And, … he said “Guru Ji, .. they all have the same God’s Spirit? – Guru Ji, have you not taught us to treat all God’s people as the same? OUR SIKH HEROES DESTROY ENEMIES BY KILLING THEM, BUT I DESTROY ENMITY BY GIVING THEM WATER.”

The Guru was immensely happy with the reply. Bhai Kanhaiya Ji had accepted the intense message of Gurbani. Guru ji looked delighted and blessed Bhai Kanhaiya. Guru Ji spoke, “Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, You are right. You have understood the true message of Gurbani”. He then went on and talked to the Sikhs that Bhai Kanhaiya had correctly received the deeper message of the Gurus’ teachings and that they all have to try to learn lessons from the irreplaceable words of Gurbani.

A medical balm was also given by Guru to Bhai Kanhaiya Ji and said that he should also put this balm on the wounds of all who need it.

Then turning to the sangat Guru Ji said, “Saadh sangat ji, Bhai Kanhaiya is a God-fearing saintly soul. His impartial and non-biased behaviour towards others has led him to achieve Sehaj-avastha. Let him carry on with his mission. Many more will follow in his footsteps in the years to come and keep the tradition of Nishkam sewa alive.”

Guru ji reminded the Sikhs of Guru Arjan Dev Ji Shabad:

I have totally forgotten my jealousy of others,

since I found the Saadh Sangat (the holy congregation). ((1))Pause

No one is my enemy, and no one is a stranger. I get along with everyone. ((1))

Whatever God does, I accept that as good. This is the sublime wisdom I have obtained from the Holy. ((2))

The One God is pervading in all. Gazing upon Him, beholding Him, Nanak blossoms forth in happiness. ((3)(8)) (Guru Granth Sahib Page 1299 line 55528)

Giving respect for every person is an essential part of Sikhism and a powerful message advanced by the Tenth Guru. Bhai Kanhaiya passed away in 1718 CE after returning to Sodhara.